Moving to a new place comes with plenty of tasks to take care of, and one item on your to-do list is probably downsizing your furniture. If you have a couch that won’t fit through your new apartment door or a dining set you’ve been meaning to replace anyway, selling your used furniture before you move can save you money, reduce what you have to move, and put a little money in your wallet. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the smartest and easiest ways to sell your furniture quickly.
Why Sell Your Furniture Before Moving?
When you’re preparing for a move, decluttering is one of the best ways to make your move easier. Every piece of furniture you sell is one less thing to load onto a truck and unload at your new home. And because moving costs are often based on weight and volume, cutting down on bigger items can make a real dent in your moving budget. Plus, you can make some money to offset those move costs along the way. The secondhand furniture market has really taken off in recent years, with more people looking for quality used pieces.
Preparing Your Furniture for Sale
Good photos and a clean piece make a big difference when people are scrolling. Before taking the photos for your listing, give your furniture a quick wipe down and fix any small things you can, like a loose screw or a light scratch. It helps show that the piece has been well cared for.
PULL QUOTE: “When people make lower offers, try not to take it personally. Negotiating is part of the process, and you can decide on the lowest price you feel good about before you post your listing”
Set it in a tidy spot and take a few clear photos from different angles. Make sure you grab the measurements too, since most buyers ask for those right away.
Where to Sell Used Furniture
The best way to sell used furniture depends on how quickly you need to sell, how much effort you want to put in, and what type of furniture you’re dealing with. Here are the most common options:
Online Marketplaces
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are usually where people start. They’re free to use and give you access to tons of potential buyers in your area. Posting detailed descriptions with quality photos and being quick to respond are great ways to get noticed. Also, make sure to let buyers know what to expect for pickup. Most people plan to pick items up on their own, so note whether the piece is on the first floor or if they will need to navigate stairs.
Consignment and Thrift Stores
If you prefer not to sell directly to buyers, consignment stores are a good option. You drop off furniture, and they sell it for a percentage in the 40-60% range. The process can take weeks or months, and shops may be selective. Thrift stores accept donations faster, but don’t pay. For earning money, consider consignment.
Garage or Yard Sales
If you want things out of the house quickly, a small garage sale can be a simple option. Prices are usually lower, but everything happens in one place, and buyers carry items away the same day. This works especially well for basic pieces, kids’ furniture, or items you don’t want to list one by one.
Using HireAHelper for Local Pickup Help
HireAHelper doesn’t have a place to list furniture, but it can still make the pickup part a lot easier! If you’re selling something heavy, like a sofa or a solid wood dresser, you can book local movers through the platform to handle the lifting. They can meet you and the buyer, move the piece safely, and deal with any tight corners or stairs. It’s a nice option when you want the sale to go smoothly without doing the heavy work yourself.
Pricing Strategies for Used Furniture
Start by searching for similar items on the platforms where you’re planning to list. Pay attention to the condition and how long the listings have been sitting. If something’s been posted for months, it’s probably priced too high. As a rule of thumb, used furniture typically sells for 20% to 50% of its original retail price, depending on age and wear. Of course, brand-name or vintage pieces can fetch higher prices.
PULL QUOTE: “ Every piece of furniture you sell is one less thing to load onto a truck and unload at your new home. And because moving costs are often based on weight and volume, cutting down on bigger items can make a real dent in your moving budget.”
Spring and early summer are fantastic times to sell, as more people are moving and actively looking for pieces. You also may be able to get quick sales during the typically May/September college move dates. Set your price a little higher than you need to, leaving room for negotiation, since many buyers will try to haggle.
Crafting an Effective Listing
Your listing should answer the basics right away: What is it? What condition is it in? Where are you located? How does pickup work? Be honest about any flaws, like a small stain or wobbly leg. Use descriptive words buyers care about, like “solid wood construction,” “pet-free home,” or “only two years old.”
Don’t forget, photos are your most important tool. Include at least four or five images from different angles, with close-ups of any damage plus a full shot for scale. If you offer flexible pickup times or you’ve learned good furniture loading tips, mention it! This makes buyers more confident that they can get the item home.
Handling Inquiries and Negotiations
Once your listing is live, respond to messages quickly. Answer questions in a friendly way and offer additional photos if asked. When people make lower offers, try not to take it personally. Negotiating is part of the process, and you can decide on the lowest price you feel good about before you post your listing
For meetups, pick a public spot when you can, or plan the handoff during the day with someone nearby. Make sure payment is settled before anything goes out the door. If you wrapped or protected the furniture for the move, give the buyer a heads-up so they know what to expect.
Benefits of Selling Used Furniture
Selling your used furniture is an easy way to bring in a bit of extra money. It also means you have less to haul on moving day, which makes everything cheaper and less stressful. Plus, your furniture gets to be loved again instead of ending up in the trash. Lots of people shop secondhand to cut down on waste, so you’re making your own move easier while helping someone furnish their place in a greener way.
Limitations and Considerations
Selling furniture does take some work. You will need to clean it, take a few good photos, post your listings, answer questions, and set up pickup times, all while packing and moving. You might not get your full asking price, and now and then a buyer will offer far too little or not show up.
Plus, big or heavy pieces can be tough to move, so you may need an extra set of hands, especially if stairs or tight hallways are involved. If you are working with a short timeline, you might need to price things a bit lower or have a backup plan to donate anything that does not sell.
Final Tips for a Smooth Sale
The best way to sell your furniture is to give yourself at least a few weeks before moving day. Be honest about which pieces will sell quickly and which ones might need a lower price. When you start moving items out, take a moment to protect your doors and floors so nothing gets marked up. With a little planning, selling your used furniture can end up being one of the easier parts of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set the right price for my used furniture?
A good place to start is by looking up pieces that are similar to yours on the sites you want to use. Check the condition, the brand, and how long other listings have been sitting there. If something has been up forever, the price is probably too high. Most used furniture sells for about 20-50% of what it cost new. Think about the shape your piece is in and how popular the brand is, then set your price a little above the lowest amount you are comfortable taking.
What’s the safest way to meet buyers in person?
Try to meet during the day in a public spot when you can. If a buyer is coming to your home, have someone with you or nearby. Let a friend or family member know the basics – who is coming, when they are coming, and what they are picking up. Also, make sure the payment is sorted out before the furniture goes anywhere. Don’t forget, if something does not feel right, you can always change your mind!
Can HireAHelper help with furniture pickup?
Yes. HireAHelper can match you with local movers who take care of the heavy lifting. They can help load and move big pieces like sofas, tables, or dressers. You can set this up for your buyer or for yourself if you are delivering something. It makes the whole pickup process a lot less stressful, especially with stairs or tight doorways.
Should I offer delivery or stick with pickup only?
Pickup only is the easiest and usually draws buyers who already have a plan for moving the item. Offering delivery can help you reach more people, but it takes extra time, and you might need a bigger vehicle or some help. If you do offer delivery, you can charge a small fee to cover your time and gas. Just be clear in your listing about what you can and cannot do. Most buyers assume pickup unless you say otherwise.
What fees can I expect on different selling channels?
Most online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp are free to list on, though some charge for boosted posts. Payment apps like PayPal or Venmo may take a small fee. Consignment shops usually keep a big portion of the sale, often around 40-60%. Keep these things in mind when you set your price so you know what you will actually make.