Home › Resources › Laptop shipping box
Laptop Shipping Box: What Size You Need and How to Post a Laptop in the UK
The short answer: use a new, double-walled cardboard box with about 5 cm (2 inches) of padding on every side of the laptop, keep the charger separate, and send it tracked and signed for. For most 13 to 16 inch laptops that means a box with inside measurements of roughly 41 × 32 × 12 cm up to 46 × 35 × 13 cm.
Sending a company laptop back? Order a Laptop Return Kit – £65 →
What size laptop shipping box do you need?
Measure the laptop, then add about 10 cm to each dimension. That leaves roughly 5 cm of padding between the laptop and every wall of the box, including the top and bottom.
| Laptop screen size | Typical laptop size | Minimum inside box size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 to 14 inch | About 31 × 22 cm, 1.5 to 2.5 cm thick | About 41 × 32 × 12 cm |
| 15 to 16 inch | About 36 × 25 cm, 2 to 3 cm thick | About 46 × 35 × 13 cm |
These are typical figures, so check your own laptop. Choose a new, double-walled box (a reused one is weaker) and the smallest size that still gives you the padding above. A padded envelope is not enough.
How to pack a laptop for posting
- Power it off fully and close the lid. Remove any discs, cards or USB sticks.
- Wrap it in a soft layer, then at least two layers of bubble wrap or foam, and tape it shut.
- Pack the charger separately, beside the laptop rather than on top of it, where it can crack the screen.
- Pad the box with about 5 cm underneath, the laptop in the centre, and padding on all sides and on top.
- Shake test it. If anything moves, add more padding.
- Seal and label it with proper packing tape across the seam and edges and one clear address label on top. Put a second copy of the address inside.
Which delivery service should you use?
Look for tracking, a signature on delivery, and cover that matches the laptop's value. Standard postage often pays out very little. At the time of writing, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm includes compensation of up to £750, with extra cover up to £2,500 available (check the Post Office compensation page for current terms). Many couriers exclude electronics or need specific packaging, so read their terms first. Take photos of the packed box and note the serial number in case you ever need to claim.
Would you rather not source the box yourself?
If you are getting a laptop back from a remote employee or a leaver, finding a box and label for every person soon becomes a job in itself. A ready-packed kit does the whole thing for you.
Laptop Return Kit – £65A protective box with air-column padding and a prepaid Royal Mail return label, sent straight to your employee. Fits laptops up to 16 inches, dispatched within 1 business day, signed for on return, with cover up to £500 included. Tracking details are emailed to you and no account is needed.
Not sure which option suits you? Compare a return kit with booking a courier yourself, or see how to get a laptop back from a remote employee.
Frequently asked questions
What size box do I need to ship a laptop?
Measure the laptop and add about 10 cm to each dimension, which leaves roughly 5 cm of padding on every side. For most 13 to 14 inch laptops that is an inside size of around 41 x 32 x 12 cm, and for 15 to 16 inch laptops around 46 x 35 x 13 cm.
Can I post a laptop in a padded envelope?
It is not recommended. A padded envelope gives very little protection against crushing and impact. Use a sturdy, double-walled cardboard box with padding on all sides.
Do I need insurance to post a laptop?
It is strongly advisable. Check what cover your chosen service includes and compare it with the laptop's value. Some standard services pay out very little, so you may need to buy extra cover.
What is the easiest way to get a company laptop back from an employee?
Send them a ready-packed return kit with protective packaging and a prepaid, tracked label, so they only have to pack the laptop and drop it off. The ReturnKits Laptop Return Kit does this for £65 per laptop.