Nothing beats the thrill of getting the keys to your new home and imagining how you’ll furnish it. The perfect sofa, a dining table for entertaining, and even new bedroom furniture to match your space. But that excitement quickly wanes when you discover your dream sofa is on backorder for 12 to 18 weeks.
Between shipping delays, limited inventory, and long lead times, it’s hard to settle into a space that’s supposed to be yours.
Whether you move into a house in Bellevue, Washington, or a condo in Portland, Maine, it doesn’t take months to furnish your home. By combining inventory stores, second-hand markets, and local finds, you can create a finished, livable space within days. Check out our helpful tips to shop smart, act fast, and be ready to move into your new home.
In this article:
Furniture stores, outlet stores, consignment stores
Marketplace (online and peer-to-peer)
Local treasure hunts (estate sales, yard sales, community exchanges)
How to quickly furnish your new home to make it feel like home
Furniture stores, outlet stores, consignment stores
If you’re short on time, shopping in-store is often the quickest way to get your furniture to your home. Many retail stores, outlets, and consignment centers have inventory on hand, so you can buy and take home the same day instead of waiting weeks for delivery.
furniture retail store
Retail stores are a great place to start for shoppers who don’t want to wait to get new furniture with a warranty. Many locations keep their inventory in local warehouses or showrooms, so you can schedule a pick-up or delivery within days. These stores are great for buying everyday items such as sofas, mattresses, and bed frames.
What to look for:
Ask about our in-stock or ready-to-use sections. Many retailers list them online. Visit early in the week for best availability. Please double check the dimensions and entrance before purchasing.
outlet store
The outlet location is a hidden gem where you can find designer quality items at a fraction of the retail price. They often sell floor models, out-of-production styles, or slightly imperfect items that you can take home right away.
Reasons to shop here:
Huge discounts (typically 30% to 70% off original price). There are no long lead times or back orders, and it’s available immediately. Ideal for high-value items such as sectionals, media units, and dining tables.
Please note that outlet stock is usually limited. Often the only thing you can get is what’s on the floor, so if you find something you like, act quickly. When arranging pick-up, check to see if the store has temporary holding capacity.
Consignment stores and thrift stores
Consignment and thrift stores are perfect for shoppers who love unique items. Because consignment centers sell on behalf of private owners, their inventory changes quickly and often includes high-quality, gently used furniture.
Perfect for:
Statement pieces like accent chairs, mirrors, and solid wood dressers. Combine vintage finds with modern decor without paying retail prices. We have vintage and rare furniture that you can’t find anywhere else.
You may be able to negotiate on older items, so when you shop, ask how long the item has been in the store. To avoid any surprises, inspect everything for a sturdy frame and acceptable wear, and be sure to measure your space and doorway size before purchasing.
take home what you find
Whether you’re picking up a showroom sofa, outlet item, or one-of-a-kind consignment item, plan your transportation in advance. Measure your car, bring protective blankets and straps, and be sure to have someone to help you load heavy items.
If you don’t have access to a suitable truck or want to skip the heavy lifting, services like Lugg make it easy to schedule pickups and deliveries. Your new furniture will arrive quickly and safely with on-demand same-day pickup in 30 minutes or reservations for a convenient time up to 30 days.
Marketplace (online and peer-to-peer)
Online marketplaces are one of the fastest and most affordable ways to furnish your home. Whether you’re buying from a neighbor across town or a seller in your city, these platforms make it easy to find furniture that can be picked up or delivered within hours instead of weeks.
Where to shop:
Facebook Marketplace: A trusted source for selling everything from modern sofas to dining tables, often at deep discounts.
OfferUp: Great for quick local deals and small items like accent chairs, nightstands, and bar stools. Craigslist: Long popular for large items like bed frames and dressers. Kashew: A curated marketplace for premium used furniture with verified brands and clear condition details.
Tips for finding great pieces
When searching, filter by “Available Now” or “Pick Up Today” to focus on listings that are ready to ship. Refine your results using specific keywords like “solid wood dresser” or “midcentury table” and search for common misspellings to find hidden deals.
Before listing, please be sure to carefully examine photos, check measurements, and ask seller any questions you may have regarding the item’s condition.
Coordination of collection and delivery
Once you’ve found an item you like, plan to pick it up before confirming your purchase. Bring your moving supplies, measure the vehicle, and confirm pickup time and location with the seller. If your item is too large to move yourself or you can’t meet the seller in person, a service like Lugg can make the process easier.
Schedule on-demand delivery, have a carrier pick it up directly from the seller, and track your shipment in real-time to ensure your new furniture arrives safely and stress-free.
Local treasure hunts (estate sales, yard sales, community exchanges)
If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, local dealers and neighborhood groups can be some of the best ways to find furniture quickly. Many of these options allow you to see the product in person, negotiate directly with the seller, and take home your new product right away.
Where to look:
Estate Sales: Great place to find complete room sets, solid wood furniture, and quality decorative items. Estate sales often feature carefully crafted items that are built to last. Yard or garage sales: Great for buying small items like nightstands, chairs, lamps, etc. at affordable prices. Community exchanges and “buy nothing” groups: Found on neighborhood apps and social media (like Facebook groups), these groups often offer free or low-cost furniture from people nearby who need to get rid of items quickly.
Tips for buying local sales
For estate and yard sales, plan to arrive early to get the best selection, or later in the day for bigger discounts. Please bring cash, space dimensions, and tools such as a tape measure or screwdriver if you need to disassemble large parts. If you plan to visit multiple sales in a day, plan your route. For community groups, free or low-cost listings tend to fill up quickly, so act quickly.
take home what you find
Many estate and yard sales schedule same-day pickup, so it helps to plan transportation in advance. Bring blankets or rope to protect and secure your furniture during the drive, and ask a friend to help lift heavy items.
If you don’t have a vehicle capable of transporting large furniture, or if you need help moving your belongings right away, services like Lugg can come and pick it up on demand in as little as 30 minutes. This makes it easy to receive your favorite pieces before everyone else and take them home safely and stress-free.
How to quickly furnish your new home to make it feel like home
Furnishing your new home doesn’t have to take months. By shopping local, exploring digital marketplaces, and leveraging community finds, you can create a stylish, comfortable space that’s completely your own in days.
Be proactive, think local, and plan early to reduce wait times and give yourself more time to settle in. With a little creativity and flexibility, your new home will feel like home before you know it.
