h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Wrapping up a parcel for the delivery service - A87780243
Author: You can call me TC - No more JoPoMo - U154942

Whilst packing up a parcel to send to the UK, I thought of writing this entry. I'm sure you'll all find my suggestions far too detailed and thorough and overcautions, but, as I say in the entry, you can leave almost any of the steps out. I just don't like to leave anything to chance when I'm posting stuff abroad.

I'll add some links later.

Look forward to your comments.

Wow.

I used to be accused of being the obsessive package-wrapper in the family, but this beats all.

Very tidy job.

Obsessive schmobsessive - would you believe it, I've thought of several more points to add! Any more and I really ought to think about going for some sort of therapy!

Maybe take up basket weaving...

A neat trick with tying a parcel with string, including the handle, that I learnt in the Post Office sorting office, when I used to repair damaged parcels.

Take the box and have string and scissors/knife close to hand.

Holding the string, stretch from top left to bottom right twice, then turn by 90 degrees and repeat. Then add two arms lengths and cut.

Lay the parcel on the string. Ensure the centre of the string runs the width of the parcel.

Take the two ends and cross at one end about 1/3rd in, of what is now the parcel's top (that is really the base) and twist the string through 90 degrees .

Now take the string down the opposite sides of the parcel and turn the parcel over.

Now loop the two ends under the central string and knot. Run both ends of the string 2/3rds along and repeat, running the sting down the sides. Knot where it meets the central string, then wind the excess string between the two knots to form the handle, finally securing with a double knot and trim.

One very solidly-tied parcel that will not split and doesn't require copious quantities of sticking tape.

I'll have to read through that a couple of times to see if I can visualise it, MMF. Thank you for adding that - I shall certainly incorporate it in the entry. Sticking down the paper at the edges is still necessary. It is not an urban myth that letters slip into boxes which are not sealed down, or into the overlap in the wrapping paper. It has happened to me and I have heard of it happening to others. But I had hesitated to start describing in words how to tie the string. It would be easy with a diagram, but I can't draw.

>>Run both ends of the string 2/3rds along and repeat, running the sting down the sides. Knot where it meets the central string, then wind the excess string between the two knots to form the handle, finally securing with a double knot and trim.<< You lose me here. But it does basically sound like how I would do it. Based on what we used to call a "bedroll" in the Girl Guides (back in the days before everyone had sleeping bags.)

Very thorough TC and a neat way of getting rid of all that excess paper that has to be put in the recycling bin - post it instead

Nice. Some little things:

'As the internet world expands' - Internet with a capital 'I'.

'Weigh the item(s) you are sending, including the box you have chosen, and adding 200-300g for packaging materials.' - remove the 'and'.

Footnotes should ideally be immediately after the word, and tucked in before the full stop. You've got a rogue space at the start of your third one.

'Wrap all items in gift wrap, especially, for example, if they are for different members of a family or a group of people at one address.' - you could get away with dropping the 'for example'.

'The remainin points apply also to parcels containing a single large item' - typo.

Alex

OK Alex, I've tidied up the footnote and the typo.

I am a great one for capitals, but I don't see that internet necessarily should have one.

The other two points you make, I don't think ought to be changed, either. If anything, I could leave out the "especially". I have tweaked that sentence a bit.

I've adapted and added MMF's string theory. Er.. method.

If he looks in, perhaps he could see if it is what he was describing. It's in a section of its own, near the bottom.

"I am a great one for capitals, but I don't see that internet necessarily should have one.""

--> A266131

Ah - it's in the rules. I wonder why.

Reminds me of my ancient piece here: A1118314

Worth mentioning again that fragile stickers DON'T make parcels impervious to damage?

Cracking entry, good work!

A very relevant point, Mr 603. Am in the process of adding it, and some other links while I'm at it.

How do I get hold of the curators? I've noticed that in the entry on home made Christmas presents A478127 has a whole section on Advent Calendars, and ought to have a link to tav's recent entry on the subject.

Right - links added, note re "fragile" stickers done

Any more improvements?

Post a new conversation at <./>Feedback-Editorial</.> giving the A-number, the Entry title and brief description of what's to be done.

Thanks

I did that - it's already done! Quick service round here!

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Well done!
That about wraps it up.

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