Got a sofa to move? Selling furniture online? Bought something on marketplace that's too big for your car? Here's how to get large items delivered across the UK without breaking the bank.
Your Large Item Delivery Options
Standard parcel couriers like Royal Mail, Evri, and DPD won't take furniture or oversized items. Here are your actual options:
1. Delivery Comparison Platforms
Sites like AnyVan, Shiply, and DeliveryQuoteCompare connect you with couriers who bid on your job. Often cheapest for one-off deliveries.
2. Large Item Couriers
Companies like AnyVan, Parcel2Go (large items), and specialist furniture couriers handle oversized goods. Better for regular shipments.
3. Man and Van Services
Personal service with help loading/unloading. Best for items that can't be boxed, need careful handling, or same-day delivery.
4. Pallet Delivery
For very heavy items (30kg+), pallet services through Parcel2Go handle up to 1000kg. Items need to be on a standard pallet.
How Much Does Large Item Delivery Cost?
Prices vary significantly based on item size, weight, and distance. Here are typical ranges:
| Item Type | Local (same city) | National |
|---|---|---|
| Small furniture (chair, small table) | £26-50 | £40-80 |
| Sofa / 2-seater | £40-70 | £60-120 |
| Bed frame + mattress | £50-80 | £80-150 |
| Wardrobe / large unit | £60-100 | £100-180 |
| Washing machine / fridge | £40-70 | £60-120 |
| Multiple items / small move | £80-150 | £150-300 |
Comparison platforms can save 40-75%
Delivery companies with spare van space (backloads) offer reduced rates to cover costs on return journeys. Platforms like Shiply use a reverse auction format where drivers bid on your job.
What Large Items Can Be Shipped?
Almost anything that's not hazardous can be delivered. Common large item deliveries include:
Sofas & Seating
Sofas, armchairs, recliners, corner units
Beds & Mattresses
Bed frames, mattresses, divans, headboards
Tables & Dining
Dining tables, desks, coffee tables, sideboards
Storage
Wardrobes, chests, cabinets, shelving units
Appliances
Washing machines, fridges, cookers, dishwashers
Exercise Equipment
Treadmills, weights, exercise bikes, rowing machines
Musical Instruments
Pianos, keyboards, drum kits, amplifiers
Garden Items
Garden furniture, BBQs, sheds (flat-packed)
Packaging Requirements
Different services have different packaging requirements:
Standard Large Item Couriers
- Items must be boxed and packaged appropriately
- Unboxed or freestanding furniture is carried on a no-compensation basis
- Flat-pack furniture is easier and cheaper to ship
- Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and fill gaps with packing materials
Man and Van Services
- No boxing required - we handle unwrapped furniture
- We use blankets and straps to protect items
- Help with loading and unloading included
- Can disassemble and reassemble if needed
Courier vs Man and Van: Which to Choose?
Choose Courier When:
- Items can be boxed/palletised
- You can load/unload yourself
- Timing is flexible (2-5 day delivery OK)
- Sending multiple items to different addresses
- You're a business with regular shipments
Choose Man & Van When:
- Items can't be boxed (sofas, beds)
- You need help loading/unloading
- Same-day or time-specific delivery needed
- Items are fragile or valuable
- Collecting marketplace purchases
- Items need careful handling (antiques)
How to Save Money on Large Item Delivery
Use Comparison Platforms
AnyVan, Shiply let drivers bid - backloads are 40-75% cheaper
Add Photos
Requests with photos get 34% cheaper quotes on average
Be Flexible on Dates
Midweek and flexible dates attract more bids and lower prices
Disassemble if Possible
Flat-packed items are cheaper to ship than assembled
Need Large Item Delivery?
We collect and deliver furniture, appliances, and bulky items across London with help loading and unloading.
07547 467333