How to send large parcels by post

If you need to package and post a heavy parcel, it can be difficult to know where to start – especially if you’ve never done it before. Before you get the bubble wrap and brown paper out, ready our handy guide to sending large parcels, and easily posting heavy items. With Royal Mail on your side, we’ll streamline the whole process. 

How to package a heavy parcel

Choose the right box

Find a robust, sturdy box which can easily hold your items and won’t get damaged during the journey. It can be tempting to reuse an older box, such as an old Amazon or Hello Fresh box, but take care – boxes can be damaged without showing obvious signs, and you need a box or container that can withstand the delivery process.  

If you have a box you already own in mind, check it thoroughly for signs of wear and tear before using it to post heavy items - and if in doubt, buy a new box. You can buy good-quality packaging from most Post Office® branches. 

Ideally your box should have a reinforced bottom and high-quality, heavy duty sides and top with a double-corrugated cardboard wall which your items can fit inside. 

Make sure your items don’t fit too snugly – but also, make sure there’s not a huge amount of space for your items to slip and slide around inside the box. You can always fill any gaps with bubble wrap, styrofoam, or any other shock-absorbing material which is suitable.  

Before you start packing your box, reinforce the outer bottom with several strips of heavy-duty tape – especially along the join, and the corners.

Weigh and measure your parcel

Gently place your items in the box, and pop them on your household scales to get the parcel’s weight including packaging.  

You’ll then need to measure the length, width and depth of the box you’re using.  

You can weigh your parcel using ordinary bathroom or kitchen scales – make a note of the weight, width, height and length of your heavy parcel, as you’ll need these later when it comes to sending it and ensuring these are no delays with delivery.

Please note: the maximum weight of each individual parcel we can send is 20kg. If your box weighs over 20kg, you will need to pack a second box to ensure you don’t go over our weight limit.  

The maximum dimensions of parcels we accept is 61cm x 46cm x 46cm. 

Please see our Size and Weight Guide for parcels to check your parcel(s) fit within our guidelines. 

What to do if your parcel weighs over 20kg, or if your box is too large 

Good news – if your parcel weighs over 20kg, you can send parcels weighing up to 30kg with Parcelforce Worldwide.  

For Parcelforce’s standard services, the size of each parcel must not exceed 3 metres in length and width combined, and must not exceed 1.5 metres in length. If you need more information, Parcelforce’s Size and Weight Guide should tell you everything you need to know. 

Wrap and secure your heavy items

Once you’ve chosen your box and you know your parcel’s dimensions and weight, it’s time to wrap and secure your heavy items in the box.  

We recommend using the following materials to effectively protect heavy items during transit: 

• Cardboard dividers - these stop items slipping around and act as shock absorbers 

• Bubblewrap - this acts as a protective layer which absorbs any knocks or jolts during your parcel’s journey 

• Polystyrene ‘biscuits’ or styrofoam - these effectively fill up any leftover space and cushion your item 

We don’t recommend using the following materials to wrap and secure heavy items: 

• Balled-up newspaper – it’s flimsy, and won’t absorb any shocks 

• Airbags - these small plastic ‘pillows’ are prone to popping, especially when faced with pressure from heavy items 

Start by lining the bottom of your box with bubble wrap and then, where appropriate, wrap your heavy items in bubble wrap. Remember to pay particular attention to corners and fragile areas of your items.  Wrap the bubble wrap carefully around your items, making sure to securely wrap it under and over all parts of the item, and secure with sticky tape.  

Depending on how much protection your item needs, you can then add a second layer of bubble wrap with larger bubbles - this will also help to ‘bulk out’ space in the box to help avoid your item moving around.  

If you’re sending more than one item, place the first one in the box and separate with cardboard dividers. Don’t worry if there’s a large gap that you need to fill – just use two dividers and fill the gap in between them with bubble wrap or styrofoam.

Once your items are securely wrapped and secure, you can then add a layer of styrofoam or polystyrene ‘biscuits’ into the box as a topper. You can also sprinkle these in any gaps to ensure maximum shock absorption. 

Try not to overpack, as this could cause the box to ‘burst open’ during transit – your items need to be snugly secure, but not rigidly set in place. Seal the box securely with strong, heavy-duty packing tape, paying attention to corners and any joins in the box.  

Your local Post Office® should have any additional packaging supplies you need, including bubble wrap, dividers, and parcel tape.

Top tips for sending heavy items 

• Never overpack your box – it’s better to use two than risk one box splitting open mid-journey 

• Ensure each individual box weighs no more than 20kg – this is the maximum weight we can send per parcel 

• Ensure heavy items aren’t touching each other or the side of the box – especially if they’re fragile Write a return address on the item and put a contact name, address and telephone number inside your package 

• Seal your parcel securely with strong tape along all edges and openings 

• Flatten any sharp edge from staples or metal fastenings, and cover them with tape 

• Before you send, weigh your parcel one last time to ensure it’s not over 20kg 

Posting heavy parcels

Once your parcel’s securely wrapped and ready to post, you can send your parcel in several ways with Royal Mail. 

• If you’re able to comfortably carry your parcel, head into your nearest Post Office® branch - staff there will be able to help you send it safely  

However, if your parcel is too heavy for you to carry, that’s not a problem - we’ll collect it for you directly from your front door.  

• Buy postage online and have your parcel collected for FREE from your home – our friendly couriers will make sure that your parcel gets sent safely on its way 

If you’re sending a heavy parcel abroad, our International Tracked & Signed Heavier service is ideal to keep your parcel safe on its travels. It’s a secure service for heavier items being sent out of the UK with added peace of mind, including tracking and proof of delivery.  

What happens if my heavy parcel gets damaged during posting? 

Our staff do everything they can to get your mail safely from A to B; however, sometimes events beyond our control mean heavier, bulkier parcels can be damaged while in transit.

The best way of avoiding any potential damage to parcels containing heavy items is to make sure you’re using high-quality protective materials and a robust box, which has been sealed well. 

If we spot a damaged item, we will place it in a Royal Mail bag to try and prevent further damage. However, it's always better to make sure your package is effectively protected and sealed before posting so your compensation isn't affected if the item doesn't arrive as expected.