Ditch the Dust: Your Epic Guide to Selling Furniture in Los Angeles (and Actually Making Cash!)
So, you’re chilling in Los Angeles, maybe you’re moving, maybe you just finally realized that neon-green futon from college is cramping your style. Whatever the reason, you’ve got furniture to sell and you're thinking, "How do I turn this bulky beast into a stack of dollar bills, stat?" Relax, my friend. Selling furniture in a massive, sprawling place like LA doesn't have to be a total nightmare. With this super easy, step-by-step guide, you’ll be an expert furniture flipper faster than a Hollywood producer drops a bad project. Let’s get this bread!
Step 1: Give Your Old Stuff a Glow Up
Seriously, no one wants your couch covered in Cheeto dust and that weird sticky spot. Selling "as-is" is a major rookie move. You gotta make your stuff look like it’s ready for its close-up!
1.1 Operation: Deep Clean
Grab your cleaning supplies—and maybe an intense playlist. This is not the time for half-hearted wiping. Vacuum every crevice, wipe down all the surfaces, and polish that wood until it gleams. If you have fabric, a steam cleaner is your best friend. Think of it as prep for a spa day, but for your stuff.
Small repairs are your money-makers. Got a wobbly leg? Tighten that screw! A little scratch? A furniture marker or a tiny bit of stain can make it disappear. A tiny bit of effort can boost your selling price by a lot.
1.2 The Photo Shoot (Be an Insta Star!)
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
Lighting, darling, lighting! Natural light is your bestie. Drag your furniture near a window or, better yet, outside on a nice day. Ditch the dark, shadowy corners.
Angles matter. Take a full shot so people can see the entire item. Then, get close-ups of cool details, like the hardware or the fabric texture. Also, take a close-up of any damage—don't try to hide it! Honesty is cool, and it avoids grumpy buyers later.
Stage it! Throw a nice cushion on the chair or put a vase on the table. Make it look aspirational, like it belongs in an LA dream apartment, not a dusty garage.
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| How To Sell Furniture In Los Angeles |
Step 2: Figure Out Where to Post It (The LA Hot Spots)
Los Angeles is huge, so you have options. We're talking online hustle or the old-school consignment route. Pick your poison!
2.1 The Online Grind (The Fast Cash Crew)
Facebook Marketplace (FB MP): This is the MVP right now. Everyone's on it, and it's free. Join local LA selling groups, too, to narrow your audience. Be ready for a few low-ballers and people who flake (it happens, shrug it off).
OfferUp/Craigslist: Still solid options. OfferUp tends to have slightly more serious buyers, and Craigslist is the OG. Always include "Los Angeles" or your specific area (like "Santa Monica," "The Valley," etc.) in the title.
AptDeco/Chairish (The Fancy Pants): If your furniture is high-end, designer, or vintage/antique (think Mid-Century Modern or legit luxury brands), these platforms are where you want to be. They often handle logistics (like pickup/delivery) for a fee, but you get to charge more. Worth the commission if your stuff is primo.
2.2 Consignment Shops (The No-Hassle Vibe)
If you hate dealing with strangers or haggling, a consignment shop is your jam. You drop off the item, they sell it in their cool showroom, and you get a percentage of the sale.
Look for local shops that specialize in the style of furniture you have (e.g., modern, vintage, antique). They know their audience and can get you a good price. They do all the work, but you get paid after it sells (and they take a big chunk of the profits). Trade-offs, you know?
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Step 3: Write a Listing That Sells (No Cap)
Your listing title and description are basically your furniture's dating profile. Make it attractive!
3.1 The Deets are Key
Title: Make it searchable. Include the item type, color, material, and brand (if it's a known brand). Example: "IKEA White Hemnes Dresser - Excellent Condition" or "Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa - Grey."
Description: Be super clear. Include all the important stuff:
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): People will ask. Save yourself the time.
Condition: Excellent, Good, Fair (with details). Be honest about scuffs or wear.
Original price/Brand: If you paid a lot or it's a cool brand, brag a little!
The "Why" you're selling: "Moving," "redecorating," or "doesn't fit in my new space" makes buyers feel comfortable.
3.2 Setting the Price (Don't Be a Low-Baller Target)
Research similar items on the platform you're using. Don’t overprice it, or it will just sit there like that sad plant you forgot to water.
A good starting point is 50% to 75% of the retail price if it's in great condition.
Always price it slightly higher than your lowest acceptable amount. Why? Because in LA, everyone loves to haggle. Gotta leave room for negotiation!
Step 4: The Exchange (Stay Safe, Keep it Smooth)
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
This is the finish line! Don’t mess up the final play.
4.1 Communication & Logistics
Be quick to respond to messages. If you’re slow, the buyer will move on—LA moves fast!
Payment: Cash is king. For higher-priced items, accept a digital payment like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal before they haul it away. Never accept a weird check or wire transfer. Scammers are out there, watch out!
Pickup: State clearly in your listing that the buyer is responsible for moving and transportation. For safety, have a friend or family member with you. If you can't have someone there, arrange to meet the buyer in a public, well-lit parking lot (like a police station if possible, or a busy grocery store parking area) for smaller items.
FAQ: Quick Hits for Quick Sales
How to get the best photos of my furniture? Use natural daylight, declutter the background, and take multiple shots from all angles, including close-ups of details and any flaws.
How to deal with low-ball offers on Facebook Marketplace? You can counter with a slightly higher price (closer to your minimum) or politely say, "Thanks for the offer, but I'm firm on the price for now."
How to price a piece of furniture that has some damage? Start your research price 20-40% lower than the price for an "excellent condition" item, and be totally transparent about the damage in the description and photos.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How to sell large items that are hard to move in LA? Emphasize "Buyer must provide moving/transportation" in your listing. Listing near a major freeway exit can also be a hidden plus for buyers!
How to avoid getting scammed when selling online? Only accept cash or common digital payments (Venmo/Zelle) for the full amount upon pickup. Never agree to strange payment links or over-the-top elaborate requests.
How to know if my furniture is considered "high-end" for consignment? If it's a known designer brand (like Knoll, West Elm, Restoration Hardware, etc.) or a genuine vintage/antique piece in excellent shape, it's likely high-end.
How to prepare my furniture for a consignment store appraisal? Clean it thoroughly, take good photos, and gather any original purchase receipts, brand tags, or material information you have.
How to make my listing stand out in a crowded LA market? Use clear, fun descriptions, mention your specific neighborhood (LA is hyper-local), and offer the exact dimensions.
How to decide between consignment and selling myself? Sell it yourself if you want maximum profit and don't mind the time/hassle. Use consignment if you want convenience and a curated audience for a slightly lower return.
How to set a fair negotiation limit for my item? Decide on the absolute lowest amount you'll accept before listing. This prevents you from taking a price in the moment that you later regret.
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