My experience of moving a few years ago was mixed. I found the removal guys who came around to collect my stuff going into storage, but also being shipped, polite and professional.
Unfortunately when my un-accompanied pack reached me there was a huge amount of damage done, mainly on account of my fragile items (pictures etc) being placed at the bottom of the pack and the heavy boxes placed on top of them, and a bureau desk that I stupidly sent out was totally destroyed.
My advise is this. Don't ship or store anything that is valuable and fragile. See if you have some friends who will be willing to look after this stuff for the duration of your tour. Finally take photos of your furniture prior to it leaving your possession so you have evidence of the original state it was in.
The website below gives you guidance on the standards you should expect.
BAR : British Association of Removers - domestic commercial overseas removals