There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting the keys to your new home and imagining how you’ll furnish it. The perfect sofa, a dining table for hosting, maybe new bedroom furniture to match the space. But that excitement can fade fast when you realize your dream sofa is on back order for 12 to 18 weeks.
Between shipping delays, limited inventory, and long lead times, it’s hard to feel settled in a space that’s supposed to be yours.
Whether you’re moving into a house in Bellevue, WA or a condo in Portland, Maine, furnishing your home doesn’t have to take months. With a mix of in-stock stores, secondhand marketplaces, and local finds, you can create a complete, livable space within days. Check out our helpful tips on how to shop smart, act fast, and get your new home move-in ready.
In this article:
Furniture stores, outlets, and consignment shops
Marketplaces (online and peer-to-peer)
Local treasure hunts (estate sales, yard sales, and community swaps)
How to furnish your new house fast to make it feel like home
Furniture stores, outlets, and consignment shops
When you are short on time, shopping at physical stores is often the fastest way to get furniture into your home. Many retailers, outlets, and consignment centers keep inventory on hand, which means you can buy and bring pieces home the same day, instead of waiting weeks for delivery.
Retail furniture stores
For shoppers who want new, warrantied furniture without the wait, retail stores are a great place to start. Many locations keep in-stock items in local warehouses or showrooms so you can pick up or schedule delivery within days. These stores are perfect for everyday essentials such as sofas, mattresses, or bed frames.
What to look for:
- Ask about in-stock or ready-to-go sections. Many retailers list them online.
- Visit early in the week for the best inventory availability.
- Double-check dimensions and entryways before purchasing.
Outlet stores
Outlet locations are hidden gems for finding designer-quality pieces at a fraction of the retail price. They often sell floor models, discontinued styles, or slightly imperfect items that can go home immediately.
Why shop here:
- Deep discounts, often 30% to 70% off the original price.
- Immediate availability with no long lead times or back orders.
- Ideal for big-ticket items like sectionals, media units, and dining tables.
Keep in mind that outlets usually have limited stock. What you see on the floor is often all that is available, so act quickly if you find something you love. Confirm whether the store can hold it briefly while you arrange pickup.
Consignment and thrift stores
Consignment and thrift stores are ideal for shoppers who love pieces with character. Consignment centers sell on behalf of individual owners, so inventory changes quickly and often includes high-quality, gently used furniture.
Best for:
- Statement pieces like accent chairs, mirrors, and solid wood dressers.
- Mixing vintage finds with modern décor without paying retail prices.
- Vintage and rare furniture you won’t find anywhere else.
When shopping, ask how long an item has been in the store, as older pieces may be negotiable. Inspect everything for sturdy frames and acceptable wear, and always measure your space and doorways before buying to avoid surprises.
Getting your finds home
Whether you are picking up a showroom sofa, an outlet sectional, or a one-of-a-kind consignment piece, plan ahead for transportation. Measure your vehicle, bring protective blankets and straps, and make sure you have someone to help load heavier items.
If you do not have access to a suitable truck or prefer to skip the heavy lifting, services like Lugg make it easy to schedule pickup and delivery. You can book on-demand for same-day pickup within 30 minutes, or up to 30 days for a time that works best for you, so your new furniture arrives quickly and safely.
Marketplaces (online and peer-to-peer)
Online marketplaces are one of the fastest and most affordable ways to furnish your home. Whether you are 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 reliable source for everything from modern sofas to dining tables, often at significant discounts.
OfferUp: Ideal for quick local transactions and smaller items such as accent chairs, nightstands, and barstools. - Craigslist: A longtime favorite for larger pieces like bed frames and dressers.
- Kashew: A curated marketplace for higher-end pre-loved furniture with verified brands and clear condition details.
Tips for finding great pieces
When searching, filter by ‘Available Immediately’ or ‘Pickup Today’ to focus on listings that can move quickly. Use specific keywords such as ‘solid wood dresser’ or ‘mid-century table’ to refine your results, and try searching for common misspellings to uncover hidden deals.
Always review photos carefully, confirm dimensions, and ask the seller any questions about the item’s condition before committing.
Coordinating pickup and delivery
Once you have found a piece you love, plan your pickup before you finalize the purchase. Bring moving supplies, measure your vehicle, and confirm the pickup time and location with the seller. If the item is too large to move on your own or if you cannot meet the seller in person, services like Lugg make the process simple.
You can schedule on-demand delivery, have movers pick up directly from the seller, and track the delivery in real time so your new furniture arrives safely without the stress.
Local treasure hunts (estate sales, yard sales, and community swaps)
If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, local sales and neighborhood groups can be some of the best ways to find furniture fast. Many of these options allow you to see items in person, negotiate directly with the seller, and bring your new pieces home right away.
Where to look:
- Estate sales: Great for finding entire room sets, solid wood furniture, and high-quality décor. Estate sales often feature well-made pieces that were built to last.
- Yard or garage sales: Perfect for smaller items like nightstands, chairs, and lamps at budget-friendly prices.
- Community swaps and “buy nothing” groups: Found on neighborhood apps and social media (e.g., Facebook groups), these groups often offer free or low-cost furniture from people nearby who need items gone quickly.
Tips for shopping local sales
For estate and yard sales, plan to arrive early for the best selection or later in the day for deeper discounts. Bring cash, measurements for your space, and tools like a tape measure or screwdriver if you need to disassemble larger pieces. Map your route if you plan to visit several sales in one day. For community groups, respond quickly since free or low-cost listings tend to go fast.
Getting your finds home
Because many estate and yard sales expect same-day pickup, it helps to plan ahead for transportation. Bring blankets or rope to protect and secure furniture during the drive, and ask a friend to help lift heavier items.
If you do not have access to a vehicle that can handle larger furniture or need help moving items right away, services like Lugg offer on-demand pickup within as little as 30 minutes. This makes it easy to claim your favorite pieces before someone else does and get them home safely without any stress.
How to furnish your new house fast to make it feel like home
Furnishing your new home doesn’t have to take months. By shopping locally, exploring digital marketplaces, and embracing community finds, you can create a space that’s stylish, comfortable, and completely your own in a matter of days.
Be proactive, think local, and plan your logistics early so you can spend less time waiting and more time settling in. With a little creativity and flexibility, your new house will feel like home before you know it.
The post How to Furnish Your Home Fast (Without Waiting Weeks for Delivery) appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
