Is It Cheaper to Move Furniture or Buy New Furniture?

Furniture is often the hardest and most expensive item to move. Given the costs involved, homeowners often wonder: “Is it cheaper to move furniture or buy new furniture?” Before answering this question, there are several factors you’ll have to consider, such as the quality of your furnishings and the distance you need to travel. In most instances, shipping furniture is more economical, but not always. In this blog, we’ll break down the key variables to help you decide which option makes the most sense for you.

Moving Furniture vs. Buying Furniture 

Before determining whether to buy new furniture, you’ll need to know how much it will cost to transport your current belongings. Shipping fees are normally based on three things.

• Weight. Transporting heavy items requires more fuel, which has a big impact on carrier costs. Due to weight limits, shipping heavy furniture reduces the amount of cargo the truck can carry, which lowers efficiency and increases cost per shipment.
• Volume. Moving trucks don’t have unlimited capacity. Large objects means companies have to accommodate fewer items, so they charge more to make up for the lost space.
• Distance. Hauling objects cross country not only consumes more fuel, but ties up vehicles, manpower, and equipment for longer periods. It also complicates logistics and increases vehicle mileage, leading to higher organizational and maintenance costs, all of which are factored into your price.

Ourmoving calculator can help you estimate pricing for your move. Shipping is normally the most sensible option for short moves, but for interstate moves, the picture is more complicated. In addition to transportation costs, homeowners also need to think about:

Furniture Prices

Buying new furniture isn’t cheap. Depending on what you’re purchasing, costs could range from several hundred to several thousand dollars ‒ far more than what you’d pay to ship it across the country.

Furniture Condition

Shipping old, worn-out items typically costs more than they’re worth. The same is true of low-value items, like flat-pack furniture, which is only designed to last a few years. In both cases, you’re probably better off spending money on new furnishings rather than paying to ship what you currently have. Well-built pieces, on the other hand, can last for years, especially if they’re in good condition, so moving them is normally a smart investment.

Furniture Size

Transporting oversized, oddly shaped furniture requires a lot of space and a lot of fuel, which is why moving companies generally charge more for them. Shipping these items is also risky. They’re not just hard to carry but often require careful dismantling and custom crating. Because they need such intricate preparation, it’s often more cost-effective to sell large pieces of furniture rather than ship them.

Resale Value

Antique, vintage, and custom-made furniture not only enhances your comfort and surroundings, but is often worth thousands of dollars, sometimes tens of thousands. Transporting these items isn’t always easy, but since their resale value is so high, their shipping costs are almost always less than the cost of purchasing a replacement.

Sentimental Value

It’s hard to put a price tag on family heirlooms. Furniture that’s been passed down through generations keeps us connected to our roots, giving it a personal significance that outweighs its transportation costs.

Ship Furniture Strategically

The decision to move furniture or replace it depends mainly on your circumstances. Most homes contain a mix of furnishings, some of which they can afford to leave behind. When planning your move, concentrate on valuable, well-built, or antique items first. Old, worn, and low-value furniture is easy to replace, so only bring it if you have room.

Final Considerations

Shipping furniture long-distance can significantly increase the cost of your move, so make sure you weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your final decision, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. Moving furniture:

• Saves Time. Instead of shopping for new furniture, you can furnish your home with the items you already own.
• Protects Your Investments. Replacing furniture with high resale value is expensive but shipping it preserves the value of your belongings.
• Safeguards Cherished Items. Family heirlooms have emotional value that can’t be replaced or replicated by purchasing new furnishings.

On the other hand, purchasing new furniture:

• Lowers Shipping Costs. Transporting furniture over long distances is potentially costly, especially if its resale value is low.
• Reduces Hassle. Purchasing items saves you time and effort, decreasing the amount of work necessary to complete your move.
• Creates a Fresh Look. Buying new furniture lets you update your style and take advantage of new materials.

For most homeowners, deciding whether to move a piece of furniture is part of the decluttering process. Keep the above criteria in mind when evaluating your furnishings, to determine whether it makes sense to move it or replace it.

North American Moving Services

Whether you need help moving a couch or an entire bedroom set, North American’s full-service moving teams provide safe, reliable, and convenient support every step of the way. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, we handle the heavy lifting so you can concentrate on the adventure ahead. Contact us today for a free quote!