So you’ve been on holiday, had an unforgettable time, and ended up buying a few too many amazing things that you just had to bring back.
Whether it’s that stunning Turkish carpet, a vintage bike you found in a local shop, or even a huge painting you’ve fallen in love with, shipping large or delicate items back home is simpler than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to ship a range of big holiday purchases, using a freight forwarder to get them home safely and without the crazy cost.
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1. Find a Good Freight Forwarder
First things first: what’s a freight forwarder?
It’s basically a company that handles shipping and logistics for large or valuable items. They’ll take care of the nitty-gritty details like booking cargo space, managing customs, and getting your items home in one piece. It’s the benefit of having a professional to do all the heavy lifting (pun intended) so you can focus on the holiday memories. It’s almost certainly a good investment – they do this every day and understand the customs requirements from the country of origin to the country you want to get the rug/bike/painting back to. You (probably) do not.
They also complete all the forms. There are many, many forms.
2. Get a Quote and Understand the Costs
The next step is to get an idea of how much it’s going to cost. Shipping large items internationally can be pricey, but it’s often still cheaper than bringing them back yourself. Freight forwarders sometimes offer online calculators where you can input the dimensions, weight, and destination of your item to get a rough estimate – but you’ll be better emailing with the specifics and getting a quote that way.
When it comes to shipping big purchases, such as a Turkish carpet or a vintage bicycle, the price will vary depending on the size, weight, and destination. The further it has to travel, and the faster you want it there, the more it’ll likely cost, but it’s still usually much more affordable than you might think, especially when compared to booking extra luggage or flying a massive item yourself. Forwarders can take advantage of bulk ordering and multiple item discounts.
3. Package Your Items Properly
Proper packaging is key when it comes to shipping large or delicate items. If you don’t pack it right, your beautiful purchase might not look the same when it gets home. Bear in mind that for some items, the place where you buy it from might be able to package it for you – and some might actually offer shipping as well.
If this isn’t the case, here’s some examples of how to package a few different items:
For a Turkish Carpet:
• Roll it up tightly, don’t fold it, as this can damage the fibers.
• Wrap it in protective plastic to keep it dry.
• For extra protection, pad the edges with foam or bubble wrap to prevent any scuffs.
• Put it in a sturdy box or crate – this helps avoid damage during handling.
For a Vintage Bicycle:
• Disassemble it if possible (remove the wheels, pedals, and handlebars) to make it more compact and easier to ship.
• Wrap each part separately in protective material like bubble wrap or foam to avoid scratches.
• Pack the components carefully in a sturdy box or crate, making sure there’s enough padding to prevent shifting.
For a Large Painting:
• Wrap the painting in protective plastic to shield it from dust or moisture.
• Place it between two sheets of cardboard, and then wrap it in bubble wrap.
• Put it in a custom-sized box with extra padding around the edges to prevent any bending or pressure on the frame.
For a Set of Pottery or a case of wine etc:
• Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to the delicate areas.
• Fill the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to avoid shifting.
• Seal the box securely, and label it as “fragile” to ensure careful handling.
Some freight forwarders also offer professional packing services or will be to take care of this aspect for you, so if you’re worried about getting it right, you can opt to have them handle the packing for you.
4. Schedule Pickup or Drop-off
Once everything’s packed up, you’ve got the option to either schedule a pickup or drop it off yourself. Many freight forwarders offer door-to-door services, so they can come to your hotel or accommodation to pick up the item. If you’re on your way home and don’t have time to hunt down a shipping office, this can be a huge convenience.
If you’re near an office or warehouse, you might find it easier to drop it off yourself – this can sometimes be a bit cheaper too. As mentioned earlier, it may be that you can get the item shipped directly from the place you’ve bought it from and the forwarder can collect from there.
5. Customs: What You Need to Know
All international shipments need to go through customs, and that includes your Turkish carpet or vintage bike. The good news is, most freight forwarders will help you with all the paperwork, so don’t stress too much about it.
If your item is valuable, like an antique or high-end artwork, you might have to pay import duties or taxes when it arrives in your home country. Your forwarder should give you a heads-up on any fees you might need to cover before the item reaches you. For some products – for example wine – you can store them in a tax-free location (normally at a cost) and not pay some of the tax until you actually take delivery at home.
Conclusion: Shipping Large Purchases Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare
Shipping large or valuable items like Turkish carpets, bikes, wine, or artwork back home doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right freight forwarder, you can get your prized possessions back to your doorstep without breaking the bank or stressing out.
By doing a bit of research, getting a quote, packing carefully, and letting the experts handle the logistics, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday treasures back home in no time. Safe travels, and happy shopping!
