Moving used furniture is a logistical nightmare, especially when dealing with bulky items like sofas, dining tables, or heavy dressers. Whether you’re relocating, selling, or buying secondhand furniture, it’s important to ensure a smooth and hassle-free shipping process.
Here are some best practices for preparing and shipping used furniture, and how uShip can simplify the experience.
1. Disassembling Used Furniture for Easier Transport
Before shipping large furniture, disassembling certain pieces can significantly reduce the complexity of the move. Many items, such as bed frames, tables, and modular sofas, are designed to be taken apart, making them easier to handle and less prone to damage.
- Gather Tools: Make sure you have the right tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and Allen keys, to disassemble your furniture safely.
- Keep Small Parts Together: Place screws, bolts, and small components in labeled bags. Tape the bags to the furniture or keep them in a designated box so nothing gets lost.
- Wrap Fragile Parts: Protect delicate or breakable components by wrapping them in bubble wrap or blankets. For instance, table legs and bed posts should be wrapped to prevent scratches or dents.
Tip: Take pictures of the furniture before disassembling. This will make reassembly much easier when it reaches its destination.
PRO TIP: Skip this step with uShip. Carriers on uShip blanket-wrap the entire item for you, eliminating the need to disassemble your furniture.The hardest thing you’ll have to do is point to where the item is while not spilling your coffee.
2. Properly Preparing Used Furniture for Shipping
Once disassembled, the next step is to prepare your furniture for safe transport. Improperly packed furniture can easily get damaged during loading, unloading, or transit. When you use uShip, you never have to disassemble anything; it’s only needed if you decide to DIY.
- Wrap Large Items: To protect larger pieces from scratches, dents, and moisture, use moving blankets or heavy-duty plastic wrap. Secure the wrapping tightly with packing tape or stretch film.
- Use Corner Protectors: Corner protectors can help prevent damage during transit for delicate items like glass tables or wooden dressers.
- Avoid Overpacking: While it’s important to protect your furniture, avoid adding too much padding or wrapping, which can make the item bulky and harder to move.
- Label Fragile Items: Clearly label items that need extra care during the move. This helps movers or shipping carriers handle your items appropriately.
PRO TIP: You could just do none of this. When you use uShip, your carrier does all of this for you — it’s included. How’s that for white-glove? Grab another cup of coffee and relax.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Depending on the size, weight, and distance, choosing the right shipping method is crucial for stress-free furniture transport.
- Professional Moving Services: If you’re dealing with extremely heavy or oversized furniture, hiring professional movers through uShip ensures that your items are handled by experts who specialize in bulky furniture.
- LTL Freight (Less Than Truckload): For smaller or medium-sized furniture, LTL freight is an affordable option that lets your item share space with other shipments. This is ideal if your shipment doesn’t require a full truck. Bonus — you can use uShip for LTL, too.
- White-Glove Delivery: If you need help with disassembly or reassembly, or if the furniture is extremely fragile, consider white-glove delivery services. These services ensure that professionals handle every aspect of the shipping process. Guess what? These carriers are all on uShip, too. If you need more than light dis/reassembly, just make sure you note that in your (free) listing so carriers know and can accurately quote for that.
4. Using uShip’s Marketplace for Affordable Used Furniture Shipping
uShip’s marketplace connects you with a variety of carriers who specialize in moving used furniture. Here’s how uShip can streamline the process:
- Competitive Bidding: Once you list your shipment, carriers submit quotes to transport your furniture. You can compare prices side-by-side and reviews to find the best option that fits your budget and timeline.
- Real Customer Carriers: uShip’s network includes professional carriers with real customer reviews, so you can trust that your furniture is in good hands.
- Tracking: uShip offers tracking features that allow you to monitor your shipment from pickup to delivery, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
5. The uShip Protection Plan: Added Peace of Mind
When shipping large, valuable furniture, it’s important to safeguard your items in case of unexpected issues. While many carriers offer basic coverage, uShip’s Protection Plan adds an extra layer of security for your high-value furniture.
- What It Covers: uShip’s Protection Plan covers a wide range of risks, including damage, loss, and theft during transit. This ensures that in the unlikely event something goes wrong, you’re covered.
- Quick Case Process: If you need to file a case, uShip’s process is straightforward and efficient. Cases must be reported within seven business days, providing a fast resolution to any potential issues.
- Easy Checkout Option: The plan can be added at the time of booking, allowing you to opt for extra protection with a simple click.
6. Tracking and Communication
Throughout the shipping process, maintaining clear communication with your carrier is key. Use uShip’s messaging system to stay in touch with the driver and track the progress of your shipment.
- Use Tracking Tools: Keep tabs on your shipment using uShip’s tracking features, which help you stay informed on delivery times.
- Confirm Details: Ensure that the carrier has the correct pickup and delivery information to avoid delays or miscommunication.
Conclusion
Moving used furniture doesn’t have to be stressful. By properly disassembling and preparing your furniture, choosing the right shipping method, and leveraging uShip’s marketplace (and allowing you to bypass all of the pains of shipping altogether), you can ensure a smooth and secure shipping experience.
With uShip’s Protection Plan, you also gain extra peace of mind, knowing your furniture is covered throughout the process. From the initial bid to the final delivery, uShip makes moving large, bulky furniture a hassle-free experience.
TLDR:
- Disassemble Furniture: Reduce the size and bulk by taking apart large pieces.
- Pack Properly: Use blankets, wraps, and corner protectors to avoid damage.
- Select the Right Shipping: Use LTL freight or professional movers based on the size and distance of your shipment.
- Use uShip’s Marketplace: Get competitive bids from trusted carriers.
- Protection Plan: Add extra coverage at checkout for peace of mind during transit.
For a smooth, stress-free move of your large used furniture, trust uShip’s professional network and shipping services!
