Moving Large Furniture: Should I Bring It or Toss It?

There comes a point in almost every move when you come across that old, bulky sofa and wonder, “is it even worth taking this thing?” It’s a fair question, as the answer isn’t always obvious. There might be plenty of reasons that suggest it’s not worth taking. There could also be some compelling reasons to bring it with you.

If you’re unsure what to do with some of your aging, dated, and possibly heavily used furniture, fear not. The moving experts here at U-Box® by U-Haul have put together this guide to help you decide if you should keep or toss your furniture before moving.

Key Considerations

Decluttering is often step number one when packing for a move. If done correctly, you stand to save yourself time and money. However, for many people, it can go one of two ways: either go overboard and get rid of something you want to keep, or you struggle to let go of things you don't need. Don't let impulsive decisions take control! Take a moment to slow down and honestly evaluate each item by asking yourself these questions:

• How much available space do I have at my new place?
• What condition is the item in?
• When did I buy this item? Is there a suggested lifespan that it’s exceeding?
• Can I afford to move it? Or better yet, can I afford to replace it if I toss it?

When to Keep It

It’s Fully Functional

This one’s easy. You probably shouldn’t replace something that’s still in good, working condition. This is especially true for furniture, as it can be very expensive to buy new, and moving isn’t always easy on your wallet. So, take a good look at your furniture. If it’s still getting the job done, you might as well take it with you. You can always upgrade later.

It Has Sentimental Value

Do you have an antique or a family heirloom that’s been handed down across several generations? If so, it’s almost always the right choice to move it to your new place. Even if it’s something that you don’t truly need, like an old grandfather clock or china cabinet. You’ll likely regret parting with it just to save a few bucks.

It Has Monetary Value

Similarly, a piece of furniture that carries a lot of monetary value should also make the trip. It might be a headache to move that oak armoire your mom swears is worth something that you think just takes up space, but you’d be better off having it with you rather than tossing it to the curb, should it prove valuable someday.

You’re Not Ready to Upgrade

As we alluded to previously, you may be dying to upgrade your hand-me-down, post-college sofa to a brand new sectional, but new furniture is expensive to say the least. You might not have it in your budget to make that type of purchase anytime soon. If that’s the case, take the old sofa with you and make it last a little longer. It’s better than having nothing at all.

When to Toss It

You’re Downsizing

If you’re downsizing, it’s smart to move on from any piece of furniture that won’t physically fit in your new space. If you’re unsure, take measurements. Use floor plans posted online and see if your existing furniture matches up well. Consider the layout as well – the size of the room may not be very different, but the layout might clash with what you currently have.

It’s No Longer Functional

A piece of furniture that's past its prime should be discarded before you move. For example, a spring mattress that’s older than 10 years has passed its usable lifespan. That makes this the perfect time to upgrade. You may have some things that are fixable. In that case, consider the cost of fixing and moving that item. Is it worth it? Probably not.

It’s Too Expensive or Not Practical to Move

You know that oversized, solid wood upright piano that you knew would be a nightmare to move someday? There are just some things that are simply too heavy, bulky, or awkwardly shaped to easily move out of your home. Or, they may not be worth the cost of hiring movers and spending on the extra-large moving truck. In those instances, consider finding an alternative.

It’s Out-of-Date

Moving into a new space can be the perfect opportunity to redecorate and freshen up your look. That means that 1990s entertainment center or plaid sofa can be left behind in favor of something more modern that fits your current style. Consider the style of your new home as well. If a piece of furniture doesn’t fit the vibe, don’t be afraid to let it go.

What to Do with Your Old Furniture

If you’ve decided to get rid of a piece of furniture or two, the next step is to figure out how to do so. You’re probably familiar with a few of the ways people often discard old furniture. But if not, here are a few ways to purge your furniture before your move.

Discard It

You should dispose of broken or unusable furniture. Keep in mind, throwing furniture away isn’t as simple it sounds. Depending on where you live, you might have to make a trip to the dump, arrange for curbside pickup with your city, or hire a junk removal company. It really depends on the size of your furniture and the available options where you live.

Although hiring professional junk removal services comes at a cost, the advantage is that most providers will try to dispose of your furniture in an eco-friendly manner, either by recycling, repurposing, or donating it whenever possible.

Donate It

Gently used furniture that’s still in good condition, like children's furniture that your kids have outgrown or pieces that won't fit in your new place, is prime for donating. Not only does it get your old furniture out of your hair free of charge, it’s also a tax deduction in many cases and might help someone in need.

You have a couple of options for donating. Organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will gladly accept items like couches, dining furniture, desks, and other common pieces. Another great choice is Habitat for Humanity, which  might even pick up your furniture in some cases.

Gift It

In many cases, your old furniture can be given away if it’s in good enough shape. Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they’re interested. If that doesn't work, post it on an online marketplace for free and wait for someone to claim it. If all else fails, put it out on your driveway with a “free” sign, and watch it get picked up before you know it. You’d be surprised what people will take in when cost isn’t a factor!

Sell It

Some things are worth too much to be given away or donated. In those instances, a yard sale is a tried and true solution. Or, as we mentioned previously, online marketplaces are great for selling furniture. Craigslist, eBay, Offer Up, and Facebook Marketplace are popular ecommerce hubs for buying and selling used furniture. Re-selling your items to a thrift or antique store is another possibility if you think you have something truly special on your hands.

Store It

Maybe just you can’t decide what to do with that old dining room table. You don’t want to give it away, but you don’t have room for it in your new place and it’s not worth the headache of finding it a new home. That’s what storage is for! You have a couple options – there's traditional storage, but don't forget about U-Box® portable storage containers. These convenient storage containers can be stored either on your property or at a U-Haul facility. Keep your furniture in a safe, secure place until you know for sure what to do with it.

Trust U-Box Containers for Your Move

U-Box containers offer the most flexible and convenient way to get from point A to point B. In the event you can’t decide what to do with your furniture, you can store it for as long as it takes you to decide. We’ll deliver the containers to your door and pick them up when you’re ready. Store them at your place or ours – whatever's best!