Relocating means making several major choices, and your furniture is usually at the top of the list. The common question many people ask themselves is whether it’s cheaper to ship the furniture they already own or to buy new furniture after they arrive at their new home. To answer this question, you’ll want to consider the shipping distance, the retail value of your current furniture, and the cost of buying new furniture.
Not every situation calls for the same solution. Reviewing your options with an eye on true costs and the things that matter most to you will help you decide what works best.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship Your Furniture?
Start by listing out what you’d take with you. The cost of shipping furniture depends on its weight and size. Large or bulky items—think sectionals, bed frames, dining tables—add up fast when it comes to moving fees.
Distance matters just as much. Local moves usually stay affordable, but cross-country or international shipping costs can rise quickly. For a clear estimate, reach out to established professionals. Most companies offering long-distance moving services can give you a comprehensive quote, so you know ahead of time what you’re spending if you opt to ship.
What’s the Price To Buy New Furniture?
Once you know what it costs to ship your current items, research furniture prices in your new city. Prices fluctuate depending on brand, quality, store, and location. Make a basic list of the essentials you’d need for your space, and add up the total.
Ask yourself the following questions.
- How does the quality of your current furniture measure up to what you can afford to buy new?
- How much effort and time will it take to select, buy, and assemble new pieces?
- Are there extra expenses, like delivery charges or local taxes?
If your current furniture is expensive or holds sentimental meaning, buying new could end up costing more than shipping—both in dollars and in sentimental value.
Have You Considered Sentimental and Resale Value?
It’s not all about money. Family heirlooms and meaningful pieces are tough to put a price on. For items that remind you of home or people you care about, paying to ship them is often worth the price.
From a practical standpoint, consider how much your furniture has depreciated. If you’ve bought recent pieces in good shape, shipping may save money over replacing them. But if you’ve been meaning to upgrade your furniture, a move can be a fresh start.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Move
When determining whether it’s cheaper to ship your current furniture or buy new furniture, it all depends on your unique circumstances. Shipping usually pays off for quality, valuable, or meaningful pieces, especially if they’d be expensive or impossible to replace. For budget-friendly, easily replaced furniture, buying new pieces can make more sense, particularly on long hauls.
When you weigh shipping costs against the price of replacement, you’re better prepared to make an informed choice. In the end, what’s right for one move might not be right for another, so base your decision on your needs, budget, and what will make your new place feel like home.
