Buying used furniture has gained popularity due to its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the unique charm secondhand pieces bring to a space. Whether you’re hunting for vintage finds or simply looking to furnish your home on a budget, here are the top five reasons why buying used furniture is a smart choice — and how uShip can help get it delivered safely to your door.
BONUS: If you’re looking to start a used furniture side hustle, we have a handy report that might have some answers to get you started.
1. Significant Cost Savings
One of the biggest perks of purchasing used furniture is the substantial savings. New furniture can be expensive, and used items — whether sourced from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or estate sales — are often available at a fraction of the original price. Some sellers don’t know what value their item has; this can be an advantage for you.
Plus, secondhand pieces don’t lose value as quickly as brand-new furniture, meaning you get better long-term value for your money.
- Shipping Tip: Once you find your perfect piece, uShip’s platform allows you to get competitive quotes from carriers that you can compare side-by-side, making the cost of transporting used furniture much more affordable than traditional shipping companies.
2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
By purchasing used furniture, you’re contributing to a circular economy, reducing the demand for new furniture production, and ultimately lowering your carbon footprint. Buying secondhand helps divert items from landfills and promotes a more sustainable way to furnish your home.
- Shipping Tip: Because carriers on uShip optimize their routes, carbon emissions related to getting your item home are minimized. In many cases, your item(s) comes straight to you with little to no extra stops in between. Saving green while saving green — everyone wins.
3. Unique and High-Quality Finds
Many used furniture items are well-crafted, often featuring solid wood or quality materials that can be difficult to find in today’s mass-produced furniture market. Vintage or antique pieces can add unique character and charm to your home, and with a little creativity, even heavily used items can be refurbished or upcycled to suit your personal style.
- Shipping Tip: For valuable or delicate items, uShip makes it easy to find carriers who specialize in handling fragile or antique furniture. Each item is blanket-wrapped. Plus, we offer our uShip Protection Plan for extra peace of mind.
4. More Immediate Availability
Unlike the long lead times of new furniture purchases, especially custom orders, used furniture is often available for immediate pick-up or delivery. You don’t have to wait weeks or even months for your furniture to arrive. This is particularly beneficial if you’re moving into a new home or need to furnish a space quickly.
- Shipping Tip: Once you’ve secured your used furniture, you can list the shipment on uShip, and depending on the carrier’s schedule, you may be able to get the item delivered in just a few days. It’s free to post your item and to get quotes.
5. Resale Value
Unlike new furniture, which can depreciate in value as soon as it’s purchased, used furniture can often retain its value, especially if it’s a high-quality or rare piece. Should you decide to change your décor later on, you can resell the item, often for a similar price to what you paid, ensuring a possible return on investment.
- Shipping Tip: When you’re ready to resell your furniture, uShip can help you reach a wider audience by providing cost-effective shipping options. This makes it easier for buyers to purchase larger items from you, regardless of location. Many sellers see the potential money that can be made by flipping furniture once they sell their first piece.
How uShip Simplifies Shipping for Used Furniture
uShip connects you with a network of carriers who are ready to transport your used furniture safely and affordably. Here’s how the process works:
- Create a listing for your furniture shipment on uShip by providing details like size, weight, and pickup/drop-off locations.
- Receive bids from carriers who specialize in moving furniture. Compare prices, reviews, and services side-by-side to choose the best option for your budget and circumstances.
- Track your shipment and stay in touch with your carrier throughout the process for smooth and timely delivery.
Whether you’re buying a vintage credenza or selling a pre-loved sofa, uShip offers the tools and flexibility you need to make shipping large, used furniture items hassle-free.
TLDR:
- Savings: Buy used to save money and get better value.
- Sustainability: Contribute to reducing waste and support eco-friendly practices.
- Uniqueness: Find quality, one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Immediate availability: Get your furniture faster than waiting for new pieces.
- Resale value: Used furniture holds its value better than new items.
uShip ensures a smooth shipping experience by connecting you with reliable, affordable carriers, offering everything from competitive bids to protective services.