Whether you're moving to a new house or selling used furniture to make room for new items, you're likely wondering how much shipping will cost. A few elements can influence your overall expenses, and understanding average pricing can help you plan.
Learn more about furniture shipping costs and tips to save below.
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping Furniture
Every move and shipment differs, and there is no standard price for hauling furniture from point A to point B. Various factors will impact your overall shipping costs.
Size and Weight
The furniture type will directly influence shipping expenses. Generally, the bigger or heavier your shipment is, the more it will cost you. For example, shipping a compact loveseat is likely going to be less costly than a sectional sofa with a chaise.
Especially large furniture items, such as a piano or entertainment center, may require special handling and cost more to ship.
The number of items you need to move will also impact expenses. If you are relocating all of your belongings, you may need multiple truckloads to accommodate your furniture pieces, further affecting your fees.
Distance
Another important factor to consider is how far your furniture needs to travel. Longer distances, like crossing state lines, will typically cost more money, and local moves tend to be more affordable.
If you're shipping internationally, this will significantly increase your expenses. If you plan on moving locally and only have a few pieces of furniture, performing the move yourself or hiring labor might be a better option. Local teams will often require a two- to three-hour minimum, so moving low-value pieces might not be worth the price.
Shipping Method
The shipping method you choose will have a huge impact on your expenses. For instance, sea and airfreight are especially costly and will be considerably more expensive than choosing a freight truck service.
The best shipping method will depend on where you are sending your items, how fast you need them to arrive, and your overall budget.
Delivery Speed
Delivery speeds can change your shipping costs. For example, you may need your items to arrive by a certain date, and those time constraints may increase costs.
Many shipping companies offer rush deliveries, where they can prioritize your shipment and aim to deliver it sooner — this will also drive up your total expenses. If your time frame is flexible for shipping your furniture, you will likely enjoy lower costs.
Insurance
Consider whether or not you'll need to invest in moving insurance. In some cases, damage caused during transit will be your financial responsibility if you do not have adequate coverage, and replacing your items can quickly rack up.
Some shipping companies can assist you in getting moving insurance coverage for your belongings. When booking your movers, inquire about the options available and consider reaching out to your home insurance agents to learn more about additional coverage.
Fragility
Especially fragile items, such as artwork, antiques, heirlooms, and custom clocks, may require special handling to ensure they are safe during travel. You may need to pay additional costs to ensure these items are carefully packed and safely make it to their destination without damage.
Ask your shipping company if they have fragile item shipping experts who can help you determine the best plan of action for these special pieces.
Consider whether something is worth the time, money, and effort of shipping. If it isn't sentimental or doesn’t have monetary value, the shipping might cost you more than the item itself.
Assembly and Disassembly Services
Some furniture will require disassembly before being packed away for shipping to save space and ensure it is secure in transit.
You may need to pay additional fees for disassembly and reassembly services in addition to shipping costs, depending on the moving company you choose.
4 Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs
Shipping furniture can be a significant financial commitment. However, there are a few tips you can follow to help reduce these costs.
1. Research Different Carriers
Always do your due diligence and thoroughly research shipping companies before committing to working with them.
Determine what services they offer and if they can accommodate your furniture shipping needs. Explore their testimonials and reviews to see whether or not past customers were satisfied with their work or if there are potential red flags that should deter you from working with them.
Ask trusted friends and family members if they have ever used a shipping company that they would recommend. Don't be afraid to reach out to different businesses and inquire about their services. Choosing a reputable, reliable provider can save you costs in the long run!
2. Consider the Time of the Year
Another way to reduce furniture shipping expenses is to ship items during the times of year when moving companies tend to be less busy, like fall and winter.
Summer is generally the busiest season for movers, as many people opt to move to new houses during these months when the weather is pleasant and school is out.
You may be able to enjoy cost-effective shipping by choosing the off months when movers tend to have more time available.
3. Get Multiple Quotes and Estimates
The best way to ensure you are getting a great rate is to get quotes from multiple businesses — this allows you to compare prices and services to determine which option is best for your budget.
However, you'll want to weigh each furniture shipping cost estimate with every company's reputation and track record. The cheapest option may not be the most reliable, and choosing movers committed to safe and secure shipping can be financially advantageous.
Multiple quotes help you gain a better perspective of what a reasonable price is, as does asking questions to understand the shipping and pricing process. Many people are surprised at how much it costs to ship furniture, and quotes are a great way to help you familiarize yourself with average expenses.
4. Ship More Items
Some companies have a minimum weight they’ll move. Unless you meet this requirement — usually around 3,500 pounds — they may refuse to ship the furniture or charge you for the minimum weight, even if your belongings don't weigh that much.
This weight restriction means you often pay the same whether you ship one item or multiple pieces. To make the most of the shipping fees, consider shipping more items at once, as this will help you reduce how much you pay per item.
Contact TSI Shipping for Your Furniture Shipping Needs
If you need affordable shipping and moving solutions, turn to TSI. For over 35 years, we've helped hundreds of thousands of people conveniently transport their belongings. Our moving experts are knowledgeable, helping ensure you always have a pleasant shipping experience.
We don’t require a minimum weight for our services. Our prices start at around $1,000. If you plan on just shipping a sofa, you might be able to add a few extra pieces without the price changing much, which means you get a much more affordable cost per piece.
Our consolidated shipping means we send your shipment with other loads, helping everyone save money in the process. While this may take slightly longer, it is often more cost-effective.
Whether you want to ship a few smaller items or you're moving to a new house, our long-distance furniture shipping services are here for you. We can help with antiques, large items, fragile pieces, and even sculptures.
Request a quote from TSI Shipping to get started today!
