Shipping furniture is a necessity for many people at some point in their lives, but the high cost of doing so constantly comes up as a concern. All too often, though, people accept these high costs without looking for ways to reduce them. While there are certainly some common costs with shipping furniture that cannot be avoided, there are also areas where these costs can be reduced.
Factors such as weight, size, distance, and service type all affect pricing, so by sharpening up your moving process, you can find areas to reduce expense. Furniture shipping will always be expensive, but strategic planning can lead to significant savings. Make use of the below steps to see where you can start to save.
1. Compare Different Shipping Methods
The first step in locating areas to cut out some unnecessary expenses when shipping furniture is to actually compare different shipping methods.
- Freight Shipping: This option is best for large and heavy furniture that may be oversized and take multiple people to move.
- Less-than-truckload (LTL): This type of shipping works as a cost-effective option for smaller loads when a full truck isn’t necessary.
- Full-truckload (FTL): This shipping is for those moving multiple pieces at once and is typically seen when moving an entire house.
- Parcel Shipping: This is a viable option for small, lightweight furniture pieces, but there are cost considerations for oversized packages.
- White-Glove Shipping: This method offers premium services (packing, loading, and delivery), but at a higher cost, though it may be worth the extra expense if you have unique items such as fragile or antique furniture.
- DIY Moving Services: Renting a moving truck or trailer as an alternative to professional shipping can save you money, but the cost may end up being similar if you’re going a long distance or renting other equipment.
Choosing the right method for your needs will ensure you don’t waste money on services that you won’t utilize. When thinking about which is right for you, consider the distance of your move, the average size of your items, any special handling requirements they have, and what your budget is looking like.
2. Plan Your Shipment in Advance
One easy way to save on some costs is to plan your shipment in advance. This will help you to avoid any last-minute shipping fee, as many companies charge extra for rush deliveries. By planning around 2-4 weeks in advance you can enjoy favorable rates.
On top of this, think about making your move during an off-season if you are able to. The season will also impact shipping costs (with summer being the most expensive), so think about it making your move in the fall or winter months. Additionally, if you are able, set up a flexible delivery window to save money.
Setting up a longer delivery window instead of expedited shipping will save you some money. Companies also sometimes offer discounts if you choose to delay your delivery until later, which is something you can take advantage of.
3. Optimize Packaging to Reduce Costs
The number of people who handle their move by buying boxes far too big for their needs and then ending up with wasted space is astounding. Both size and weight have an impact on shipping costs, not just the former, meaning you may be charged on how much space your boxes take up.
Wherever possible, minimize both the weight and dimensions of your items to lower fees. As a best practice, disassemble all furniture ahead of time to make it more compact and use lightweight, yet protective, packing materials to avoid unnecessary bulk. Any excess packaging should be cut out, so measure dimensions ahead of going to buy boxes for the move.
In some cases, hiring professional packing services can save you money. The national average cost for these services is $60-$80 per hour, so if you only have a few boxes worth of goods, then it may be worth the expense.
4. Consider Alternative Carriers
Major carriers aren’t always the best option for your needs, especially when you’re looking to save on moving costs. UPS, FedEx, and USPS all have high costs when it comes to shipping large or heavy furniture, which makes them less-than-ideal options.
Specialized furniture shipping companies, on the other hand, cater to furniture shipping. This means that they provide all the materials, tools, and manpower you may need in addition to competitive pricing. To compare different quotes, you should reach out to multiple providers and use an online shipping calculator to compare costs. Lean on customer reviews as well to see what the support structure of the companies you’re considering look like.
5. Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions
Shipping companies often offer a slew of discounts, with the most common being discounts related to bulk shipments, business accounts, and delayed deliveries. To negotiate a better rate, ask about price matching if you have quotes from a different provider. The worst the company can say is no, and the best case scenario is that you’ll be able to save money.
Again, as mentioned earlier, moving during an off-season often comes with lower rates due to lower demand. If your move has flexibility, then consider this as an option so that you can save on costs.
There may also be special promotions for off-season pricing, which is another factor to consider. AAA, AARP, and other organizations also frequently offer membership shipping discounts through their partners, so leverage your existing loyalty programs.
Lower your moving expenses today
By choosing the right shipping method, planning your move further in advance, optimizing your packaging, and using discounts where applicable through alternative carriers, you can reduce the cost associated with moving furniture.
Always research and compare different shipping options to ensure you are getting the best possible deal. Cost savings should always be balanced with the need for reliable and safe furniture shipping, so speak with multiple different companies to find one that suits your specific needs.