Moving overseas - any tips to sell furniture?

[mastrogatto]

We are planning a move overseas in the next couple of months but are struggling to decide what would be the best way to clear the house - we'd like to sell at least a few things but of course we will donate everything to charity shops if we can't. I've tried with shops that sell used furniture and with a couple of auction houses that deal also with house clearances, but there don't seem to be many in the area (and are not interested or very slow to reply). I was trying the easy ways first (these places where they would buy in bulk and word of mouth through friends and colleagues), because I dread having to put every single item up for sale on GumTree or similar website.

Anyone would like to share their experiences? I'm finding it daunting (especially with a small child in toe), as we'd be relocating to my hometown in Italy and don't really have much help here (no family, and a lovely pandemic!).

Thank you in advance for any advice.

try facebook marketplace. It's quick ,you use a basic description and upload a few photos (it's easier if you get the facebook messenger app to check replies on.)
basic reply format:
-Item name (brand)
-what condition it is in
-basic dimensions of the item
-pick up only
you can write it in bullet points to make it easier

Yep, a local Facebook selling group. But, second hand furniture doesnt get very much money. You will need to make it pretty cheep (or free). You will gave more sucess if you can deliver somehow.

I sold what I could. Did several trips to the charity shop, several to the tip. Gave loads away. Its was endless.

With smaller stuff, people seems to be doing mini sales from ttd front garden - so, table of stuff, minimal charge, and put a picture on a "my town" Facebook group saying it's all out, £1/£5 per item.

Thank you both for your replies and advice. I'll try some of your tips.

I've also found out that some charity shops will collect furniture for free, so that may be an option for anything that remains unsold.

We used Facebook selling groups and an app called Shpock. We also did a car boot sale for clothes, toys, and smaller items but you have to be prepared to let stuff go for peanuts there! Some stuff I would have preferred to donate as people were offering 20p for a brand new kids coat etc. And I'm guessing no car boots in the UK this year...

We also found a company locally that came and took stuff away, they were some sort of charity shop but focussing on furniture and larger items and they bought some of our decent furniture which was a relief.

When you get to Italy, you can also use local Facebook groups for setting yourself up. We have found this invaluable in every country we have lived in, for everything from kids' stuff to kitchenware to furniture! We've saved a fortune!

Best of luck with your move

@Eledamorena
thank you for sharing your experience. I'd never heard of Shpock before, I'll give it a try.

Do you remember, by any chance, what charity bought some of your furniture? I could try and see if they do the same in my area. So far I have found a few charities that will collect used furniture but have not seen any mention of them buying larger items. Although, again I'll be happy to donate everything (I have low expectations on selling, I'm trying just in case but don't want to lose my sleep over this.)

When we get to Italy we'll have support from friends and family there (hopefully ), but I'll definitely check out those groups just in case! We may even make more friends that way.

I can't remember who we used but I think it was just a small local company. But you could try Betel UK, they trade under other names as well I think but I'm sure you can find more online. They have shops but they also work on reconditioning furniture as well, and they employ recovering addicts who they train up in trades or in the shops, it's a great charity