Moving presents the perfect opportunity to declutter and start fresh in your new space. If you’re downsizing or simply want to replace old furniture, selling used furniture before moving is a great way to lighten your load while making some extra cash. But where do you start? Selling furniture before a move requires planning to ensure you get the best price and avoid last-minute stress.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selling used furniture before moving – including pricing strategies, the best platforms to use, and how to make sure your items sell quickly.
1. Why Sell Your Furniture Before Moving?
Selling furniture before a move has several advantages:
- Reduces Moving Costs – Moving companies charge based on weight and volume. The fewer items you bring, the more you save when selling used furniture before moving. If you’re curious about how much movers cost in Ottawa, understanding these pricing factors can help with budgeting.
- Gives You a Fresh Start – A new home is an opportunity to redecorate with furniture that fits the space and your evolving style.
- Earns Extra Cash – Selling furniture before moving can put money back in your pocket, helping to offset moving expenses.
- Saves Time and Effort – Moving large, bulky furniture requires effort. If you don’t absolutely love the piece, selling it before your move might be the better option.
Once you’ve decided to sell used furniture before moving, the next step is figuring out what to sell and what to keep.
2. Decide What to Sell and What to Keep
Before listing items for sale, do an inventory check of what you have and determine what’s worth bringing to your new home. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Will it fit in my new space? Large furniture may not work in a smaller home or apartment.
- Is it worth moving? Some pieces, especially cheap or worn-out furniture, might not justify the moving costs.
- Does it have sentimental value? If the item is valuable or sentimental, it may be worth keeping.
- Is it in good condition? If the furniture is in poor shape, donating or recycling might be a better option than selling used furniture before moving.
Once you’ve identified the items you want to sell, it’s time to price them!
3. How to Price Your Used Furniture
Pricing your furniture correctly will ensure a quick sale. Here are some tips to determine a fair price:
- Research Market Prices – Check similar listings on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Craigslist to see what people are paying for comparable furniture before selling used furniture before moving.
- Factor in Age and Condition – Well-maintained, high-quality furniture can sell for 40-60% of its original price, while heavily used pieces should be priced lower.
- Consider Brand and Material – Solid wood furniture and designer pieces hold their value better than particle board or mass-produced items.
- Set a Negotiable Price – Many buyers expect to haggle, so list your price slightly higher than your lowest acceptable offer.
For example, if you’re willing to sell a couch for $200, consider listing it at $250 to leave room for negotiation.
4. The Best Platforms for Selling Used Furniture
There are many platforms to help you with selling used furniture before moving. Here are some top choices:
- Facebook Marketplace – Easy to use, highly visible, and great for local sales.
- Kijiji – One of Canada’s most popular online marketplaces for furniture sales.
- Craigslist – Still a widely used classified site for selling second-hand items.
- OfferUp – Mobile-friendly app designed for local selling.
- Consignment Shops – If you don’t want to deal with buyers, a consignment shop can sell your items for a commission.
- Online Auction Sites (eBay, MaxSold) – Useful for unique or vintage pieces that might attract a larger audience.
If you have multiple pieces of furniture to sell, you might also consider holding a garage sale to offload items quickly.
5. How to Take Great Photos for Your Listings
Good photos make a difference when selling used furniture before moving. Here’s how to take the best ones:
- Use Natural Light – Take pictures during the day in a well-lit area.
- Clean and Stage the Furniture – Remove clutter and position the furniture in a way that showcases its best features.
- Take Multiple Angles – Show the item from different perspectives, including close-ups of details or minor damage.
- Include a Size Reference – A measuring tape in the photo helps buyers understand the dimensions.
Clear, professional-looking photos help your listing stand out and attract serious buyers.
6. How to Write an Effective Listing
A good listing should be clear, honest, and informative. Here’s what to include:
- A descriptive title – Example: “Modern Oak Dining Table with 4 Chairs – Excellent Condition”
- Accurate dimensions – Buyers want to know if the piece will fit in their space.
- Condition details – Mention any scratches, dents, or wear.
- Original purchase price (optional) – Helps justify your asking price.
- Pick-up or delivery options – Make it clear if buyers need to transport the item themselves.
Example listing:
“Selling a high-quality, solid wood coffee table in excellent condition. No scratches or dents. Dimensions: 40” x 20” x 18”. Originally purchased for $400, asking $180 OBO. Located in Ottawa, pick-up only.“
7. Stay Safe When Selling Locally
When selling furniture online, take precautions to stay safe:
- Meet in a public place whenever possible.
- Have someone with you if buyers need to pick up items from your home.
- Accept cash or e-transfer to avoid scams.
- Beware of suspicious buyers—avoid anyone asking for personal information or offering to send a check.
If you’re uncomfortable meeting in person, some consignment stores or third-party selling apps (like Facebook’s shipping option) offer safer alternatives.
8. What to Do If Your Furniture Doesn’t Sell
If you’re struggling to find a buyer, consider these alternatives:
- Lower the price – If the item isn’t selling, reducing the price might attract more interest.
- Donate it – Many charities, like Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army, accept furniture donations.
- Recycle or Upcycle – If an item is too damaged to sell, repurpose it into something new or find a furniture recycling program.
- Curbside Giveaway – In some neighborhoods, leaving furniture on the curb with a “Free” sign can help it find a new home quickly.
Selling used furniture before moving is a great way to declutter, save on moving costs, and earn extra money. By pricing items fairly, using the right selling platforms, and creating strong listings with quality photos, you can sell your furniture quickly and easily.
If you’re preparing for a move and need professional movers to handle the heavy lifting, Parkview Moving is here to help. Contact us today for a stress-free moving experience! 🚛📦
