Shipping items from one place to another can feel worrying at times. More so if you’re shipping a piece of massive furniture across the country. We’ll help you get rid of your shipping anxieties with this guide! We’ll discuss everything from the preparation to the shipment itself, so buckle up!
Plan your furniture shipping
Remember that the cost of furniture shipping varies according to some crucial factors! If you’re aiming for a more affordable one, then you should consider the following:
Furniture size
One of the main factors to consider is the size and dimension of the item. Compared to smaller items, large items will be more expensive to ship. So, it is much more important to measure objects such as furniture accurately. So, to avoid unnecessary extra payment, be sure with the sizes and dimensions!
Furniture weight
The weight of the item you wish to ship will also impact several things. First, since heavy furniture is harder to move, it will limit the method of transportation. Also, keep in mind that the more serious the items are, the more the cost increases!
Furniture value
You’re already aware of how costly shipping furniture can get, but it can go higher. For items that are more expensive or fragile, you’ll have to hire better experts! This way, you’re not risking the possibility of damaging that valuable item.
Shipping distance
The last key factor in determining your shipping cost will be the distance of your shipment. Since you’re planning to ship across the country, it will likely cost more than usual. So as the distance of travel increases so does your final shipping cost!
Prepare furniture for shipping
Detach removable parts of the furniture
No matter what, the first step to shipping any furniture is to disassemble it. To do this, detach all the parts and set them aside together with the main body of the furniture. Check and include the screw and bolts if the item has any. With this technique, the item can be compact and easier to pack inside a box.
Wrap the furniture in styrofoam
To avoid scuffs and scratches on the furniture, wrapping it is the way to go! When bundling the parts together, we recommend plastic wrap. The plastic only sticks to itself and not on surfaces this way, and it won’t leave a sticky residue! Once they’re bundled, put bubble wrap as an outer layer to protect them from damage!
Get the correct sized box
Depending on your preference, you can order a cardboard box or a wooden crate for your item. Check red stag fulfillment UPS box sizes to know if one fits your needs.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also make a box for it! When picking a container, the size and dimension of your furniture will be crucial. Once done packing the item, stuff the spaces inside so the parts stay in place.
Secure the box
Before closing the lid, check the inside of the box one more time. Ensure all the items will stay in place when it’s in transport already! Use packaging tape to secure the outside of the box, and remember to check all sides. Check for possible areas that could open by accident and secure it well!
Measure and weigh the package
As mentioned, the measure and weight of your furniture will affect the cost of shipping. This step will help you determine and prepare for how much the shipping will cost you. We recommend doing this step, but it is entirely optional. Either way, the courier will still measure and weigh your items for you.
Calculate your shipping costs
Most major couriers use a specific pricing method to calculate shipping rates, such as dimensional weight! You can calculate this by multiplying the box’s length, width, and height with the furniture. Online shipping calculators are also available!
Choose your courier
This step will be the last and most crucial part of shipping your furniture. Do your research if you have to, but remember that they will be the ones to handle your item. Choose a courier company you can trust with transporting the furniture. Once you choose a company, it’s time to choose from various shipping furniture.
Choose a furniture shipping service
To make shipping across the country possible, shipping experts like Red Stag are ready to serve you. However, depending on the courier company, their services may vary. Here are some of the most common services and how they differ!
Air freight shipping
This method of shipping service is also known as air cargo. With this, the shipment of the furniture is through an air carrier. It is the best way to ship express furniture across the country or even worldwide!
Less-than-truckload freight shipping
The LTL method combines different business shipments in one go, and this means various items from other companies would go together to fill up the truck. For this type of shipping service, you’ll only pay for the space you’re using! This type of shipping service would be the best option for small businesses.
Full truckload freight shipping
The FTL method is the complete opposite of the LTL. This type of shipment will be the best if you need a whole truck. You can maximize this method if you’re shipping a lot of furniture to a location. But you could also pick it even if you don’t plan on using the entire space available!
White-glove delivery service
White-glove moving is one of the most delicate services available out there! It gives extra care and attention to fragile items or furniture. You can consider this moving service as one of the most luxurious offers for moving things. Do keep in mind that with extra care come extra costs, though.
Shipping furniture across the country can be costly and may need a lot of work. We want to help lessen the stress of shipping your furniture across the country! With this guide, you now have the basic ins and outs of shipping items for your business. We hope your furniture arrived safe and secure at its destination!
