If your wife has been dreaming of that new living room set in white, but you cry thinking about tossing that old clunker off a rocking chair, the best way to avoid a fight is to look at this issue from a financial perspective.
If the old clunker with all the moving costs involved makes sense then he wins, but if it’s that new shiny set that is cheaper in the end then just remember, “happy wife, happy life.”
Factors to consider
Considering buying new furniture vs. moving existing furniture depends on several factors, here are a few:
1. Distance of the Move
Moving furniture close by might be more cost-effective than buying new furniture, especially if the distance is short. However, if it’s a long-distance move you have planned, or cross state the cost of transporting furniture can increase significantly.
It depends on the type of move you are planning. If you can get everything in your personal car and the only big pieces are old furniture not worth much, you will save more by not bringing along your old furniture and hiring a moving service just for this.
2. Size and Weight of Your Furniture
Large or very heavy furniture items can be expensive to move, especially if you need professional long distance movers. In such cases, buying some new furniture is more cost-effective. Some things like desks, chairs and even mattresses can be fit in the car or on the roof.
Pro tip: Ask to borrow a carriage that fits onto the back of your car, and you can fit your small and medium furniture pieces in for a DIY move.
3. The Condition of Your Current Furniture
If your existing couch, beds, and other furniture is in good condition and meets your needs and desires, it might be more economical to move it rather than buy new furniture.
Of course, you always have the option of buying secondhand furniture from Facebook Marketplace or secondhand stores. You can also sell your old things there.
4. Cost of New Furniture
The cost of new furniture will obviously vary depending on factors such as quality, materials, brand, and design. Sometimes, you might find deals or discounts that make buying new furniture more economical than moving old ones.
5. Your Jazzy Style
If you’re feeling attached to your current furniture or have a certain style in mind, you might prefer to move your existing furniture rather than buy new pieces.
You might have a Mexican-themed house and the perfect couch to match, or a certain uber-modern vibe, and only your table works for it. In that case, it is better to bring along the speciality pieces you already own, as buying them again sounds pricy.
Before making a decision, we recommend weighing these factors and comparing the costs of moving furniture versus buying all new furniture to determine which option is best fit for your situation.
What else should I prepare to make the decision
In order to be able to make smart economic choices, you need to be able to speak to moving companies in their language. A big part of that language is having your personalized inventory list ready and prepared.
What is a personalized inventory list you might ask?
It is a personalized list tally of every item in your house, along with its condition before the move. It is how you speak with movers about how many things you really have and what needs to be done.
Some ideas of what should be on your list
1. All Furniture Pieces
- All pieces such as sofas, beds, tables, and chairs.
Note any needs and instructions for disassembly/reassembly. (This will affect the binding quotes) - Consider whether each piece will be moved or replaced financially, which makes sense.
2. Appliances
- Include kitchen appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher) and laundry needs (washing machine, dryer).
- Note whether you’ll be moving them yourself or hiring professionals. (With a few strong men this won’t make you call a moving company.
- Consider any installation requirements at your new location. (Note this to your mover ahead of time for a proper quote).
3. Electronics
- TVs, computers, gaming items, and other electronics.
- Pack cables, remotes, and accessories separately. Tape them to their relevant items.
- Consider transporting valuable electronics in your personal car.
4. Clothing
- Take inventory of clothing, shoes, accessories, and personal care items. You don’t need to count items, but rather, you need to count the number of boxes.
- Start decluttering and donating items you no longer need way before the move.
- Pack clothing and essentials in labelled boxes or suitcases for easy access.
- Don’t forget to pack the clothing you’ll need for the first few days in your essentials bag.
5. Kitchen Items
- Inventory pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and small appliances. This can be by number of boxes.
- Pack fragile items carefully.
- Consider using disposable plates and utensils during the moving process to minimize stress.
6. Linens
- List bedding, towels, curtains, and other linens.
- Pack linens in vacuum-sealed bags or bins to save space.
- Consider keeping essential sheets and pillows accessible for your first night in your new home. Keep them in the car in a place they can easily be found so you can crash comfortably during your first night.
7. Decor
- Inventory decorative items, like wall art, rugs, and plants.
- Pack fragile decor items with care, using bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Label boxes clearly to identify contents and room.
- Plants should be transported in your personal vehicle so if possible get this done ahead of time.
8. Important Documents
- Don’t forget to set a special place for your passports, birth certificates, financial records, and other important documents.
- Keep documents in a secure, waterproof area for transport.
More Items: - List any other small items such as tools, cleaning supplies, and pet essentials.
- Pack these items separately and label the boxes clearly for easy identification.
All in all
Overall, there is no clear yes or no answer as to if you should toss that sofa and buy a new one. It is more of a financial question than a question that is up in the air. Assess your goals for your new place including style and see what pieces you can bring easily without needing movers.
Later, decide if you are planning a DIY move or simply hiring professional furniture movers. Depending on the distance and the furniture you need, you might not need to bring that old ratty couch into your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my kids feel at home in the new home?
Get them back to routine as quickly as possible. Have them back in after-school activities and meet friends from day 1. Try to involve them in the moving process so they too can feel a sense of accomplishment and can learn to embrace the changes. Have them help pack up and unpack their new rooms so they can get excited.
How do I know I am choosing the right mover?
Your gut feeling is mixed with an understanding of their reviews and legitimacy. When finding a mover at random, you can never be sure. On Pricing Van Lines, we vet and triple-check each and every one of our movers. From their insurance documents to their customer reviews, we get to know our vendors so that we know we can recommend you the best option for your area and needs.
What do I do if there is a gap in time between moving out of my old place and into my new place?
We are here with full storage options and PODS just for your situation. Maybe you found the perfect new home but have a month in between, or maybe you just crave that Thailand vacation you never took. No matter the reason, just let us know about your storage needs, and Pricing Van Lines will get you set up with a mover who will safely and securely store your home.
Is a garage sale really profitable and worth my time?
Depending on your advertising methods and the items brought in, a garage sale can be a great way to make a few extra hundred bucks! However, organizing and managing a garage sale can be very time-consuming, so consider this before starting, as donating your unwanted items might be a better fit.
How long does it actually take to pack up a bedroom?
This depends on multiple factors such as size, clutter, clothing preferences, and other items. It’s more of a question for yourself if you plan to declutter and go to Marie Condo or if you plan to throw everything in a box and call it a day. Plan according to this. Don’t forget to label as you go!
