Buying furniture second-hand on eBay or Facebook Marketplace can save hundreds of pounds. But collecting it is often the hardest part. Sellers rarely deliver, and a single sofa or wardrobe will not fit in most cars.
This guide explains how to book a furniture collection service, what it costs, and how to avoid common issues.
Why Use a Furniture Collection Service?
- You do not own or cannot hire a van
- You do not want to risk damage driving a large item
- The seller is far away
- You need help lifting a heavy item
- You want insurance cover during transport
See our furniture removals service.
What Can Be Collected?
Common items we collect:
- Sofas and armchairs
- Wardrobes and chests of drawers
- Beds and mattresses
- Dining tables and chairs
- Desks and office chairs
- Washing machines, fridges, and freezers
- Pianos and other specialist items (see our piano service)
Typical Costs
| Item | Typical Cost (London) |
|---|---|
| Single armchair | GBP 40 to GBP 80 |
| Sofa (2 to 3 seater) | GBP 60 to GBP 120 |
| Wardrobe | GBP 70 to GBP 140 |
| Bed frame and mattress | GBP 80 to GBP 160 |
| Dining table and chairs | GBP 80 to GBP 180 |
| Washing machine | GBP 60 to GBP 120 |
Costs depend on distance, access, and how many items are collected.
How to Book
- Confirm the item with the seller
- Get the collection postcode and full address
- Get the delivery postcode
- Note any access details (floor, lift, parking)
- Send photos if available
- Book your collection slot
- Confirm with the seller
What to Tell the Seller
- The date and time window of collection
- That a professional courier is coming
- That the item should be ready to load (dismantled if required)
- The courier's contact number
Do not assume the seller will help lift. Confirm in writing whether the item is on the ground floor or upstairs.
Access and Parking
The biggest cause of delays is access. Before booking:
- Ask the seller about floor level and lift access
- Ask about parking at both the collection and delivery addresses
- Check for narrow doorways or staircases
- Confirm the item will fit through the door
Measure Before You Buy
Before buying any furniture online, measure:
- The item itself
- The doorway of both properties
- Staircase width and turns
- Lift dimensions (if applicable)
A sofa that will not fit through the door is useless.
Insurance and Damage
Professional furniture collection services include:
- Goods in Transit insurance
- Public Liability insurance
- Furniture blankets and protection
Confirm cover limits before booking, especially for high-value items.
Common Mistakes
- Not measuring the item before buying
- Underestimating access difficulties
- Not confirming the seller will be present
- Booking collection too close to the delivery deadline
- Assuming a courier will dismantle furniture
- Not checking for damage before the courier leaves
Dismantling and Reassembly
Most flat-pack items should be dismantled before collection (unless you have paid for a service that includes dismantling). Ask about this when you book.
Our furniture assembly service handles reassembly at your home.
Same-Day Furniture Collection
Some services offer same-day or next-day collection. Availability depends on:
- Route and distance
- Vehicle availability
- Access at both addresses
- Time of booking
Book as early as possible for same-day service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to collect furniture?
Typical costs are GBP 40 to GBP 180 per item in London, depending on size, distance, and access.
Can you collect from anywhere in the UK?
Yes. We collect from anywhere in the UK, including long-distance routes. Costs increase with distance.
Will you help lift the item?
Yes. Our team is trained to lift and load furniture safely. For very heavy items (pianos, safes), tell us in advance so we bring the right equipment.
What if the item is not as described?
We can only collect what is there. If the item is different or damaged, you should resolve this with the seller. Our driver will photograph the item on collection.
Can you deliver to a different address?
Yes. Collection and delivery addresses can be different. Provide both postcodes when booking.
Book a Furniture Collection
We collect furniture from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and anywhere in the UK. Call 07459 180023 or request a free quote.
Written by the Vano Removals team. We provide furniture collection, delivery, and assembly across London and the UK.