Keep or Release: Is Your Furniture Worth Moving?

Most people begin the moving process by decluttering. They comb through their closets, garage, kids’ rooms and other areas in the home looking for items to throw out or donate. After all, the more items you have to move, the more it will cost you to move and the more items you’ll have to pack and unpack.

But often, people overlook their furniture, the heaviest and most expensive pieces to you’ll have to move. Sometimes, there’s good reason to move your furniture to your new home regardless of the cost, but other times, you may be better off selling or donating before you move and buying replacements when you relocate.

It’s not always easy to determine whether your furniture is worth moving. These questions can help you decide.

Is it durable and functional?

High-quality furniture is almost always worth keeping, especially if it’s something functional like a table or bed. These are the pieces that can be handed down to the next generation. Before you get rid of one, consider how much it is going to cost to replace that item with something of similar quality and durability. In most cases, it will make more sense to pay the money to have it moved.

Is it practical to move?

Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to move certain pieces. For example, that solid wood desk that takes three people to lift might not be worth the trouble of bringing to your next home. Same with the playset in your backyard. If you have to tear it down, keep track of all the pieces and reassemble it at the next house, maybe you’re better off just buying a new one for your kids. You probably won’t regret getting rid of any piece of furniture that is large, heavy, awkwardly shaped or difficult to take down and put back up.

Does it have sentimental value?

Whether it’s a cedar chest your grandmother once owned or the kitchen table your kids grew up around, some items have sentimental value. Hold on to them! They can’t be replaced, and if you get rid of them to shave a few dollars off your moving costs, chances are you’ll regret it later. What should you do, though, if you have a sentimental piece that won’t fit into your new home or you don’t think will survive the move? Consider gifting it to a relative or asking them to hold it for you until you move back.

Will it fit in the new home?

Unless you’re moving into the same floor model, your new home will have a different layout. As a result, your furniture won’t fit the same way in the new house as it did in your old one. Some pieces may not even fit at all. For example, if you know there’s no room for your pool table in the new home, sell it before you go so you don’t have to pay to move it. Or, leave it behind for the new owners.

Style is another consideration. You may not want to decorate your new ocean-front home with the farmhouse-style pieces you have now. Sell what doesn’t work, and buy something new later.

How old is it?

Well-made antiques are one thing, but that 15-year-old couch or rickety chair may not be worth the cost to move. Older pieces are more likely to be damaged during the move, and you may have to buy new pieces to replace them soon after you move in. But even if it does arrive in good condition, why pay to move a piece you’ll need to replace in a few years anyway? Sell it now.

What’s your personality?

There are pros and cons to selling your furniture before you move, but often, the decision comes down to how much you love decorating your home and shopping for furniture. If you enjoy home decorating, selling your furniture is a chance to start with a clean slate (depending on how much you sell). If you don’t, starting from scratch will probably be stressful. Similarly, if you like to shop for furniture, selling your furniture gives you an excuse. If you don’t, selling before you move is probably not a good idea, regardless of how old or ugly your furniture is.

Even if you love decorating and shopping, take into account your schedule. Do you have the time to shop for new furniture? If you’re starting a new job, it may be worth it to pay the extra money to move your bed. You can always replace it when you’ve settled in and have more time.

How much it will cost?

If you’re on a tight budget, you may not be able to afford to move everything you want to. You could love your piano and even have a space for it in your new home but just not have the money in your budget to move it. (Moving a piano long distance can cost more than $1000.) In that case, you should probably sell it.

To get a general idea of how much it will cost you to move and ways you can save money, visit Moving.com. Our moving cost calculator will give you a rough estimate, so you know how much to budget. As you interview companies, ask about items like your piano, keeping in mind that heavier and difficult-to-move pieces will cost more to move. In the end, the decision to sell your furniture may come down to whether you can afford to move it or not.

Can you afford to replace it?

Before you sell your furniture, take into account how much it is going to cost to replace it. You can probably live comfortably without that piano, but you won’t want to go too long without a bed. Find out how much it will cost to move the piece you are considering selling, and then, shop online for a replacement, factoring in shipping costs if you intend to have it delivered. Which option makes more sense?

The last thing you want is to sell all your furniture and find out you can only afford to replace them later.

When you’re ready to move

Whether you decide to bring all your furniture with you or only certain pieces, hiring a professional can take a lot of the stress out of your move. To find a capable moving company near you, check out Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers—all licensed and insured. On moving day, you can rest assured whatever furniture you decide to keep will be in good hands.