Shipping Furniture from Vancouver to Puerto Quetzal via Ocean Freight

Moving furniture sets and decorative items necessitates multi-step packing. Shippers should take apart removable legs, shelves, and hardware, then protect each component separately. Use edge guards on table tops, cabinets, and glass decorative items, then place items in Double-walled cartons with Tight internal cushioning. Finally, Label all packages as “Handle with Care” and indicate the top orientation.

Large or heavy framed decorative items are usually safer with freight services than standard parcel, because freight permits palletization and stable handling. For small, well-padded home decor items under parcel size limits, shippers can use parcel carriers, but shippers should add double-boxing and insure for full value. Oversized wall decor panels are best crated and shipped on pallets to reduce conveyor and drop risks.

For moisture-sensitive household furniture and home accessories, shippers should use poly sheeting around each boxed or crated item, then add silica gel inside the packaging. In ocean containers, do not allow pallets directly against steel walls; instead, maintain a small air gap and use humidity absorbers hung from lashing points. Choose covered docks so decorative item boxes are not exposed to rain during loading.

International shipments of high-value household furniture and decorative items typically need a full commercial invoice, packing list, and tariff codes for each product type. Shippers should clearly describe items (for example, “wooden furniture,” “glass mirrors,” “metal wall decor”) and state materials to avoid customs delays. For designer or branded home decor, confirm if any brand documentation or COO documents are required by the destination country.

Standard carrier liability for furnishings and decorative items is usually based on weight, which often understates the actual value of designer pieces, artistic decorative items, or premium home furnishings. Most brokers recommend purchasing all-risk coverage for high-value or fragile shipments, and confirming that the policy protects against breakage and moisture damage. This helps guarantee you can be compensated for the full replacement cost if items are damaged in transit.

Furniture and home décor items should be properly packed to prevent damage during ocean transit. It is advisable to use sturdy packaging materials and consider the weight and fragility of items. Additionally, ensuring items are secured in containers can help minimize movement and potential breakage.

The required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary import/export permits. It is also important to provide a certificate of origin and comply with Guatemala's regulatory requirements for imported furniture and home décor items.

Our brokerage team provides import and export clearance to keep your shipments moving and compliant.

Our warehousing network includes cross-docking and transloading capabilities.

Our team manages coordinated delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for hotels, resorts, and new builds.