How International Furniture Delivery Works

International furniture delivery is a chain, and the weakest link decides how the piece arrives. A carefully made table can be damaged by poor packing, delayed by missing paperwork, or left in a hallway because nobody checked the lift. The aim of good planning is not to remove these steps, which cannot be avoided, but to make each one visible, assigned and timed, so that the piece arrives intact and on schedule. This guide explains the stages in order and the questions that keep them under control.

Walnut Space delivers furniture to homes worldwide, and coordinates packing, freight and delivery as part of whole-home furnishing. The stages below apply to most long-distance deliveries, whether or not the piece is made by us.

1. Plan the route before the piece is finished

Delivery planning starts before production ends. The route from maker to home determines how the piece must be packed, how it will travel and what paperwork it needs. Ask for the origin, the destination address, the access arrangements at the home, and whether the building has a service lift, a loading bay or limits on delivery hours. These details shape the packing specification and can change the choice of carrier.

2. Packing for the journey

Packing protects the piece from the moment it leaves the workshop until it is unwrapped. For timber, this usually means corner protection, soft wrapping that does not trap moisture, and rigid crates or boards for the most vulnerable parts. Stone needs cushioning and a rigid base, because its weight and edges are the main risks. Upholstery is wrapped to keep dust and abrasion off the fabric. Glass and lighting need their own protection, and any loose parts should be labelled and packed with the piece they belong to.

• Ask for the packing method in writing, including any crating for timber or stone.
• Check whether moisture protection is included, especially for long sea journeys.
• Ask for hardware, legs and fixings to be packed in labelled bags attached to the piece.
• Request photographs of the packed items before they are sealed, where possible.

3. Freight: choosing how the piece travels

Long-distance furniture travels by road, air or sea, or by a combination of them. Road and air are faster, and suit smaller or urgent items; sea freight is usually slower but suits larger consignments, and it needs careful attention to humidity, container loading and the time spent in transit. The choice depends on the size and value of the items, the destination, and how the home is being prepared. Ask the carrier how long each leg is expected to take, and which points in the journey will be tracked.

4. Customs and import paperwork

Most international shipments require export and import documents, which typically include a commercial invoice, a packing list and a description of the goods. Customs authorities may ask for more, depending on the country and on the materials. Duties, import taxes and clearance charges vary widely by country and by product, so they should be confirmed for your location rather than assumed. The delivery terms agreed at the outset define who pays these charges: some terms leave the importer responsible for duties, while others include them in the price. Read the terms carefully and ask for the costs in writing.

5. Last-mile delivery and inside placement

The final stage is the most visible, and the most often underestimated. Inside delivery means the team carries the pieces from the vehicle into the home, through doors, lifts and stairs, and places them in the room. Ask whether this is included, and what the delivery team will need from you: parking, lift access, a clear route, and someone present to sign for the goods. Large pieces may need to be delivered in sections, or the route may need protection on floors, walls and door frames during the move.

• Confirm the route from the vehicle to the room, including lifts, stairs and doorway widths.
• Book the service lift or loading bay, where the building requires it, before the delivery date.
• Ask whether the team unpacks, removes packaging and takes it away.
• Agree whether assembly and placement are included, or coordinated with local partners.

6. Inspection on arrival

Inspect every item before the delivery team leaves. Check the packaging for damage, open the crates in front of the team where possible, and compare each item with the delivery note. Photograph any damage and make a written note on the delivery paperwork before signing. Damage that is not reported on arrival is far harder to claim, so take the time to check carefully. Keep the packaging until you are satisfied with the piece, since it may be needed for a return or a repair claim.

Installation and the building

Some pieces need fixing into walls, floors or services, which is building work and must be carried out by licensed professionals. Where installation is coordinated with local partners, agree the scope in writing: who fixes what, who provides power or tools, and who is responsible if the fixing needs to be changed. Built-in and fixed furniture is best installed once the room is finished and dry, so that the timber and stone are not exposed to moisture during construction.

Questions to ask before you order

1. What is the packing method for each item, and is moisture protection included?
2. Which freight mode is used, and what is the expected transit time for each leg?
3. Who prepares the customs documents, and which delivery terms apply?
4. Which duties, taxes and clearance costs are payable, and by whom?
5. Is inside delivery included, including unpacking and placement?
6. How is damage recorded and resolved, and what insurance covers the journey?
7. Who is my single point of contact during the delivery?

A checklist for the delivery week

• Confirmed the delivery date and the access arrangements with the building.
• Cleared the route and protected floors, walls and doorways.
• Arranged someone to receive and sign for the delivery.
• Inspected each item on arrival, and noted any damage before signing.
• Kept the packaging until the pieces are fully checked.

Long-distance delivery is manageable when the stages are clear and the responsibilities are written down. If you are furnishing a home abroad, start a project with the destination address, the building's access arrangements and the pieces involved, and we will set out the delivery plan with you before anything is packed.