If you are sending a birthday present to someone through the post you obviously want to make sure that it gets there undamaged and securely. The postal service you use has a responsibility to take care of your parcel and fulfil their obligation to deliver it on time and in good order but what can you do to ensure that this happens.

How you package the contents of the parcel is an important part of this process. If you are sending more than one item in the parcel each item should be wrapped separately and any breakable items should be wrapped in bubble wrap if possible. Try to fill any spaces in the box with crumpled up paper so that the contents cannot move around.

When the contents are secure, turn your attention to the container. It should be securely fastened with parcel tape on each opening edge so that it cannot come open in transit. The address label should be clear and on the reverse of the container a label with the sender’s name and address should be attached.

Obtaining a proof of posting from the post office is a good way to have evidence that the parcel was sent and should be kept until the parcel has been successfully received by the recipient.