SEND STUFF PACKAGING GUIDES
How to Pack a Suitcase for International Shipping
Shipping a suitcase overseas from New Zealand? Learn how to prepare your luggage, protect your belongings and avoid common packing mistakes before sending excess baggage internationally.
VIEW PACKING STEPS →Suitcases are designed for travel, but sending luggage through an international freight network can involve different handling conditions from taking it on a passenger flight.
Your suitcase may pass through sorting facilities, transport hubs and delivery vehicles before reaching its destination. Proper preparation helps reduce the risk of damage, loose contents and delivery complications.
This guide covers how to prepare a suitcase for international shipping with Send Stuff, including packing, protection, labelling, measurements and restricted items.
Choosing a Suitable Suitcase
Not all suitcases are equally suited to international freight transport. The strength of the case, condition of its components and nature of its contents all matter.
Hard-Shell Suitcases
Hard-shell luggage can provide a more rigid outer structure and may help protect contents from external pressure. However, hard-shell cases can still crack or become damaged during handling, particularly if they are overloaded.
Soft-Sided Suitcases
Soft-sided luggage can be suitable for clothing and other non-fragile belongings. The material should be in good condition, with secure seams, functioning zips and sufficient structural support.
Inspect Your Suitcase Before Packing
Check for cracked shells, torn fabric, loose handles, damaged wheels, broken locks and weakened zips. A suitcase that is already damaged may not be suitable for freight transport. Carrier acceptance requirements can also vary.
Before shipping: Confirm that your chosen transport service accepts suitcases as packaged freight. Some services may require an additional outer carton or other protective packaging.
How to Pack a Suitcase for International Shipping
Packing carefully helps protect your belongings and makes it easier to prepare accurate customs information.
Empty & Inspect
Empty the suitcase and inspect its shell, fabric, lining, zips, wheels and handles. Remove old baggage tags and shipping labels.
Sort Your Belongings
Group similar items together and check for prohibited or restricted goods before packing. Prepare a list of the contents.
Pack Heavier Items First
Place heavier, durable items towards the base of the suitcase. Distribute weight evenly to avoid unnecessary pressure on one area.
Protect Delicate Items
Wrap delicate belongings individually and use clothing or suitable cushioning to reduce movement and impact.
Secure Internal Contents
Use internal straps, dividers or packing cubes where appropriate. Avoid leaving loose items that could shift during transport.
Close & Check
Close the suitcase without forcing the zips. Check that handles, wheels and other components remain secure before dispatch.
Do not overpack. If you need to force the suitcase closed or the sides are bulging excessively, remove some items or use an additional package. Overpacking can place extra stress on zips, seams and the outer shell.
Protecting Wheels, Handles & Zips
Suitcase wheels, telescopic handles, external pockets and zips are potential points of damage during freight handling.
Wheels
Check that all wheels are securely attached and functioning. Where a carrier requires additional protective packaging, the outer packaging should account for protruding wheels.
Handles
Fully retract telescopic handles and secure any loose straps. Avoid leaving handles extended or accessories hanging from the suitcase.
Zips & Closures
Ensure all zips close smoothly without excessive tension. Use the suitcase's existing locking system where appropriate, subject to carrier and customs inspection requirements.
Suitcase Covers & Wrapping
A suitable protective cover or additional outer packaging may help reduce surface scuffs and snagging. However, wrapping must not obscure required shipping labels or prevent inspections where access is necessary.
Remember: Freight networks involve mechanical and manual handling. Cosmetic wear, scuffs and component damage remain possible even when luggage has been prepared carefully.
What Can You Pack in a Shipped Suitcase?
The acceptability of an item depends on the carrier, transport method and destination country's import requirements. Never assume that an item permitted in checked airline baggage is automatically permitted in an international freight shipment.
| Item Category | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Clothing & Footwear | Common personal effects. Pack clean, dry items and declare them accurately. |
| Books & Documents | Protect against moisture and bending. Avoid concentrating excessive weight in one package. |
| Toiletries & Cosmetics | Some liquids, aerosols, perfumes and other products are restricted or prohibited. Check before packing. |
| Electronic Devices | Devices containing batteries may be subject to dangerous goods restrictions and carrier-specific requirements. |
| Food & Natural Products | Import restrictions and biosecurity requirements vary by destination. |
| Fragile Items | May require more protective packaging than a suitcase alone can provide. |
Important: Batteries & Dangerous Goods
Power banks, spare lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids and certain electronic devices may be restricted or prohibited in freight shipments. Do not pack these items without confirming the applicable requirements. For specialist dangerous goods shipping enquiries, contact our sister company, DG Solutions.
VISIT DG SOLUTIONS →For further information, visit our Prohibited & Restricted Items page.
Labelling Your Suitcase for International Shipping
Clear identification is important for international freight. Labels must remain legible and attached throughout the transport process.
Before Dispatch
- Remove or fully cover old airline baggage tags and shipping barcodes.
- Ensure the recipient's name and address are accurate.
- Use the shipping label supplied for the arranged service.
- Place labels on a clean, suitable external surface.
- Keep a copy of the tracking or shipment reference.
- Consider including a separate contact details sheet inside the suitcase.
Make the Shipping Label Easy to Scan
The shipping label should be flat, readable and securely attached according to the carrier's instructions. Avoid placing labels over seams, handles, zips or curved surfaces where they may detach.
Weighing & Measuring Your Suitcase
International freight charges may be based on actual weight or volumetric weight, depending on the carrier and service.
When requesting a shipping quote, provide the suitcase's final packed weight and its external length, width and height.
Measurements to Provide
- Total weight of the fully packed suitcase.
- Overall height, including protruding wheels or handles.
- Overall width at the widest point.
- Overall depth, including any external pockets or protrusions.
- Number of suitcases being shipped.
Helpful tip: If the suitcase is placed inside an outer carton, use the final packed carton's weight and external dimensions for your shipping enquiry.
Read our Shipping Costs Explained guide to understand how dimensions can affect international freight quotations.
Suitcase Shipping Checklist
Before handing over your luggage for international shipping, check the following points.
Before You Send
- The suitcase is in suitable condition for transport.
- All contents have been checked for shipping restrictions.
- Fragile items have been appropriately protected.
- Items are packed securely without excessive movement.
- The suitcase closes without placing strain on the zips.
- Telescopic handles are fully retracted.
- Loose straps and accessories have been secured.
- Old baggage labels and barcodes have been removed.
- A packing list has been prepared for customs purposes.
- Final packed weight and dimensions have been recorded.
- Any required carrier packaging and labelling instructions have been followed.
Keeping a record of the contents and taking photographs of the packed suitcase may also be useful if a shipment issue needs to be investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a suitcase internationally from New Zealand?
Yes, suitcases may be accepted on suitable international freight services, subject to the carrier's packaging, weight, size and contents requirements. Send Stuff can review your shipment details and available options.
Does my suitcase need to go inside a cardboard box?
Not always. Packaging requirements depend on the carrier and service. Some arrangements may require an outer carton or additional protection.
Can I use a suitcase with wheels?
Wheeled suitcases may be accepted, but wheels can be vulnerable during handling. Check the carrier's packaging requirements and ensure all components are secure.
Should I lock my suitcase?
You may be able to secure the suitcase using a suitable lock, subject to the carrier's instructions. Customs or security authorities may need to inspect the contents, and locks may need to be opened or removed.
Can I pack toiletries in my suitcase?
Some toiletries may be acceptable, while aerosols, perfumes, flammable products and certain other items can be restricted. Check the contents before packing.
Can I include a laptop or power bank?
Devices containing lithium batteries and spare batteries are subject to transport restrictions. Do not include these items without confirming the specific requirements.
How do I calculate the weight of my suitcase?
Weigh the suitcase after it has been fully packed, including any protective packaging. If an outer carton is required, use the weight of the complete packaged shipment.
What happens if my suitcase is damaged during shipping?
Document the condition of the suitcase and contents, retain packaging and contact Send Stuff promptly. See our Claims, Loss & Damage guide for further information.
Ready to Ship Your Suitcase Overseas?
Tell us where your luggage is going, how many suitcases you're sending and their approximate packed weights and dimensions. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised international shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Disclaimer: This guide provides general packaging advice only. Carrier acceptance, packaging requirements, shipping restrictions and liability conditions vary by service and destination. Customers must follow the requirements applicable to their shipment.