Clothes, shoes and bags are some of the most common things we send home from Calgary. A new outfit for a sibling, school shoes for a niece, a handbag for Mum, or a whole wardrobe for a relative who is starting a new job. They seem simple to ship, but a little planning makes a big difference to how they arrive and what you pay.
Here is a practical guide to packing clothing, footwear and accessories for shipping to Nigeria with Yumee Express.
Start With a Clear Plan
Before you start filling a box, decide who each item is for and why you are sending it. Making a quick list by person helps you:
- Avoid buying the wrong sizes or doubling up on items
- Spot things that would be cheaper or easier to buy in Lagos
- Keep each person’s items together so sorting at the other end is easy
If you are shopping for children, ask a parent for current sizes first. Children grow fast, and a size that fit at Christmas may not fit by Easter.
New vs Used Clothing
Many people send a mix of new purchases and gently used items from their own wardrobes. Rules around used clothing can be different from new goods, so check with Yumee Express before you pack second-hand clothing, shoes or bags, especially in larger quantities. If you are sending items to sell rather than as gifts, tell us upfront. Our guide to shipping business stock explains why that matters.
Planning the rest of your shipment? See how to label and document your shipment.
How to Pack Clothing
Fold or roll to save space
Rolling t-shirts, jeans and casual wear often fits more into a box and reduces deep creases. Fold formal shirts and dresses neatly with tissue paper between layers.
Use plastic bags against moisture
Pack clothing in sealed plastic bags or bin liners inside the box. This protects fabric from dampness and dust along the way, and keeps each person’s items grouped.
Keep special outfits flat
Lace, embroidered pieces and party outfits deserve extra care. Lay them flat near the top of the box, wrapped in tissue or a clean pillowcase. Planning to send aso ebi or wedding outfits? Our wedding items guide has more tips.
How to Pack Shoes
Stuff shoes to hold their shape
Fill shoes with socks, rolled scarves or paper so they keep their shape. This also uses space that would otherwise be wasted.
Pair and protect
Keep each pair together in a shoe bag, plastic bag or its original box. Wrap heels and buckles so they do not scratch other items.
Think about the shoe box
Original shoe boxes look nice as gifts but take up a lot of space. If the box is not part of the gift, consider leaving it behind and packing the shoes in a bag instead.
How to Pack Bags and Accessories
- Handbags: stuff them with soft items like scarves so they keep their shape, and wrap metal clasps or chains
- Belts: roll them loosely and tuck them into shoes or bag pockets
- Watches and jewellery: pack in small pouches or boxes and place them in the centre of the box, surrounded by clothing
- Sunglasses: keep them in a hard case so the lenses are not crushed
For anything delicate or valuable, our post on packing fragile items shares more ideas.
Watch the Size of Your Box
Clothes are light but bulky, so the size of your box can matter as much as its weight. A large box that is only half full can cost more than you expect. Pack firmly so nothing shifts, and choose a box that fits your items well. Our guide to actual vs volumetric weight explains how this affects your shipping cost.
Sea or Air?
Air freight
Ideal for a few outfits needed for a specific date, such as a birthday, graduation or ceremony.
Sea freight
A good fit for larger boxes of clothing and shoes when you are not working to a tight deadline, such as restocking a family’s wardrobe.
Not sure which to choose? Read our sea freight vs air freight guide, or contact us for current options and timelines.
Write a Clear Item List
List what is in each box with quantities and values, for example “6 t-shirts”, “2 pairs of shoes” or “1 handbag”. Clear, honest descriptions help your shipment move through customs smoothly. See our customs tips for more advice.
Clothing and Shoes Packing Checklist
- Make a list of items by person, with sizes confirmed
- Check with us before packing used clothing, shoes or bags
- Roll casual wear and keep special outfits flat
- Bag clothing against moisture
- Stuff shoes and bags so they hold their shape
- Choose a box that fits your items snugly
- Write a clear item list and share details with your receiver
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix clothing with other items in one box?
Usually, yes. Clothing makes great padding for other items. Just make sure anything heavy sits at the bottom and anything fragile is well wrapped in the middle.
Should I remove price tags from new clothes?
Leaving tags on can make it clear the items are new. Either way, list them accurately on your item list. If you are unsure, ask us before you ship.
Ready to Send Some Style Home?
A well-packed box of clothes and shoes is a simple way to bring joy to family in Nigeria. Get a quote from Yumee Express and send your next shipment home with confidence.
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