Purchasing second-hand furniture is a great way to save money and reduce items that end up in land fills. In this article, you'll learn common ways to move furniture in NYC.
Found the perfect second-hand dresser on Facebook Marketplace? Scored a vintage sofa at a thrift store? Or maybe your friend is giving away their old bed frame? Awesome. But now you’re faced with the big question: how do you actually move second-hand furniture in New York City?
With tight staircases, limited parking, and no elevator in sight, moving used furniture in NYC can feel like a major project. Luckily, there are smart, affordable ways to get it done without renting a truck or begging your friends for help.
Laborhutt is the fastest and easiest way to move second-hand furniture in NYC. Whether you’re picking up a sofa from a stranger in Brooklyn or delivering a Craigslist find from Queens to the Bronx, Laborhutt connects you with local truck owners who can do the heavy lifting—same day.
💰 Cost: Usually between $50 – $110 🕒 Timing: Same-day and next-day options available 📍 Covers: All five NYC boroughs
If you're comfortable driving in NYC and have help lifting, renting a truck might work.
U-Haul – Starts at $19.95 + mileage and gas
Home Depot – Flat-rate rentals starting at $19 for 75 minutes
Zipcar Flex – Hourly cargo vans if you have a membership
Heads up: Parking in NYC can be tricky, and you’ll need a friend to help lift and carry your items
Sometimes, sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist will recommend someone who delivers. Or, you can post your own request looking for help.
This option can be hit or miss. Be sure to:
Confirm pricing up front
Ask if they’ll help carry the item upstairs
Check if they have reviews or past experience
If you're buying from a place like:
Housing Works
Big Reuse
The Salvation Army
Remix Market
Ask if they offer delivery. Some stores provide third-party delivery partners or can hold your item while you arrange transport through a service like Laborhutt.
Moving second-hand furniture in NYC doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're picking something up from a stranger or transporting it across boroughs, there are flexible, affordable solutions that don’t involve renting a truck or hauling it yourself.
Looking for moving help? Laborhutt makes moving furniture & heavy items a breeze by connecting you with neighbors who have pickup trucks. Message a neighbor near you and save time and money.