After spending days wrapping dishes in newspaper, wrestling with clothes on hangers, and deciding what you really need to bring with you for the move, the last thing you want to be doing is figuring out how to get your heavy furniture to your new place. Although Dwellworks does offer housing that comes fully furnished, we also know that isn't the option that works for every situation. But we are still able to help, of course! Here are a few tips about furniture that we like sharing with those who are relocating to make the move a little easier. Take a seat and read on!
Getting Furniture
Flat Pack Stores
A great place to start when shopping for new furniture is with stores that ship pieces flat. Although the furniture will take some assembly upon arrival, the boxes are a convenient way to furnish a space. This is especially worth it if your new place has narrow doorways, lots of steps, tight corners, or an elevator. Some stores also partner with nationwide services to help hire local assistants for assembly.
Second Hand Shopping
No matter what your personal style might be for your new space, you can find some great treasures at for low prices if you know where to look. When you are up for a hunt, spend a day visiting places like:
Often, the sellers of these items will also be open to negotiation. Just be sure you plan ahead and know how you will get your finds back to your apartment!
Alternative Home Furnishing Stores
Much like cars, furniture looses its value as soon as it is purchased. Therefore, if you can find items with slight damage, you can often help offset the high prices with deep discounts. Maintaining an open mind while shopping around means that pieces with scratches, dents, uneven legs, or options to be reupholstered can all be considered by you.
For imperfect but perfectly functioning furniture, check places like home surplus stores or wholesale stores. At popular furniture stores, ask if floor models are available for purchase at a discount or if there is a clearance section of the store you can browse.
Getting Rid of Furniture
Sell Your Furniture
Getting some cash for your furniture is easier now than ever before. With popular resale sites (like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace), you can see what similar items are selling for and price yours accordingly. Just be sure to take smart measures to keep yourself safe; in many cities, police stations or other public places have designated "exchange sites" where the buyer and seller can meet. It is recommended that you do not give your address to buyers and always try to go with a friend to pick up any new items.
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Ask Around
With ample time before you have to be out of your current housing arrangement, start asking around at work or in your local groups if anyone is interested in your furniture. Keep a few pictures of the pieces you need to find a home for on your phone so you are always ready to share. Before telling others about your furniture, make sure you know if you want to try to get money for the items or if you are okay with giving them away for free. This will make any exchanges with people you know a bit less awkward.
Depending on your housing arrangement, you might also have luck asking your neighbors if they would be interested in any items. This is especially successful in apartment buildings where residents might not want to bother with the inconvenience of moving new pieces in to their unit but could use some extra chairs or end tables.
Donate Your Furniture
In cities all over, there are plenty of organizations that help distribute furniture to people in need. Some of these groups may even assist with removing the furniture from your home, so call ahead and ask if that service is available. If you are a taxpayer in the USA, large donations can also be tax deductible if you acquire the proper paperwork.
Photo by Kaique Rocha from Pexels
Preparing for the big move? Let Rental Assistance help you from start to finish or just for the steps you need. Wherever you may be, our local experts are ready to give you a hand. Read more about Rental Assistance with Dwellworks in these other informative posts: