How to arrange furniture collection from a private seller

A practical guide from Deliverate · Updated 18 September 2026

Found a sofa, table or wardrobe you love, but cannot fit it in your car? To arrange furniture collection from a private seller, confirm the item dimensions, access at both properties, collection availability and the handling help required. Then request a courier quote that covers those details before agreeing the booking.

Plan the move before you book: measure the goods, check access and compare the whole service.

Start with measurements, not just a photograph

Ask the seller for the item’s length, width and height, plus an approximate weight if available. Confirm whether legs, cushions or sections can be removed and who will do that work. Photographs help show shape and condition, but cannot reliably tell a courier how much van space or handling help is needed.

Measure doorways, stairs, landings and narrow turns at the delivery property. Ask the seller to check the collection route too. Describe any awkward access in the request rather than assuming the furniture will fit.

Agree what “collection and delivery” includes

Check whether the quote covers a single driver or additional handling help, collection from a room or a kerbside handover, and delivery to the place you need. Do not assume stairs, dismantling, assembly, packaging, waiting time or disposal are included.

If a heavy or awkward item needs extra people or equipment, tell the courier before booking. Confirm the safe handling arrangement instead of relying on help being available on the day.

A checklist to send with your quote request

• The goods: item type, quantity, dimensions, approximate weight and relevant photographs.
• The journey: collection and delivery postcodes or areas.
• The timing: the seller’s availability, your availability and any flexibility.
• The access: stairs, lifts, narrow entrances, parking and walking distance from the vehicle.
• The service: the number of people needed, packaging and any agreed dismantling or assembly.

Keep phone numbers, email addresses and exact private addresses out of public descriptions. Use the secure booking steps for private contact information.

Compare the whole service and the total price

A lower transport quote may cover a different service. Compare the goods, dates, handling, access and included tracking on the same basis. Ask the courier to clarify anything missing before you accept.

Posting a request on Deliverate is free. A successful marketplace booking adds a separate Deliverate booking fee equal to 15% of the courier charge, subject to a minimum booking fee of £15. The courier’s transport charge is paid separately to the chosen courier. For example, a £100 courier charge plus a £15 Deliverate booking fee gives a £115 total before any separately selected extras.

Check whether tracking and full proof of delivery are included in the offer. Where the optional £42 including VAT upgrade is available, it is a separate charge. Availability and the final total must be confirmed in the booking flow. Read Deliverate’s current pricing.

Prepare for collection day

Confirm that the seller is expecting the courier and that the item is ready as agreed. Protect the furniture appropriately, keep access clear and make sure any agreed disassembly is complete. Agree how changes or delays will be communicated. Record the item’s condition and retain the relevant booking messages and delivery evidence.

How Deliverate helps

Deliverate connects customers with couriers for furniture, appliances, business stock and other bulky items. Add your delivery details, review suitable courier responses and choose the service that fits. A request or a response is not itself a confirmed collection: acceptance, payment verification and the applicable booking steps still matter.

Plan your furniture delivery → · See how Deliverate works

Common questions

Can I request collection for an item bought through a marketplace?

Yes. Give the courier accurate goods, access and availability details, and agree collection with the seller. Deliverate is independent of the marketplace where you bought the item.

Will the driver carry furniture upstairs?

Only if the agreed service includes it. Explain the stairs and handling needs before requesting a quote.

Is tracking included in every quote?

Check the individual offer. Drive It courier offers can include supported tracking and full proof of delivery; other offers may have a separately priced option where available. See tracking and delivery evidence.

For other goods, visit the delivery guides or supplier returns guides. Self-employed couriers can explore driver opportunities.