You’ve found the perfect couch online, but it’s across the country. Or maybe you’re moving and need to ship your beloved sectional to your new home. Shipping large furniture can feel overwhelming with varying carrier options, complex pricing structures, and the risk of damage during transit.
The key to successful couch shipping lies in understanding your options and choosing the right method for your specific needs. Whether you’re shipping a vintage loveseat or a massive sectional, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure your furniture arrives safely and affordably.
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
Shipping costs range from $100-$2,000 depending on size, distance, and service level
LTL freight is most common for couches due to size and weight
Proper packaging prevents damage and reduces insurance claims
Compare multiple carriers for best rates and service options
White-glove delivery provides complete protection but costs more
Couch shipping methods: choose your best option
When it comes to shipping a couch, you have four main options, each with distinct advantages and cost structures.
Professional furniture shipping companies offer the most comprehensive shipping service with white-glove delivery that includes pickup, careful handling, and placement in your home. White-glove delivery services typically range from $300 to $1,500 for long-distance shipments¹, depending on the couch size and distance. These specialized furniture shipping companies handle everything from disassembly to reassembly, making them ideal for valuable or delicate pieces when you need to ship furniture across long distances.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight shipping represents the most common shipping option for couches. This method works well for items weighing 150-15,000 pounds and offers a balance between cost and service. FedEx Freight provides comprehensive LTL services with tracking and delivery confirmation, while other FedEx services handle smaller shipments. When using FedEx LTL freight, you’ll benefit from their extensive network and reliable delivery schedules. This ltl freight option typically costs less than white-glove service while still providing professional handling for your shipment.
Traditional parcel carriers like UPS work for smaller couches under 150 pounds, though most full-sized couches exceed these weight limits. UPS offers excellent tracking and customer service, but their size restrictions eliminate them as a shipping option for most sectionals and large sofas. For lighter pieces of furniture, FedEx Ground provides another reliable shipping option with competitive rates.
Moving companies with partial loads provide another cost-effective shipping option where your couch shares truck space with other shipments. This method works best when you have flexible timing and want to reduce costs through shared transportation for your shipment.
PRO TIP: Before selecting any shipping method, measure your couch carefully and compare it against each carrier’s size and weight limits. What seems like the cheapest option initially may not accept your shipment.
How much does it cost to ship a couch?
The cost to ship a couch varies dramatically based on multiple factors, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for each shipment.
Distance and geographic factors significantly impact your final bill. Local moves cost between $100 and $500, while interstate shipments range from $500 to $2,500². Cross-country shipments naturally incur higher shipping costs due to fuel surcharges, longer transport times, and increased handling. Geographic challenges like delivering to remote areas or locations with difficult access can add substantial fees to your shipment when you ship furniture to challenging locations.
Size and weight considerations determine which shipping companies will accept your couch and how they’ll calculate pricing. Most carriers use dimensional weight pricing, where they calculate costs based on both actual weight and package dimensions. A large sectional might weigh 200 pounds but occupy space equivalent to a 400-pound shipment, meaning you’ll pay the higher rate. The cost to ship increases significantly when your piece of furniture exceeds standard parcel limits, forcing you into freight shipping categories. Each carrier has different thresholds – FedEx Ground handles different size limits than FedEx Express services, so understanding these distinctions helps you estimate true shipping costs.
Service level impacts create the biggest price variations in furniture shipping. Basic freight delivery to your curb might cost $200-$600, while full white-glove service with inside delivery, unpacking, and placement can reach $1,500-$2,500. FedEx offers various service levels from basic freight to specialized handling, each with different pricing structures. Premium shipping service options include appointment scheduling, call-ahead notification, and debris removal, but these conveniences significantly increase your final cost.
NOTE: Always request binding quotes rather than estimates. Furniture shipping costs can escalate quickly with unexpected fees for stairs, long carries, or assembly services.
Step-by-step guide: preparing your couch for shipping
Proper preparation prevents damage and reduces costs while ensuring your couch arrives in the same condition it left.
Measuring and weighing your couch provides essential information for accurate quotes and prevents shipping delays. Use a measuring tape to record length, width, and height at the largest points, including any protruding elements like rolled arms or decorative feet. When you ship furniture, carriers need precise dimensions to calculate costs and determine handling requirements for your shipment. Weight estimation can be challenging – check manufacturer specifications or use a bathroom scale to weigh yourself with and without lifting one end of the couch.
Cleaning and photographing for insurance protects your investment and provides documentation for potential claims. Comprehensive photographic documentation should include overall views and detailed shots of any existing imperfections³. Clean your couch thoroughly before photography to clearly show its condition. Take pictures from multiple angles, focusing on corners, seams, and any areas of wear. This documentation becomes crucial if you need to file damage claims later for your shipment.
Disassembly instructions can significantly reduce shipping costs and damage risk. Professional movers maintain libraries of assembly instructions for common furniture brands⁴, but you should handle this yourself when possible. Remove legs, cushions, and any detachable components. Keep all hardware in labeled bags taped securely to the main piece. Document the disassembly process with photos to simplify reassembly. Some couches require specific tools or techniques, so consult manufacturer instructions or online resources before starting your shipment preparation.
Protective wrapping techniques provide the final layer of protection during transport. Start with furniture blankets to cover all surfaces, then secure with plastic wrap to prevent moisture damage. Pay special attention to corners and protruding elements that might tear through wrapping. Quality furniture shipping requires multiple layers of protection, so don’t skimp on materials.
ALERT: Never attempt to disassemble complex mechanisms like reclining systems or sleeper sofa components without manufacturer guidance. Improper disassembly can cause permanent damage that voids warranties.
Packing materials you’ll need
The right materials are essential for protecting your couch during the shipping process.
Essential packing supplies include moving blankets, plastic wrap, packing tape, and shipping labels. When you ship furniture, invest in thick, quilted moving blankets rather than thin alternatives that provide minimal protection. Professional-grade plastic wrap resists tearing and provides moisture protection during transport. Use high-quality packing tape that maintains adhesion under temperature changes and handling stress throughout your shipment journey.
Professional vs DIY material costs vary significantly based on your approach. Professional packing materials from moving companies cost more upfront but often provide better protection. A basic DIY furniture blanket kit might cost $50-$75, while professional-grade materials can reach $150-$200. However, this investment proves worthwhile when shipping valuable pieces, as inadequate protection often results in damage claims that exceed material costs.
Where to buy materials affordably includes moving supply companies, hardware stores, and online retailers. Many moving companies sell supplies to individual customers, and their prices often compete with retail options. Consider eco-friendly alternatives like reusable blankets and biodegradable wrap, which reduce environmental impact while providing adequate protection for your furniture shipment.
PRO TIP: Buy slightly more materials than you think you need. Running out of protective wrap midway through packing leads to rushed decisions and inadequate protection.
Best couch shipping companies compared
Choosing the right carrier determines both cost and service quality for your furniture shipment.
Traditional carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS handle smaller furniture pieces but have strict size and weight limits. FedEx Freight provides both LTL and full truckload services with white-glove delivery options available⁵, making them suitable for most couch shipping needs. FedEx tracking systems offer real-time updates on your shipment status, providing peace of mind throughout the delivery process. UPS offers similar services through UPS Freight, though their pricing and service areas may differ. These established carriers provide excellent tracking, insurance options, and customer service, but their rates often exceed specialized furniture shippers for large pieces.
Specialized furniture shippers focus exclusively on household goods and often provide more competitive rates for large items. Companies like uShip operate as marketplace platforms for competitive bidding⁶, allowing you to compare quotes from multiple carriers simultaneously. These companies understand the unique challenges of household goods transport and typically offer better packaging guidance and handling procedures than general carriers when you need to ship furniture.
Freight companies for oversized pieces become necessary when your couch exceeds parcel shipping limits. LTL shipping provides cost-effective solutions for large sectionals and oversized sofas that can’t ship through standard channels. These companies specialize in heavy, bulky items and have equipment designed specifically for furniture handling, ensuring your shipment receives appropriate care.
Key Takeaway: For detailed insights into choosing reliable logistics providers, see our guide to comprehensive logistics providers.
Insurance and damage prevention
Protecting your investment requires understanding coverage options and taking preventive measures.
Standard carrier liability limitations often provide inadequate coverage for valuable furniture. Standard freight liability coverage is often limited to $0.60 per pound⁷, meaning a 100-pound couch would receive maximum coverage of only $60 regardless of its actual value. This limitation makes additional insurance essential for any shipment worth more than basic liability coverage, especially when you ship furniture of significant value.
Declared value and insurance options provide enhanced protection for your furniture shipping needs. Declared value coverage allows you to specify your couch’s worth and pay additional fees for corresponding protection. Full replacement insurance, available through third-party providers, offers comprehensive coverage including full replacement cost rather than depreciated value. When working with carriers like FedEx, you can often purchase additional insurance directly through their shipping service platform for convenient coverage.
ALERT: Read insurance terms carefully – many policies exclude damage from improper packaging, even when you purchase full coverage. Ensure your packing meets carrier requirements to maintain coverage validity.
Pro tips for successful couch shipping
These expert insights help ensure smooth shipping and prevent common problems.
Book during off-peak seasons for better rates – Avoid summer moving season and holiday periods when demand drives up prices for each shipment
Communicate access limitations early – Inform your carrier about stairs, narrow doorways, or elevator restrictions to prevent delivery complications
Schedule flexible delivery windows – Allow extra time for potential delays, especially during busy periods
Document everything – When you ship furniture, maintain records of all communications, photos, and paperwork
Confirm delivery requirements – Clarify whether your chosen shipping service includes placement inside your home or stops at the curb
The success of your shipment depends on thorough preparation and clear communication with your chosen carrier. Whether you select FedEx, UPS, or a specialized furniture shipper, following these guidelines will help you ship furniture safely and affordably.
