Written By Erin Scott
Top Methods to Ship Household Goods
When deciding how to ship household goods, you have several options. The decision you go with ultimately hinges on your personal needs and priorities.
Freight Shipping Services
What it is:
Also referred to as a trailer move, this method involves a company dropping off a semi-trailer at your home for you to load, and then picking it up and transporting it to its destination — to be unloaded by you or hired help.
How it works:
- A freight trailer company brings a semi-trailer directly to your home to load and unload at your own pace.
- Once your items are loaded, a professional driver transports your belongings to your new home.
Many people who choose this option take care of the packing and loading on their own, but you can also hire moving labor to take care of these tasks, giving you the equivalent of a hands-off, full-service experience at a much lower price tag.
Cost considerations:
Freight trailing moving is the cheapest way to move across the country without having to do the driving yourself. This is because you only pay for the space your items occupy, and you cover the labor on your own.
For smaller moves, Less Than Truckload (LTL) lets you share trailer space with others to save costs, while Full Truckload (FTL) dedicates the entire trailer to your move, offering more space (but at a higher price).
At MovingPlace, you can easily customize your freight trailer service by choosing add-ons like packing or loading based on your needs, and you can book your move services all in one place online.
When it’s the best choice:
Freight shipping offers a great balance of convenience and affordability for those who don’t want to drive a truck on their own but don’t have the exorbitant budget required to hire full-service movers. It’s ideal for long-distance moves that don’t require temporary storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Most affordable for moving full households -No driving required | -You’re responsible for packing and loading -You need space to park a large trailer |
Portable Moving Containers
What it is:
Like freight shipping services, moving containers let you take charge of the packing and loading — but instead of sharing space on a freight trailer, you get your own container that doubles as a portable storage unit. It can stay on your property or be stored off-site until you’re ready for delivery.
How it works:
- A company like PODS delivers a portable storage container (you may choose the size) to your home.
- You then load your belongings into it on your own schedule.
- Once it’s fully loaded, the company will move it to either your new home or into a storage facility, where it can stay short- or long-term.
- Some portable storage companies also let you keep your container on your property for easy, on-site storage.
Cost considerations:
These containers are cheaper than full-service movers, and generally comparable in price to freight shipping services. The total cost will depend on how many containers you need, how far you’re shipping them, and how long you need them to be stored.
When it’s the best choice:
Portable moving containers are a great option if you need temporary storage or some flexibility with the timing of your move — for instance, because you’re waiting on a closing date or remodeling your new home before moving in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -No driving -Ground-level loading -Built-in storage solution | -You’re responsible for packing and loading -You need space for the container |
DIY Shipping with Rental Trucks
What it is:
DIY shipping consists of handling every part of the shipping process yourself, including renting and driving a moving truck, packing your items, and then loading and unloading them.
How it works:
- You rent a truck through a third-party mover (like U-Haul).
- You drive the truck to your old home for loading and then to your new home for unloading.
- You drop off the truck at the designated drop-off location.
Cost considerations:
A DIY move is often the most affordable way to move your items locally, but it may not always be the cheapest way to move out of state or long-distance. This is because you’re responsible for additional costs like fuel and incidental travel expenses (lodging and meals) on the way to your new home. And don’t forget to account for any lost wages if you need to take time off work.
When it’s the best choice:
DIY shipping is best suited for the budget-conscious who don’t mind putting in the extra time and effort required with hands-on moving — and who are up for driving a big truck on their own. It’s often best for local moving or shipping a smaller household, like a one- or two-bedroom apartment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Most affordable for moving full households -Full control -Flexible schedule | -Most labor-intensive option -Involves driving a large truck -Involves extra costs (e.g., fuel, insurance, and lodging) |
Parcel and Specialty Shipping Services
What it is:
Parcel and specialty shipping services are designed for small-scale shipping, not for moving an entire household. It essentially involves sending household goods, such as fragile or high-value items, through the mail.
How it works:
- You pack your items, then drop them off at a parcel delivery service like FedEx or UPS, or schedule a pickup.
- Your boxes are shipped just like standard mail. You can digitally track your belongings every step of the way until they arrive at their destination.
Cost considerations:
Out of all the ways to ship household goods, parcel shipping is the most affordable because it involves sending a few boxes as opposed to an entire home’s worth of belongings. Shipping costs are based on size, weight, distance, and whether you choose standard or expedited delivery. These services also sometimes offer flat-rate shipping, which works well for small, heavy items (like books or tools) that need to be shipped long-distance.
When it’s the best choice:
Shipping through a parcel delivery service like this works well when you’re only sending a few boxes of fragile or high-value items. If you’re a student or single professional relocating to a new city, and you don’t have much to ship, this option makes the most sense.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Fast and reliable delivery -Secure -Easy tracking -Cost-effective for a few items | -Not suited for large moves -Pricey for larger items |
Full-Service Moving Companies
What it is:
As the name suggests, with a full-service moving company, the professionals handle everything from start to finish, making this shipping option completely hands-off. No packing, heavy lifting, or driving required on your part.
How it works:
- A team of professional movers arrives at your house with a truck and loads your household goods.
- A professional driver transports your items to their destination.
- Movers unload your belongings when they arrive at your new home.
Most full-service companies can help you with packing and unpacking as well as furniture assembly and reassembly for an additional fee. Out of all the options, this one offers the least scheduling flexibility and limited control over how your items are handled.
Cost considerations:
The cost to move cross-country or long-distance can be a significant investment no matter how you look at it — but going with a full-service moving company is by far the most expensive way to ship your items to your new home, costing as much as $15,000 for a cross-country move. While it offers convenience, full-service long-distance movers come at a premium, and for many people, the cost outweighs the benefits.
When it’s the best choice:
Full-service moving is ideal if you’re looking for a completely hands-off experience, and money isn’t a consideration for you. It’s especially helpful for those with demanding schedules, physical limitations, and/or large households.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Completely hands-off -Pros handle packing, loading, and transportation | -Most expensive option -Very little flexibility and control |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Method
Choosing the right shipping method for your household items depends on multiple considerations. Keep these in mind as you weigh your options:
- Timelines: Generally, the farther your items need to travel, the longer it will take and the higher the cost. Some services offer guaranteed timelines, while others (like full-service moving) have rigid loading dates but vague delivery windows, leaving you without a clear arrival date. Movers have less availability and longer timelines during the busy season (the summer months), and shipping providers see the highest demand and longer delivery times during the holidays.
- Size and weight of shipment: The total weight and volume of your items can drastically impact pricing, especially if you’re using parcel services, like FedEx, or full-service movers. Also, some items that are particularly heavy or bulky may not qualify for certain shipping methods. Pricing for freight trailers, moving containers, and rental trucks depends more on the volume of household goods.
- Budget considerations: In general, the more hands-on you are with packing, loading, and transport, the more money you’ll save. But don’t forget to factor in additional costs like fuel, tolls, lodging, and more for a DIY truck rental.
- Specialty items and handling needs: Packing your items by yourself will always be the cheapest option, but if you have fragile items that require special packing or handling, it may be worth investing in hiring professional packers to help.
Cost Comparison of Shipping Methods
To make comparing household shipping options easier, we’ve broken down each one as follows.
| Shipping Method | What It’s Best For | Typical Long-Distance Move Cost | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Moving Company | -Large shipments -Long-distance moves -Convenience over cost | $3,151 – $6,658 for 2–3 beds | 1–3 weeks, depending on distance and season |
| Freight Shipping | -Large shipments -Long-distance moves | $1,631 – $2,856 for 2–3 beds | 1–3 weeks, depending on distance and season |
| Portable Moving Containers | -Flexible timelines -Large shipments and heavy loads -Long-distance moves | $3,076 – $4,492 for 2–3 beds | 1–3 weeks for shipping, plus desired storage duration |
| DIY Shipping (Rental Truck) | -Budget moves -DIYers who don’t mind a hands-on approach | $838 – $5,410 (including fuel) for 2–3 beds | Self-determined, depending on distance |
| Parcel/Specialty Shipping | -Just a few boxes -Smaller, heavier items that need special handling | $10 – 35 per box | 1–5 business days |
Tips to Save Money on Shipping Household Goods
No matter the method you choose, with a little strategy and planning, there are plenty of ways to cut costs. Here are a few ways you can save:
- Book early: Booking as soon as you can gives you time to compare quotes and research companies to help you lock in lower rates with reliable movers.
- Declutter and downsize: Fewer items equals lower costs — whether you’re paying by weight or volume. Plus, you might be able to earn some extra cash by selling items you no longer need.
- Opt for the off-season: Prices spike between May and September, when demand is highest for moving. If possible, schedule your move during the fall or winter to take advantage of lower rates and better availability. For faster parcel shipping, avoid the busy holiday season.
- Combine services strategically: You don’t have to empty your savings account to get a full-service experience. For instance, you can opt for a more affordable option like moving with a freight trailer and hiring loading and unloading help for a similar hands-off solution without the premium price.
Karen Bodkin
