How to Prepare Your Furniture for Consignment

You've decided to consign your furniture — great choice. Consignment is one of the easiest ways to turn quality pieces into cash without the hassle of private selling. But a little preparation goes a long way toward getting a higher price and a faster sale. Here's exactly what to do before bringing your furniture to a consignment shop.

Clean Everything Thoroughly

This is the single most important thing you can do. Clean furniture photographs better, displays better, and sells faster. First impressions matter to buyers, and a freshly cleaned piece signals that it was well cared for.

Wood Furniture

• Dust all surfaces, including the underside, legs, and inside drawers
• Wipe down with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth
• Apply a quality wood polish or furniture oil to restore shine
• Use a wood touch-up marker on small scratches (available at any hardware store for a few dollars)
• Remove any stickers or tape residue with a gentle adhesive remover

Upholstered Furniture

• Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly, including under cushions and in crevices
• Spot-clean any stains with an appropriate upholstery cleaner
• Use a lint roller on fabric surfaces to remove pet hair
• Deodorize with baking soda — sprinkle it on, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum
• Fluff and reshape cushions

Metal, Glass, and Other Materials

• Clean glass with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth
• Polish metal hardware and frames
• Wipe down leather with a leather-specific cleaner and conditioner

Take Great Photos

Whether you're sending photos ahead of time for evaluation (which we always recommend) or listing items for consignment, good photos make a huge difference. At Room Swap Consignments, you can text photos to 843-900-1412 for a quick evaluation before you make the trip.

Here's how to photograph your furniture for the best results:

1. Use natural light. Photograph near a window or outdoors in open shade. Avoid flash — it creates harsh shadows and washes out colors.
2. Shoot from multiple angles. Include a straight-on front view, both sides, the back, the top, and any detail shots (like hardware, labels, or unique features).
3. Clear the background. Move clutter away from the piece so the furniture is the focus.
4. Show any flaws. Be upfront about scratches, stains, or damage. Consignment shops appreciate honesty, and it speeds up the evaluation process.
5. Include a size reference. Place a common item (like a magazine or ruler) nearby, or mention the dimensions in your message.

Know Your Piece

The more information you can provide about your furniture, the better a consignment shop can price it. Before bringing it in, gather any details you can:

• Brand or manufacturer — check for labels on the bottom, back, or inside drawers
• Age — even a rough estimate ("bought in the early 2000s" or "inherited from my grandmother") helps
• Original price — if you remember what you paid, mention it
• Material — is it solid wood, veneer, MDF, or a combination? Real leather or bonded leather?
• Condition notes — any repairs, modifications, or damage that the shop should know about

Minor Repairs Can Pay Off

You don't need to restore your furniture to showroom condition, but a few small fixes can significantly increase the consignment value:

• Tighten loose screws and bolts on chairs, tables, and cabinet hardware
• Reattach loose knobs or handles — or replace missing ones with matching hardware
• Touch up small scratches with a wood marker or wax stick
• Oil squeaky drawers and hinges with a drop of WD-40 or furniture wax
• Replace missing shelf pins — they're inexpensive and easy to find at hardware stores

The general rule: if a repair costs under $20 and takes under 30 minutes, it's almost always worth doing. Anything beyond that, let the consignment shop advise you.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes that can actually decrease your furniture's value:

• Don't repaint or refinish without consulting the shop first. Original finishes are often more valuable, especially on antique and vintage pieces.
• Don't replace original hardware with modern alternatives. Original knobs, pulls, and hinges add authenticity and value.
• Don't use harsh chemicals that can damage finishes. Stick to gentle cleaners appropriate for the material.
• Don't try to hide damage. Consignment shops will notice, and dishonesty can damage the relationship.

Getting Started with Room Swap

Ready to consign your furniture? Here's the easiest way to get started with Room Swap Consignments:

1. Text us photos at 843-900-1412 with a brief description of each piece
2. We'll respond with an evaluation and let you know what we're interested in
3. Bring in your pieces at a time that works for you (Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 PM)
4. Get paid when your items sell — by check, Venmo, or PayPal

We also buy quality furniture outright if you'd prefer immediate cash over consignment. Either way, we make the process simple and straightforward. Learn more about how consignment works or contact us with any questions.