Tropical living can be a dream come true. But how much does it cost to move to Hawaii? Here is what you can expect to spend to move to Hawaii.
How Much Does Shipping Furniture Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $800 - $3,000
Moving costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
The cost to move furniture depends on the type and weight of your belongings, the distance you’re moving, and the shipment method you choose.
Local shipping costs between $300 and $800 per piece, while international rates range from $1,000 to $4,500 per item.
Professional moving companies charge $25 to $50 per person per hour.
If you want someone to pack your belongings before moving them, expect to pay an additional $150 to $750 for packing services.
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.
Furniture Shipping Cost Factors
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.
From one homeowner to another
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.
Review of Patriot Relocation Corp, in Burlington, NJ
Furniture Type
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 Measurements
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.
Distance
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 |
Shipment Method
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 Delivery
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.
Labor
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.
Tipping
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.
Insurance
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.
Photo: moodboard / Adobe Stock
Angi Tip
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.
Cost of Common Furniture Shipping Add-Ons
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
5 Ways You Can Save Money When Shipping Furniture
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)
Why You Should Hire a Moving Company to Ship Furniture
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.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a professional moving company to ship furniture
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.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
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.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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.
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