How to Sell Your Furniture Before You Move

Moving house can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially when dealing with furniture. Selling furniture before you move can lighten your load and put some extra cash in your pocket. But whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or simply want a fresh start, selling your furniture efficiently requires a strategic approach.

In this guide, we’ll explain the best ways to sell your furniture, from choosing the right platform to pricing and negotiation tactics.

Plan and start early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving furniture sales to the last minute. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to find the right buyers and secure better deals.

Ideally, begin selling your furniture at least a month before your move to allow for negotiations, pick-ups, and unexpected delays.

It’s also important to take inventory of all the furniture items you intend to sell and assess their condition, functionality, and whether they’ll fit into your new home. Sentimental items should be carefully considered, as replacing them later may be difficult.

Make sure to also set a deadline for sales to ensure you have enough time to arrange alternative plans for any unsold items, such as donations or recycling.

Choose the right platform for selling furniture

There are several popular online marketplaces for selling furniture. Selecting the right one depends on the type of furniture, urgency, and your preferred method of sale.

Gumtree being one of the most widely used platforms for buying and selling second-hand items may be your best bet. It’s free to list items, and you can reach a large audience.

Facebook/Meta Marketplace is another convenient option, as it connects you with buyers in your local community and allows for direct communication.

If you’re selling unique or high-end pieces, eBay provides auction-style or fixed-price listings. For larger furniture pieces or bulk listings, Trading Post remains a viable option, though it may take longer to attract buyers.

If you have high-end, designer, or vintage furniture, specialty platforms like 1stDibs or Chairish can connect you with collectors willing to pay premium prices, though they may charge listing fees or commissions.

Setting up a garage sale is also an option, however, keep in mind that most people don’t go to garage sales to buy furniture, and if they do, it’s usually only if the furniture is incredibly cheap. Additionally, reaching a large audience with this method can be challenging. Regardless, it’s still worth considering, especially for smaller items or furniture.

Price your furniture competitively

Pricing is a crucial factor in attracting buyers. Overpricing may discourage interest, while underpricing could mean losing potential profits.

It’s helpful to research similar listings on your chosen platform to gauge a reasonable price. Consider the brand, condition, and age of your furniture, as well as the likelihood of potential buyers asking for a discount. 

Furniture depreciates over time, so keep in mind that nearly new items (less than a year old) typically sell for 70-80% of their original price, lightly used furniture (1-3 years old) for 50-70%, and well-used furniture (3+ years old) for 30-50%. If selling multiple pieces, bundling them at a slight discount can attract bulk buyers.

Create an attractive listing

A compelling listing increases the likelihood of selling quickly.

Take high-quality photos using natural lighting to highlight details, and ensure the furniture is clean and clutter-free. Capture multiple angles, including close-ups of any wear or damage, to give potential buyers a clear idea of what they are purchasing.

When writing the description, be honest and detailed, include dimensions, materials, brand, and condition, and mention any defects upfront to avoid disputes. Using keywords such as “solid timber,” “Scandi-style,” or “barely used” can improve visibility and attract more interest.

Specifying pick-up and payment details in the listing, indicating whether buyers need to pick up the item themselves or if delivery is an option will also be beneficial.

And don’t forget to clearly outline accepted payment methods, such as cash, bank transfer, or PayID, to streamline transactions and prevent last-minute confusion.

Promote your listings

Even with a great listing, you may need to actively promote your furniture to reach the right buyers. Share your listings on personal and community Facebook groups, as some neighbourhood groups allow buy/sell posts, which can speed up sales.

While not always necessary, consider using paid promotions to increase visibility, especially for high-value items.

Word of mouth can also be effective, letting friends, family, and colleagues know about your furniture sale may lead to a quick buyer within your network.

Handle inquiries and negotiations

Once your listing attracts interest, expect potential buyers to ask questions or negotiate prices. Be responsive and professional, answer inquiries promptly and politely, and provide additional details or photos if requested.

When setting a price, be prepared for bargaining but don’t feel pressured to accept lowball offers. If you’re firm on the price, state it clearly in the listing (e.g., “Price is firm”).

To avoid time-wasters, ask buyers to confirm their pickup time in advance, and if accepting bank transfers, ensure the payment clears before handing over the item.

Arrange pickup or delivery

Decide how you’ll handle logistics to ensure a smooth transaction. For smaller furniture, arrange to meet in a public place. For larger pieces, have someone with you when buyers pick them up from your home. If you have access to a ute or van, offering delivery for an additional fee can make your listing more attractive to buyers without transport.

If you need help transporting furniture to a buyer, consider our professional moving service, we offer flexible and affordable transport solutions, ensuring that even large or heavy furniture items can be delivered safely and efficiently. This can be particularly useful if the buyer doesn’t have access to a vehicle, making your listing more appealing.

What to do with unsold furniture

If you reach your deadline and still have unsold furniture, consider donating to charities or local op shops, many of which offer free pick-up services. You can also try selling to second-hand stores or antique shops that may be willing to buy your pieces outright.

As a last resort, listing items as “Free” can quickly clear them out. If disposal is necessary, check your local council’s bulk waste collection services or take items to a recycling centre.

Final thoughts

Selling your furniture before a move doesn’t have to be stressful. By starting early, using the right platforms, and presenting your items well, you can maximise your chances of a quick and profitable sale. 

So, whether you’re looking for extra cash or simply want to avoid the hassle of moving bulky items, a well-planned approach will help you clear out your space efficiently.

Need help moving furniture? MiniMovers has you covered! Call us at 1300 642 900 or book online today!

For additional home moving tips and guides, visit Home Relocation Hints and Ultimate Guide to Moving House.

Featured image by Alexis B