Packing tips: how to pack a parcel properly
A parcel may travel thousands of kilometres and pass through many hands before it reaches its destination. Proper packing is the simplest way to help it arrive intact. See which box to choose, how to fill it and how to seal it.
Before you pack, think about four things: the weight of the contents, their value, whether they are fragile, and the rules of the destination, e.g. for food or liquids. These decide what box and how much protection you need. If you prefer, we can pack it for you. If you do it yourself, follow the steps below.
Which box should you use for a parcel?
- Good-quality corrugated cardboard— double or triple wall for fragile or heavy items.
- A new box— old boxes have lost some of their strength.
- A strength check— the manufacturer's stamp on the box states its type and the weight it can hold.
- The right size— a half-empty box gets crushed, an overfilled one bursts open.
How do you fill and protect the contents?
- No empty space— fill the gaps, so that the contents do not move inside the box.
- 6 cm from the sides— place the items in the centre, away from the sides and corners.
- Each item wrapped separately— with corrugated cardboard dividers or other suitable material, when you send several items together.
- Liquids in a sealed container— inside a bag, upright, with the lid taped down.
Which tape should you use to seal the box?
Swipe sideways to see the whole table.
| Use | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene tape (brown plastic tape) | Thick paper masking tape |
| Self-adhesive vinyl tape (insulating tape) | Cellophane tape |
| Fibre-reinforced paper tape | String |
Seal the box with the «H-shape» method: one strip of tape along the centre seam and one along each side seam, top and bottom.
Step 4Where do you stick the label?
- On the top surface— so that the box travels as upright as possible.
- Entirely on one side— without covering seams or openings.
- No old labels— remove any that a used box still has, and do not stick anything over the waybill.
- A copy inside the parcel— if the label comes off, it helps identify the shipment. Also write the recipient's details on the cardboard box with a marker.
- A clear pouch— for any other documents that must travel outside the box, on a different surface from the waybill.
Packing special items
Olive oil
Olive oil tins in special crates, within Greece and abroad.
Food
Home-cooked food and groceries, sealed properly and in an insulated box.
Drinks
Wine and tsipouro in plastic bottles, wine bags or protected glass.
All items A–Z
A guide for each item: from books and clothes to pianos and household goods.
Frequently asked questions
Which box is best for a parcel?
A new corrugated cardboard box, sized to the contents. For fragile or heavy items, double or triple wall cardboard.
Can I reuse an old box?
We advise against it, because an old box has lost some of its strength. If you use one, remove all the old labels.
How do I seal the box properly?
With polypropylene tape or reinforced paper tape, using the «H-shape» method on every seam, top and bottom. Avoid cellophane tape and string.
Where do I stick the label?
On the top surface of the box, entirely on one side, without covering any seams. A copy inside the parcel helps if it comes off. Also write the recipient’s details on the cardboard box with a marker.
Can you pack our shipment abroad for us?
Yes. We pack anything you send, from a computer or a few clothes to bulky items and furniture. Ask for a quote or call +30 210 34 24 808.
Related guides
Packed? Send it.
See the price online and book the pickup from your door.