Taking the Hassle Out of Shipping Furniture

Getting ready to move can be both exciting and overwhelming. You have a ton of belongings to pack up, even efficiency apartments can hold a ton of stuff. Sure, some of it is going in the trash. Other items may end up in a donation pile. 

Things are a little different when it comes to furniture. You can’t fit a couch in a suitcase. The same goes for your bedframe and kitchen table. If you want to take these larger items with you, a few simple tips for managing logistics for long-distance furniture moves can make the process a lot easier.

Tips for Shipping Furniture without Hassles

Take a walk around your home or apartment and look at your furniture. What’s the first thing you notice? Chances are it’s the size of the furniture. You’re probably also thinking about its weight and even looking at the odd angles. Not every type or piece of furniture has nice, neat corners or even smooth lines.

You can easily fit your clothes in boxes. The same goes for your dishes and toiletries. But, how in the world are you supposed to fit a piano in a cardboard box, and what about your heirloom dining room table? While you’re probably going to need to drop the cardboard box idea, you can still ship your furniture with little to no hassles.

Use the Right Box

Shipping furniture without the right box is just asking for problems. The last thing you want is for a vintage mirror to break through the bottom of a cardboard box. Yes, cardboard boxes can have plenty of advantages. You can often get cardboard boxes free from grocery and retail stores. Your neighborhood liquor store is another great place to pick up some free boxes.

Cardboard is also often considered an eco-friendly choice. The material is reusable and generally recyclable. So, what’s the downside? Cardboard typically isn’t strong enough to safely ship furniture. Even a small nightstand may be too heavy for a cardboard box.

You’re going to need to upgrade your packing materials to a wood crate. Wood is another eco-friendly option, and it also doesn’t have to be expensive. If you don’t want to pick up a wood crate from a shipping service, head to the hardware or lumber store. 

Grab some plywood, four sheets for each shipping crate. You’ll also need some nails or wood staples, along with a few 2x2s. Building a crate isn’t too complicated even if this is your first wood-working project.

Give Your Furniture Plenty of Cushioning

There’s going to be some extra room in the crate. While you want a little extra space, it makes it easier to get the furniture in and out of the crate, it also creates a small problem. During shipping, the furniture is going to shift. There’s no getting around this. Every time your furniture slides a little in the crate damage can occur.

Sometimes, even your shipping insurance may not cover all damages, especially if it’s your fault. This can include not protecting the furniture after getting it inside the crate.

To prevent damage like scratches, chips, and breakage, stuff some blankets, pillows, sheets, and towels in the extra spaces. You can even use clothing, though you probably want to stay away from any designed outfits. Stick with clothes you’re planning on tossing or donating. Make sure the material is packed down tightly. Don’t forget to put a layer on top.

Don’t Skimp on Labeling

You’re not mailing a letter, so forget everything you’ve learned about addressing an envelope. This is one of those times when it’s okay to go a little nuts with the labels. After all, you don’t want your couch to end up in Arizona when you live in California.

Grab some labels from a shipping service. Your post office or a local office supply store also carries labels. Get at least four. One for each side of the shipping crate. If the crate is humongous, you know about the size of a piano, go ahead and attach extra labels.

Double check you’re using a waterproof and smudge-proof marker and stick with darker colors. Pink ink may look great but it’s hard for the shipping service to read.

Choose a Shipping Service

Taking care of packing up your furniture is relatively easy compared to shipping. Just imagine trying to lift a crate with a couch inside. This is when it pays to partner with a shipping service provider. They can handle everything from packing to getting your furniture to your new address.