How to send a large or heavy parcel cheaply

Big and heavy items – a guitar, a rug, a set of golf clubs, a box of books – are where postage prices vary most. Choosing the right service can save you a lot.

When is a parcel "large"?

Royal Mail's biggest standard size is the Medium Parcel: up to 61 × 46 × 46cm and 20kg. Anything bigger or heavier needs a courier or Royal Mail's sister company Parcelforce. Even within those limits, Royal Mail's Medium Parcel prices start at £7.50, so it's worth comparing.

Why couriers are usually cheaper for big parcels

Royal Mail prices by size first. Couriers mostly price by weight, as long as the parcel is within their size limits. For a parcel that's large but not very heavy, couriers are often far cheaper. Evri, for example, accepts parcels up to 120cm long and 15kg, and its ParcelShop-to-ParcelShop service is £2.62 for up to 5kg.

Watch out for volumetric weight

Some couriers charge by volumetric weight if it's more than the actual weight. It's usually worked out as length × width × depth in centimetres, divided by 5,000. A box 60 × 50 × 40cm has a volumetric weight of 24kg, even if it only weighs 5kg. To keep costs down:

• Use the smallest box that safely fits.
• Remove unnecessary packaging, and cut boxes down to size.
• Compare couriers – not all charge by volumetric weight for every service.

Long items

Many couriers limit length to around 1 to 1.2 metres. Long items like fishing rods, guitars and rugs often need a specialist "long parcel" service. A comparison site will show which couriers accept your exact dimensions.

Very heavy items (over 20kg)

For parcels over 20-25kg, use a courier that offers heavy parcel services, or split the contents into two parcels – two lighter parcels are often cheaper than one very heavy one.

Packing large items

• Use double-wall boxes for anything heavy.
• Tape all seams with strong parcel tape using the "H" method.
• Put heavier items at the bottom and fill gaps so nothing moves.
• For items over about 25kg, mark the box "Heavy" for the handler's safety.

Collection or drop-off?

Large parcels are awkward to carry, so a courier collection from your door can be worth the small extra cost. Many comparison sites let you book collection for the next working day.