Alivio Downsizing

What to Do with Furniture from an Estate?

Antique Furniture
Dealing with furniture from an estate can be one of the most challenging parts of an estate clearance. Furniture is often bulky, heavy, and emotionally significant, making decisions difficult. If you’re unsure what to do with it, you’re not alone.

Many clients ask us about furniture during our complimentary consultations. People often assume furniture holds the most value in an estate, but that’s not always true. In this post, we’ll explore your options, explain why furniture may not be as profitable as expected, and show how professional help can simplify the process.

Option 1: Keep Family Heirlooms

Some furniture, especially antiques or sentimental pieces, may be worth keeping in the family. These heirlooms often hold more emotional value than monetary worth. If you plan to keep them, you may need to reorganize or declutter your home to make space.

Antique Furniture

Option 2: Donate Furniture

If your furniture is in good condition but doesn’t suit your home, donating it is a great option. However, charities like The Reuse Store and The Furniture Bank are often overwhelmed. Many now accept only furniture in perfect condition, making donations harder than before.

Instead of relying solely on charities, working with professionals like us can be more effective. We connect used furniture with families in need, ensuring it reaches those who will appreciate it. Our network allows us to arrange direct deliveries, bypassing the challenges of donating to overstocked charities.

Child in comfortable bed

Option 3: Sell Furniture at Auction

Selling at auction can bring in money, but only for certain pieces. High-quality, vintage, or designer items may fetch a good price. However, many clients overestimate their furniture’s value. Large pieces like dining tables, hutches, and cabinets are less desirable today, as they don’t fit modern spaces.

Not all vintage furniture is valuable. While mid-century modern and art deco styles hold value, others may not. During consultations, we often surprise clients by explaining that many pieces won’t generate as much money as expected.

MCM Chairs

Option 4: Dispose of Old or Damaged Furniture

Some furniture is too worn, damaged, or outdated to donate or sell. In these cases, responsible disposal is the best option. Our professional estate clearing service handles furniture removal, ensuring proper recycling or disposal. We take care of the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Trash Furniture

Why Furniture May Not Be the Most Profitable Asset

Furniture may have sentimental value, but it often holds little resale worth. Estate sales typically generate more from artwork, jewelry, collectibles, and even clothing. During consultations, we help clients recognize overlooked items that may bring in more money.

That’s where we come in. We assess the estate, identify valuable items, and guide you through selling, donating, or disposing of furniture. Our team takes the stress out of decision-making and helps you maximize your loved one’s estate.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. Let us help you navigate the next steps with ease.

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