A Guide to Selling Your Furniture Before You Move

An often overlooked aspect of moving is getting in to your new home and realising that your furniture just doesn't fit or look right in the new space. Not only is this frustrating, but it also means you may have spent more on removalist costs than necessary. Could you be better off selling your furniture before you move?

By selling your furniture before you move, you can not only save money but also generate some extra funds to help cover your moving expenses. Here's a straightforward guide to selling your furniture quickly and effectively.

Step 1: Get Your Furniture Ready

Giving your furniture a little TLC could mean more money in your pocket, so don’t skip this step!

Clean It Up: Start by giving everything a good clean and removing any stickers, marks and fingerprints. A cleaner piece looks way more appealing and can definitely help you snag a better price.

Try the Magic Eraser, at around $5 at major supermarkets and hardware stores

Set a Fair Price: Do some quick research on similar items to get a sense of what your stuff is worth. Price it at 60% of the original retail price to start with. If it’s not flying out the door, you can always lower the price after a few days.

Step 2: Snap Some Great Photos

We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, so let the photos do the talking.

Show It Off: Take at least 3-5 photos from different angles, making sure to get close-ups of any unique features. If your piece has a branded sticker, say West Elm or Coco Republic, take a close-up to show the item’s legitimacy.

Single seat chair for sale on LiloLiving.com.au

Be Honest: If there are any imperfections, it’s better to show them upfront. A photo highlighting the flaw in the context of the overall piece can help buyers see that it’s minor.

Set the Scene: Use a plain background for your photos and avoid night shots or using the flash. Natural light always works best. Also, try taking a few photos of the furniture in a room setting to give buyers a sense of scale and how it looks in a home.

Style It Up: Take a little extra time to style the piece - think throw cushions, bedside lamps, or greenery. This helps potential buyers visualise it in their own space.

Step 3: Craft a Compelling Description

A good description can make the sale. And save you time.

Share the Details: Include all dimensions, materials, condition, and the original retail price and purchase date if you know it.

Add a Personal Touch: Tell a bit about the furniture’s story, why it’s a quality or unique piece and the reason you’re selling it. People love a good backstory.

Use Keywords: Include relevant keywords so your listing shows up in searches. So, if your item has a Hamptons feel or a Mid Century Modern vibe, be sure to add this into your description.

This description almost ticks all of the boxes

Step 4: Pick the Perfect Platform

Choosing the right place to list your furniture can make all the difference.

Find Your Audience: Pick a platform that will best match your item with a potential buyer. Whilst Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree might have a wide range of users, your item may sell quicker using a specalised, managed furniture platform like Lilo Living.

Think About Safety: Be cautious on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, as scammers are specifically targeting these platforms. If something feels off, trust your gut.

Step 5: Finalise the Sale

This part can be the most tedious, so hold in there until the sale is complete.

Stay Responsive: Keep an eye on your messages and reply quickly. Be open to negotiation, but know your lowest acceptable price.

Keep It Safe: Let your partner, roommate, friend or family member know if there is someone coming to your house to pick up an item of furniture. If the item is outside and ready at the time of pick up, it may make things more comfortable on your end.

So there you have it—prep, snap, describe, choose your platform, and finalise the sale. With a little planning and effort, you can sell your furniture fast and fund your move.

If you want to sell your quality used furniture fast, but don’t have the time or the bother, we recommend taking a look at the seller options at: https://liloliving.com.au/pages/sell.

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