Especially if you can't put it in the dishwasher. I never wanted fine china. But today, my fine china is made of paper. If I have a guest, I break out the fine Corelle.

We had lots of antiques and collectibles plus china before we moved here. The kids didn't want any of it and couldn't sell much of it neither so it went to thrift stores. In chatting with others of retirement age---they said much the same thing. The younger generations don't want our "stuff".
Unless your son specifically said he wants it you both will find a way for him to have it. You've gotten some ideas here so let us know what you decided.

Thanks for all of your wonderful suggestions. My son and his family live in Utah so it is quite a distance. The cost to move through a carrier was more than the worth of the desk which is sentimental to him as it was his grandfather’s. Many are right- only 1 of my 4 children want any of the China/crystal/furniture heirlooms that I took from previous generations. I’ve given much to thrift stores in the area. Thanks again for your suggestions.

U-Ship
Owner operators, with smaller trucks move it.
LTL-Freight | uShip.com

Before moving I sold everything I had and came to The Villages with just my car and my clothes. Best decision I ever made. But now, I already have too much stuff.

I know this is off subject, but do you really think your son wants these items? I have found that my younger family members really don't want or have use for my treasured possessions. My great grandmother's Haviland china is in a box in my sister's garage. Unless there is a huge sentimental attachment by your son, the cost of moving these items will far outweigh their monetary value. Sad, I know but I plan to enjoy my treasures and try not to think of what happens after I no longer can use or enjoy them.

Just a suggestion. But I would get a price on moving it however, you’re going to move it and see what it would cost just to replace it unless these are valuable, antiques or sentimental value you might be able to replace them and get brand new items where your son lives for not much more. Unfortunately, we live in a disposable society these days and it’s not that much more to buy new then they get rid of it just a thought, but I don’t know nothing about your personal items, but a desk and a box of Janet should not cost more and less is super valuable desk and dishes.

UShip, sorta like ebay they bid on your load
 

UShip, sorta like ebay they bid on your load, you can get it shipped cheap.

15 years ago I shipped one pallet (48"L x 40"W x 48"H)of sewing machine and other assorted items from Milwaukee to Miami via Yellow Freight. The cost (then) was just under $1000, so I am sure it would be close to double that today. Is the desk worth the cost? Dishes can be put in a car, or shipped via UPS (expensive), but the desk entails more problems. Desks can be purchased relatively cheap locally or online ($200-$300).

I still think you could do fine by disassembling the desk and getting it to your son that way, either shipping it or driving it up in the car. We moved down here with an antique "piano-top" desk and a 3-shelf bookshelf my great-grandfather made in the 1800's with solid maple and no screws or nails. We disassembled both of these things, and both pieces of furniture fit flat in the hatchback area of my compact car. I was able to put my cat carrier (with the cat), the litter box, a disposable litter box (for the trip), my pillows, three suitcases, a box of books, my computer and all the peripherals, my makeup case and toiletries, and various other doodads and thingamabobs, and was still able to see out the top of the rear window.

Disassemble the desk and ups it.

Bubble wrap the china in many layers of bubble wrap and bubble wrap the cartons you place it into. Use enough should make the china idiot proof to ship.

That's exactly right
CD

Second vote for uship.com. if some truck is going there empty, you will get a real good price. No professional services ( Packing Insurance etc.. ) but you will get a very good price if you are lucky.

I used UShip as well for different items going to different locations. Not as convenient as you have to be ready when they are passing through your area, but they pick up and deliver. You have it packed well....especially the china. We sent items to Denver and Chicago. Very reasonable.

Are you sure they want the china set? Many old sets can't go in the dishwasher, I see lots of them at the Goodwill. If you are sure they want it, uship.com is your best bet. Go to the website, state what you want to move and where you want to to go from and to. Then you will get bids. Before you accept a bid, check out the bidder's references.