Packing a parcel might seem straightforward, but small mistakes can make a big difference once it begins its journey. Packages may be stacked, moved between vehicles, passed along conveyor belts and handled several times before reaching their destination. Without suitable protection, even a fairly sturdy item can arrive damaged.
Whether you regularly send customer orders or occasionally post parcels to friends and family, avoiding these common packing mistakes can help your items reach their destination safely.
Choosing a Box That Is Too Large
A bigger box does not necessarily mean better protection. If there is too much empty space around an item, it can slide or bounce around during transit. This increases the chance of knocks and damage.
Choose packaging that comfortably accommodates the contents while leaving enough room for protective materials. Fill remaining gaps so that the item cannot move freely when the parcel is lifted or gently shaken.
Not Using Enough Internal Protection
Another common mistake is relying on the cardboard box alone to protect the contents. Fragile products, glassware, electronics and other easily damaged items often require an additional layer of protection.
Bubble wrap, paper padding and other cushioning materials can absorb impacts and prevent items from colliding with each other. When sending several products in one box, wrapping them individually can provide additional protection.
Pay particular attention to corners and edges, as these areas can be vulnerable to damage.
Reusing a Damaged Box
Reusing packaging can be a practical way to reduce waste, but not every old box is suitable for another journey. Cardboard that has become crushed, torn, damp or heavily creased may have lost much of its original strength.
Before reusing a box, inspect the base, corners and sides carefully. If there are obvious signs of weakness, choosing a fresh box is usually the safer option.
Using the Wrong Tape
The tape holding a parcel together has an important job. Household tapes may not provide enough strength or adhesion for shipping, particularly when a parcel is heavy.
Good-quality packing tape is designed to keep boxes securely closed throughout handling and transportation. Businesses sending parcels regularly may find it useful to compare reliable suppliers of packing tape and choose products suited to the size and weight of their typical shipments.
Apply tape firmly along the main seams and openings rather than relying on a single small strip across the centre.
Forgetting About the Bottom of the Box
It is easy to concentrate on sealing the top of a parcel and forget that the bottom carries its entire weight. If the base is not properly secured, it could open when the parcel is lifted.
For heavier contents, reinforce the bottom seams with additional packing tape before placing anything inside. Check that the cardboard itself is strong enough to support the weight too.
Leaving Old Labels on Reused Packaging
If you reuse a delivery box, remove or completely cover old address labels and barcodes. Leaving previous shipping information visible can cause confusion during sorting.
Once the parcel is packed and sealed, attach the new delivery label to a flat, clearly visible surface. Make sure important details are not hidden beneath tape or positioned over a box seam.
Pack With the Journey in Mind
Good parcel packing is about preparing for what might happen between collection and delivery. Choosing the right box, preventing movement, using suitable protective materials and sealing every opening securely can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
A few extra minutes spent packing carefully can save considerably more time dealing with damaged goods, returns or disappointed recipients later.
