When moving to another state, getting your furniture to your new home can be both complicated and expensive. Whether you’re moving a single heirloom chair or every piece in your home, knowing all the options on how to ship furniture to another state will make your process a lot easier. This comprehensive guide identifies the most cost-effective shipping methods, the most reliable companies, and the steps you can take to ensure your furniture arrives safely at its destination without breaking your budget. 

Need help moving your belongings across state lines? Hire a moving company! Give us a call at (847) 674-7779 or request a free online quote!

From Moving Truck to Container, Know Your Options

There are so many details involved with moving across state lines, and some are more complicated than others. When it comes to moving your furniture to another state, one of the biggest questions is whether to rent a moving truck and drive it yourself or find an alternative way to transport your belongings. Once you add up the cost of renting a large truck, paying for gas, and spending days on the road, you may want to learn how to ship furniture to another state, especially if you’re only moving a few select pieces. 

There are plenty of furniture shipping options to fit different needs and budgets. From freight companies or full-service movers like Joey’s Movers that can handle large items to parcel carriers for smaller items, the more you know, the more informed your decision will be and the better you’ll be able to protect both your furniture and your wallet.

What is the Cheapest Way to Send Furniture to Another State?

Download our checklist guide to shipping furniture to another state.

 

Finding economical solutions for shipping furniture involves comparing several options and understanding how various factors affect pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the most cost-effective methods:

Less Than Truckload (LTL) Freight Shipping

For larger furniture pieces, LTL freight shipping typically offers the best value. This method involves consolidating your furniture with other people’s or companies’ shipments that are heading in the same direction. With this method, you only pay for the space your items take up.

Average cost: $300-700 for a medium-sized sofa traveling 1,000 miles 

Best for: Heavy, bulky items like sofas, dining tables, and armoires 

  • Pros: More affordable than dedicated trucking; professional handling 
  • Cons: Longer delivery times; less flexibility with pickup and delivery dates

Parcel Services (UPS, FedEx)

For smaller or disassembled furniture pieces weighing under 150 pounds, traditional shipping carriers offer surprisingly affordable options.

Average cost: $100-300 for a disassembled coffee table or small bookcase 

Best for: End tables, ottomans, chairs, and other lightweight items 

  • Pros: Reliable tracking; predictable delivery windows; widely available 
  • Cons: Size and weight limitations; higher risk of damage without proper packaging

Moving Container Services (PODS, U-Pack)

If you’re shipping multiple furniture items, container services provide a middle ground between full-service movers and DIY solutions.

Average cost: $1,000-2,000 for a small container traveling 1,000 miles 

Best for: Multiple furniture pieces or partial home moves 

  • Pros: You control the packing and loading; flexible timeline; secure storage 
  • Cons: You handle all the heavy lifting; requires space for container placement

Peer-to-Peer Shipping Marketplaces (uShip)

These online platforms connect you with independent transporters who can deliver your furniture while they’re already making similar trips.

Average cost: Varies widely based on bids, but often 20-30% cheaper than traditional options 

Best for: Unique situations or when flexibility on timing is possible 

  • Pros: Competitive pricing through bidding; options for specialized handling 
  • Cons: Variable service quality; requires research on transporter ratings

Cost Factors to Consider

When adding up the total cost of shipping furniture to another state, several key factors impact the final price:

  • Distance: Cross-country shipping costs a lot more than shipping to a neighboring state 
  • Weight and dimensions: Heavier and larger pieces cost more
  • Accessibility: Additional charges apply for difficult pickup or delivery locations
  • Timing: Rush delivery significantly increases costs
  • Special handling: Antiques or fragile items may require white-glove service
  • Seasonal factors: Summer months and end-of-month dates are high-demand times and typically cost more.

Which is the Best Company to Ship Furniture?

Joey’s Movers is one of the best long-distance furniture shipping companies.

 

Finding a balance between affordability and quality of service is the key to choosing a company for shipping furniture. Here’s an overview of the top-rated services:

For Smaller Furniture: UPS & FedEx

These well-known carriers are great at handling furniture pieces that meet their size and weight restrictions. 

Best for: Chairs, small tables, storage units, and disassembled furniture

  • Strengths: Reliable scheduling; extensive tracking; wide service area 
  • Limitations: Size restrictions (generally under 150 lbs. and less than 108″ in length) 

For Customized Transport: uShip

This marketplace platform allows you to describe your furniture and let transporters bid on your shipment. 

Best for: Unique or oversized pieces; budget-conscious shippers; flexible timelines

  • Strengths: Competitive pricing; specialized carriers; flexibility 
  • Limitations: Quality varies between carriers; requires a bit of work to research transporters’ reviews 

For Multiple Items: PODS & U-Pack

Container services provide a convenient middle ground for those shipping several furniture pieces. 

Best for: Apartment or partial-home moves; situations needing temporary storage

  • Strengths: DIY packing at your pace; secure storage options; no driving required 
  • Limitations: You handle all the loading and unloading; the container needs placement space 

For Full-Service Experience: Traditional Movers

The difference with using a moving company to ship furniture across the country.

 

Professional moving companies offer comprehensive services from packing to delivery. 

Best for: Valuable, antique, or delicate furniture; those unable to handle heavy lifting

  • Strengths: Complete handling from start to finish; professional packing; liability coverage 
  • Limitations: Higher cost; scheduling constraints 

When evaluating furniture shipping companies, start with identifying your needs, then consider these key factors:

  1. Transparent pricing: Look for detailed quotes that break down all the potential fees you can be charged.
  2. Insurance options: Verify coverage limits and claim procedures
  3. Timeline guarantees: Understand the delivery window commitments — or lack of commitments
  4. Customer reviews: Check ratings specifically for long-distance furniture shipping
  5. Tracking capabilities: Confirm whether and how you’ll be able to monitor your shipment’s progress

How to Ship One Piece of Furniture

Sometimes you just need to ship a single item. Whether it’s a cherished antique or a newly purchased piece, here’s how to do it efficiently:

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

  1. For small to medium items (under 150 lbs.): Parcel services like UPS or FedEx generally provide the easiest, most straightforward and accessible solution
  2. For larger pieces: LTL freight carriers or specialized furniture shippers generally offer better handling
  3. For valuable antiques: White-glove services from professional movers like Joey’s Movers offer specialized packing and handling

Getting Accurate Quotes

To receive detailed pricing for shipping a single piece:

  1. Measure what you’re shipping accurately (length, width, height)
  2. Weigh the item or estimate its weight based on material and compare it to items available online.
  3. Photograph the piece from multiple angles
  4. Alert the carrier of any special handling requirements(fragility, disassembly options)
  5. Request quotes from at least three different services, preferably more.

Packing Single Items Properly

How to pack furniture for shipping.

 

Even when you’re just shipping one piece, proper packaging is essential:

  1. Disassemble whenever possible to minimize the size
  2. When wrapping, cover all surfaces with furniture blankets or bubble wrap
  3. Protect all corners and edges with cardboard or foam guards
  4. Secure wrapping with stretch film (avoid applying tape directly to furniture surfaces)
  5. Place in an appropriate-sized crate or box with plenty of cushioning 

How to Prepare & Pack Furniture for Shipping

Proper preparation and packing both significantly reduce shipping costs and will minimize your risks when you ship furniture to another state.

Breaking down furniture into components offers several advantages:

  • It reduces the item’s dimensions (the primary pricing factor for many carriers)
  • Better protects the individual components
  • Makes handling during loading and unloading easier
  • Lowers the risk of damage during transit

Choosing the right packing materials is important too. Different types of furniture do best with specific packing materials and techniques:

  • Wood furniture: Furniture blankets, corner protectors, stretch wrap
  • Upholstered items: Plastic covering first, then blankets and external protection
  • Glass elements: Bubble wrap, cardboard dividers, “Fragile” labeling
  • Metal pieces: Padding to prevent scratching, and rust protection in humid conditions

There’s a lot to be learned from moving professionals. Here are some of the industry’s best practices:

  1. Clean all furniture and make sure it’s completely dry before packing.
  2. Pack all removable, detachable parts separately (drawers, shelves, knobs)
  3. Protect all finished surfaces with blankets or bubble wrap
  4. Secure your wrapping materials with stretch film rather than tape
  5. Double-box small, fragile items and parts
  6. Arrange for custom crating for valuable or antique pieces
  7. Label all items clearly and include assembly instructions where applicable

It’s a good idea to keep detailed records throughout the shipping furniture process:

  1. Photograph each item before packing, during packing, and when fully packed
  2. Create a list of everything being shipped, including descriptions and condition notes
  3. Label each package with contents, fragility warnings, and handling instructions
  4. Keep copies of all shipping documents and confirmation numbers

Comparing DIY Shipping vs. Professional Movers

Your decision on whether to self-ship or hire professionals should be based on several things:

When DIY Shipping Makes Sense

Self-shipping is generally more economical when:

  • You’re only shipping a few pieces
  • The items you’re shipping can be easily disassembled and reassembled
  • You have the time to research and compare shipping costs and reviews
  • Your furniture has limited monetary and sentimental value
  • You’re comfortable with packing things yourself

When Professional Movers Make Sense

Professional movers are worth the investment when:

  • You’re shipping multiple large or heavy furniture pieces
  • You’re dealing with valuable antiques or custom furniture
  • Your items require complicated disassembly and reassembly
  • You don’t have the time or the physical ability to pack properly
  • Insurance and liability protection are major concerns

Final Advice

To successfully ship furniture to another state, you need to balance cost considerations with keeping your items safe. When you understand your options based on what you’re shipping you can make informed decisions.

Remember these key strategies: Compare multiple quotes, disassemble whenever possible to reduce shipping dimensions, invest in quality packing materials, document everything thoroughly, and consider the value of your time and peace of mind when deciding between DIY and professional services.

For expert assistance with shipping furniture across state lines, contact Joey’s Movers. We provide personalized guidance and competitive rates, and we care about our customers’ belongings. Our experienced team specializes in long-distance furniture transport and can help you navigate all aspects of the process. Call us today at (847) 674-7779, or get a free online quote through our website.