How to Pack and Ship Antique Furniture
How to ship antiques and antique furniture abroad?
Professional businesses including antique collectors and individual owners often need safe and reliable antique delivery options. At Eurosender, we have already helped many businesses, museums, and galleries to ship antiques and antique furniture abroad, even overseas, saving them time and money by combining the capabilities of our vast network of reputable carriers. All you need to think about is how to pack your antiques for safe shipping.
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SMALLER SHIPMENT
Shipping antiques and antique furniture internationally
Transportation solutions to consider depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment:
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*Please have in mind that some courier companies may include antiques in the list of prohibited items. For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.
HOW TO PACK
How to pack antiques for safe shipping | Antique shippers’ advice
- Wrap each item separately: First, wrap with paper then bubble wrap on the outside, wrap each item several times. Secure with adhesive tape.
- Place into a small box: Put a layer of cushioning material first, then place your antique articles into the box, filling any remaining space with additional cushioning. Ensure your item is unable to move by shaking the box gently. Seal the box with tape.
- Wrap the outside of the box: Using extra foam sheets, wrap the outside of the smaller box for extra protection of your antique items all the flaps and edges with adhesive tape.
- Place into a larger box: Adding additional cushioning material to the inside to prevent the smaller box from moving during transport. Then seal the larger box with tape.
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LARGER LOAD
Shipping large antiques abroad
Depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment, Eurosender recommends:
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HOW TO PACK
Pack large antiques for safe shipping on a pallet
- Prepare the item for transport: Before packing large antiques on a pallet, ensure all drawers are taped shut, and loose parts are secured with cables for safe shipping.
- Protect edges with cushioning: Use padding and foam cushioning, wrap the item to prevent any damage during transport.
- Place the item on the pallet: Placing a layer of corrugated cardboard underneath the item, place the item in the centre of the pallet.
- Wrap with additional layers or use a crate: Wrap the entire antique furniture shipment with extra layers of foam cushioning and bubble wrap. We recommend using as many layers as possible, and a variety of materials to add extra protection. If you have a crate, place the crate on top and fill any extra space with padding.
- Stretch foil and strap securely: Wrap the outside of your box with stretch-foil, securing it to the bottom of the pallet. Use straps to secure the outside of the pallet.
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SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Restrictions on sending valuable items by courier
When shipping valuable items such as antiques and antique furniture internationally, it is important to bear in mind that restrictions apply:
For individuals
Given the high value and delicate nature of such items, shipping valuable antiques across the country, internationally and overseas is not recommended. Individuals choose to do so at their own risk, as shipping insurance does not apply to antiques and antique furniture transportation.
For businesses
Shipping antiques domestically and abroad is possible through pre-agreed terms with logistics companies specialised in antique decorative objects and furniture transport. If you are still unsure of the best way to ship antique furniture, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts who can provide assistance and advice regarding antique furniture delivery solutions and any other type of shipment.
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FAQs on shipping antiques and antique furniture internationally
Can I ship antique and antique furniture with every courier company?
It is important to note that not all courier companies will ship antiques internationally. For example, DHL, TNT and UPS will not ship antiques to another location. Each courier has specific rules and requirements for different shipments and services, so we recommend checking this further with the designated courier for your route. When booking Express or Regular plus shipping services, please make sure not to include these items as the courier will refuse to collect the parcel. If you need further assistance, you can reach us by chat, phone or email before shipping to discuss your options further.
What is the best way to ship antiques and antique furniture abroad?
When moving large pieces of antique furniture or several antique decorative objects together across Europe, the Van Service is the fastest and safest option for shipping antique furniture, both domestically and internationally. With this service, an entire van is dedicated exclusively to your shipment, and your items are transported directly from point A to point B.
What is the optimal method for shipping antiques overseas (to Australia, Canada, USA, etc.)?
Shipping antique furniture internationally usually requires specialized long-distance antique furniture delivery solutions, even though some senders still decide to ship antiques overseas through registered mail. If you are interested in shipping antiques overseas from European countries like Italy, France, Spain, or the UK, request a tailor-made offer or get in touch with our logistics experts who will gladly help you find the right solution for your specific shipping needs.
How much does it cost to ship antiques abroad? How do I book the service?
The price depends on the size of the antiques that you wish to ship to the neighbouring country or overseas, as well as on the route, and the service selected. If you already know what antique furniture delivery solutions fit your requirements, simply fill out the pick-up and destination countries on our booking tool, select the shipping service and get a final quote.
In case you sell antiques online or run any other business related to antique items, we invite you to create an account to enjoy multiple benefits that we offer to our registered professional users.
Is express delivery a viable option for shipping antiques and antique furniture internationally?
Most international carriers offering express transport services list antiques among the items restricted or prohibited for shipping overseas. The shipper should always check whether it is possible to send antiques abroad with the selected courier. If it is not the case, alternative antique furniture delivery solutions should be considered. Send us an individual request and our logistics experts will arrange the best shipping service based on your demands.
How can an individual move antiques and antique furniture abroad?
When looking for antique furniture delivery solutions, individuals who are moving houses in Europe often opt for Eurosender van delivery service. This dedicated transport solution is faster and safer than shipping antique and modern furniture internationally through separate courier services. When booking a van with Eurosender, transportation to the final address is carried out with no stopovers.
How does antique shipping work after Brexit?
Artworks and antiques imported to the UK are subject to VAT and customs duties. However, if you import antiques to the UK temporarily, you can obtain partial or total relief from import duties. Check the regulations before sending antiques to the UK.
Take into consideration these guidelines when shipping antiques abroad. Nevertheless, please consider that following them does not guarantee that the courier company will transport your package without restriction. In case you decide to ship antiques or antique furniture domestically or internationally, Eurosender will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the transportation of your shipment.