Shipping furniture can be a daunting task, but with the right information and a reliable courier service, it doesn’t have to be. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping furniture via courier. From selecting the right packaging materials to understanding costs and shipping insurance options, we’ve got you covered.
What Furniture Can I Send via Courier?
Most couriers have size and weight restrictions, so it’s important to make sure your furniture piece falls within those limits. Generally, smaller items like chairs, side tables, and lamps can be easily shipped. However, larger items like sofas or dining tables may require special handling or packaging.
Small to Medium Furniture Pieces
- Chairs and Stools: Most chairs and stools can be sent via courier, especially if they are stackable or can be dismantled. Wrap them carefully to protect against scratches.
- Tables: Small to medium tables can often be shipped whole, but larger tables may need to be disassembled. Glass tabletops require extra care and should be packed securely in a wooden crate.
- Desks: Compact desks are suitable for couriers, but larger executive desks might need to be disassembled. Ensure all drawers are empty and secured.
- Shelves and Bookcases: These can usually be sent if they are not too large. However, you might need to dismantle them or remove any glass components for safer transport.
Larger Items
- Sofas and Couches: While possible, these require significant preparation. You may need a freight service for larger pieces. Wrap in plastic or protective covers to avoid damage.
- Beds and Mattresses: Bed frames often need to be disassembled. Mattresses can be rolled (if memory foam) or covered and shipped flat. Ensure they are well protected from moisture and dirt.
- Wardrobes and Dressers: These are challenging due to their size and weight. They often need to be disassembled, and mirrors or glass doors removed and packed separately.
Specialty Items
- Antiques and Heirlooms: Given their value and fragility, it’s best to use a courier service that specialises in antiques. Professional packing and insurance are highly recommended.
- Glass Furniture: Requires professional packing in crates with ample padding to prevent breakage.
- Outdoor Furniture: Generally easier to ship as they’re often designed to be durable and weather resistant. Still, they should be cleaned and well-packed.
How to Ship Furniture for Delivery
Packaging furniture for delivery is a crucial step in ensuring that items reach their destination in the same condition they left. Proper packaging not only protects the furniture during transit but also reflects on the professionalism and care of the seller or shipper. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to ship furniture for delivery:
1. Clean and Inspect the Furniture
Before packaging, clean the furniture to remove dust and debris. Inspect it for any damage or loose parts. This step ensures that you are aware of the furniture’s condition before shipping and can inform the recipient accordingly.
2. Disassemble What You Can
If possible, disassemble the furniture to make it easier to package, transport, and minimize the risk of damage. Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames, and remove drawers from dressers. Keep all hardware (screws, bolts, etc.) in labelled bags, and attach them securely to the piece they belong to.
3. Protect and Cushion
Wrap each piece in protective material. Use bubble wrap for delicate areas and moving blankets or furniture pads for larger surfaces to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. For extra protection, wrap corners and legs with corrugated cardboard guards or foam padding.
4. Secure Loose Components
Ensure that all parts of the furniture that can move or open, such as doors and drawers, are securely closed. Use plastic wrap or moving straps to keep them in place without causing damage.
5. Box and Crate When Necessary
For smaller items or particularly delicate pieces, consider placing them in a sturdy cardboard box or custom wooden crate after wrapping. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement inside the box.
6. Label Clearly
Label each package with “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” or other necessary handling instructions. Include a detailed inventory of the pieces inside each box or crate, which is especially helpful for reassembly at the destination.
7. Use the Right Tape
Secure the wrapping and close the boxes with high-quality packing tape. Reinforce the bottom of the boxes and any areas that seem like they might give way under weight. Avoid using duct tape as it does not adhere well to cardboard over time.
8. Document Everything
Take photos of the furniture at each step of the packaging process. This documentation can be invaluable in case of a dispute regarding the condition of the items upon arrival.
9. Choose the Right Shipping Service
Select a shipping service experienced in handling furniture. Provide them with the dimensions and weight of your packaged items to ensure the correct handling and transportation method is used.
10. Insurance
Consider purchasing shipping insurance for valuable items. This will provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of damage during transit.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to furniture during delivery, ensuring that it arrives in excellent condition, ready for use or sale. Proper packaging takes time and effort, but the protection it provides is invaluable for maintaining the quality and integrity of your furniture throughout the shipping process.
The Best Couriers for Furniture Delivery
Shipping Furniture in the UK
When selecting the best couriers for furniture delivery in the UK, it’s essential to consider factors such as reliability, cost-effectiveness, range of services, customer satisfaction, and geographical coverage. Here are some top couriers renowned for their excellence in furniture delivery:
Parcel Force
For those looking for a courier service with a broad reach, ParcelForce Worldwide offers extensive domestic and international delivery options. They have a range of services tailored to bulky and heavy items, including furniture. With their extensive network and experience, ParcelForce is a reliable choice for both residential and commercial needs.
Parcel Force Large Parcel Delivery Service & Delivery Costs
With their Express48 Large service you can expect:
- 48-hour/2-day delivery
- Items size limit of 2.5m length and 4m length and girth combined
- Individual parcel weight limit of 30kg, no limit for multi-item consignments
- Collection from home or place of business
- Drop off at local post office
- Fully tracked delivery
| Parcel Weight | Post Office Price | Online Price |
| 5kg | £41.95 | £34.95 |
| 10kg | £49.45 | £41.45 |
| 20kg | £58.45 | £48.45 |
| 30kg | £81.45 | £66.45 |
Source: https://www.parcelforce.com/sending-parcel/parcel-delivery/large-parcel-delivery
XDP Express
XDP is one of the largest privately-owned courier companies in the UK, offering a range of services including a specialised furniture delivery option. Their bespoke furniture delivery service is designed to handle bulky and fragile items, providing peace of mind with tracking and efficient delivery schedules.
XPD Services and Delivery Costs
| Service | Service Details | Delivery Cost |
| 1 Man Delivery | ·      1–3-day delivery
·      Non-standard freight items up to 50kg and 3.2M in length ·      Tracked delivery ·      Delivery confirmation |
Enquire with XDP for delivery estimate |
| 2 Man Delivery | ·      3–5-day delivery
·      Non-standard freight items up to 150kg and 4M in length ·      Tracked delivery ·      Delivery confirmation |
Enquire with XDP for delivery estimate |
| Same Day Delivery | ·      One off, time-sensitive shipments
·      24 hour delivery |
Enquire with XDP for delivery estimate |
Source: https://xdp.co.uk/services/
AnyVan
Specialising in large item delivery, AnyVan offers competitive pricing thanks to its unique model of matching deliveries to courier routes already planned. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint of deliveries. They provide services ranging from small moves to large-scale furniture deliveries across the UK, ensuring your items are handled with care.
AnyVan Services and Delivery Costs
With AnyVan furniture courier services, you can expect:
- Competitive prices starting from £26
- Free cancellation up to two days before
- Up to £50k fire and theft cover included
Shipping Furniture Overseas
Shipping furniture overseas requires careful consideration of several factors, including cost, reliability, transit time, and handling capabilities for bulky or delicate items. Choosing the right courier can make the difference between a seamless experience and a logistical nightmare. Here are some of the best couriers known for their expertise in international furniture shipping:
DHL
DHL offers specialised logistics for bulky and heavy items, making it a top choice for shipping furniture internationally. Their extensive network and expertise in customs clearance processes ensure your furniture reaches its destination safely and within a reasonable timeframe.
DHL Services and Delivery Costs
DHL provides several shipping options suitable for furniture, depending on the size, weight, and urgency of the delivery:
- DHL Express Worldwide: This service is ideal for fast and urgent shipments. It offers guaranteed next possible business day delivery, which is perfect for smaller pieces of furniture or important parts that need to arrive quickly.
- DHL Economy Select: For less urgent shipments within Europe, this service offers door-to-door delivery in a defined number of days, making it a cost-effective choice for heavier furniture.
- DHL Freight: For large and heavy furniture, DHL Freight offers tailored solutions, including road, rail, and air freight options. This service is designed to handle bulky items, offering flexibility in terms of speed and cost.
Get a DHL shipping quote for an accurate cost estimate.
FedEx International:
FedEx provides robust solutions for shipping large and heavy items across borders. Their international and freight services are ideal for furniture shipping, offering detailed tracking and a range of delivery speeds to meet various budget and timing needs.
FedEx Services and Delivery Costs
FedEx offers a range of international shipping services suitable for furniture, including:
- FedEx International Priority® Express (IPE): Expedited shipping service, ideal for time-sensitive deliveries. Available for shipments up to 68kg per package.
- FedEx International Priority® (IP): Offers delivery typically within 1-3 business days worldwide, suitable for most furniture that can be disassembled and packed securely. Available for shipments up to 68kg per package.
- FedEx International Priority® Freight (IPF): Designed for heavier or bulkier furniture shipments, this service caters to shipments over 68kg and up to 1000kg.
- FedEx International Economy® (IE): A cost-effective solution for less urgent shipments, offering delivery typically within 2-5 business days internationally. Suitable for furniture that is not time-sensitive, with service availability for shipments up to 68kg per package.
- FedEx International Economy® Freight (IEF): Designed for less urgent, heavier, or bulkier furniture shipments over 68kg and up to 1000kg, offering cost savings for non-time-sensitive deliveries.
FedEx international shipping costs will vary greatly depending on the size and weight of the items, as well as the shipping destination and chosen delivery method. Shipping rates start from around £98.20*.
*based on 5kg parcel going to Europe with FedEx International Economy.
UPS Worldwide
UPS is renowned for its reliable global network and offers a variety of freight shipping options, including air, ocean, and ground freight. Their flexibility in handling oversized packages and providing detailed tracking information makes them a solid option for international furniture shipments.
UPS Services and Delivery Costs
UPS offers several international shipping services, each varying in delivery times and costs:
- UPS Standard: Ideal for less-urgent shipments within Europe.
- UPS Worldwide Express: Offers fast, day-definite delivery to more than 220 countries and territories.
- UPS Worldwide Expedited: Provides a cost-effective option for less urgent shipments to destinations outside Europe.
The choice of service will depend on how quickly you need the furniture to arrive and your budget. Use the UPS shipping calculator for an accurate cost estimate.
When choosing a courier for shipping furniture overseas, it’s crucial to compare quotes, services, and reviews. Consider insurance options for added peace of mind, especially for valuable or antique pieces.
Ship Furniture with Impact Express
At Impact Express, we are proud to offer a range of delivery options with our fleet of partnered couriers, including UK next day delivery and express international shipping. Our reliable and secure shipping services mean that you can have peace of mind knowing that your items will arrive at their destination safely and on time. Our team of experts are ready to assist and answer any questions you may have. Request a quote today!
