Wrapping and packaging advice - general and item specific

• "Articles for the Blind" must be written, printed or appear on a label on the front cover.
• Write the sender's name and address clearly on the outer packaging.
• All mail posted using this service is subject to inspection and so must be left open, be easy to open and re-seal or the contents must be visible through the packaging.

Exceptions may be made for heavy; up to 7kg, or fragile items that may be unsafe or impractical to remain unsealed. These items may be sent sealed as long as prior notice is given to Royal Mail, please call us on 08456 076 140 or 08456 000 606 (text phone).

More information on Articles for the Blind  
 

The binding and corners of books can get damaged and should be sent with sufficient packaging material to ensure no damage is incurred.

• Small books: padded envelope.
• Larger books: corrugated fibreboard book pack, giving 2.5cm clearance at each end.
   

If you're sending batteries either with or connected to your item, also see royalmail.com/prohibitedgoods

• Detach any lens or additional pieces, and if possible use the original retailer's packaging.
• Surround in a minimum of 5cm of cushion material and place in a rigid container.
   

• Money should be packaged securely and shouldn't be visible from the outside.
• Don't indicate anywhere on the packaging that money is enclosed.
• Coins should never be sent in envelopes - our automated sorting machinery may damage envelopes containing coins, which can lead to delay in delivery and increase the likelihood of the contents being lost.

Additional advice on sending money in the UK
    

• Wrap cushioning material at least 2cm thick around each item.
• Pack in a rigid, purpose-made container.
• We recommend that you use screened envelopes for computer disks.
   

• If you're sending batteries in or with your electronic item please check our prohibited and restricted information.
• For small items e.g. iPods, MP3, eBooks, sat nav etc - surround with a minimum of 1cm of cushioning e.g. bubble wrap.
• For Medium to Large items e.g. iPads, portable DVD players, laptops, flat screen TV's printers, blue ray players etc - surround with a minimum of 5cm of cushioning e.g. bubble wrap, polystyrene chips or polyblocks to protect from knocks or vibration.
• Ensure the pins/plugs are covered in 1cm of cushioning to prevent damage to contents and outer packaging.
• Remove all additional or loose parts and wrap each item individually.
• Items must be securely placed in a strong, rigid outer container e.g. corrugated fibreboard box and cushioned to avoid movement and packed to prevent accidental activation.
• Packaging must be of adequate size and securely sealed so items can't fall out during transit.
• The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
   

• Seal in polythene with address details clearly visible.
• Put in a strong inner container.
• Pack loosely in a padded envelope and seal securely.
• Write the sender's name and address clearly on the outer packaging.
   

Our video shows you how to package fragile items securely

• Use some bubble wrap at least 5cm thick and wrap the extremities of the item e.g. limbs of figurines, ears, etc. Then wrap the rest of the item carefully.
• Place the item in a strong rigid container, which is ideally the correct size for the item.
• If the container is a little large use more bubble wrap or packing foam to secure the item in place within the box.
• Seal the container securely.
• Address your parcel with the full name, address and postcode, remembering to add a return address, then attach  the correct postage for the service you need.
   

Our video shows you how to package keys securely

• Write your name and contact number on a label and attach it to your keys.
• Take two pieces of cardboard, put the keys between them and tape it all together.
• Place it into a padded envelope, which is the correct size.
• Seal the envelope securely.
• Address your envelope with the full name, address, and postcode, remembering to add a return address, then attach the correct postage for the service you require.
   

• Up to 1cm thick: padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
• Up to 5cm thick: corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap.
   

• You can fold or roll publications in a paper wrapper but this is not ideal.
• Up to 1cm thick: padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
• Up to 5cm thick: corrugated paper, thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap. Seal in polythene with address details clearly visible.
   

• Place in a rigid cardboard or plastic tube (maximum length 90cm).
   

Our video shows you how to package memory cards securely.

• Take two pieces of cardboard, put the memory card between them and tape it all together.
• Write your name and phone number on the cardboard.
• Place it into a padded envelope, which is the correct size for the item.
• Seal the envelope securely.
• Address your envelope with the full name, address and postcode, remembering to add a return address, then attach the correct postage for the service you require.
   

If you're sending batteries either with or connected to your item, also see royalmail.com/prohibitedgoods

Our video shows you how to package mobile phones securely.

• Wrap the mobile phone with a piece of bubble wrap at least 1cm thick.
• If you're including a plug, cover the plug pins with extra bubble wrap.
• Place the phone in a rigid container, which is ideally the correct size for the item.
• If the container is a little large, use more bubble wrap or packing foam to secure the phone in place, within the box.
• Seal the box securely.
• Address your parcel with the full name, address and postcode, remembering to add a return address, then attach the correct postage for the service you require.
   

• Place inside a strong container such as strong polythene bag and seal securely with tape.
• Place inside a second container and seal again.
• The double-wrapped item should be placed in a rigid corrugated box to prevent leakage or tainting of other items.
• The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
   

• Wrap cushioning material at least 5cm think around each item.
• Place between thick board or polystyrene giving 2.5cm clearance at each end.
• If glass is in the frame there needs to be a surround of a minimum of 10cm of cushion material and placed in a rigid container.
   

• Wrap in tissue paper.
• Place in a heavy duty cardboard envelope or if possible roll and send in a rigid tube, seal and clearly mark package PHOTOGRAPHS - DO NOT BEND.
   

• Place between thick card and surround with cushioning material at least 2.5cm longer than the item.
• Wrap in strong paper, seal with tape and clearly mark package RECORDS - DO NOT BEND.
   

Our video shows you how to package USB memory sticks securely

• Take two pieces of cardboard, put the USB drive between them and tape it all together.
• Write your name and phone number on the cardboard.
• Place it into a padded envelope, which is the correct size for the item.
• Seal the envelope securely.
• Address your envelope with the full name, address and postcode, remembering to add a return address, then attach the correct postage for the service you require.