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.
Traditionally, most people use furniture shippers because they’re relocating, and this is still true. Still, online furniture store shopping continues to boom, and buyers and sellers ship furniture across the country and internationally more than ever before, paying anywhere between $300 and $4,500 per item, with the average cost to ship furniture being $2,400.
There are differences and similarities between a long-distance and an international move. Both need accurate measurements and exact addresses, but international shipping adds more levels of intricacy, like duty fees and customs paperwork.
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 will vary by the type. Here are the average costs to compare for a move from New York to California.
| Type of Furniture | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Weight and size significantly impact furniture shipping costs. Heavier and larger items require more labor, fuel, and space, leading to higher expenses. Proper packaging and insurance also add to the overall cost.
If you’re locally shipping furniture, costs range between $300 and $800 per piece. International shipping fees, on the other hand, are generally between $1,000 and $4,500 per item. These fees vary so much that professional shippers recommend talking with a rep to fine-tune the details for the move. International shipments also carry additional costs such as insurance, taxes, fees, and duty payments.
| Distance | Average Cost per Piece |
|---|---|
| In-State | $75–$250 |
| Out of State | $300–$800 |
| International | $1,000–$4,500 |
Shipping furniture is possible via freight truck, trains or buses, airfreight, and sea freight. Typically buses and trains are the most budget-friendly options for local moves and moves within the country. International moves require air freight or sea freight, with sea freight typically costing less but taking much longer. When deciding on a furniture-shipping method, be sure to consider the pick-up and drop-off options, as some deliver to your door and others require in-person pick-ups.
White-glove furniture delivery offers personalized care during the transportation of furniture items. This service is similar to white-glove moving services, and it’s particularly beneficial for valuable antiques or delicate pieces, as it includes extra packing protection and trained movers to unload and transport the furniture to its destination. White-glove delivery services ensure expert handling and specialized expertise in safely shipping furniture.
Hiring a moving service near you typically costs $25 to $50 per person per hour for labor alone. If you’re only moving furniture locally or cross-country, you might opt to hire professional movers rather than paying to ship it. It’s a good idea to compare quotes for both services to determine which option is better.
It’s not necessary to tip your furniture delivery service. However, if you felt they went above and beyond to ensure the move went smoothly, you can leave a cash tip, offer them refreshments, or give them a small gift as a token of appreciation.
Think of insurance as a warm blanket that protects the investment you made in your furniture. When shipping your items, you will want to understand the insurance coverage limits and the required deductibles. Sometimes, you may need third-party insurance to fully cover your belongings if the basic liability for the shipper's policy is inadequate.
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.
Here are a few additional costs to consider when planning to ship furniture or when planning a big move in general:
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.
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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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