If you aren’t already familiar with the UK postal system, sending packages might seem like a complex process.

Understanding what items can or cannot be sent, what packaging is required to ensure your parcel arrives safely, and exactly what type of postage you are paying for is a skill that people are using less and less frequently.

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to dip your toes into the world of e-commerce or a person who loves the idea of sending bespoke birthday bundles to your friends, having a solid understanding of how to package and dispatch parcels can be a valuable skill to develop.

Throughout this article, we will provide our top tips on sending packages in the UK, from selecting the right packaging material to determining the preferred method of delivery.

Build, Pack And Dispatch Your Packages In Confidence

In the UK, sending a parcel can be broken down into three basic steps:

Choosing Your Packaging Material
Wrapping Your Parcel
Dispatching For Delivery

Choosing Your Packaging Material

The first step to learning how to post a package in the UK effectively is choosing the correct packaging material.

Depending on the contents of the package and your specific requirements, a wide range of options is available. Here, we will be breaking down the objects that you can send out by their most appropriate packaging:

Bubble Envelopes: Bubble envelopes and mailers are a type of postal envelope lined with impact-resistant material, such as bubble wrap.

Bubble envelopes are most effective when sending small, delicate items, such as jewellery or electronics.

Parcel Bags: Parcel bags, also known as mailing bags, are the most cost-effective form of postal packaging available. They provide a durable and effective solution for posting small items that are not fragile, such as sturdy plastics, strong cardboard, or other materials that are shipped in bulk.

Parcel bags are an excellent solution for high-volume e-commerce businesses selling products such as stickers, keyrings, or small paper items.

Postal Tubes: Postal tubes are long, cardboard tubes typically used for large, rolled sheets of paper, such as posters or artwork. Postal tubes offer the advantage of being able to send large sizes of paper without creasing, making them ideal for dispatching items such as prints or portfolios.

Cardboard Envelopes: Card envelopes are among the most popular and recognisable forms of postal packaging material available. Cardboard envelopes are sturdier than traditional paper envelopes, making them perfect for sending important paperwork, such as documents or certifications, to ensure that they don’t get damaged or bent in transit.

Cardboard Postal Boxes: Cardboard postal boxes are the most versatile and durable form of postal packaging. For objects that are too large for envelopes or tubes, cardboard postal boxes are the perfect way of sending items through the post.

In addition, if you are sending delicate or fragile items through the post but want more protection than is available with a bubble envelope, you could wrap your delivery in bubble wrap before sealing it inside a cardboard postal box to provide extra shock absorption with the addition of a rigid cardboard exterior.

Wrapping Your Parcel

Depending on your needs, you may choose a single wrapping material or multiple wrapping materials to achieve additional benefits.

Void Fill: Void fill is the name given to any material that is used to provide extra support inside a package or box. For example, if you have an item sitting loosely in a box, you can fill the additional space with a filler to stop your product from shifting in transit.

Three primary types of void fill are commonly used: foam packaging, also known as packaging peanuts, paper void fill, and air pillow cushioning.

Bubble Wrap: Bubble wrap is one of the most popular and recognisable forms of wrapping material in the world.

Perfect for use with any size parcel, bubble wrap offers excellent shock absorption and impact resistance for a wide range of objects. If you plan to use bubble wrap in a high-volume dispatch capacity, you can also consider bubble wrap bags, which are pre-crafted protective bags ideal for small items.

Alternatively, anti-static bubble wrap provides even greater protection for electronic items, as it has been specifically designed to prevent the build-up of electrostatic discharge, which can harm electronics.

Foam Roll: Foam roll is a versatile solution for shipping a wide range of products, but is especially useful for fragile items that are prone to shattering or scratching, like glass, crystal or porcelain.

Foam roll is an excellent material for preventing scratches on delicate surfaces and can be used to avoid slippage by sliding a piece of foam between stacked objects.

Finally, because foam roll is so thin and light, it can be easily used in conjunction with other packaging materials. For example, a foam roll could be used to protect the screen of a mobile phone or television, which could then be wrapped in bubble wrap to provide additional shock absorption.

Cardboard Roll: Cardboard rolls are handy, multi-purpose wrapping materials. When cut to size, it can be used to provide extra stability to objects that are fragile or could bend or crease, such as certificates, posters, or prints. When left whole, cardboard rolls can be used to cushion impacts and are especially useful for preventing objects from breaking due to accidental bumps, trips, or spills.

Kraft Paper: Kraft paper is a type of sturdy packaging paper that has greater tear and rip resistance than standard paper. As a result, balling up Kraft paper is an excellent void fill option, and Kraft paper is also suitable for use as a standalone packaging material. Simply wrap your parcel tightly with craft paper, seal it with an appropriate tape, and then write the delivery address directly onto the outside of the paper.

What Should I Avoid Sending In The Post?

Depending on whether you are a business or personal customer, there are different restrictions on what can or cannot be sent in the post. However, restrictions apply to categories including:

Flammable liquids like lighter fluid or disposable lighters
Batteries or objects that have built-in batteries
Bladed articles like knives or swords
Any material that is illegal to possess under UK law

If you aren’t sure if the item you are trying to send is allowed, check the list of objects prohibited by Royal Mail to get a better understanding of what can or cannot be sent in the post.

Dispatching For Delivery

Sending Letters

When dispatching anything from a Post Office, Royal Mail provides a range of options depending on whether you are sending a letter or a parcel, as well as your budget.

Two of the most popular options for sending letters are:

2nd Class: Provides delivery in two to three working days. This is best used for letters that don’t need to be delivered urgently.
1st Class: 1st Class delivery aims to provide delivery on the next working day, perfect for sending essential documents or letters.

Dimensions for Letters

Royal Mail has set out a standardised sizing guide for posting letters and parcels. The acceptable dimensions for letters and large letters are:

	Length	Width	Depth	Weight
Letter	24cm	16.5cm	0.5cm	100g
Large Letter	35.3cm	25cm	2.5cm	750g

In order to help maximise the space that you can use when sending via First or Second Class, our Royal Mail Large Letter Postal Boxes have been specifically designed to meet the dimension requirements for large letter delivery, allowing you to send smaller items for a lower price and with the confidence that it meets the appropriate size requirements.

Sending Parcels

For parcels, and especially parcels that require end-to-end tracking and insurance, two of the most popular postal options are:

Tracked 48: Tracked 48 aims to deliver parcels within 48 working hours and provides the sender with access to an online tracking portal. Tracked 48 is perfect for parcels that are not urgent but that are valuable enough to require tracking.
Tracked 24: If you need to track your parcel more quickly while still retaining access to online tracking, Tracked 24 aims to deliver your package in 24 hours and provides full online tracking. This option includes a photo on delivery as well as SMS or email notifications to recipients.

Dimensions For Parcels

For parcels sent via Royal Mail, the size restrictions are:

	Height	Width	Depth	Weight
Small Parcel	45cm	35cm	16cm	2kg
Medium Parcel	61cm	46cm	46cm	20KG

If you are sending a small parcel through Royal Mail, our Small Parcel Postal Boxes are the designed to provide the ideal size for small parcel delivery. In addition, some of our single walled boxes, postal tubes and envelopes will also meet the dimensions listed above.

If you are sending a larger box, long postal tubes or large grey mailing bags, you may require a different delivery option, such as a courier delivery.

Finally, if your parcel is unusually large or bulky, it is important to measure the dimensions and weight of the parcel accurately. Different couriers may charge different rates depending on the dimensions and weight of your parcel, so it’s important to shop around to make sure the delivery option you choose is the best fit for your needs.

Find The Perfect Packaging For Packaging And Posting In The UK

Knowing how to send packages can be an invaluable skill, whether you are an established e-commerce retailer, a new online seller, or simply someone who wants to send a birthday parcel to a family member.

Our postal packaging and wrapping materials offer a wide range of options for packages of any size, weight, or material type.If you are interested in purchasing packaging materials in bulk or have any questions about packaging, please feel free to contact any of our helpful and friendly team members by completing our online form or emailing us at info@schottpackaging.co.uk.

How to Send a Package In The UK