How to package a parcel so it survives Lagos delivery

A parcel in Lagos has a hard life. It gets strapped to the back of a motorcycle, bounced over potholes, rained on at a checkpoint, stacked under heavier boxes in a van, and handled by three or four different people before it reaches the door. Good packaging is the difference between your item arriving intact and arriving in pieces — and it's almost entirely in your control.

This guide walks through exactly how to package a parcel for delivery, from the materials you need to the specific way to pack fragile items, liquids, electronics, and documents. It applies whether you're sending something same-day within Lagos, interstate across Nigeria, or internationally by air.

What you'll need

You don't need a professional packing station. For most parcels, these basics are enough:

• A rigid box or carton — the right size for the item, in good condition (not soft, damp, or already crushed).
• Cushioning — bubble wrap, foam, clean newspaper, or old clothing to fill space and absorb shock.
• Strong tape — wide packing tape, not cellotape or masking tape.
• A waterproof layer — a nylon bag or cling film for the rain, which is not optional in Lagos.
• A marker — for labelling and any handling warnings.

The five rules of packing anything

Before we get into specific items, these five rules cover 90% of what keeps a parcel safe:

How to pack by item type

Fragile items (glass, ceramics, screens, bottles)

Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap — two or three layers for anything truly delicate. Place it in a rigid box with cushioning all around so it floats in the centre and never touches a wall. For high-value or very fragile pieces, double-box: put the wrapped box inside a second, larger box with padding between them. Label it Fragile on more than one side.

Electronics (phones, laptops, gadgets)

Use the original box and foam inserts if you still have them — they were designed for exactly this. If not, wrap the device in bubble wrap, seal it in an anti-static or plain waterproof bag, and cushion it in a rigid box. Remove or secure loose batteries where you can. Note that international air shipments have strict rules on lithium batteries and power banks — check our prohibited & restricted items list before booking.

Liquids and creams

Tape the cap or lid shut. Seal the container inside a waterproof bag, then pack it upright in a box with absorbent material — tissue, foam, or cloth — around it in case of a leak. Never send fuel, gas, or other flammable liquids by courier; they are prohibited on every service.

Documents and certificates

Use a rigid document envelope or slip the papers between two pieces of cardboard so they can't be folded or crushed. Put them in a waterproof sleeve first — a single splash of rain can ruin an original document that took weeks to obtain.

Food and perishables

Seal food in leak-proof, airtight packaging and cushion it well. For same-day local delivery this is usually fine; for longer interstate or international journeys, perishables need proper insulation and are subject to restrictions. Unsealed or poorly packaged food may be refused at pickup.

Clothing and soft goods

These are the forgiving ones. A sealed waterproof bag is often enough for a short local trip. For interstate or international, still use a box or a strong sealed bag so the parcel can be stacked without splitting open.

Sizing and weight — pack smart, not heavy

Delivery is often priced by both size and weight, so packaging that's needlessly bulky costs you money, while packaging that's too flimsy costs you the item. Aim for the smallest rigid box that still leaves room for proper cushioning.

Item	Right container	Key protection
Phone / small gadget	Small rigid box	Bubble wrap + waterproof bag
Documents	Rigid envelope	Cardboard stiffener + sleeve
Glassware / plates	Double box	Individual wrap, 5cm all sides
Laptop	Original box if possible	Foam corners + waterproof bag
Clothing	Sealed bag or light box	Waterproof layer

How to label your parcel

A well-labelled parcel moves faster and gets handled better. On the outside, write clearly:

• The recipient's full name and phone number.
• The delivery address with a landmark — Lagos addresses are often easier to find by landmark than by street number.
• Any handling warnings — "Fragile", "This way up", "Keep dry".
• Your own sender details, in case the parcel needs to be returned.

Common packing mistakes we see every day

• Reusing a soft, damp, or crushed box — it has no strength left. One heavier parcel on top and it collapses.
• Empty space inside the box — contents slide, hit the walls, and break. Fill every gap.
• Weak tape, or too little of it — masking tape lets go in the heat. Use wide packing tape and seal every seam.
• No waterproofing — assuming it won't rain. In Lagos, assume it will.
• Fragile items packed loose with hard items — a charger and a phone screen in the same box, unwrapped, will not both arrive whole.

Frequently asked questions

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