Are you moving abroad and are too concerned about the fate of your furniture? We know the sentiments associated with furniture, and you may want to take it with you abroad. But the question arises: Is it worth shipping furniture overseas?
What if the shipping cost and the hassle weigh more than your love for the furniture? So let’s debunk whether or not it’s feasible to ship your furniture abroad.
Reasons for shipping furniture overseas
Before we get to the answer of whether it is worth shipping furniture overseas, let’s walk through the reasons why you are thinking about shipping furniture abroad.
Sentimental value
One of the main reasons people choose to ship their furniture is sentimentality. Certain pieces hold memories that can’t be replaced by a new couch or table. It could be the bed you’ve slept on for years or a dresser passed down through generations. Besides, you move abroad and are excited to experience new places and cultures. The last thing you might want to deal with is hunting for furniture in an unfamiliar marketplace.
Cost of replacing high-quality furniture
If you’ve invested in high-quality, expensive furniture, replacing everything in your new country might be more costly than shipping it. Particularly if you own pieces like a custom-made sofa, luxury dining set, or high-end mattress, the cost to buy similar items abroad may far exceed the shipping fees.
Cost of shipping furniture abroad
The sentiments, the quality, the familiarity; all comes down to one question: Is it worth? And to know the answer, we need to estimate the cost of shipping furniture abroad.
Shipping furniture can cost anywhere from $300 to $4,500. The reason why we have mentioned such a broad range is because the cost depends on several factors, such as:
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The destination.
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The time you move.
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The weight and size of furniture being shipped.
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The carrier company you select for the transnational shipping.
FCL vs LCL: Choosing the best option for furniture shipping
The decision between FCL and LCL directly impacts your furniture shipping cost significantly. But what are FCL and LCL? These two terms will be relevant if you are shipping your furniture by sea.
FCL
FCL refers to Full Containment Load shipment, which simply means you hire a whole container like a 20’ or 40’ container to ship your goods from one country to another. FCL is fast and hassle-free; your goods are loaded in the container, which stops right at the destination port. But, this type of shipment is quite costly. So think about FCL only when your furniture needs a full container space.
Related Reading: Container Dimensions
LCL
Yes you have guessed it right! This refers to Less-than-Container shipment which is less expensive than FCL. Why? Because instead of going to book the whole container, you just book a particular section to place your furniture. This seems a compelling option, but if any goods in the same container are selected for inspection, the entire container’s shipment will face delays.
In addition to that, LCL cargoes will encounter more loading and unloading processes, causing potential delays or minor damage to your goods. However, a good carrier can minimize these risks.
Customs & duties when shipping furniture overseas
Apart from the main transit cost, you must pay customs duties for your furniture to pass the border. Custom duties are fees charged on imported goods, and each country has different customs rates. So you need to factor in these costs while calculating your overall furniture shipping cost.
Are there add-on costs to shipping furniture overseas?
Yes, there are definitely add-on costs when shipping furniture overseas, and a lot of them depend on the services you choose. Some of the most common extra costs include:
Disassembling and reassembling furniture
Modular furniture or items with detachable parts may need to be taken apart for safe shipping. Similarly, when they arrive, you might need professional help to put them back together properly. If you are hiring a professional for this service, it can cost anywhere from $130 to $250.
Packing and unpacking
Your furniture needs to be packed following the shipping standards of the host country. This can cost between $260 and $400 or more. And if you are cleaning your furniture before shipping, that could add another $260 to $400 or more to your bill.
Storage
Another important thing to consider is whether you’ll need storage for your furniture, both before and after it’s shipped. Once your furniture arrives in the destination country and requires a place for storage, you will factor the storage cost into the overall furniture shipping expense as well.
Extra care
If you are shipping some fragile piece of furniture, your carrier might ask you for additional charges. The added cost goes toward the labor and materials needed to protect your valuable and fragile pieces while in the container.
Expedited shipping
If you are going with expedited shipping or a specific delivery window, you might encounter a higher fee. But we suggest planning your shipment in advance, so you can comfortably proceed with standard or economy shipping, saving your money.
Is it worth it? A checklist
So we have discussed the potential cost associated with international shipping of your furniture. But the question is still there: is it worth shipping furniture overseas?
Now that you have an estimated cost of delivering your furniture to another country ask yourself:
How old is your furniture? No matter how beloved your furniture is, if it’s falling apart, it’s time to move on because it isn’t worth it.
How much is your furniture worth? Calculate the total cost of your furniture and compare it with the cost of the shipment you just estimated. And obviously, if the former is less than the latter, it’s not worth it.
Will there be enough room? If the place you are moving to isn’t spacious enough to accommodate your furniture, it’s wise to give up or at least downsize your furniture.
What are the import regulations? The country you are moving to must have some import regulations. So you need to ensure the destination country has no restrictions on the type of furniture you are shipping.
Tips to save cost while shipping furniture abroad
After this assessment, if furniture shipping is still on your bucket list, here are some smart tips to have a seamless journey while cutting costs.
Do some stuff yourself
One way to ship furniture overseas cheaply is by tackling some of the tasks yourself. For example, you could disassemble and clean your furniture before the movers arrive, and then handle reassembly and cleaning again once it reaches your new home. Similarly, you can pack the furniture yourself. But, keep in mind that while self-packing saves money, it comes with its own challenges, like limited insurance coverage.
Pack wisely
Whether you are packing yourself or hiring a service, the goal is, of course, to keep it secure. But, you also need to make sure the packing is compact, so your furniture occupies less space, and in turn, less cost of LCL shipment.
Get rid of some furniture
The less you ship, the less you’ll spend. So, start by listing everything you own and decide what’s essential and what you can live without. Once you’ve sorted it out, consider selling, donating, or giving away some items you no longer need.
Avoid peak season
Carriers usually charge higher during the first two weeks of the month. So it’s a smart idea to avoid shipping your furniture during these weeks. You can consider the last two weeks of the month as carriers then start reducing the prices to transport furniture in shipping containers.
Hire a freight forwarder
You might say hiring a freight forwarder would just be another expense, but what you may not know is that this investment will save you in the long run. A freight forwarder like Foresmart has enough expertise and networks to help you get the most reasonable cost. Besides, they can help avoid costly delays at customs clearance by preparing everything in advance.
Final words
If you are considering shipping furniture overseas, the good place to start is estimating the total cost of furniture shipment. Get a free quote from Foresmart. If the shipment expense is more than what is needed to buy the new one, it’s financially unwise to proceed with the shipment.
FAQs
Can furniture be shipped overseas?
Yes, you can ship furniture abroad. However, the shipping can be expensive and require special handling. So, you need to weigh the pros and cons of shipping furniture.
Do I need insurance when shipping furniture overseas?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Shipping furniture over long distances increases the risk of damage. While most freight companies offer some level of insurance, you may want to purchase additional coverage for peace of mind.
Can I use air freight to ship furniture abroad?
Yes, you can ship furniture overseas by air freight. However, many furniture are large cargo (some of them are oversized and regarded as project cargo), it’s much more expensive than sea freight. It may cost double or even triple the price. But if you need your furniture quickly, air freight is the fastest option.
