How to pack a parcel for international courier (step by step)

A well-packed parcel arrives looking the way it left Hyderabad. A badly packed one can leak, break or get crushed on the way. These are the packing steps we recommend to our customers in Edi Bazaar and across the city.

1. Choose the right box

• Use a strong, new or nearly new corrugated carton. Old, soft boxes lose their strength.
• Pick a box that fits the items with a little room for padding. Too big means extra volumetric weight; too small means pressure on the contents. (What is volumetric weight? See courier vs cargo.)
• Remove old labels and barcodes from reused boxes.

2. Pack food and liquids so they cannot leak

• Close jars and bottles tightly, put cling film under the lid and tape around it.
• Put each jar in its own zip-lock bag, then a second bag.
• Vacuum-seal or double-bag sweets, snacks and spices so smells and oil stay inside.
• Keep food separate from clothes and documents where possible.

Sending pickles? Read our full guide: how to send pickles to the USA.

3. Protect fragile items

• Wrap each fragile item separately in bubble wrap or thick cloth.
• Keep at least a few centimetres of padding between items and the box walls.
• Fill every gap so nothing moves when you shake the box gently.

4. Clothes, curtains and soft items

• Fold neatly and put them in plastic bags to keep out moisture.
• Soft items make good padding around harder items.

5. Seal and label

• Seal all openings and seams with strong packing tape using the “H” method (across the middle and along both edges).
• Write the receiver’s full name, address and phone number clearly. Put a copy of the address inside the box too.
• Keep a list of everything inside, with quantity and value, for the customs declaration.

6. Things to check before you send

Some items are restricted or not allowed in international parcels, such as flammable items, aerosols, loose batteries, cash and anything illegal in the destination country. Medicines have special rules; read sending medicines abroad. When in doubt, ask us on WhatsApp before packing.

Not sure how to pack it?

Bring it to our shop in Edi Bazaar or ask for a doorstep pickup and tell us what is inside. We will guide you before it goes.

More courier guides