Moving your furniture is a big challenge, something that you might never want to try DIY.
First, there’s the stress of dismantling the furniture and again assembling it at the new place. And in between, you lose some screws, damage a few parts, or worse, even injure yourself!
Overall, it’s a complete headache…
I understand the situation, and that’s exactly why I highly recommend that you bring in a professional furniture shipping company. They’ll save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress!
To help you out, I have prepared this simple guide that covers the entire process of furniture shipping. So, if you’re looking to move your furniture, here’s everything you need to know.
Let’s start!
Furniture Shipping Explained
Furniture shipping is the process of transporting furniture from one place to another, whether for personal relocation, business purposes, or retail delivery. It involves several key steps, including proper packing, selecting a reliable shipping method, and ensuring safe handling to prevent damage during transit. Depending on the size and type of furniture, different shipping options are available, such as freight shipping, courier services, or professional moving companies.
What Is the Best Way to Ship Furniture?
When it comes to shipping your furniture, you have four main options:
1. Less-than-truckload (LTL) Shipping
LTL is a solid choice if you want to ship only a few pieces of furniture. Your furniture will be moved in a truck containing other shipments to its destination. So, you can save costs on transporting your household goods and furniture.
2. Full-truckload (FTL) Shipping
In the case of FTL, you get an entire container exclusively for your furniture items. This is the ideal shipping method if your furniture is of high value or if you’re moving all your household goods to a new place. The cost can be higher here, but it ensures complete control, safety, privacy, and faster delivery!
3. Expedited Shipping
Expedited Shipping is for consignments, which is of high priority and requires faster delivery. So, if you’re running on a tight schedule and want your furniture delivered ASAP, you should consider expedited furniture shipping. It is on the expensive side, but it’s worth the time and peace of mind.
4. Do It Yourself (DIY)
The last option is DIY furniture shipping. To do this, you’ll need to hire a truck, dismantle your furniture, pack it by yourself, and assemble it again at the destination. But this is a risky move, as you’ll have to arrange all the equipment, and it could potentially damage you or your furniture!
Steps Involved in Furniture Shipping
Now that we’ve explored the different ways you can ship your furniture, here’s exactly what is involved in the process of furniture shipping:
- 1. Get a Quote: Enter your shipment details online to receive an estimated quotation.
- 2. Compare Different Carriers: Before selecting a carrier, check the pricing, services, and customer reviews that different carriers are quoting.
- 3. Choose a Carrier: Select a reputed carrier that fits your budget and timeline.
- 4. Prepare for Pick-Up: Dismantle and pack the furniture, and take pictures to compare the condition of your furniture when you receive the shipment.
- 5. Track Your Shipment: Use the carrier’s website or app to track your shipment using the consignment number.
- 6. Receive Delivery: Inspect everything upon arrival, compare it with your pre-shipping photos, and receive the shipment if everything is right.
What is the Cost of Shipping Furniture?
Next, let’s get down to brass tacks: what can you expect to pay for shipping your furniture?
In our experience, it depends largely on five factors:
1. Weight and Volume: The heavier and more voluminous your furniture, the higher the cost to transport it to your desired destination.
2. Distance: Distance also has a direct impact on the cost of furniture shipping. Simply put, the farther your furniture travels, the higher the shipping cost will be.
3. Shipping Method: Of all the methods that we’ve discussed, LTL is the cheapest method of furniture shipping, whereas expedited and FTL shipping will cost you the most.
4. Seasonal Demand: Summer moves and holiday seasons often result in lower availability of carriers, which means you might have to pay more to ship your furniture!
5. Accessory Services: If you need special services such as white-glove handling, door-to-door delivery, and extra insurance coverage, you might have to pay extra to ship your furniture!
5 Steps to Choose the Best Furniture Shipping Service
The best way to ensure safe and timely delivery of your furniture is to choose a highly reputable shipping company for the task. But, with so many carriers claiming to be the best at furniture shipping, how can you choose the best one?
Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Follow this simple process to find the best furniture shipping service for your move:
- 1. Prepare a list of companies offering dedicated furniture shipping services.
- 2. Look at their quotations, and you’ll get an average cost.
3. Make sure they provide insurance coverage on their consignments. - 4. Legit movers should be licensed, registered, and easy to verify by US DOT number.
- 5. Look for customer feedback before you book.
Final Words
Successfully shipping furniture requires careful planning, proper packaging, and selecting the right transportation method. By following best practices, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free delivery. Whether you’re relocating, selling furniture, or simply sending a piece to a loved one, prioritizing safety and efficiency will make the process seamless. With the right approach, your furniture will arrive at its destination intact and ready to serve its purpose.
So, the next time you’re looking to ship your furniture without any stress or hassle, just go through this shipping guide, and you’ll be on your way.
