Choose Your Packaging Right

This isn't just for cosmetic purposes, poor packing can void postal insurance and compensation claims, so package goods properly. You never know how much they'll be thrown around in transit, so take the following precautions:
*measurements.
measuringtapebe sure to measure and weigh your parcel same day delivery accurately when getting a quote. If the package is bigger or heavier than stated then you’ll have to pay a surcharge. Plus, if it exceeds size restrictions it won't fit in the courier company’s depot sorting machines and could be damaged, or just returned to you.
try sending something weighing over 31.5kg, and it probably won't even be accepted, as health & safety laws state goods of this weight should be carried by at least two people. Therefore, you'll need a specialist same day delivery service; these may be offered, but will cost more.
note for international shipments only: international delivery costs are often calculated based on 'volumetric weight'. To work out the volumetric weight of your package, the calculations are usually length x width x height in centimetres divided by 6,000. This gives you the volumetric weight in kilos.
*banned/'no compensation' items.
all couriers have a list of ‘forbidden’ items that they won't deliver, so most couriers will inspect your items on collection. Thus, it's sensible to leave the top of your packing box open until it's been inspected.
easily breakable items such as china, or antiques, will only be carried by economy courier services on a ‘no compensation’ basis, meaning if they're valuable look elsewhere.
*packing materialspacking materials.
all good packing requires is a bit of common sense. Wrap delicate items tightly in bubble wrap. Grab free cardboard boxes from supermarkets, and if you run out of bubble wrap or the item isn't very delicate, pad with screwed up newspaper or even popped popcorn.
if you live near a large post office, look inside for packing materials; often, special delivery plastic post bags are available for free.
*delivery forms.
courier services make you fill in a booking form for each box you send. These can be completed online, or downloaded from the web and printed out. If the form isn’t filled in properly, compensation claims will be invalidated.
note for international shipments only: to send any items overseas you'll need to fill in a more detailed form for tax purposes. It's fairly straightforward, but if you don't fill it out accurately you risk delaying your package in customs, so be careful.
*collection/delivery times.
sounds obvious, but make sure you're going to be in for the whole of the day. If you miss it, you'll likely have to repay and that just isn't moneysaving! Most couriers will attempt delivery three times at the destination address before returning items to sender, but always double-check.

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