As of 2025, the global furniture market is worth more than $736 billion and growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%––but growth comes with challenges.
Aside from tariffs and global supply chain problems, furniture sellers must balance product quality with shipping realities. That includes finding a furniture shipping service that can send large items long distances affordably while keeping the furniture pristine for customers.
In this guide, learn how to ship furniture and get practical tips for packing and choosing the best shipping solution.
Pre-shipping: plan and measure
Before you even list a piece of furniture online, there are several stages of prep work you’ll need to complete. That includes:
- Create an inventory plan and measure access points
- Estimate furniture shipping costs
- Photograph furniture condition
Create an inventory plan and measure access points
Furniture takes up more space than smaller items like jewelry, hats, art prints, clothes, and even books. Because of the space requirements, you’ll need to find a clean, temperature controlled location to store inventory, photograph it, prep it for shipping, and get it picked up by your carrier of choice.
Decide whether you’ll pay to rent a storage unit, keep items in your garage, or lease a physical storefront or warehouse. Once you have your space picked out, measure access points (like doorways, hallways, and elevators) to ensure the furniture you sell will fit through them.
You’ll also need to provide carriers with access information, like how many stairs they’ll need to navigate for pick up and whether they’ll need a gate code.
Estimate furniture shipping costs
There are many furniture shipping options available, like partnering with local delivery partners, opting for white glove service, or going with a company like FedEx or UPS. No matter which type of partner you choose, estimating furniture shipping and fulfillment costs helps provide shoppers with a more accurate all-in cost of the item.
To do that, you’ll have to measure and weigh the piece of furniture. Using a tape measure, record the height, depth, and width, like in the images below.
Then, weigh the item to determine its actual weight. You’ll also want to calculate the dimensional weight (also known as dim weight), which many carriers use to calculate shipping costs.
If you work directly with a local business or white glove delivery partner, they might be able to give you a quote based on your measurements. Or, you can calculate furniture shipping cost yourself with online tools to see what competitive shipping options you can provide:
- UPS shipping quote
- UPS freight shipping quote
- FedEx shipping quote
- FedEx freight shipping cost calculator
Photograph furniture condition
Shoppers expect detailed photos of furniture before purchase, so you’ll need to be upfront about the condition of each item.
Step one is to inspect the item. If you sell used, vintage, or antique furniture, common imperfections to look for include: wobbly legs, uneven legs, nicks, scratches, rips, stains, and odor.
It’s also a good idea to establish clear, repeatable condition guidelines you can share with customers––and include in each item description. Create a key for yourself. For example:
⚪ Like new: No visible damage or signs of prior use.
🟢 Excellent: A few imperfections in unnoticeable areas.
🟡 Good: Noticeable blemishes, nicks, or scratches that do not affect the integrity of the item.
🟠 Fair: Noticeable nicks, rips, or scratches that need repair.
Once you’ve done a thorough inspection, it’s time to take detailed photos. Capture as many angles as possible and take close-ups of any imperfections. If you have time, stage the item and take a lifestyle photo or two to give shoppers an idea of how they might style the item in their own space.
💡PRO TIP: When in doubt,always err on the side of more information when it comes to item condition. It’s better to over communicate item condition (like a wayward scratch or nick) than to go through the process of packing and shipping a piece only for the customer to complain that the condition was not accurate.
How to pack furniture for shipping
- Disassemble the furniture if possible
- Bag any small parts
- Protect any fragile spots
- Wrap larger pieces
- Use cardboard or corrugated sheets
- Select the right shipping box
- Secure the package with packing tape
- Label the package clearly
- Hand off the package to a shipping company
💡PRO TIP: The ultimate goal is to get each furniture shipment to your customers safely and easily. But if you want to go the extra mile, consider creating a more memorable unboxing experience with custom packaging inserts and product packaging design.
Packing furniture for shipping requires careful disassembly, preparation, and shipping materials to ensure it arrives safely. Here’s how to pack furniture for shipping:
1. Disassemble the furniture if possible
When designing and building furniture for shipping, prioritize features that facilitate ease of transport and assembly. Lightweight furniture reduces shipping costs and simplifies handling. Designing pieces that are collapsible or easily disassembled makes them more compact for shipping. This not only reduces carrier costs, but ensures efficient packing.
Furniture that’s easy to assemble may appeal to customers looking for convenience, minimizing the effort and tools needed for setup. If your furniture has detachable parts like table legs, shelves, or drawers, disassemble them before packing.
2. Bag any small parts
Bag small hardware, screws, and other detachable parts in labeled plastic bags so that essential pieces don’t come loose during transit.
💡PRO TIP: Tape the bags securely to the furniture or place them in a clearly labeled box.
3. Protect any fragile spots
Proper packaging is essential. Use foam or bubble wrap to protect any delicate or fragile parts of the furniture, such as glass panels or ornate decorations. Tape the padding to secure these fragile items and prevent damage during the delivery process.
4. Wrap larger pieces
Wrap larger furniture pieces like dining tables in moving blankets or furniture pads. Blanket wrapping prevents scratches, dents, and other damage. Secure the blankets with packing tape to keep them in place.
5. Use cardboard or corrugated sheets
For more protection, place large corrugated box sheets between the layers of furniture to provide cushioning and stability. This helps prevent shifting and reduces the risk of damage during transit.
6. Select the right shipping box
If you’re shipping relatively small furniture pieces or parts, choose a sturdy cardboard box slightly larger than the item. Reinforce the bottom of the box with packing tape and add extra padding—such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts—to fill the space and provide cushioning.
The right-sized shipping box isn’t too snug or loose. If the box is too small, the furniture can burst through the container and chip or break. If the box is too large, the furniture can move around, causing similar damage.
7. Secure the package with packing tape
Once furniture is packed and wrapped, use heavy-duty packing tape to secure all the layers and seams. Apply the tape tightly to prevent the furniture inside from shifting during transit.
8. Label the package clearly
Label each box carefully with the contents, destination address, and any special handling instructions to ensure your shipment is delivered with care to the right location and unboxed correctly when it gets there.
9. Hand off the package to a shipping company
As for a shipping service, you have many options. You can work with a furniture delivery specialist, like a moving company or specific furniture movers, or use freight shipping companies like UPS or FedEx.
💡PRO TIP: Establish a clear shipping policy and shipping strategy for your store before you start fulfilling orders.
| At-a-glance furniture shipping checklist |
|---|
| 1️⃣Gather materials. Get bubble wrap, foam padding, moving blankets, packing tape, cardboard sheets, labels, and plastic bags. |
| 2️⃣Disassemble the furniture. Remove legs, shelves, or drawers to compact items and make them easier to ship. |
| 3️⃣Bag and label small parts. Place screws, bolts, and hardware in labeled plastic bags and tape them to their furniture piece. |
| 4️⃣Protect fragile sections. Wrap delicate pieces like glass panels or corners with bubble wrap or foam and secure with tape. |
| 5️⃣Wrap larger pieces. Use moving blankets or furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents, then seal with packing tape or heavy-duty cling wrap. |
| 6️⃣Add extra protection. Place cardboard or corrugated sheets between stacked items to prevent shifting during transit. |
| 7️⃣Choose the right box. Use a sturdy cardboard box slightly larger than the item; reinforce the bottom and fill any empty space with padding. |
| 8️⃣Seal it tight. Tape all seams and corners securely to keep everything in place. |
| 9️⃣Label clearly. Include contents, destination address, and handling notes like Fragile or This Side Up. |
| 🔟Choose a carrier. Use furniture movers for large items, or freight/parcel carriers (like UPS or FedEx) for smaller shipments. |
Choosing a carrier for shipping your furniture
- UPS
- FedEx
- LTL freight shipping
- FTL freight shipping
- White-glove furniture delivery
- Expedited vs. economy freight
- Local vs. national carriers
Many factors can influence your choice of furniture shipping companies, including furniture shipping costs, delivery times, special offerings like white glove services, whether you go with ground or air shipping, and the carrier’s experience with furniture transport. If possible, give customers a few options, varying in cost and shipping speed, so that they can make the best decision for their needs.
Here are six shipping options for furniture order fulfillment:
UPS
UPS offers various shipping services suitable for furniture, including UPS Ground, TForce Freight (formerly UPS Freight), UPS Worldwide Express Freight.
- UPS Ground. UPS Ground is arguably the best way to ship small furniture items that fit in standard-sized boxes. It’s an especially cost-effective option for domestic shipments within the United States.
- TForce Freight (formerly UPS Freight). TForce Freight Freight is suitable for larger furniture items or multiple pieces that require palletizing or crating and heavier items that exceed UPS Ground’s size and weight limits.
- UPS Worldwide Express Freight. UPS Worldwide Express Freight provides international furniture shipping services to destinations around the world, offering fast and reliable delivery with customs clearance and tracking options.
UPS shipping rates are based on shipment distance and weight metrics, among other factors.
FedEx
FedEx offers similar shipping services to UPS, including FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx International Freight.
- FedEx Ground. FedEx Ground is suitable for smaller furniture items and domestic shipments within the United States, providing reliable delivery with tracking and insurance options.
- FedEx Freight. FedEx Freight is suitable for larger furniture items or shipments that require palletizing or crating.
- FedEx International Freight. FedEx International Freight provides international shipping services for furniture to other countries. Its air freight service offers fast transit times and customs clearance assistance. When shipping furniture internationally, be sure to stay informed about tariffs and customs requirements that may affect your shipments.
The cost to ship through FedEx depends on many of the same factors as a UPS shipment, including shipping distance, weight, and dimensions.
LTL freight shipping
LTL stands for “less than truckload.” LTL furniture shipping is a cost-effective way to ship freight items that don’t require a full truckload. It’s suitable for transporting furniture that is too large for parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx but doesn’t require the space of a full truck.
LTL carriers consolidate shipments from multiple customers onto a single truck, determining shipping costs by how much space your items take up. Delivery times can be slow compared to UPS and FedEx, but the method helps cut costs by sharing transportation expenses.
Common LTL carriers include companies like Old Dominion Freight Line and XPO. Each freight company offers a range of services including pickup, delivery, and freight tracking. You may get discounted rates if you’re willing to wait a long time to receive your shipment.
FTL freight shipping
FTL stands for “full truckload.” The FTL shipping method is suitable for shipping large quantities of furniture or oversized items that require an entire truck. With FTL shipping, the whole truck is dedicated to your shipment, providing faster transit times and fewer handling points compared to LTL shipping.
FTL carriers offer services tailored to specific needs, including dedicated trucks, expedited delivery, and specialized equipment for loading and unloading heavy or fragile furniture items. Common FTL freight experts include companies like Schneider, J.B. Hunt, and Werner Enterprises.
Most freight carriers in this category provide comprehensive transportation solutions for furniture shipments, whether you’re shipping locally or across the country. This includes white glove pack-and-ship services much like those you’d receive from professional movers.
White-glove furniture delivery
White glove furniture delivery is a high-end furniture delivery option where movers deliver, unpack, assemble, and place the item in the customer’s home. These services also usually include the removal of any packaging materials. Common white glove furniture delivery companies include Plycon Transportation Group and AIT Worldwide Logistics.
Expedited vs. economy freight
Expedited freight shipping is a faster but more costly fulfillment service for shipping furniture by freight. This option works well for those who need an item faster and don’t have cost restrictions. Economy freight will be less expensive but quite a bit slower in most cases.
Local vs. national carriers
Domestic shipping via national carriers like UPS and FedEx is a common, simple way to ship furniture. Local carriers, on the other hand, are a great option when shipping furniture within the same city or county. Using your own storage space, plus partnering with a local carrier, can be an efficient hybrid fulfillment option for your business.
Sustainable packaging and shipping considerations
By factoring sustainable packaging and shipping solutions into your process, you can reduce environmental impact through eco-friendly materials and methods.
Phantila Phataraprasit, founder of sustainable furniture shop Sabai Design, shaped the brand’s business model around environmental impact from the start. “If you aren’t thinking about that in the beginning, it’s really hard to address problems retroactively,” Phantila says.
Aside from benefitting the planet, you’ll strike a chord with consumers, too. PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Customer survey found that shoppers are willing to pay a 9.7% sustainability premium.
To ensure more sustainable shipping, consider:
- Choosing shipping methods that have a lower carbon footprint
- Ordering bulk packaging
- Using recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, and frustration-free packaging materials
- Selecting the smallest packaging size possible to minimize the need for fillers
- Encouraging local pickup and delivery for shoppers within a certain radius
- Using reusable padding, like moving blankets
💡PRO TIP: Offer customers the option to contribute to carbon-offset programs at checkout with apps like Shopify Planet or Green Spark.
After delivery: inspection and claims basics
Setting up guidelines around inspecting furniture upon arrival is both a customer service best practice and a risk-management step that will help you resolve issues quickly and maintain trust.
How to set clear inspection guidelines for customers
Upon delivery, provide customers with furniture inspection instructions so they can spot any damage from transit early on. Send a pre-delivery email with instructions, and include steps within product packaging too.
Include guidance like:
- Inspect outer and inner packaging for punctures, rips, or water damage.
- Check that all boxes or pieces listed on the packing slip are present.
- Examine surfaces for scratches, dents, or cracks.
- Confirm hardware, any cushions (if applicable), and accessories are included and undamaged.
- Take clear photos of any issues before unpacking further.
- Save any damaged shipping materials for the claim.
- Contact customer support immediately if your items have arrived damaged.
💡PRO TIP: Remember to include any disclaimers in the packaging, for example, “As the table is made of reclaimed wood, variations in grain or texture are considered normal and add a unique element to your piece.”
Documentation requirements for carrier claims
Remember those detailed condition photos you took before listing the furniture item online? They’ll come in handy if there is any sort of additional damage in transit. Since damaged goods are one of the most common shipping problems, you’ll need to be prepared.
The documents you’ll need in order to file a claim with your carrier include:
- Proof of shipment (tracking number)
- Invoice or order confirmation
- Photos of the damaged item pre- and post-transit
- Original packaging
- Claim form
How to manage replacement/refund processes efficiently
Outline the replacement and/or refund process clearly within your return policy. There should be details relating to items that get damaged in transit, as well as items customers want to return for other reasons.
Sharing a detailed return policy provides upfront transparency with shoppers, and helps them understand their level of commitment to a purchase with you.
💡FUN FACT: Innovations like flat-pack furniture revolutionized the industry by enabling cost-effective, efficient global shipping and easier handling.
How to ship furniture FAQ
What is the cheapest way to ship furniture?
The cheapest way to ship a piece of furniture is typically to use parcel services for smaller items and consider a freight shipping service like LTL for oversized items. If you’re making a one-time shipment in your local market, consider renting a moving van and transporting the furniture yourself. When designing and building furniture, prioritize features that facilitate ease of transport and assembly to bring shopping costs down.
Is furniture expensive to ship?
Furniture, especially heavy furniture, can be expensive to ship. Even sending one piece of furniture often requires specialized packaging and handling due to its size, weight, and fragility, leading to higher shipping costs.
Can I ship furniture with USPS?
Yes, you can ship furniture with USPS, but it’s generally limited to smaller items that meet the size and weight restrictions of USPS shipping services, such as Parcel Select or Priority Mail. Larger or bulky items may require alternative shipping methods or carriers.
How do you ship one piece of furniture?
Here’s how to ship one piece of furniture:
- Photograph furniture condition.
- Measure and weigh the item.
- Gather shipping materials.
- Disassemble the furniture (if possible).
- Bag any small parts.
- Protect any fragile spots.
- Wrap larger pieces.
- Use cardboard or corrugated sheets.
- Select the right shipping box.
- Secure the package with packing tape.
- Label the package clearly.
- Hand off the package to a shipping company.
- Share shipping info with the customer.
How much does it cost to ship furniture?
The cost to ship furniture varies based on multiple factors, like the size and weight of the piece, any specialized handling instructions, how small it can disassemble and pack down, how far it’s traveling, shipping speed, and the type of shipping service used.
How do you ship furniture as a small business?
To ship furniture as a small business, plan where you’ll store your inventory, choose a carrier to work with, measure and weigh the furniture, photograph the furniture for condition, consider more sustainable packaging and shipping options, and ensure the furniture makes it to the customer safe and sound.
