News Releases

Packaging Tips from Canada Post

Nov. 4, 2005

Canada Post offers several options (for every budget and speed requirement) to ensure your gifts and greetings arrive on time for that special celebration. As well, some simple steps can ensure your packages arrive safely.

Put it in a box!
Envelopes are meant for paper - if you're sending anything other than a card or a letter, use a box to protect it. Even very small items (the post office has seen them all - candy, small jewelry, lapel pins, magnets, key chains, etc.) must be mailed in a box or a padded envelope.

The Box
The box protects your gift from mail processing machinery, the elements and handling. Choose a sturdy box that has enough room for both your gift and some protective wrap. Gift boxes provided by department stores usually aren't solid enough: save them for under the tree. The post office sells boxes of all sizes - complete with a variety of festive designs - that are specifically designed for mailing. If you are reusing a box, make sure all previous markings have been covered to avoid delivery confusion.

Protective Wrap
The goal here is to make the box's contents immovable inside the box. Bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts (or popcorn!) are the best way to ensure your gifts are properly protected. Newspaper or tissue paper condenses with movement which could allow your gift to shift inside the box. Wrap your gifts well and gently shake the box to see whether you have enough cushioning. Add more Styrofoam or bubble wrap if you hear items shifting.

Sealing
Ensure your box is well sealed. Use clear or brown packaging tape or reinforced packing tape for your boxes (household adhesive tape is not secure enough). Do not use cord, string or twine on the box - it can get caught in mail processing equipment.

Wrapping
If your box has a lot of markings on it, wrap it with Kraft paper (regular and decorative Kraft paper is available for sale at the post office), not gift wrap.

Correct Address
Ensure the complete address appears on the label, including the postal code. Postal codes can be found at www.canadapost.ca and in postal code books at any Canada Post location. As an added precaution, you should include the addressing information on a separate sheet of paper inside the package itself, in case the address on the outside of the package becomes illegible for any reason.

Correct Postage
Make sure your packages have enough postage. Consumers can calculate postage and print shipping labels from the comfort of their homes with Ship-in-a-Click™ from Canada Post. This easy easy-to-use, online shipping service allows consumers to send packages when it's convenient for them - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After affixing the label, packages can be placed in any Canada Post mailbox or brought to a post office. Visit www.canadapost.ca/shipinaclick to see how easy it is. Or, the local post office will be happy to weight and post your item.

Canada Post - Connecting Canadians with their loved ones this holiday season, and all year round.