How to Ship Furniture to Europe

Verify the exact address in Europe where the furniture is being sent. Confirm the address and all its components, as addresses are listed differently in Europe and may vary country to country. Depending on the shipping company, phone numbers and contact information may also be required as part of the "shipping address."

Weigh or estimate the weight of the furniture being shipped as well as its size, as some shipping companies process shipments by weight, and others by the size of the shipment.

Ascertain the speed, or how quickly the furniture needs to arrive at its destination. If the furniture is delicate--determine what precautions must be taken to protect it accordingly. International shipping companies offer different types of safety packaging as well as different types of shipments with different delivery options.

Contact multiple international shipping companies to get quotes based upon the weight, the speed of the delivery, the delicacy of the furniture, where it is being shipped and the shipping method. Prices will vary depending upon these factors.

Determine insurance requirements for the furniture by estimating its value. Include these calculations in your quotes from the shipping companies as well as any taxes the recipient might have to pay. The amount of import tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) charged depends upon the furniture's departure location and its ultimate destination in Europe. The nature of the shipping, whether or not the shipment is a gift or a purchase, will also affect taxes. Current regulations, taxation and customs issues may also impact the cost and delivery of the shipment to Europe.

Require confirmation of shipment and shipment delivery. Most international shipping companies provide tracking information as well as signed or digitized confirmation.