How to weigh and measure a parcel at home

Our three parcel sizes

We price parcels by size category, so the first thing to know is which category your parcel fits. The same categories and prices apply from the UK to Lithuania and from Lithuania to the UK.

• Small parcel, up to 1 kg: from £30 or €30. Documents, small gifts, a phone, a pair of glasses
• Medium parcel, 1 to 30 kg: from £40 or €40. Most boxes of clothes, food, toys and household items
• Large parcel, 30 to 35 kg: from £45 or €45. Heavier boxes and full suitcases
• Over 35 kg or very bulky: priced as freight, from £40 or €40

Weighing a parcel with a bathroom scale

Most homes have a bathroom scale, and it is accurate enough for our size categories. Stand on the scale and note your weight. Then pick up the packed box, stand on the scale again and note the new figure. Subtract the first number from the second, and that is the weight of your parcel.

For small parcels under a kilogram, a kitchen scale is more precise. Place the envelope or small box directly on the scale, or put a bowl on first and zero the scale. Luggage scales that hook onto a handle also work well for suitcases and bags.

Measuring the dimensions

Use a tape measure to find the length, width and height of the box in centimetres, measuring the longest point of each side. If the box bulges, measure it at its widest. Round up to the nearest centimetre. Write the measurements down so you can add them to the notes on the order form if the parcel is unusually large or oddly shaped.

For irregular items like a bicycle, a rolled carpet or a set of tyres, measure the overall length and the largest width and height, and describe the item. That helps us plan space in the van.

Why weight and size both matter

Many parcel services calculate a volumetric weight, which means a large but light box is charged as if it were much heavier. That is how a box of duvets or children's toys can end up costing far more than you expected. With our simple size categories, you know the starting price from the weight, and we confirm the final price before collection, taking into account the address and the size of the parcel.

Keep boxes safe to lift

Even if a parcel fits a category, a box that is too heavy for its size is hard to carry and more likely to burst. Books, tins and tools are heavy for their size, so pack them in smaller boxes. A good rule is that one adult should be able to lift the box comfortably. Our large parcel band ends at 35 kg for this reason.

If you have more than 35 kg to send, split it into two boxes. Two medium parcels are often a more practical choice than one very heavy box.

Suitcases deserve a special mention. A large suitcase full of clothes can easily weigh more than 25 kg, and with books or shoes inside it can go past 35 kg. Weigh it before booking, and if it is close to the limit, move the heaviest items into a separate small box.

Tips for borderline weights

If your parcel is just over a category limit, for example 1.2 kg or 31 kg, consider moving a few items to another box or taking them out. Remember that packaging adds weight too, especially strong boxes and lots of tape. Weigh the parcel after it is fully packed and sealed, not before.

Do not worry about being exact to the gram. Our categories are wide, and if the parcel turns out to belong to a different one, we will tell you the correct price before collection. There are no unpleasant surprises after the parcel has left.

• Weigh the final, sealed parcel
• Round up, never down
• Move heavy items to a second box if close to the limit
• Tell us about unusual shapes when you book