Ever sent a package and wondered if the courier will actually come to your door to pick it up? You’re not alone. Many people assume couriers only drop off packages, not collect them. But that’s not true - most major courier services in the UK now offer home collection as a standard option. The real question isn’t whether they can collect from home - it’s how to make sure they do it right, on time, and without extra fees.
Yes, couriers collect from home - but not automatically
Most big-name couriers like DHL, UPS, Royal Mail, Evri, and Parcelforce all offer home collection. But you can’t just wait for them to show up uninvited. You have to book it. Unlike drop-offs at a parcel shop or post office, home collection is a scheduled service. It’s not free, either - though many services include it in the price if you’re shipping through an online store or marketplace like Amazon or eBay.
If you’re sending something yourself - say, a gift, a returned item, or old electronics - you’ll need to go online or use an app to schedule a pickup. You’ll pick a date, choose a time window (usually 2-4 hours), and print or email a label. The courier will arrive with a handheld scanner, scan your parcel, and take it away. No need to leave the house.
How to book a home collection
Booking is simple, but there are a few things to get right:
- Go to the courier’s website - Royal Mail, Evri, DHL, or whichever you’re using.
- Enter your parcel details: weight, dimensions, destination.
- Choose ‘Collection’ instead of ‘Drop-off’.
- Select your preferred date and time slot.
- Pay any fees (if not included).
- Print or email your label and stick it on the parcel.
- Leave the parcel somewhere visible - doorstep, porch, or front hall - by the agreed time.
Some services let you book same-day collection if you do it before noon. Others require 24-48 hours’ notice. Royal Mail, for example, lets you book up to 10 days ahead. Evri allows collections Monday to Saturday, with Sunday pickups only for businesses.
What you need to prepare
It’s not just about having a parcel ready. Here’s what couriers expect:
- A securely sealed box or envelope - no loose items or open bags.
- A clearly printed label - handwritten labels often get missed or scanned wrong.
- Proof of postage if you’re returning something - some returns need a reference number tied to the original order.
- Someone to be home? Not always. Most couriers will leave a card if no one’s there, but they’ll try once. If you’re away, leave the parcel in a safe, dry spot.
Some couriers, like DHL, will even take your parcel from inside your home if you give them access - but only if you’ve arranged it in advance. Don’t assume they’ll walk in unless you’ve told them they can.
Costs and hidden fees
Home collection isn’t always free. Here’s how pricing usually works:
| Courier | Standard Collection Fee | Free When? |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail | £4.50 | If you buy postage online via Royal Mail website |
| Evri | £4.95 | With eBay, Amazon, or Etsy returns |
| DHL Express | £6.95 | For business accounts or pre-paid labels |
| Parcelforce | £5.95 | If booked with a pre-paid label |
| DPD | £5.50 | For customers with a DPD account or via Shopify |
Notice a pattern? Most services waive the fee if you’re using a pre-paid label from an online retailer or marketplace. That’s why returns from Amazon or ASOS are free - the seller pays for the pickup. If you’re sending something privately, you’re usually paying the fee yourself.
What if no one’s home?
Couriers don’t wait around. If you’re not there, they’ll leave a card with a number to rearrange. Some will try again the next day. Others won’t. Evri and Royal Mail often leave parcels with a neighbour if they know you’re away - but only if you’ve told them in advance. DHL and UPS typically won’t leave parcels unattended unless you’ve given them permission via their app.
Pro tip: Use the courier’s app to give real-time updates. You can tell them to leave the parcel by the back door, under the mat, or in the shed. Most apps now let you do this right up until the driver is 15 minutes away.
What couriers won’t collect
Not everything can be picked up from your door. Here’s what’s usually banned:
- Live animals or plants
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, paint thinner)
- Explosives or weapons
- Cash or valuable documents (jewellery, passports)
- Batteries - unless properly packaged and declared
- Perishable food without cold-chain packaging
Even if it’s legal, some couriers won’t collect oversized items - like furniture or large TVs - unless you’ve booked a special service. Evri and Royal Mail only handle parcels up to 30kg and 1.5m in length. Anything bigger needs DHL Freight or a specialist mover.
Same-day collection? Possible - but limited
Can you get a courier to come today? Yes - if you act fast. DPD and Parcelforce offer same-day collection in most UK cities if you book before 2pm. Royal Mail and Evri usually require next-day booking. Same-day isn’t cheap: expect to pay £12-£20 extra. But if you’re sending a last-minute gift or urgent document, it’s worth it.
Tip: Use apps like Parcel2Go or ParcelHero to compare prices across couriers. They’ll show you who offers same-day pickup in your postcode and how much it’ll cost.
Why home collection matters more than ever
With more people shopping online and returning items, home collection has become essential. In 2024, over 68% of UK households used home collection for returns, according to the UK Retail Federation. That’s up from 42% in 2020. People don’t want to drive to a parcel shop after work - especially in bad weather.
Couriers know this. That’s why they’ve invested in digital booking systems, real-time tracking, and flexible time slots. The service isn’t perfect - delays happen, labels get lost - but it’s far more reliable than it was five years ago.
Bottom line: Book it, prepare it, leave it
Do couriers collect from home? Absolutely. But they won’t come unless you ask. The key is planning. Book ahead, print the label, pack securely, and leave the parcel where it’s easy to find. Use the courier’s app to update delivery instructions. Avoid last-minute rushes - they cost more and increase the chance of missed pickups.
If you’re returning something from Amazon, eBay, or a big brand, you’re probably already covered. If you’re sending something privately, check the courier’s website before you pack. A £5 collection fee is cheaper than a £20 trip to the post office - especially if you’ve got kids, a disability, or just hate waiting in line.
Can I get a courier to collect from my house on a Sunday?
Most standard courier services don’t collect on Sundays - except for DHL Express and Parcelforce, which offer Sunday pickups for business customers. Royal Mail and Evri only collect Monday to Saturday. If you need a Sunday pickup, you’ll usually need to pay extra or use a premium service.
What if the courier doesn’t show up?
If your courier doesn’t arrive during the booked window, check your email or app for a delay notice. Most couriers will try again the next day. If they don’t, contact their customer service with your collection reference number. You’re usually entitled to a refund or free re-collection. Royal Mail and Evri guarantee collection within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
Do I need to be home when the courier arrives?
No, you don’t need to be home. Most couriers will collect your parcel as long as it’s clearly labeled and left in a safe, accessible spot. Some, like DPD, let you give delivery instructions via their app - like ‘leave by the back door’ or ‘ask neighbour John’. Just make sure the parcel isn’t hidden or blocked by bins or bikes.
Can I collect a parcel from home if I’m not the sender?
No. Home collection is tied to the sender’s booking. If you’re receiving a return or package, you can’t request a pickup unless you’re the one who initiated the return through the retailer. If someone else sent you something and you want to send it back, you’ll need to contact the sender or the retailer to arrange the return pickup.
Is home collection safer than dropping off at a shop?
It’s about the same. Couriers scan your parcel at pickup, so it’s tracked from the moment they take it. The main risk is leaving your parcel unattended - someone could steal it if it’s left in plain sight. To reduce risk, use a secure porch, shed, or ask the courier to leave it with a neighbour. Avoid leaving valuable items outside overnight.
Next steps: What to do right now
If you’ve got a parcel ready to send:
- Check the courier’s website - Royal Mail, Evri, DHL - and see if your item qualifies.
- Book your collection - don’t wait until the last minute.
- Print or email your label and stick it on securely.
- Leave the parcel outside by the agreed time.
- Use the courier’s app to track the driver and update delivery instructions.
If you’re unsure which courier to use, compare prices on Parcel2Go or ParcelHero. You’ll often save 20-30% compared to booking directly. And if you’re returning something from a major retailer - you’re probably already covered. Just check your email for the return label and pickup option.
