Taking Proper Care of Your Parcels & Mail: A How-to Guide

Whether you are just randomly shipping something to someone else or are actually in the business of shipping goods to customers, you still need to know how to take care of them properly, how to package them, and so on. There is a surprising amount of depth and complexity involved in delivering parcels properly, and there are plenty of small mistakes you can make or details you forget that can lead to frustrations down the line. However, you are in luck as this little guide will give you some of the basics on how to go about it the right way, including tips on choosing the right provider for business mail.

Table of Contents

Size

When you pack something and get a box to put it in, your first thought is probably just to get a box that fits exactly right, but that is your first mistake. Especially when packing something fragile, you want to make sure there is enough space in the box to put in extra protection, which is the next point that will be covered. A box that is too big makes excessive space, which can effectively turn your goods into bowling pins in a cardboard alley, increasing the risk of them shifting around and maybe even breaking.

Conversely, if you get a box that is too small, it may cause crushing or bulging, which compromises the contents inside. So, aim for a snug fit with enough space to put in cushioning material without leaving unnecessary dead space.

Protection

Do not skimp on protection, as double the protection will mean double the peace of mind, and delicate, fragile items deserve a more luxurious treatment so they can arrive at their destination hopefully without a scratch. Go for stuff like packing peanuts, high-quality bubble wrap, or foam cushioning to fill the empty spaces inside the box. These materials will act as shock absorbers and cushioning, preventing the items within from bumping against each other or something of the sort during transport. If it is a big package, it may need a parcel locker, something you may not be familiar with.

Basically, parcel lockers are secure, self-service storage units where the parcel can be left until the package recipient is ready to pick it up. A quick look at this blog post explaining parcel lockers should fill you in nicely, and another step in the process will have been made easier. Once you are done, it is time to move on to the next steps.

Labeling

Labeling is vital when it comes to shipping anything, and it should be a clear communication for everyone along the journey. To begin with, if there are any old labels or markings on the box, make sure you remove them completely to avoid any confusion. Make sure the recipient’s address is clearly labeled on the box’s designated area, using a bold, permanent marker for optimal visibility, and do not forget your return address or your safety net in case of complications during the delivery.

Shipping items or goods to other people is pretty easy nowadays with all our modern conveniences, but even so, some numerous little errors and oversights may not seem like much of a problem on their own but can turn out to be quite detrimental.