How to Pack a Box for Sea Freight to Nigeria: Make Every Inch Count

Sea freight is one of the most popular ways to send things home from Calgary, especially when you have a lot to send. But a box that is packed in a hurry can waste space, shift during the journey, or arrive with damaged items. A well-packed box carries more of what your family actually needs and gets to Lagos in better shape.

This guide shows you how to pack a box for sea freight to Nigeria, step by step, so every inch counts.

Why Packing Matters More for Sea Freight

A sea shipment is handled many times. Your box is loaded, moved, stacked and unloaded before it reaches your receiver in Lagos. It may sit under other cargo for part of the trip and go through changes in temperature and humidity along the way.

That means a sea freight box needs to be:

• Strong enough to hold its shape when other boxes sit on top of it.
• Packed tightly so items do not move around and break.
• Protected from moisture so clothes, papers and food do not get damp.
• Clearly labelled so it can be identified at every stage.

Good packing also helps you use space well. Shipping costs depend on both weight and size, so a half-empty box means paying to ship air. Our guide on how shipping costs are calculated explains why.

Step 1: Choose the Right Box

Start with a sturdy, double-walled corrugated box in good condition. Avoid old boxes that are soft, torn or water-stained, because they lose strength quickly once they are stacked.

Pick a size that fits what you are sending. A very large box packed with heavy items can become hard to lift and more likely to burst. A good rule is: heavy items in smaller boxes, light items in bigger ones. If you are not sure which box sizes work best, ask our team before you pack.

Step 2: Sort and Plan Before You Pack

Lay everything out first. Group items by type and weight:

• Heavy, solid items such as tins, small appliances and shoes.
• Medium items such as books, toiletries and kitchenware.
• Light, soft items such as clothes, towels, bedsheets and wrappers.

Check every item against our list of restricted and prohibited items before it goes in the box. It is much easier to leave something out now than to deal with a problem at customs later.

This is also the best time to write your item list. Note what goes into each box and an honest value for each item. You will need this for your documents, and it helps your receiver confirm everything arrived. See our guide on how to label and document your shipment.

Step 3: Build in Layers, Heaviest at the Bottom

Pack like you are building a wall:

1. Bottom layer: Put the heaviest, most solid items flat on the base of the box.
2. Middle layer: Add medium-weight items, fitting them snugly together.
3. Top layer: Finish with the lightest items.

Keep the weight spread evenly from side to side. A box that is heavy on one side is harder to handle and more likely to tip or tear.

Step 4: Fill Every Gap

Empty spaces are where damage happens. When the box moves, loose items slide and knock into each other. Fill gaps as you go, not just at the end.

Here is a useful tip: soft items you are already sending make great padding. Roll clothes, towels and wrappers and push them into corners and gaps. You protect your fragile items and use space you would have wasted anyway.

Before you close the box, give it a gentle shake. If you hear or feel things moving, add more padding.

Step 5: Protect Against Moisture and Leaks

Sea freight can expose cargo to damp conditions. A few simple steps keep your items dry:

• Put clothes, bedding and fabrics in sealed plastic bags.
• Place documents, photos and papers in zip bags.
• Seal liquids and creams tightly, tape the lids, and bag them separately so a leak cannot spread.
• Keep foodstuff in its original sealed packaging and bag it as well. Read our guide on shipping foodstuff and groceries first.

Step 6: Wrap Fragile Items Properly

Glass, ceramics and electronics need extra care. Wrap each piece on its own with bubble wrap or thick soft fabric, and place it in the centre of the box with padding on every side, never against a wall of the box. For more detail, see how to pack electronics and fragile items.

Step 7: Seal and Label the Box

Use strong packing tape, not regular household tape. Tape every seam on the top and bottom, and run an extra strip across the middle for strength.

Then label the box clearly:

• Your receiver’s full name and phone number in Lagos.
• Your name and phone number in Calgary.
• A box number if you are sending more than one, for example “Box 1 of 3”.
• A “Fragile” note if it applies.

Write the same details on a piece of paper inside the box too, in case the outside label gets damaged.

Quick Packing Checklist

• Sturdy, double-walled box in good condition
• Items checked against the restricted list
• Item list with honest values written up
• Heaviest items at the bottom, lightest on top
• Gaps filled, nothing moves when shaken
• Fabrics, papers and liquids sealed in bags
• Fragile items wrapped and centred
• Strong tape on all seams, clear labels inside and out

Ready to Ship Your Box to Lagos?

A well-packed box protects your items and makes the most of every shipment. If you have questions about box sizes, what can go in your shipment or whether sea or air suits you best, the Yumee Express team in Calgary is happy to help. Read our guide to air vs sea freight from Calgary, then get a quote for your shipment today.