A parcel going abroad is handled many times: collected from your door, sorted at our hub in East Jakarta, loaded, unloaded and delivered at the other end. Good packing is what keeps your items in one piece through all of that. None of it needs special equipment, only a little care.
Start with a sturdy box
Use a strong cardboard box in good condition, big enough for your items and the padding around them. A box that is soft, torn or has been wet will not protect much. Avoid bags or thin packaging for anything that can break or bend.
Choose a box that fits. If it is too big, the contents shift and the box can be crushed; if it is too small, the items press against the sides with no room for padding.
If you are reusing a box, remove or cover every old label and barcode. Old labels can confuse sorting and send a parcel the wrong way.
Wrap and fill
Wrap fragile items individually, so they do not knock against each other. Bubble wrap, foam or several layers of paper all work.
Then fill every empty space so nothing moves. Crumpled paper, packing peanuts or soft clothing do the job well. A simple test: close the box and shake it gently. If you can hear or feel anything sliding, add more filling.
Put heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Sending clothes or other soft things? A proper box still helps. It keeps the parcel in shape, protects it from being squashed under heavier parcels and gives the label a flat surface to sit on.
Seal it properly
Seal all seams with strong packing tape, not just the middle join on top. Tape the bottom the same way, because that is where a heavy box usually gives way. Ordinary office tape or string is not strong enough.
Weigh, measure and label
Weigh and measure the parcel after packing, not before. The price depends on weight and, for some services, on size, so the numbers you enter when booking should match the box you hand over.
When your label is ready, use Download label on your order page, print it and stick it flat on the largest side of the box. Make sure it is not creased and the barcode is not covered.
What never goes in the box
Some things cannot be sent at all, however well they are packed:
- Flammable or explosive items, such as lighter fluid, fireworks and aerosols with flammable gas
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs
- Cash
- Perishable food
- Live animals
Lithium batteries are heavily restricted by airlines. Check before sending anything with a battery in it, including phones, power banks and small electronics.
Some destinations restrict more, for example food, medicines or cosmetics. If you are not sure whether something can go, contact us before booking. It is much easier to sort out before the courier arrives than after.