If you’re one of the millions of Americans facing a move this year, you might want to consider disposing of all that extra furniture rather than dragging it along with you. Purging before you move is a great idea, especially if you’re downsizing, wanting to buy new décor, or simply don’t feel like moving everything with you. While many homeowners resort to yard sales, classifieds, or Craigslist to dispose of their unwanted possessions before a move, few consider the auction house. If you’re one of those who has never considered selling at auction, here are some pretty compelling reasons you might want to give it a try:

1. Auctions Ensure You Sell at Market Rates

If you have antiques, art, or collectibles, an auction is a great way to unload your things, while still getting paid a fair price. Often, when homeowners use other avenues to sell their things, they end up parting with their items for less than the fair value. Auction house customers aren’t the typical buyers you’d find rummaging through a garage sale or digging through the Saturday morning classifieds to find the best deal. Our customers are on the whole knowledgeable private and commercial collectors, who know what they are looking for and understand the value of your prized possessions. Before auction day, customers are able to preview items so they know exactly what’s for sale and are prepared to purchase those items that pique their interest. When selling at auction, you can be assured that the winning bid will reflect the highest possible price that can be commanded from an informed and intelligent audience.

2. You Can Set a Reserve Price

As a seller in the auction process, you can always set a reserve price, which is the minimum amount you are willing to accept from a bidder. If the item doesn’t sell for the reserve price you set, you don’t have to sell at all. This way, there’s practically no risk in putting your things on the auction block.

3. Bidders are Pre-Qualified

Auction bidders are pre-qualified to ensure their ability to close the deal once they win a bid. Verification of a bidder’s funds and provision of deposit are mandatory. As the Mississippi Auctioneers Association points out, with these bidder requirements in place, you can be assured of the seriousness of the participating bidders.

4. Transparency Encourages Buyer Participation

Without total transparency, both the buyer and seller can be wary of entering into an agreement. For instance, if you’ve ever purchased something off of Craigslist, you probably understand the reservations that come with buying something off the internet. With an auction, there is total transparency for all parties involved. The seller passes their items off the auction house, so they don’t have to personally deal with the transaction. Potential buyers are able to browse the items in person before they buy, and again deal with the auction house to determine payment and delivery. The total transparency of the auction is a win-win-win for all parties involved.

5. You Can Move Long Distance for Less

If you sell your items before you move, you’ll pay less for the moving services! According to this large Texas mover, all interstate moves are priced according to the weight of the shipment. On average, it costs about a dollar per pound to move your things (more or less depending on the distance you’re going). If you think about how heavy larger items are, like couches, armoires, wardrobes, and coffee tables, you could end up paying a lot to move things you really don’t want or need. Instead, why not make money off them so you have extra cash to spend on new things at your next place?!

6. Auctions are Effective

If you’re in the middle of moving, then you likely want to cash in your property as efficiently and effectively as possible, while still getting a good price. When you sell at auction, you’ll find all of these things are possible. You can rely on our professional expertise to get the job done!