Moving to a new home can be a daunting task, especially when you have to decide what to do with your old furniture. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or simply decluttering, getting rid of your furniture can be challenging. But what if you could turn your unwanted furniture into cash? There are several ways to sell your used furniture when moving, and in this article, we’ll explore some of the best options.
Determine the Value of Your Furniture
Before you start selling your furniture, it’s important to determine its value. This will help you set a fair price and avoid underselling or overselling. You can use online resources such as the Kelley Blue Book for furniture, or consult with an appraiser to get an accurate estimate of the value of your furniture.
Sell Locally on Online Marketplaces
Selling furniture online is becoming increasingly popular, and there are several online marketplaces where you can sell your furniture locally. Here are some of the most popular options:
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell your furniture to people in your local community. You can list your items for free and set a price that you think is fair. Potential buyers can message you through Facebook Messenger to arrange a time and place to pick up the item.
Craigslist
Craigslist is another popular option for selling furniture online. You can create a free listing and include photos and a detailed description of the item. Interested buyers can contact you through the Craigslist messaging system, and you can arrange for them to come and pick up the item.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a social network for your local community, and it’s a great place to sell your furniture to people who live nearby. You can create a free listing and share it with your neighbors. Interested buyers can contact you through the Nextdoor messaging system, and you can arrange for them to come and pick up the item.
Sell to a Resale Shop or Consignment Store
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling your furniture yourself, you can consider selling it to a resale shop or consignment store. These businesses will buy your furniture from you or sell it on your behalf for a commission. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Resale shops usually buy furniture outright, but they may not offer you the full value of your items.
- Consignment stores will sell your furniture on your behalf and take a commission, usually around 50%.
- Make sure to do your research and find a reputable resale shop or consignment store in your area.
Donate to Charity
If you’re not concerned about making money from your furniture, you can consider donating it to a charity. Not only will you be helping those in need, but you’ll also be able to claim a tax deduction for your donation. Here are some charities that accept furniture donations:
- Goodwill
- The Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Hire a Professional Estate Sale Company
If you have a lot of furniture to sell and want to get the best possible price, you can consider hiring a professional estate sale company. These companies will handle everything from pricing and advertising to setting up and running the sale. While they will take a commission, you’ll likely get a higher price for your items than if you sold them yourself.
Conclusion
There are several options for selling your used furniture when moving. Whether you choose to sell locally on online marketplaces, to a resale shop or consignment store, donate to charity, or hire a professional estate sale company, you can turn your unwanted furniture into cash or do some good for those in need.
When deciding which option to choose, consider the value of your furniture, how much time and effort you’re willing to put in, and whether you want to make money or simply get rid of your items. With some research and planning, you can successfully sell your used furniture and make your moving process smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pay to list my furniture on Facebook Marketplace? No, you can list your furniture for free on Facebook Marketplace.
- How much commission does a consignment store usually take? Consignment stores usually take a commission of around 50% of the sale price.
- Can I get a tax deduction for donating my furniture to charity? Yes, you can claim a tax deduction for your donation. Make sure to get a receipt from the charity for your records.
- How do I determine the value of my furniture? You can use online resources such as the Kelley Blue Book for furniture, or consult with an appraiser to get an accurate estimate of the value of your furniture.
- How do I choose a reputable estate sale company? Do your research and read reviews online. Ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have used estate sale companies in the past. Make sure to ask for references and check their credentials.