How to Weigh a Package Without a Scale?

TL;DR

• Use a clothes hanger, bags, and known weights to create a balance scale.
• Try weight measurement apps for small items (e.g., Working Scale Free).
• Borrow a scale from neighbors or check standard item weights online.
• Be cautious of overweight parcels, as couriers may refuse pickup or charge extra fees.

We understand that not everyone has scales at home, but it might be a trouble when you are shipping parcels, and they are overweight. So, is there any way to weigh things without a scale?

Did you already think it is impossible to weigh your parcel without a scale? After giving you the suggestion, you will realize it was more accessible than ever. We hope you have hung clothes in your closet, as that will be a crucial part of this process.

Step 1: Find a clothes hanger that can withstand some weight on it.

Step 2: Add two bags (of your choosing) on each side. Make sure the bags can endure the weight of the items.

Step 3: Okay, and now what? Take something that you already know its weight, whether that be a couple of kilos of your stocked flour, a couple of litres of milk/water or something else of your choosing. Put it in one of the bags.

Step 4: Place the items that you want to measure on the other side of the hanger, in the other bag.

Step 5: Place the hanger somewhere with secure support and balance out the bags.

Did you know that courier companies compute the shipping price in different ways? Read more about it!

• Price computed from volumetric weight
• Regular price computation

Voila! You have just created the old-fashioned balance scale. Who would have thought that it could be that easy to weigh a package or any other items without a scale, right?

Are you now ready to ship your parcels?

What other alternatives are there to measuring something without a scale?

1. Use apps and general info – Installing an app such as Working Scale Free or 3 Grams Digital Scales & Weight Measurement can help you get an approximate weight. These apps work best for smaller items and make sure sure that the additional things you put in your package won’t make it overweight. Here are some of the most common stuff that people send, and their weight: a medium-sized teddy bear – 400 grams, a book – 450 grams, shoes – 700 grams, jeans – 500 grams.
2. Now it is time to reach out to your neighbours and ask if they can borrow you a scale to measure your items.
3. Check the standard weight of the items you plan to ship, online, and you can get an approximate. However, keep in mind that couriers might not settle for an estimate, and if you have an overweight parcel, the courier driver will either not pick up the package or will charge you for the additional weight.

What are my shipping options with Eurosender?

At Eurosender, you can choose between five different weight ranges when sending packages. Those are 0-2 kg when shipping envelopes, 2-10 kg, 10-20 kg, 20-30 kg and 30-40 kg with standard shipping.

In case you would like to send a package which is heavier than 40 kilograms, you can always make a custom order by contacting us. Also, now you can avoid extra charges and delays by choosing a flexible booking option when placing an order. This option enables you to change the details of the order, such as pick-up date and inevitable mistakes without paying the additional fee.

What will happen if my package turns overweight?

We have indeed given you some advice on how you can weigh something without a scale, but they will not be 100% accurate.

Therefore, the courier company might easily refuse the pick-up, or if the driver collects it, he/she might return the package to your address the next day. The courier can also ask you for an additional handling surcharge.

To avoid unnecessary delays, you should not give the package to the courier if he has already appeared at your address. If you are sure that the weight of your parcel is heavier than the one you paid for, the first thing you should do is to contact your courier company or logistics booking platform and let them know about the problem. The company will cancel the order and let the courier know that he should not come to your address. You can then easily schedule a package pick-up for the upcoming day.

For more information, check our article about different types of packaging materials.

This article was written in collaboration with Novak Novakovic.