Moving is stressful enough without worrying about how your beloved couch is going to make it across the country or even just across town. When I started planning my last move, I quickly realized that getting furniture from point A to point B isn’t as simple as tossing it in the back of a pickup truck (well, sometimes it is, but usually not). So let’s talk about what you really need to know about shipping furniture when you’re making a big move.
First Things First: Keep or Ship?
Before you start researching shipping options, take a hard look at each piece of furniture and ask yourself: Is it worth shipping? Moving furniture isn’t cheap, and sometimes the cost of shipping can exceed the value of the furniture itself.
Consider the piece’s monetary value, emotional attachment, and how well it will fit in your new space. That sectional sofa might have been perfect for your current living room, but will it overwhelm your new apartment? Your dining table might have served you well, but would this be a good opportunity to upgrade?
For items that don’t make the cut, you have options: sell them online through marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, donate them to organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, or offer them to friends who might be in need of furniture.
Understanding Your Shipping Options
Once you’ve decided what furniture is making the journey with you, it’s time to explore your shipping options. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, distance, and how much work you want to do yourself.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Full-Service Moving companies handle everything – packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and sometimes even unpacking. They’ll wrap your furniture in moving blankets, disassemble pieces if necessary, and reassemble them at your new home.
This is the most convenient option but also typically the most expensive. Expect to pay premium prices for premium service. If you’re moving long-distance, costs can range widely based on the volume of your belongings and the distance traveled.
Freight Shipping
Less expensive than full-service movers, freight shipping involves your furniture being transported on a truck with other people’s items. You’ll typically need to get your furniture to a terminal or pay extra for pickup, and you’ll need to be present to receive the delivery.
This option works well for shipping a few pieces of furniture rather than an entire household. Companies like uShip, TSI Shipping, and various LTL (less than truckload) carriers offer these services.
Moving Container Services
Companies like PODS, U-Pack, and U-Haul U-Box deliver a container to your home, give you time to load it up, then transport it to your new location where you unload it. This option falls somewhere between DIY and full-service in terms of both cost and convenience.
The main advantage is flexibility – you can pack at your own pace without the pressure of movers waiting around. The downside is you’re responsible for properly securing your furniture inside the container to prevent damage during transit.
Truck Rental
The classic DIY move involves renting a truck from companies like U-Haul, Penske, or Budget, loading your furniture yourself, driving it to your new home, and unloading it. This is usually the cheapest option for local moves but becomes less appealing for long distances when you factor in gas, lodging, meals on the road, and the sheer exhaustion of driving a moving truck for hours.
Hybrid Services
Some services combine elements of the above options. For example, you might hire loaders to help you pack a rental truck or container. Or you might use a service like U-Haul’s MovingHelp to find people who can assist with just the heavy lifting while you handle the driving.
Preparing Your Furniture for Shipping
No matter which shipping method you choose, properly preparing your furniture is crucial to ensure it arrives in good condition.
Disassemble What You Can
Take apart bed frames, table legs, sectional sofas, and anything else that can be safely disassembled. This makes the pieces easier to wrap, protects them from damage, and often reduces the space they take up in the truck or container. Just be sure to keep track of all hardware – plastic bags taped to the corresponding furniture piece work well.
Clean Everything Thoroughly
Give your furniture a good cleaning before the move. Dust, dirt, and food particles can cause scratches during transit, and no one wants to unpack dirty furniture in their clean new home. Plus, this gives you a chance to check for any existing damage or weak spots that might need special attention.
Wrap and Protect
Proper wrapping is crucial for preventing damage. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Moving blankets or furniture pads for large surfaces
- Bubble wrap for delicate areas and smaller items
- Plastic stretch wrap to keep blankets in place and protect from dirt and moisture
- Corrugated cardboard for corners and edges
- Packing tape (and lots of it)
Pay special attention to corners, legs, and protruding parts that are most vulnerable to damage. For upholstered items, plastic wrap provides protection from dirt and moisture but shouldn’t be left on too long as it can trap humidity and lead to mildew.
Label Everything Clearly
Mark each piece with its destination room in your new place. If you’ve disassembled items, label each component and keep all parts together. This makes reassembly much easier when you’re already exhausted from moving.
The Hidden Costs of Furniture Shipping
When budgeting for furniture shipping, look beyond the base quotes to avoid surprises:
Access Fees
Many moving companies charge extra if they need to carry furniture up or down stairs, if your home is far from where they can park their truck, or if items won’t fit through doorways and require hoisting through windows or over balconies.
Insurance
Your regular homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might not cover furniture during a move. Consider purchasing additional moving insurance, especially for valuable pieces. Most moving companies offer basic coverage (usually based on weight, not value) and options to purchase more comprehensive protection.
Storage
If your new place isn’t ready when you need to leave your old one, you might need temporary storage. This adds to the cost and means your furniture will be handled more times, increasing the risk of damage.
Delivery Window and Timing
The more flexible you can be with pickup and delivery dates, the better rate you might get. However, if you need guaranteed delivery on a specific date, expect to pay more for that certainty.
Navigating Special Challenges
Some furniture presents special shipping challenges:
Antiques and Heirlooms
For irreplaceable pieces, consider hiring specialists in antique moving. These companies have experience handling delicate, valuable furniture and often use custom crating methods. Yes, it’s expensive, but peace of mind matters when shipping grandma’s priceless secretary desk.
Pianos and Pool Tables
These items aren’t just heavy; they contain delicate components that can be permanently damaged if not moved properly. Specialty movers have the equipment and expertise to disassemble, move, and reassemble these items correctly.
Very Large or Unusual Items
Oversized sectionals, large armoires, or unusually shaped furniture may not fit through doorways or up staircases. Professional movers can often disassemble these pieces in ways you might not know were possible or use techniques like hoisting to get them where they need to go.
When Your Furniture Arrives
Before signing off on delivery:
- Inspect each piece carefully for damage
- Note any issues on the delivery paperwork
- Take photos of any damage immediately
- Know the claims process for the shipping company you used
If you notice damage after the movers leave, report it as soon as possible – most companies have strict deadlines for filing claims.
The Bottom Line
Shipping furniture during a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you approach it with a plan. Start by deciding what’s worth taking, then research your options based on your budget and needs. Prepare your furniture properly, understand all potential costs, and inspect everything carefully upon delivery.
Remember that sometimes the cheapest option isn’t actually the best value when you consider your time, stress, and the risk of damage to your furniture. Moving is stressful enough – it might be worth spending a bit more for peace of mind knowing your cherished furniture pieces are in good hands.
And last but not least, keep a toolkit handy at your new place. You’ll want those essentials ready for reassembling furniture without having to dig through boxes looking for a screwdriver when all you want to do is collapse onto your newly delivered couch.