Royal Mail parcel checklist: pack, weigh and measure before booking

Pack the item first, then weigh the sealed parcel and measure its outside dimensions before buying postage. This gives you one final set of figures to use for your booking, rather than measurements taken before cushioning and packaging were added.

Royal Mail’s fragile-item guidance recommends a strong box with space for cushioning. Protect items individually, keep them away from the outer walls and use dividers when several fragile objects share a box. Fill gaps so the contents do not move freely, then close and tape the package securely. A fragile label does not replace suitable packaging. See Royal Mail’s packaging guidance for its full recommendations.

Include the box, tape, protective material and everything else you are sending. Royal Mail suggests kitchen scales for smaller items and bathroom scales for bulkier parcels. Record the result in grams or kilograms; use our parcel weight converter when you need to change units. Estimates are less reliable than weighing the actual package.

Use a ruler or tape measure on the closed parcel. Royal Mail describes length as the longest side; also record width and height. Keep your units consistent, and use the length converter if your measuring tool uses inches. Its weighing and measuring guide explains the process and why inaccurate declarations can lead to problems.

Our practical suggestion is to keep the final figures together, especially when you prepare several orders at once. The example below is a record format, not a Royal Mail size band, price or acceptance guarantee.

If you later change the box or add another item, update this record before purchasing the label. Check the selected service’s current size, weight and contents rules separately. Do not assume that acceptance limits or compensation terms are identical across services.

• Confirm that the booking uses the figures for this specific parcel.
• Check the recipient’s address and your return details.
• Keep the booking confirmation and a record of what you sent.
• For further reading, visit our Royal Mail news and guides, parcel tools and shipping and claims guides.

Should I weigh the item before or after packing?

Weigh the finished parcel. Packaging contributes to the weight you declare.

Does this checklist confirm that my parcel is accepted?

No. It helps you prepare booking information. You still need to check the rules for your chosen service and contents.

Sources checked on 30 October 2026. This is an independent Parcel Insider guide. Photo by Meanwell Packaging, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 2.0. Image resized and cropped to fit the layout.