Moving Your Old Furniture VS Buying a Staged HomeA Cost Savings Analysis

Is It Cheaper to Buy New Furniture or to Move Your Old Furniture?

Relocating to a new home presents many financial decisions—and one of the most overlooked is whether it’s smarter and cheaper to buy new furniture (especially the staged pieces you already love) or haul your old furniture across town or even across state lines.

If you’re walking through a beautifully staged home and wondering if it’s worth purchasing the furniture along with it instead of hiring movers, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are now reevaluating the hidden costs of moving and discovering that buying staged furniture can be not only convenient but surprisingly cost-effective.

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of moving existing furniture versus buying new pieces—specifically those used in home staging. We’ll provide actionable tips, cost comparisons, sustainability considerations, and insights to help you make the best decision for your move.

Moving Old Furniture vs. Buying New Staged Furniture—The Basics

What’s Involved in Moving Old Furniture?

Hiring movers involves:

- Transport fees (usually based on distance and volume)

- Packing and labor costs

- Insurance for potential damage

- Storage fees, if there’s a gap between move-out and move-in

Moving bulky or older furniture also means dealing with:

- Pieces that may no longer fit your new space

- Outdated style or wear and tear

- More effort and stress

Doing all the moving YOURSELF involves:

- Considerable time and energy

- Potentially throwing your back out or worse

What’s Included When You Buy Staged Furniture?

When you buy furniture used in home staging, you receive:

- Professionally selected pieces matched to your home’s size and layout

- The option to remove or switch out selected furnishings to your liking

- A move-in ready aesthetic/decor without assembly or shopping

Most importantly, the design is curated for your exact space, which is difficult to do when purchasing furniture remotely from a showroom or website.

Pros and Cons of Moving Old Furniture

✅ Pros of Moving Your Own Furniture

- Sentimental value – Heirloom pieces or furniture with history may not be replaceable.

- Immediate availability – You already own it, so no extra shopping or decisions.

- Less waste – Environmentally friendly if pieces are still in great condition.

❌ Cons of Moving Old Furniture

- High moving costs – Local moves average $880–$2,570; cross-country can exceed $5,000.

- Labor and time-intensive – Packing, lifting, coordinating, and unpacking can be exhausting.

- Doesn’t always fit – Older furniture may be too large or not match the new home’s layout or style.

- Potential damage – Moving increases the risk of scratches, dents, or breaks, especially in long-distance relocations.

Pros and Cons of Buying Staged Furniture

✅ Pros of Buying Staged Furniture

- Designed for the home – Staged furniture is chosen to enhance the space’s flow, lighting, and proportions.

- Saves moving costs – No movers, trucks, or storage fees required.

- Ready-to-use – The furniture is already in place, eliminating the need for assembly or layout guesswork.

- Modern and neutral styles – Perfect for blending with various décor and starting fresh in a new home.

- Optional resale value – You can resell some pieces if you choose not to keep them long-term.

❌ Cons of Buying Staged Furniture

- Initial out-of-pocket cost – Purchasing all new pieces at once is a greater up-front cost.

- Not 100% custom to your taste – If you have a very specific taste, a staged home may not reflect your style.

- Condition varies – While most staged pieces are lightly used, they’re not always brand new.

How to Estimate Costs and Create a Budget

Going beyond determining averages costs, create a personalized cost analysis. Here’s how:

1. Inventory Your Current Furniture

Make a list of what you plan to move. Include size, weight, condition, and sentimental value. Determine what pieces you could realistically sell and for how much.

2. Get Multiple Moving Quotes

Contact at least 2–3 licensed moving companies for estimates. Factor in:

- Distance of the move

- Number of items and size

- Packing services (if needed)

- Storage or delays

3. Compare With a Staging Purchase Offer

If the staged furniture is available, request a price breakdown from the seller or staging company. Ask for:

- Itemized pricing

- Bundle discounts

- Delivery/removal terms

4. Include Additional Considerations

- Will your old furniture fit the new layout?

- Is your current furniture outdated or worn?

- Do you need to buy additional items to complete rooms? (if so, here’s a helpful read from Architectural Digest)

- Are you willing to sell your current furniture or donate to a good cause in the interest of being sustainable?

5. Build a Side-by-Side Spreadsheet

Use a spreadsheet or budget planner to list both options with clear totals. Don’t forget to include intangible factors like time, convenience, and stress. Be sure to factor in any funds you could realistically get from selling your current furniture pieces.

6. Evaluate What Matters Most

Sometimes convenience, speed, and aesthetic consistency are worth paying a little more. Other times, sentiment and personal aesthetic win out. Make the decision that best fits your values and lifestyle.

Why More Buyers Are Choosing Staged Furniture

While moving one’s own furniture would be more sustainable than throwing everything out, this can be offset by donating or selling old pieces. In terms of customization and style considerations, keep in mind that what you see staged in your new home is not set in stone. With professional staging companies like Set The Stage, Mainline PA, you can change anything out to your liking or consult with our designers for styling and decor updates.

Emotional Appeal

You already loved the look of the staged home—why not keep that aesthetic? Buying the same pieces ensures your home feels just as comfortable and stylish as the day you toured it.

Efficiency and Convenience

- No shopping trips

- No measuring or guessing

- No waiting for deliveries

- No hauling or storing furniture from your old home

Design Confidence

Staging professionals are experts in proportion, flow, and light. You benefit from their trained eye without having to hire a separate interior designer.

When It Makes Sense to Buy the Staged Furniture

Buying staged furniture makes the most sense when:

1. You’re downsizing – No need to move oversized or unnecessary items.

1. You’re relocating cross-country – Skip massive freight charges.

1. You love the home’s aesthetic – Keep what works instead of starting over.

1. You want to save time and effort – Especially when juggling a move, job, and family.

1. You’re buying your first home – A turn-key furnishing solution is priceless when you’re starting from scratch.

Pro Tips to Make It Work

- Don’t wait to do cost analysis – Get started early and list any current furniture items for sale that you can realistically sell.

- Ask the seller early – If interested in the home, let the seller’s agent know – this will help facilitate the process when you decide to make an offer on the home.

- Keep receipts – Useful for taxes or reselling furniture later.

- Choose key pieces only – If you plan to keep some of your own pieces, prioritize furniture that fits your layout.

Conclusion: Is Buying Staged, New Furniture Cheaper Than Moving Old Furniture?

In many cases—yes, it’s cheaper to buy new, staged furniture.

While buying new furniture may seem expensive up front, it often:

- Saves thousands in moving, packing, and storage fees

- Eliminates stress and time during your transition

- Provides furniture tailored to your new space

- Lets you skip the time-consuming shopping and setup process

If the style fits your tastes, purchasing staged, new furniture can be a smart, time-saving, and financially sound decision.