Aquick guide for packing furniture

When you're shipping large items like wooden furniture, you can't always use a standard shipping service such as TNT or DHL because they have size restrictions for shipments. More often than not these size restrictions mean the company will not accept your order. so in these instances you'll need the services of a specialist freight company that deals specifically with larger sized items.

When you ship larger furniture there is a higher likelihood of damage as compared to shipping a smaller item, so you have to take extra precautions during the packing process.

So here's a few ideas to get started with:

1. Get some quotes from reputable freight shipping firms.  Popular freight companies include DHL, UPS Freight and FedEx Freight.

2. These shippers are called LTL (less than truckload) carriers because the cost is determined based on the weight and percentage of the truck that will be used to complete the shipment.

3. In order to get an accurate quote you'll need to provide weight, pickup postcode, destination postcode and the type/class of the item being transported.

4. Book one that meets your needs. Ask the freight company for specific information on how the furniture needs to be packed to fit their requirements.

5. Take the furniture apart before shipping if possible. Unscrew legs from chairs and take extra table pieces out before preparing the furniture for shipment. Wrap all of your furniture pieces in thick bubble wrap and use tape to secure the wrapping, and tape furniture legs and other items to the main piece.
6. For an additional layer of protection you should cover the furniture with plastic sheeting. If the furniture is small enough to fit inside a cardboard box, use one in addition to the wrapping. Get hold of some box packing material (foam pellets/bubble wrap) from another moving company or packing firm.

7. Secure very large pieces of furniture to a wooden pallet with stretch wrap. You can either purchase a pallet from a nearby shipping company, online or ask the freight company that you booked through to bring one to your home and secure the item for you (an additional charge will likely apply). Ask around at local businesses to see if you can find a used pallet for free or cheap.

8. Put a clear, easy-to-read shipping label on the packed furniture that includes your address, the consignee's address (destination) and a phone number for both parties. If you were given a quote or shipment number, write this number in bold letters on the outside of your packaging.

9. Now everything is ready,have the oak furniture waiting outside at ground level for pick-up by the freight company on the date and time that you agreed upon. Happy shipping!