Want to send a parcel to Poland but worried about your items breaking? I get it. Last month, my friend Sarah tried shipping her grandmother’s antique teacups overseas. The box arrived looking like it had been through a tornado. Three cups shattered. Her heart broke a little too.
Here’s the thing—shipping fragile stuff doesn’t have to end badly. You just need the right approach. Polonez America has been helping folks send packages to Poland for years, and we’ve picked up some tricks along the way. Let me walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Your Package Needs Serious Protection
Think about where your box goes after you drop it off. First stop? A sorting facility where it gets tossed onto conveyor belts with hundreds of other packages. Then it’s loaded onto a truck, driven to an airport, thrown into a cargo hold, flown across the ocean, unloaded, sorted again, and finally delivered.
That’s a lot of hands touching your stuff. Boxes get stacked. They slide around in trucks. Sometimes they fall. It’s nothing personal—just the reality of shipping.
But here’s the good news. Pack your items right, and they’ll survive all of it. You’re basically building a protective shield around your fragile things. The more cushioning you add, the better they’re protected when things get bumpy.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Let’s talk supplies. You can’t just grab any old box from the grocery store and hope for the best. Trust me on this.
Get Yourself a Solid Box
Your box needs to be bigger than your item—way bigger. You want at least 2-3 inches of space on every side for padding. And please, use a new box. I know that the Amazon box sitting in your garage looks fine, but it’s already been through one shipping journey. The cardboard has weak spots you can’t see.
Polonez America swears by double-walled boxes. Yeah, they cost a bit more, but they’re worth every penny when you send a parcel to Poland.
Bubble Wrap Is Your Best Friend
Those little air pockets? They’re like tiny airbags for your stuff. Buy more than you think you need. Seriously. I’ve never heard anyone say, “I wish I’d used less bubble wrap.” The bigger bubbles work great for larger items, while small bubbles are perfect for delicate pieces.
Filling Materials Matter
You need something to fill the empty spaces. Packing peanuts work great. So do those inflatable air pillows. Heck, even crumpled newspaper gets the job done. The point is keeping your items from sliding around inside the box.
Strong Tape, Not That Wimpy Stuff
Regular Scotch tape? Forget it. You need proper packing tape that’s at least two inches wide. It should feel thick and sticky. Buy more than one roll—you’ll use it faster than you think.
Labels and Markers
Grab a thick permanent marker and some “Fragile” stickers. Write big and clear. Those labels actually help. Most shipping handlers will be more careful when they see a fragile warning.
Let’s Pack This Thing Right
Alright, time to get your hands dirty. Here’s exactly how to pack fragile items so they actually make it to Poland in one piece.
Wrap Every Single Item
Start by wrapping each piece individually. Place your item right in the middle of a big sheet of bubble wrap. Now wrap it up like you’re wrapping a present—except cover every inch. No part should be exposed.
Delicate items? Give them two or three layers. Make sure the bubble side faces inward, toward your item. That’s where the protection comes from.
Quick tip: When you send a parcel to Poland with dishes, wrap each one separately and stand them up vertically in the box. Weird, right? But plates are actually stronger on their edges than when lying flat.
Build a Cushion on the Bottom
Before anything goes in that box, you need a cushion layer. Dump in at least three inches of packing peanuts or crumpled paper. Really smoosh it down so it’s firm.
Now flip the box over and tape the bottom. Run strips along the center seam, then add more strips going across. This H-pattern makes the bottom super strong. You don’t want your box breaking open mid-flight.
Place Items Carefully
Time to load up your box. Put wrapped items in gently—don’t just drop them. Keep space between each piece. Nothing should touch the sides of the box either.
Got multiple items? Heavy stuff goes on the bottom, lighter things on top. But cushion between every layer. If you’re sending different types of fragile items, the most delicate ones belong right in the center where they’re safest.
Fill Every Gap
Here’s where people mess up. Any space means your items will shift around during shipping. Fill every single gap with packing material.
Shake the box gently. Hear rattling? Add more stuffing. Keep going until everything feels snug and secure. But not too tight—you don’t want to crush anything.
Top It Off and Seal
Add another thick layer of cushioning on top before you close the box. Press the lid down. If you have to force it closed, take out some packing material.
Tape the top using that same H-pattern. Run strips along every seam and edge. Don’t skimp here—tape is cheap compared to replacing broken items.
Label Like You Mean It
Write the address in big, clear letters on top. Add “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” stickers on all sides—not just one. If your package needs to stay upright, draw arrows and write “This Side Up.”
Different Items Need Different Care
Not all fragile things pack the same way. Here’s what works for the most common items people send a parcel to Poland.
Glasses and Dishes
Glasses are tricky. Stuff crumpled paper inside each glass first—this stops them from cracking from the inside. Then wrap the outside with bubble wrap. For extra safety, wrap two glasses together with cardboard between them.
Dishes need dividers. You can buy cardboard cell kits, or make your own by cutting up cardboard boxes. Each dish gets its own compartment.
Picture Frames and Mirrors
Corners are the weak point on frames and mirrors. Add extra padding to all four corners using corner protectors (or fold cardboard into L-shapes yourself).
Stand frames up vertically in the box. Never lay them flat—they’re way more likely to crack that way. Put cardboard sheets between multiple frames.
Electronics and Pottery
Electronics hate static electricity. Use anti-static bubble wrap if you can find it. Better yet, pack electronics in their original boxes if you kept them. Those boxes were designed exactly for this.
Pottery often has weird shapes with handles and spouts sticking out. Wrap everything thoroughly with bubble wrap, then surround it with packing peanuts. Give extra protection to any parts that stick out—they break first.
Don’t Make These Mistakes
Even experienced shippers mess up sometimes. Here’s what to avoid when you send a parcel to Poland.
Wrong Size Box
Too small means no room for cushioning. Too big means your items bounce around even with packing material. Pick a box that allows 2-3 inches of padding on all sides—that’s the sweet spot.
Skimping on Cushioning
Look, packing materials are cheap. Replacing broken heirlooms isn’t. Use more cushioning than you think you need. Way more. There’s no such thing as too much padding.
Not Testing Before Sealing
Always shake the box gently before taping it shut. If you hear movement, add more cushioning. A properly packed box sounds and feels solid.
Forgetting Insurance
Insurance costs a few bucks. Replacing valuable items costs a lot more. When shipping anything fragile or expensive, get insurance. It’s just smart.
Why People Choose Polonez Express
We’ve been helping people send parcels to Poland longer than most shipping companies have been around. Our team gets what’s at stake when you’re shipping something precious.
Every shipment comes with tracking, so you’re never wondering where your package is. Our customer service folks actually answer the phone and help you figure out the best shipping option for your needs.
The customs paperwork? We handle it. International shipping involves a bunch of forms and declarations, but we make it painless. Plus, our rates won’t make your wallet cry.
Whether it’s one small box or a dozen large ones, Polonez America treats every package like it matters—because it does.
Customs and Shipping Speed
Every package going to Poland goes through customs. That’s just part of international shipping. You’ll fill out a form listing what’s inside and how much each item is worth. Be honest about it.
Some items have restrictions. Food products usually need special permits. But most household stuff and gifts? No problem. Polonez America can tell you exactly what you can and can’t send.
As for shipping speed, you’ve got options. Express shipping gets there fast—3 to 5 days usually—but costs more. Economy shipping takes longer (maybe two to three weeks) but saves you money. Here’s the truth though: speed matters less than good packing. A well-packed box survives the journey no matter how long it takes.
Extra Tips That Actually Help
Track your package. Use that tracking number to watch your shipment move through the system. It’s actually pretty cool seeing it travel.
Tell your recipient when you ship something. Give them the tracking number too. That way, they know to expect it and can let you know right away if anything seems wrong.
Take photos before sealing the box. Snap pictures of how you packed everything. If something does break, those photos help with insurance claims.
Ship during the week if you can. Weekend packages sit in warehouses waiting for Monday. Packages shipped Tuesday or Wednesday usually move faster.
Think about timing too. Shipping during holidays means everything takes longer because everyone’s sending packages. Plan ahead when you can.
Making Unpacking Easy
Pack items in a logical order. Heaviest stuff should be on the bottom where it’s opened first. Include a list of what’s inside so your recipient knows what to expect.
Sending multiple boxes? Number them. “Box 1 of 3” on each one helps people know if something’s missing.
Going Green While Staying Safe
You can protect your items and the planet at the same time. Use recyclable materials whenever possible. Biodegradable packing peanuts actually dissolve in water—pretty cool, right?
Newspaper works just as well as new packing paper. Paper bags make great cushioning too. Your recipient can recycle all of it easily.
Polonez America encourages eco-friendly packing. We’ve found you don’t have to choose between safety and sustainability.
When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, stuff breaks. It happens. If it does, don’t panic.
Take photos of the damage right away while everything’s still in the box. Save all the packing materials and the box itself. Contact the shipping company immediately. If you bought insurance, file your claim fast. Keep all your paperwork—receipts, tracking info, everything.
Polonez America stands behind our service. When something goes wrong, we work hard to make it right.
Getting Confident About International Shipping
Your first international shipment feels intimidating. Totally normal. But after you’ve done it once with these tips, you’ll wonder why you were worried.
Take your time with packing. Don’t rush through the steps. When you’re not sure if you’ve used enough cushioning, add more. Better to over-protect than under-protect.
Each time you send a parcel to Poland, you’ll get better at it. You’ll develop your own system and figure out what works best for you.
Wrapping This Up
Sending fragile stuff to Poland isn’t as scary as it seems. Pack items individually, use tons of cushioning, fill every empty space, and seal everything well. Those basic steps make all the difference.
Pick strong boxes. Use quality packing tape. Label everything clearly. Consider insurance for valuable items. Pretty simple, right?
Polonez America helps you through every step. We’ve seen it all—from delicate wine glasses to antique ceramics. Our experience with Poland shipments means we know exactly what works.
So go ahead and send that special gift to your loved ones. With smart packing and Polonez America’s reliable service, your packages arrive just as perfect as when you sent them. Your carefully wrapped items will bring smiles across Poland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I send a parcel to Poland safely?
Wrap each fragile item individually with bubble wrap—at least one full layer, maybe two for really delicate stuff. Get a sturdy box that’s bigger than your items with space for cushioning. Add 2-3 inches of packing peanuts or crumpled paper on all sides. Fill every gap so nothing moves around. Seal the box with strong packing tape using the H-pattern technique. Slap “Fragile” stickers on all sides. Pick a shipping service that knows Poland deliveries—Polonez America specializes in exactly this.
What packing materials work best for fragile items?
Bubble wrap tops the list for wrapping items. Those air pockets absorb shocks really well. You’ll also need packing peanuts, air pillows, or crumpled paper to fill empty spaces. Double-walled cardboard boxes are stronger than regular ones. Strong packing tape (at least two inches wide) holds everything together. For dishes, cardboard dividers or cell kits create separate compartments. Layer these materials together and your items stay protected.
How much bubble wrap should I use when shipping to Poland?
At least one complete layer around each item—no exposed spots. Really delicate things deserve two or three layers. The wrap should extend at least two inches past your item on every side. Wrapping multiple items together? Add another layer of bubble wrap between them. Honestly, it’s hard to use too much bubble wrap. I’ve never regretted adding extra, but I’ve definitely regretted using too little.
Can I use old boxes to send parcels internationally?
New boxes are always better for international shipping. Old boxes already survived one shipping journey, which weakened the cardboard. They’ve got weak spots you can’t always see. But if you’re reusing a box, check it super carefully. Look for holes, dents, tears, or weak corners. Remove every old label and all the old tape. If the box looks even slightly beat up, grab a new one. It’s not worth the risk.
What items cannot be shipped to Poland?
Poland doesn’t allow weapons, explosives, or illegal drugs—obviously. Perishable food items have strict rules and usually need special permits. Live animals and plants typically can’t be shipped. Some electronics and batteries have restrictions. Counterfeit goods are a no-go. Tobacco products face limitations too. The list changes sometimes, so check before you ship. Polonez America keeps up with all the regulations and can tell you exactly what’s allowed right now.
How long does it take to send a parcel to Poland?
Express shipping usually takes 3-5 business days. Standard shipping runs about 7-10 business days. Economy shipping can take 14-21 business days, sometimes longer. But these are just estimates. Customs clearance, holidays, weather—all of it affects timing. Your package might zip through in three days or take a bit longer. Polonez America provides tracking for every shipment so you can watch its progress in real time.
Do I need insurance when sending fragile items to Poland?
Yes, absolutely get insurance for fragile or valuable items. Look, careful packing protects your stuff really well. But unexpected things happen during shipping. Accidents occur. Insurance covers the item’s value if it breaks or gets lost. The cost is usually just a small percentage of what the item is worth. That small investment buys you peace of mind and financial protection. Polonez America offers insurance options for every shipment to Poland.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Market Insight Lab journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.