Shipping Furniture From Ireland to USA | Moving Guide

Planning on shipping furniture from Ireland to USA? Whether you are relocating an entire household or sending selected furniture and personal belongings, an international furniture shipment requires careful planning.

Your furniture may travel thousands of kilometres and pass through several handling stages before reaching your new home in the United States. Choosing suitable packing, preparing an accurate inventory and selecting the right shipping method can make the relocation much easier to manage.

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage provides international moving services from Ireland to the United States, including collection, professional packing, furniture protection, shipping coordination, storage and destination services.

For our complete USA relocation service, visit Moving to USA From Ireland.

Shipping Furniture From Ireland to USA

Moving furniture internationally is different from transporting it locally within Ireland.

Depending on the size of your move and the agreed service, your furniture shipment may involve:

• Collection from your home in Ireland
• Professional furniture protection
• Packing of household belongings
• Inventory preparation
• Transport to the departure facility
• Sea or air freight
• US customs procedures
• Destination handling
• Delivery to your new home

The best approach depends on how much furniture you are sending, where in the United States you are moving and whether you require additional services such as professional packing or storage.

Is It Worth Shipping Furniture From Ireland to USA?

This is one of the first questions to consider before arranging an international move.

There is no single answer because furniture can have practical, financial or sentimental value.

You may decide to ship:

• High-quality furniture
• Family furniture and heirlooms
• Antiques
• Dining tables and chairs
• Beds and bedroom furniture
• Sofas and armchairs
• Artwork
• Books
• Home-office furniture
• Personal collections

On the other hand, inexpensive furniture that is easy to replace may not always be economical to ship internationally.

Before requesting a quotation, decide which belongings genuinely need to travel with you.

How Is the Cost of Furniture Shipping Calculated?

There is no standard price for shipping furniture from Ireland to the United States.

The cost can depend on:

• The total volume of furniture and household goods
• Your collection location in Ireland
• Your destination in the USA
• Access at both properties
• The shipping method
• Professional packing requirements
• Specialist crating
• Storage requirements
• Destination delivery arrangements

International household shipments are commonly assessed by volume, so providing an accurate inventory helps establish the amount of space your belongings are likely to require.

Measure Your Furniture Before Shipping

Before deciding what to take, measure your larger pieces of furniture.

Record the approximate:

• Length
• Width
• Height

This is particularly useful for sofas, wardrobes, dining tables, sideboards, beds and other large items.

You should also consider whether the furniture will fit into your new American home.

If you are moving into an apartment or condominium, check:

• Door widths
• Corridor dimensions
• Lift dimensions
• Stair access
• Building delivery restrictions

There is little benefit in shipping a large piece of furniture across the Atlantic if it cannot be brought into your new property.

Professional Packing for Furniture Shipping to USA

Good packing is particularly important when furniture is travelling internationally.

Depending on the item and the agreed service, furniture protection may involve:

• Protective furniture wrapping
• Furniture blankets
• Cardboard protection
• Corner protection
• Appropriate protective materials
• Removal cartons for smaller belongings
• Specialist crating where required

Not every piece of furniture needs to be placed into an individual wooden crate. The appropriate packing method should be selected according to the item, its fragility and the type of shipment.

Learn more about Get Cracking professional packing services.

Custom Crating for Fragile or Valuable Furniture

Some belongings require more protection than conventional furniture wrapping.

Custom crating may be considered for suitable items such as:

• Artwork
• Mirrors
• Antiques
• Fragile decorative pieces
• Unusually shaped items
• Selected high-value furniture

A crate can be designed around the dimensions and handling requirements of a particular item.

Read more about custom crating for fragile and specialist items.

Should Furniture Be Dismantled Before Shipping?

Some furniture can be transported more efficiently when it is dismantled.

This may apply to:

• Bed frames
• Dining tables
• Desks
• Some wardrobes
• Modular furniture
• Other suitable items

Dismantling suitable furniture can reduce its dimensions and make it easier to move through doors, stairways and other restricted access points.

However, not every item should be dismantled. Antique, specialist or complicated furniture may require a different approach.

Can I Pack My Own Furniture and Household Goods?

Some customers choose to pack some or all of their shipment themselves.

If you are self-packing, use strong moving cartons and appropriate protective materials rather than lightweight household boxes.

Clearly label each carton with its contents and, where useful, the destination room.

If insurance is being arranged separately for the shipment, check the applicable policy carefully because conditions can differ for items packed by the owner.

Get Cracking Limited does not insure shipments or removals. Customers should arrange any insurance cover they require separately in advance and review the applicable policy terms and conditions.

Shipping Methods From Ireland to USA

The most suitable shipping method depends largely on the volume of furniture being moved, the destination and your timing requirements.

Shared or Part-Load Shipping

If you are sending only selected furniture and cartons, your belongings may be suitable for a shared or consolidated shipment.

This can be useful when you do not have enough furniture to require an entire container.

Dedicated Container Shipping

A larger household relocation may be suitable for a dedicated shipping container.

The appropriate container arrangement will depend on the volume, dimensions and nature of your shipment.

Air Freight

Air freight may be considered for smaller or more urgent shipments.

Because air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, it may be more suitable for selected belongings rather than a large quantity of household furniture.

Shipping Furniture With Other Household Goods

Most people relocating to the United States are not shipping furniture alone.

A household shipment may also include:

• Clothing
• Books
• Kitchenware
• Bed linen
• Pictures
• Personal belongings
• Home-office items
• Children’s belongings

These items can be included within the overall household inventory and packed appropriately for international transport.

Prepare a Detailed Household Inventory

An accurate inventory is an important part of shipping furniture from Ireland to USA.

The inventory should clearly identify what is being transported.

Useful descriptions include:

• Dining table
• Six dining chairs
• Sofa
• Bed frame
• Books
• Kitchenware
• Clothing
• Bed linen

Avoid vague descriptions such as “miscellaneous items” where a clearer description can be provided.

US Customs When Shipping Furniture

Furniture and household effects entering the United States are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.

For unaccompanied household goods, documentation may include CBP Form 3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles together with a complete household inventory.

Qualifying household effects that meet the applicable US Customs requirements may be eligible for duty-free entry.

You can check current requirements through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance for household goods.

Customs treatment depends on the particular goods and the importer’s circumstances, so customers should not assume that every item automatically qualifies for duty-free entry.

New Furniture and Recently Purchased Items

Special care should be taken when your shipment contains newly purchased furniture or other new household goods.

The customs treatment of new goods may differ from qualifying used household effects.

Tell your relocation coordinator about recently purchased, unusual or high-value items so the applicable requirements can be considered before shipment.

What Should Not Be Packed With Your Furniture?

Do not assume that everything in your home can automatically be included in an international household shipment.

Tell your moving company before packing items such as:

• Food
• Alcohol
• Medicines
• Plants or seeds
• Flammable liquids
• Chemicals
• Pressurised containers
• Other hazardous or restricted goods

Restrictions and import requirements vary depending on the item, so questionable goods should be checked before packing.

Shipping Antiques and Valuable Furniture to USA

Antique or particularly valuable furniture may require additional planning.

Before shipment, consider:

• The dimensions and weight
• The construction of the item
• Whether parts can safely be removed
• Whether specialist wrapping is appropriate
• Whether custom crating should be considered
• Destination access

Discuss valuable, fragile or unusual pieces with your mover during the quotation or survey stage so suitable handling can be considered.

Moving Furniture to an Apartment in the USA

If your furniture is being delivered to an apartment or condominium, contact the building management before the shipment arrives.

Some buildings have specific moving procedures, including:

• Restricted delivery hours
• Move-in appointments
• Lift reservations
• Loading-bay bookings
• Parking requirements
• Building-management requirements

Providing these details to your destination relocation team early can help prevent delays on delivery day.

Moving Furniture From Ireland to New York

New York relocations can involve challenging access because many customers are moving into apartments.

Before shipping large furniture to New York, check lift dimensions, stairways, building access and any moving restrictions imposed by the property management company.

If New York is your destination, read our guide to removals to New York from Dublin.

Moving Furniture From Ireland to Florida

Customers relocating to Florida should also consider the type and size of their new property when deciding which furniture to ship.

Get Cracking provides international removals from Ireland to destinations throughout the United States, including Florida.

If Miami is your destination, see our guide to removals from Dublin to Miami.

Storage Before Shipping Furniture to USA

Sometimes your furniture cannot be shipped immediately.

Storage may be useful if:

• Your US accommodation is not ready
• Your relocation date changes
• You are staying in temporary accommodation
• You want to send your belongings later
• You are moving in stages
• You want to retain some belongings in Ireland

Learn more about Get Cracking storage services.

What Should You Keep With You?

Do not place essential travel documents or belongings that you will need immediately into your household shipment.

Keep important items with you, including:

• Passports
• Visa and immigration documents
• Prescription medication
• Important financial documents
• Employment documents
• Essential electronics
• Chargers
• Clothing required during the first weeks

How Long Does Furniture Shipping From Ireland to USA Take?

There is no single transit time for every shipment from Ireland to the United States.

The total schedule can depend on:

• The US destination
• The shipping method
• Shared or dedicated container arrangements
• Sailing schedules
• Port handling
• Customs procedures
• Destination handling
• Final delivery arrangements

Your relocation coordinator can provide an estimated schedule once the details and transport method for your move have been confirmed.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Shipping Furniture to USA?

Because shipment volume is an important factor in international household moving, one of the simplest ways to manage costs is to decide carefully what you really want to take.

Before your survey or quotation:

• Declutter unused belongings
• Sell furniture that is easy to replace
• Donate unwanted items
• Separate storage items from shipping items
• Identify large or unusual furniture
• Prepare an accurate inventory
• Tell your mover about difficult property access

An accurate inventory also helps your relocation company prepare a quotation based on the actual goods you intend to move.

Arrange a Pre-Move Survey

For larger household moves, a pre-move survey can help establish the approximate volume of furniture and belongings being transported.

The survey can also identify:

• Large furniture
• Fragile items
• Packing requirements
• Possible furniture dismantling
• Specialist crating requirements
• Property access
• Storage requirements

This information allows the international move to be planned more accurately before collection day.

Professional International Moving Standards

When choosing a company for shipping furniture from Ireland to USA, price is important, but it should not be the only consideration.

International relocation involves packing, transport, documentation, overseas coordination and destination services, so experience and professional industry connections are also important.

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage is connected with recognised moving organisations in Ireland, Europe and internationally.

FIDI Global Alliance and FAIM Accreditation

Get Cracking Relocations is a FIDI affiliate and holds FAIM accreditation.

FIDI is a global alliance of professional international moving and relocation companies. FAIM is FIDI’s quality programme for international moving companies and provides a specialist framework for international relocation operations.

Get Cracking’s current FIDI profile lists its FAIM accreditation with an expiry date of 2028.

View Get Cracking Relocations on the FIDI website.

International Association of Movers – IAM

Get Cracking is a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM).

IAM is an international trade association serving companies involved in moving, forwarding and relocation services around the world.

International industry networks are particularly relevant when a household move starts in Ireland but requires coordination and destination services in the United States.

Visit the International Association of Movers.

FEDEMAC

Get Cracking is a FEDEMAC Commercial Member.

FEDEMAC represents the professional moving industry across Europe and connects companies involved in European and international removals and relocation.

View Get Cracking Removals on the FEDEMAC website.

British Association of Removers – BAR

Get Cracking is also a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR).

BAR is an established moving-industry organisation representing professional removal and storage companies.

Visit the British Association of Removers.

Why Choose Get Cracking for Furniture Shipping to USA?

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage provides international moving services from Ireland to destinations throughout the United States and worldwide.

Depending on the requirements of your move, services can include:

• Pre-move surveys
• Household collection
• Professional packing
• Furniture protection
• Specialist crating
• Sea and air freight options
• Storage
• International move coordination
• Destination delivery

Our international moving experience, worldwide partner network and memberships of recognised professional moving organisations support the planning and coordination of international household relocations.

Learn more about Get Cracking worldwide relocation services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Furniture From Ireland to USA

Can I Ship Furniture From Ireland to the USA?

Yes. Furniture and household belongings can be shipped from Ireland to destinations throughout the United States, subject to the applicable transport and import requirements.

Can I Ship Only a Few Pieces of Furniture?

Yes. Smaller shipments may be suitable for a shared or consolidated service depending on the destination and available transport arrangements.

Can I Ship an Entire House Contents?

Yes. Larger household relocations can be assessed for dedicated container or other suitable international transport arrangements.

Does All Furniture Need a Wooden Crate?

No. The appropriate protection depends on the individual item. Standard furniture may use suitable wrapping and protective materials, while fragile, unusual or particularly valuable items may require specialist crating.

Do I Need a Packing List?

Yes. A detailed household inventory is important when moving belongings internationally and may also be required for US customs procedures.

Can Used Furniture Enter the USA Duty-Free?

Qualifying household effects that meet applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements may be eligible for duty-free entry. Eligibility depends on the circumstances and should be checked against current customs requirements.

Can Get Cracking Store My Furniture Before Shipping?

Storage can be discussed where there is a gap between collection in Ireland and the planned international shipment or final delivery.

Can You Deliver Furniture Throughout the USA?

Get Cracking coordinates international relocation services to destinations throughout the United States depending on the individual move and destination requirements.

Is Get Cracking FIDI Accredited?

Yes. Get Cracking Relocations is listed by FIDI and holds FAIM accreditation. Get Cracking is also a member of IAM and BAR and is a FEDEMAC Commercial Member.

Get a Quote for Shipping Furniture From Ireland to USA

If you are planning on shipping furniture from Ireland to USA, contact Get Cracking Relocations & Storage to discuss your requirements.

When requesting a quotation, provide:

• Your collection address in Ireland
• Your destination in the United States
• Your expected moving date
• A list of the furniture and belongings being moved
• Photographs of particularly large or unusual pieces if available
• Whether professional packing is required
• Whether storage is required

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage
Dublin, Ireland
Telephone: 01 866 5999
Email: info@getcracking.ie

Request a Furniture Shipping Quote to USA