• Home
  • Packaging
  • Small Cardboard Mailing Boxes: Big Protection for Small Items

Small Cardboard Mailing Boxes: Big Protection for Small Items

author_img_560399581258
Morgan Tate
03 Jun, 2025

Why Small Items Need Special Packaging

Shipping small items might seem risk-free, but it’s actually one of the most common sources of product damage and loss in e-commerce and retail. According to Australia Post, over 30% of damaged parcels involve items that were under-protected or packed in boxes that were too large.

Small products like electronics, cosmetics, jewellery, and speciality foods are especially at risk of shifting, breaking, or even getting lost in transit. That’s why the right packaging is extremely important.

At Abbe Express, we understand these challenges. Our small cardboard boxes are purpose-built to keep your items secure, cushioned, and easy to track. For e-commerce brands, retailers, FMCG, and SMEs, this means fewer returns, happier customers, and a more professional brand image. 

At Abbe Express, we make it our mission to protect your products and your reputation with eco-friendly packaging that looks great and delivers real value. With fast, local delivery and a wide range of sizes and styles, you can count on us for all your packaging needs.

Best Practices for Packing Small Items

1. Choose the Right Size and Style of Box

Selecting the correct Abbe cardboard box size is essential for safe shipping and cost efficiency. Oversized boxes waste space, require extra void fill, and can increase your shipping costs, especially with Australia Post’s cubic weight pricing. Undersized boxes, on the other hand, risk damaging your goods.

How to Choose the Right Box Size:

  • Measure Your Item: Start by measuring the length, width, and height of your product, including any inner packaging or protective wrap.

  • Add Cushioning Allowance: Allow 2–5 cm on each side for protective materials like honeycomb paper wrap.

  • Match to Box Dimensions: Find a box that closely matches your item’s size plus the cushioning. Aim for a snug fit that prevents movement but doesn’t compress your product.

  • Consider the Box Style: Mailer boxes are ideal for flat or delicate items; presentation boxes or deeper postage boxes suit bulkier items.

  • Check Weight Limits: Make sure your chosen box is rated to handle the weight of your item and any added packing material.

Abbe Express offers a wide range of plain cardboard boxes and small postage boxes, from compact mailers to sturdy presentation boxes, so you can always find a solution that fits just right.

Buy cardboard mailing boxes online here and find the right box for your products. 

2. Add Padding and Internal Protection

Even with the right box, internal protection is key. Use tissue, honeycomb wrap, or custom inserts like corrugated cardboard rolls to prevent movement. Our cardboard packing boxes are designed to work seamlessly with standard protective materials, ensuring your items arrive in the same condition you shipped them.

3. Seal and Label Your Package Securely

A strong seal is essential for safe delivery. Use quality tape, such as options from our own packing tape range, and ensure all edges are secure. Clearly label your boxes for easy identification and tracking. This is especially important for small packages that can be overlooked in transit. Abbe Express’s cardboard mailboxes feature easy-to-seal flaps and smooth surfaces for labels, making the packing process quick and efficient.

4. Embrace Sustainability for Better Sales and Customer Retention

Eco-friendly packaging is a proven driver of sales and customer loyalty. Studies show that 60% of consumers consider packaging sustainability before buying, and 80% prefer recyclable packaging. By choosing Abbe Express’s recyclable boxes, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also appeal to the fast-growing market of environmentally conscious shoppers.

Sustainable packaging builds trust and encourages repeat business. In fact, 86% of consumers are more likely to support brands with responsible practices long-term, making your choice of shipping material more impactful than you might think.

Cost-Effective Cardboard Box Solutions for Small Businesses

For SMEs, packaging is a crucial part of your operational costs and customer experience. The right choice of cardboard mailing box can reduce shipping fees. minimise waste, and streamline your workflow. At Abbe Express, we help you save in a number of ways:

Lower Shipping Costs

Carriers like Australia Post often charge based on a package’s weight and size (“dimensional weight”). By choosing a box that’s just the right size, you minimise wasted space and avoid paying extra for oversized packaging. This means lower postage and courier fees on every shipment and potentially significant savings.

Efficient Storage and Handling

Small cardboard boxes are stackable and compact, making them easy to store and transport. This efficiency means you can maximise warehouse space, reduce storage costs, and fit more packages into delivery vehicles, further reducing shipping expenses.

Reduced Packaging Waste

Oversized boxes require more void fill, which adds cost and creates unnecessary waste. With plain cardboard boxes and small postage boxes from Abbe Express, you use just the right amount of packaging, saving money and supporting your sustainability goals.

Bulk Purchase and Local Sourcing

Abbe Express offers flexible order quantities, starting from as little as 25 units, so you can order exactly what you need. Bulk pricing options make it affordable to scale as your business grows. And because Abbe Express is Australian-owned and operated, you benefit from faster delivery, lower freight costs, and reliable local support.

Customisation Without Extra Costs

With Abbe Express’s digital print technology, you can create branded boxes without setup or artwork fees. This helps you stand out, build brand loyalty, and create a memorable unboxing experience, all while keeping costs in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Abbe Express cardboard boxes recyclable?

A: Yes, all our boxes are made from recyclable materials and designed for minimal environmental impact.

Q: Can I order custom sizes or branded boxes?

A: Absolutely! We offer custom sizing and full branding options to help your business stand out.

Q: How quickly will my order ship?

A: Most orders are dispatched within 24 hours, with fast Australia-wide delivery.

Ready to Upgrade Your Packaging with an Abbe Custom Cardboard Box?

At Abbe Express, we’re proud to support Australian businesses of all sizes with packaging that protects, promotes, and delivers. Whether you’re shipping a handful of products or thousands, our range of small cardboard boxes, cardboard mailing boxes, and eco-friendly packaging delivers unbeatable protection, sustainability, and value.

Ready for packaging that protects, pops and saves you money? Shop our range of small cardboard boxes and find the perfect solution for your business!

cardboard mailing boxes