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Packaging guide
Packaging Guide
This guide explains how to properly pack an item for transport, whether it is fragile, bulky, or being sent between individuals.
Why packaging is essential
A poorly protected item may arrive scratched, damaged or broken, even when the transporter is as careful as possible.
With Cocolis, your items travel with private individuals or professionals on journeys they are already taking. They are handled during loading, while in transit, and upon unloading–all moments where good packaging makes a real difference.
A mirror that isn’t properly protected might arrive with a broken glass, an unwrapped table with scratches on the top, or detached screws may get lost along the way. These situations are rare but avoidable and barely ever happen when the item is adequately packed from the start.
Choose the right packaging type
There isn’t just one packaging method. For specific items, you can check out our detailed guides: chair, table, sofa, mattress, white goods, television, bike, or musical instrument.
Fragile item
✔ individual protection for each part
✔ multiple layers of protection
✔ beware of shocks
Bulky item / furniture
✔ protect surfaces
✔ reinforce corners
✔ keep all parts held together
Small item / parcel
✔ box suited to size
✔ fill any empty space inside
✔ nothing must be able to move around
Prepare your packaging materials
Before you start packing, gather your supplies:
- a roll of strong brown tape
- a pair of scissors or a box cutter
- cardboard
- bubble wrap
- something for cushioning (paper, foam, etc.)
The goal isn’t to have professional gear, but to ensure your item is well protected.
How to pack an item properly for transport
An effective package always follows the same logic:
- dismantle what you can (legs, door handles, etc.),
- protect surfaces to avoid scratches,
- reinforce edges and corners,
- fill empty spaces to prevent movement,
- check that everything is held securely.
Before closing, make sure nothing moves.
Do not seal your package before your transporter arrives. They need to check the condition of the items they’re handling and take a photo both with and without packaging.
Adapt packaging to the item
Not all items need the same protection.
- A fragile item must be individually packed and never be in direct contact with another part.
- Furniture must be protected on all surfaces and corners to avoid scratches.
- A household appliance must be kept closed and stabilised during transport.
- A bulky item needs protection against rubbing and should be held firmly to avoid shifting.
To know how best to pack each item type, it’s helpful to consult adapted guides. We offer a wide range for you on this page.
Best practices at a glance
Some tips to ensure you’re fully satisfied with your delivery
Screws and dismantled parts
Put screws, feet and small bits in a bag, then attach it securely to the whole item so nothing goes missing.
Tape on surfaces
Tape can leave marks or damage surfaces. Stick it preferably to cardboard rather than directly on the item itself.
Fill empty spaces
Inside a box, nothing should move. Use scrunched paper, cardboard or bags to fill the gaps.
Photos before sending
Take photos before and after packing to have proof in case anything goes wrong.
Reuse packing materials
Keep boxes and protective packaging from your online orders to pack things easily and at no cost.
Why packaging is different with Cocolis
A simpler, more human way to ship
Cocolis isn’t like a traditional transporter.
Here, your item doesn’t go through a string of hands or sorting centres. It travels directly from point A to point B, in one go. Fewer handlings means quite simply: less risk.
It’s like BlaBlaCar but for objects. Private individuals make use of an already planned trip to transport something in their boot. In practice, these are people like your neighbour or your cousin. They carry a few items, not dozens of parcels on a conveyor belt.
And that changes everything.
Because your item isn’t endlessly handled, packaging doesn’t have to withstand an entire logistical chain of multiple loadings, unloadings, and automated sorting. It only needs to efficiently protect your item for the one trip.
That’s actually how Cocolis was born. After wanting to send a nursery chest of drawers bought second-hand, there was no simple solution: traditional transporters charged high prices not suited to this type of purchase. Why buy second-hand if it ends up costing more than new?
The idea was obvious: if private individuals can carry passengers to make use of a trip, why not transport objects via co-transport?
Today, this model makes Cocolis especially relevant for fragile, bulky or second-hand items.
Frequently asked questions
Packing guides by item
Need advice for a particular object? See our dedicated guides for packing sofas, TVs, fridges, washing machines, mirrors and lots of other things people often buy second hand!
If something goes wrong
Insurance and making a claim
Even with good packaging, accidents can happen. To be covered, your packaging should be sturdy enough, suited to the item and protect its most delicate parts.
Photos taken before departure provide evidence of how the item was packed and its initial condition.
Cocolis insurance must be purchased at the time of booking. Without insurance, compensation cannot be offered for any damage.
All packed? Ship it!
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