How Much Does Shipping Furniture Cost? [2025 Data]
Shipping furniture costs $2,400 on average, but it often costs between $800 and $3,000, depending on size, amount, destination, and other factors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DIY Shipping Furniture vs. Hiring a Pro
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. Considering shipping furniture costs an average of $300 to $800 per piece, this could lead to major cost savings if you’re willing to invest the extra time and energy, especially if you have multiple pieces to move.
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a tough call deciding if you should pay for furniture shipping or buy new if you’re moving cross country or overseas. First, research a couple of reputable shipping companies to find the average shipping costs you’ll pay. Then, you’ll have to think about if the estimates equal the furniture’s value in your eyes. If it's a sentimental piece or a rare find you’ve stumbled upon online, it’s hard to decide. But, the decision is easier if your well-loved sofa isn’t worth the shipping and handling costs.
To find a reputable furniture shipper, it's a good idea to reach out to your social circle to see if anyone has a recommendation, but if you need more information, search for “long-distance” or “international” furniture movers. From there, you’ll want to read online reviews, understand the types of services they provide, and determine if they can meet your budget.
You should consider the prep work involved with shipping your furniture. After talking with your shipper about the specifics, you’ll want to start cleaning it for packaging. Vacuuming and steam cleaning are possibilities. Just make sure it’s completely dry before moving day. You should also take plenty of pictures from different angles to document the furniture’s condition before departure if you need to start a claim after delivery. And finally, if there’s the option to disassemble the furniture, go ahead because it prevents damage during transit.
