Moving costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Furniture shipping costs between $300 and $4,500 per item depending on the furniture type, weight, and distance you're moving.
International shipments add duty fees, customs paperwork, and insurance requirements beyond the base shipping rate for your furniture.
Account for packing materials at $150 to $750 and furniture assembly services at $120 to $180 when creating your moving budget.
Hiring a local moving company prevents damage to your furniture and property and ensures your belongings arrive safely and on time.
In 2026, the national average cost to ship furniture is $2,400 per item. Most homeowners spend between $800 and $3,000, with the cost driven by furniture type, total weight, and shipping distance. If you're also budgeting for packing materials ($150 to $750) and assembly services ($120 to $180), those costs can add up quickly, so it pays to plan ahead.
Shipping furniture long-distance or internationally shares some common requirements, but the two differ in meaningful ways that affect your total cost. Both types of moves require accurate measurements and exact addresses, while international shipments add layers of complexity, including duty fees and customs paperwork, that drive costs higher.
I had a challenging move with an oversized sofa and large art pieces. The movers arrived well-prepared with specialized equipment, including a heavy-duty dolly and protective covers for the artwork. They expertly handled every challenge, ensuring everything was transported smoothly without any damage to my property or belongings.
When shipping furniture, costs vary by type, with items like a dresser starting at $475 and a dining room set going up to $1,600.
Here are the average costs to compare for different types of furniture for a move from New York to California:
| Type of Furniture | Average Price Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dining room set | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Sofa | $575–$1,000 |
| Dresser | $475–$1,000 |
| Desk | $475–$1,000 |
| Mattress/box spring (Queen size) | $475–$850 |
| Headboard/footboard | $475–$850 |
| China cabinet | $575–$1,000 |
| Bookcase (medium) | $475–$1,000 |
| Buffet | $575–$1,000 |
| Rug (medium) | $475–$850 |
The weight and size of your furniture are among the most significant drivers of shipping costs, since heavier and larger pieces demand more labor, fuel, and cargo space. Proper packaging and insurance requirements add to the overall expense as well.
Distance is one of the clearest cost drivers in furniture shipping, with out-of-state moves ranging from $300 to $800 per piece and international shipments running $1,000 to $4,500 per item. Because international rates vary so widely, professional shippers recommend speaking directly with a representative to nail down the specifics of your move. International shipments also carry additional expenses beyond the base rate, including insurance, taxes, fees, and duty payments.
Below are how costs break down by distance tier:
| Distance | Average Cost per Piece in 2026 |
|---|---|
| In-State | $75–$250 |
| Out of State | $300–$800 |
| International | $1,000–$4,500 |
Furniture can be shipped via freight truck, bus, train, air freight, or sea freight, and the method you choose has a direct impact on both cost and delivery time. Buses and trains tend to be the most budget-friendly options for domestic moves, while international shipments require air or sea freight, with sea freight costing less but taking considerably longer. Before committing to a method, confirm the pick-up and drop-off arrangements, since some carriers deliver directly to your door while others require an in-person pick-up at a terminal.
White-glove furniture delivery provides a higher level of personalized care throughout the shipping process, making it a strong choice for valuable antiques or delicate pieces. Similar to white-glove moving services, this option includes extra packing protection and trained movers who handle unloading and placement at the destination.
Hiring a moving service near you typically costs $25 to $50 per person per hour for labor alone. For local or cross-country moves, professional movers can be a practical alternative to traditional furniture shipping, so comparing quotes for both services helps you identify the better value for your specific move.
Tipping your furniture delivery crew is not required, but if they went above and beyond to make your move go smoothly, a cash tip, refreshments, or a small gift is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
Insurance protects the investment you've made in your furniture during transit, so it's worth understanding your shipper's coverage limits and required deductibles before your move date. If the shipper's basic liability policy falls short of fully covering your belongings, a third-party insurance policy can fill that gap.
It's important to move heavy furniture safely to avoid personal injury or property damage. The safest option is to hire professional movers with the right tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy furniture efficiently.
Planning a furniture shipment or a larger move can mean budgeting for several add-on costs (ranging from $120 to $2,600) beyond the base shipping rate, and costs depend on the services you need.
Common add-ons include:
Packing materials: $150–$750
Move-out cleaning service costs: $120–$420
Furniture assembly costs: $120–$180
The cost to hire movers: $900–$2,600
Car shipping costs: $700–$1,200
Furniture shipping can be costly, but there are several strategies to help save money on these expenses:
Research and compare shipping rates from multiple different carriers to find the best deal
Use online marketplaces like uShip or FreightCenter to compare rates from different services
Look for discounts, special deals, or seasonal promotions offered by shipping companies
Compare insurance rates from third-party providers to the insurance rates offered by your furniture shipping service
If possible, consider shipping furniture during off-peak months (typically November through March)
If you’re moving within the continental U.S., you can decide to rent a moving truck and drive your furniture to the new destination rather than shipping it. The cost to rent a moving truck is $1,000, but prices can range anywhere from $20 to $3,500 depending on the size and the distance traveled.
While you can save on labor fees, it’s always best to hire a professional moving company near you. Pros have the equipment and expertise to transport your belongings and ensure they arrive damage-free.
Moving furniture can be costly and labor-intensive without the right equipment. Here’s why it’s best to hire a pro for the job:
Professional movers know how to prevent scratches, breakage, and shifting.
Experienced pros have the proper packing materials and transportation methods to protect fragile items.
DIY moves can damage your furniture and property.
Professionally shipped furniture is more likely to arrive on time and in good condition.
Be ready to discuss with a pro which items you want to ship and the level of service you require.
Provide your pro with the size and weight of your belongings so they can determine the materials and shipping method necessary.
Ask your pro about additional services, such as packing, disassembly, and reassembly.
Let your pro know the pickup and drop-off address of your move so they can provide an accurate timeline.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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