How to Pack Navratri Clothes, Jewellery & Accessories for International Courier

Every Navratri, families abroad wait for a parcel from home: a new chaniya choli for garba night, a silk saree for the pooja, a set of oxidised jewellery to finish the look. Festive outfits are heavy with mirror work, zari and embroidery, and jewellery is delicate. A badly packed parcel can arrive creased, snagged, tangled or broken.

The good news is that most transit damage is preventable. This guide covers how to pack clothes for an international courier, plus jewellery, bangles and accessories, so your Navratri outfits arrive ready to wear.

Still deciding what to send? Read our guide on what you can send abroad for Navratri first.

Before You Start: 4 Quick Checks

Check destination rules. Every country has its own customs rules for clothing, jewellery and personal items. Confirm what is allowed before you pack.

Know whether the items are new or used. Some countries treat used garments differently, so declare them honestly.

Think about jewellery value. Imitation and fashion jewellery is simpler to ship. Real gold, diamond or high-value jewellery usually has stricter rules, so check with your courier before booking.

Ship early. Allow a buffer for customs clearance, especially close to the festival.

Packing Materials You'll Need

• Sturdy double-wall corrugated boxes (new, not reused)
• Acid-free tissue paper or plain packing paper
• Cotton or muslin cloth, or soft cotton dupattas
• Zip-lock or poly bags in different sizes
• Bubble wrap and foam sheets
• Silica gel sachets to absorb moisture
• Small rigid boxes for jewellery
• Strong packing tape and a marker for labelling

Avoid newspaper. The ink can transfer onto light-coloured fabrics and embroidery.

How to Pack a Ghagra Chaniya (Chaniya Choli)

Chaniya cholis for Navratri are heavily embellished, so they need the most care.

1. Make sure it's completely dry and clean. Trapped moisture causes odour, stains and colour bleeding in transit.
2. Secure all hooks, ties and zips so they don't snag the fabric or embroidery.
3. Fold along soft, natural folds. Don't crease sharply over mirror work or heavy embroidery.
4. Place tissue paper between every fold, especially over mirror work, sequins and zari.
5. Pack the choli separately. Fill it lightly with tissue so it keeps its shape, then wrap it in tissue.
6. Wrap the ghagra in a cotton cloth, then put it in a poly bag with a silica gel sachet.
7. Pack the dupatta separately (see below) so its borders don't rub against the embroidery.

Tip: Skip vacuum compression bags for heavily embellished or silk outfits. They can crush embroidery and leave permanent creases.

How to Pack Sarees

• Fold the saree along its existing folds.
• Place tissue between the pallu, the border and the body.
• Wrap silk and zari sarees in a cotton or muslin cloth so they can breathe.
• Add a silica gel sachet, then place the saree in a poly bag.
• Pack the blouse piece and petticoat separately, in their own bag.

How to Pack Kurtas, Kediyus and Men's Festive Wear

• Fold neatly with tissue over any embroidery or buttons.
• Pack each set together (kurta, pyjama or dhoti) in one poly bag so nothing gets separated.
• Put heavier pieces at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top.

How to Pack Dupattas

• Fold flat or roll gently. Don't crumple.
• Wrap tassels, gota patti and latkans in tissue so they don't tangle or snag.
• Pack each dupatta in its own bag, away from rough or heavily embellished items.

How to Pack Jewellery for Courier

Jewellery is small, but it is the most easily damaged item in the parcel. Whether it's kundan, oxidised silver, temple or mirror-work jewellery, the rule is the same: no movement, no friction, no tangling.

1. Separate by type. Keep necklaces, earrings, bangles and anklets apart.
2. Close all clasps and hooks.
3. Wrap each piece in tissue or a soft cloth so metal and stones don't rub against each other.
4. Keep necklaces flat. Lay them on card or foam and secure them gently so they can't tangle.
5. Pair earrings and keep them secure. Use an earring card or a small pouch for each pair.
6. Protect stones. Add foam or cotton around kundan, mirror work and other delicate settings.
7. Add an anti-tarnish strip or silica gel to the jewellery box.
8. Use the box-in-box method. Put the jewellery in a small rigid box, wrap that box in bubble wrap, then place it inside the main carton with cushioning around it.

How to Pack Bangles

Glass and lac bangles can crack under pressure, so don't pack them loose.

1. Wrap each bangle or small group in tissue paper.
2. Slide them onto a bangle rod or place them in a rigid bangle box.
3. Fill empty space inside and around the bangles with soft tissue or foam.
4. Wrap the closed bangle box in bubble wrap before placing it in the main carton.

How to Pack Navratri Accessories

Potli bags and clutches: Stuff lightly with tissue to help them keep their shape, then wrap them individually.

Juttis and mojaris: Fill the toe area with tissue, wrap each shoe separately, and place the pair in a bag or small box.

Bindis and hair accessories: Keep them in their original packaging or a small rigid box so they don't bend.

Dandiya sticks: Wrap each stick in bubble wrap, secure the pair together, and place them along the side of the carton where they won't press against delicate items.

The Final Step: Boxing It Right

Choose the right box. Use a new, sturdy double-wall carton that is only slightly larger than the packed contents.

Create a cushioned base. Add a layer of bubble wrap or foam at the bottom.

Put heavier items at the bottom. Place sarees and heavier outfits first, then lighter garments.

Keep jewellery in the centre. Surround the rigid jewellery box with soft clothing so it cannot touch the outer walls.

Fill every gap. Use crumpled packing paper, foam or bubble wrap. Nothing should move when you gently shake the box.

Add a packing list. Put one copy inside and keep one for yourself.

Seal securely. Tape every seam using the H-taping method.

Documents and Declarations

List every item clearly on the invoice, with an accurate quantity, description and value. Avoid vague descriptions such as “gift items” or “clothes.” Write specific descriptions such as “women's embroidered chaniya choli, new” or “imitation jewellery set.” Honest, detailed declarations make customs clearance smoother.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

• Packing clothes that are damp or freshly washed
• Using newspaper or coloured paper against fabric
• Putting loose jewellery in the same bag as clothes
• Leaving gaps that allow items to move in the box
• Using old, weak or damaged cartons
• Packing dried flowers, leaves or other plant material without checking destination rules
• Skipping silica gel in humid weather

Send Your Navratri Parcel With Confidence

Careful packing is the difference between a chaniya choli that arrives ready for garba night and one that needs repairs. If you're planning to send clothes abroad from India and want guidance on packing, documentation and destination rules, the Airborne International team can help you get your Navratri parcel there safely.