Relocating from the NCR to Missouri: Move Furniture or Sell It?

[Anonymous]

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/lump-sum-relo-expenses-program-memo.pdf

I am not sure whether I will ultimately accept the relocation offer, although I am leaning toward accepting it since I do not currently have any better options. I have not received an official relocation letter yet, but I have received pre-notification that I will be relocated.

In the past, I rented furnished apartments, so moving was simple—everything I owned could fit inside my SUV. Now, however, I own a single-family house filled with furniture, even though I live alone.

Initially, I assumed relocation expenses would be reimbursed under the traditional model, so my plan was to move as much furniture as possible. Even if I downsized from a single-family home to a condo, I could use part of family room as storage.

However, it now appears that my employer may be implementing a lump-sum relocation reimbursement model. That has made me reconsider whether moving the furniture is worth it.

My furniture is not luxury-grade, but it is still good quality. I have two large solid-wood tables, two sofa sets, and furniture for two bedrooms, quite some speakers for home theater, etc. If I sell everything online, I would likely have to accept steep discounts. On the other hand, moving the furniture could still cost a significant amount, even if it ends up being cheaper than selling everything and buying replacements in Missouri.

Another factor is that I do not expect Missouri to be a long-term destination. If I relocate, there is a good chance I would move again in a few years, meaning I might have to move the same furniture twice. Because of that, I am wondering whether it would make more sense to sell most of my current furniture and purchase inexpensive furniture, such as IKEA, after relocating.

For those who have relocated long distances under a lump-sum reimbursement program, did you move your furniture or sell it and start over?

[Anonymous]

IKEA prices have really gone up recently, so it might not be the budget option you’re thinking.

[Anonymous]

Just do the move yourself in a rental truck and pay people to load an unload. You will get close to nothing selling everything here. Another option would be to rent your sf home here furnished if you think there’s a chance you’ll come back? Being a landlord is a pain but depending on when you purchased you could still pay a property manager and break even. If there’s a chance you’ll come back to dc, hold onto it instead of paying transaction costs to divest and then repurchase in 2 years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IKEA prices have really gone up recently, so it might not be the budget option you’re thinking.

So, I guess I'll move the furniture. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just do the move yourself in a rental truck and pay people to load an unload. You will get close to nothing selling everything here. Another option would be to rent your sf home here furnished if you think there’s a chance you’ll come back? Being a landlord is a pain but depending on when you purchased you could still pay a property manager and break even. If there’s a chance you’ll come back to dc, hold onto it instead of paying transaction costs to divest and then repurchase in 2 years

Sorry, I don't think I can drive a rental truck by myself. I've never driven one before. However, I could rent a moving container instead.

Approximately how much would it cost to hire movers to pack my furniture, load it into the container, and unload it at the destination?

I'm also not sure how to pack furniture properly to prevent scratches and damage during transit.

I'm not interested in being a landlord. Even if I stay in the DC area or come back to DC area, I would still plan to downsize from a single-family home to a condo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just do the move yourself in a rental truck and pay people to load an unload. You will get close to nothing selling everything here. Another option would be to rent your sf home here furnished if you think there’s a chance you’ll come back? Being a landlord is a pain but depending on when you purchased you could still pay a property manager and break even. If there’s a chance you’ll come back to dc, hold onto it instead of paying transaction costs to divest and then repurchase in 2 years

Moreover, residence transaction costs should be reimbursed as part of the relocation package, or up to 8%, I don't know yet. I prefer to sell while I live far away.

[Anonymous]

Selling furniture is really hard. Most people end up donating it.

We did the math on this for our kid's recent move and even with IKEA furniture, it was significantly more cost effective to rent a tuck and move it than to repurchase everything later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just do the move yourself in a rental truck and pay people to load an unload. You will get close to nothing selling everything here. Another option would be to rent your sf home here furnished if you think there’s a chance you’ll come back? Being a landlord is a pain but depending on when you purchased you could still pay a property manager and break even. If there’s a chance you’ll come back to dc, hold onto it instead of paying transaction costs to divest and then repurchase in 2 years

Sorry, I don't think I can drive a rental truck by myself. I've never driven one before. However, I could rent a moving container instead.

Approximately how much would it cost to hire movers to pack my furniture, load it into the container, and unload it at the destination?

I'm also not sure how to pack furniture properly to prevent scratches and damage during transit.

I'm not interested in being a landlord. Even if I stay in the DC area or come back to DC area, I would still plan to downsize from a single-family home to a condo.

Depending on how much you have, the uhaul rental van might be big enough, and the smallest truck is not so different from a big SUV or pick up truck, according to my 22 year old who just drove one for the first time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IKEA prices have really gone up recently, so it might not be the budget option you’re thinking.

Ikea has never been as cheap as people make it out to be. Check Costco or Macys for decent, reasonably priced furniture. As a bonus, you'll probably get free delivery and won't need to spend days assembling stuff.

[Anonymous]

Moving can be very expensive. How many rooms are you talking about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Moving can be very expensive. How many rooms are you talking about?

I only plan to move the furniture that can fit into a two-bedroom condo. I will sell some extra furniture.

[Anonymous]

I would take it. Furniture is a lot more expensive now than when you bought it, plus do you really want to have to make buying new furniture the first order of business when you are getting settled in a new place?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would take it. Furniture is a lot more expensive now than when you bought it, plus do you really want to have to make buying new furniture the first order of business when you are getting settled in a new place?

Yes, if I decide not to move my furniture, I would rather buy new furniture. I am not looking for expensive pieces, just decent, functional furniture. I generally do not like used furniture. Even if I were willing to buy used furniture, I would still need to hire people to transport it because I cannot move large furniture by myself. With new furniture, delivery service is usually included, which makes the process much easier.

[Anonymous]

The Home Depot Heavy-Duty Moving Box with Handles

https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Home-Depot-Medium-Heavy-Duty-Moving-Shipping-Packing-Box-with-Handles-HDMBX/316235446

If I don't move my furniture, I will still need to ship some boxes. I can bring a portion of them in my SUV, but I will need to ship the rest. What is the most cost-effective way to ship several boxes?

[Anonymous]

What part of Missouri?

You are going to get a LOT of house for your money.