It may be best to ship your comfy couch, but forgo sending your basic coffee table
Packing up everything you own and moving across the country can be … a lot. So, if you’re moving long-distance, you might want to consider shipping some of your furniture instead of lugging it down the interstate yourself.
Here’s how to determine if shipping your furniture is right for you, or if you should simply offload that couch and buy a new one when you get settled.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Furniture When Moving?
The cost to ship furniture cross-country depends on what you’re shipping, the method, and how far.
Shipping furniture via a freight line costs between $300 and $800 per piece. But this depends on the furniture you’re moving—shipping a buffet table ranges from $400 to $500, while shipping a couch runs from $350 to $1,000. Get quotes for your move from a few local moving companies to compare prices for your specific situation.
Shipping Furniture Pros and Cons
Shipping your furniture can ensure all your favorite pieces arrive at your new home, from your cozy recliner to your nightstand. But sometimes it can be more expensive to ship your furniture, especially if it doesn’t have any sentimental or practical value.
Pros
Maintains sentimental value: If there’s an armchair that was passed through generations or an end table you adore, shipping it allows you to keep the special piece in your life.
Can offer practical value: There may be certain pieces you’ve grown to love and use daily. Shipping it can have practical value, especially if the piece would be difficult or impossible to replace.
Can save you money on certain items: A high-end couch that costs $2,000 will be less expensive to ship than buy anew.
Allows you to have furniture when you arrive: When you get to your new place, it’s convenient to have your bed frame, couch, and dresser ready to go.
Cons
Can be more expensive for smaller or less-valuable items: For inexpensive furniture, like a $100 end table, it often costs more to ship than to replace.
Might not fit your new space and layout: After shipping your old furniture, you may realize it’s not the best match for your new space.
Items might not be insured or hold up well to a move: Some furniture might not be insured and older pieces could get damaged and lose some stability.
Buying New Furniture Pros and Cons
Buying new furniture when you arrive can allow you to select pieces that fit the space, and it can even save you money.
Pros
Can save you money: If you’re moving cross-country, buying new furniture is often more expensive than shipping, especially if your furniture isn't high-end. You can often find quality second-hand furniture in your new location if you're budget-conscious.
Might fit your new space better: Buying new furniture can help you find pieces that custom-fit your brand new space.
Nothing gets broken or damaged: There’s always a potential that your furniture and other special items can get damaged in a move.
Allows you to change your style: You might have had the same bookshelf or dining room table for years. Take advantage of the opportunity to find something new that fits your current style.
Cons
Takes time to choose and buy: Shopping and selecting your new furniture takes time and planning, and you might not have the new pieces right away when you move.
Extra costs like delivery and assembly: Keep an eye out for expenses like delivery and assembly, which could make buying new furniture more expensive than you budgeted.
Can be more expensive: Purchasing a brand new $3,000 couch is more expensive than shipping your old one.
Shipping Furniture vs. Buying New Furniture
Whether to move or buy new isn’t always a clear-cut decision. Check out these key factors to determine if you should ship or move your new furniture based on cost, ease, and more.
Appearance
Both new and old furniture can be stunning, depending on the style and your tastes. If you adore a piece of your furniture and think it will go well in your new space, it could make sense to ship it, depending on the cost.
On the other hand, buying new furniture gives you the chance for colors, style, and comfort you’ll appreciate in your new home.
Best appearance: Both
Time-Savings
Finding a shipping company for your furniture takes time and research. Check out at least three shipping companies or moving services to get quotes, talk details, and sign a contract.
On the flip side, buying new furniture takes time to select, buy, deliver, and assemble. In the end, you might be spending just as much time either way.
Least time-intensive: Neither—both shipping and shopping require time and effort
Durability
New furniture will have its original durability and stability. Old furniture could get damaged or deteriorated during the move. But sturdy, high-quality furniture can survive a move with a trustworthy shipper who will take care of your items.
Most durable: Buying new furniture
Price
Lower-quality furniture is often more expensive to ship than to replace, such as a $150 side table or a $400 couch. In this case, you're better off buying once you move. But higher-quality furniture can be worth it to ship, such as a $5,000 bedroom set.
Least expensive: Depends on your furniture
Sentimental Value
Your dining room table might bring back memories of your grandmother and your armchair might elicit a sense of relaxation. Shipping your furniture can make sense for sentimental items and offer you value for years to come.
Offers most sentimental value: Shipping furniture
Match for New Space
You might have an armoire that fits perfectly in your current home but won’t have a new location once you move. Buying new furniture can allow you to find pieces that fit your space, theme, and lighting.
Best fit for new space: New furniture
Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability
New furniture impacts the environment due to the trees, cotton, plastic, and other materials used, as well as gases emitted during production. Some furniture companies have greener solutions and products than others.
But shipping your furniture isn’t without its environmental impacts, either. Shipping materials, truck parts and maintenance, and carbon monoxide emissions affect the environment.
Most eco-friendly: Shipping furniture
