In most cases, it's better to wait until after you move in to buy large furniture such as sofas, beds, dining tables, and TV units. Waiting lets you measure your rooms, doorways, and available space before buying, while also avoiding the cost and hassle of moving furniture you just purchased.
Whether you should move your existing furniture or replace it depends on its condition, replacement cost, size, sentimental value, and transportation cost.
Is It Cheaper to Move Furniture or Buy New?
There isn't one option that's always cheaper. Moving existing furniture may make more sense when it's high-quality, relatively new, expensive to replace, or has sentimental value. Replacing furniture may make more sense when it's inexpensive, worn out, difficult to move, or unlikely to fit your new home.
| Consider Moving It If... |
Consider Replacing It If... |
| It's expensive to replace |
It's inexpensive or worn out |
| It's in good condition |
It's damaged or near the end of its useful life |
| It fits your new home |
It won't fit the new space |
| It has sentimental value |
You already planned to replace it |
| Transportation cost is reasonable |
Moving it costs close to the replacement cost |
For a long-distance move, compare the estimated cost of moving the furniture with the cost of replacing it. Removing large or heavy items may reduce the cost of some moves, but the effect depends on how the mover prices your shipment.
Should I Buy Furniture Before or After Moving?
For most large furniture, buying after you move is the safer choice. Once you're in your new home, you can:
- Measure rooms and available floor space.
- Check doorways, hallways, elevators, and stairs.
- See how the room actually functions before choosing furniture.
- Avoid transporting newly purchased furniture yourself.
Buying before the move can make sense if you already know the exact measurements, find a significant discount, or can arrange for the retailer to deliver the furniture directly to your new home after you move in.
Should You Buy Flat-Pack Furniture Before Moving?
Usually, it's easier to wait until after the move. If delivery is available, you can have unopened flat-pack furniture delivered directly to your new home and assemble it there instead of assembling it before the move and then having to protect, transport, or potentially disassemble it.
If you find a good price before moving, consider purchasing it if the retailer can deliver it directly to your new address after you arrive.