Moving Out of Kingston? Complete Guide to Selling Everything Before You Go (2026)

You're leaving Kingston. The city will miss you. Your stuff, however, is about to become someone else's problem.

Maybe you graduated. Maybe you got a job in another city. Maybe you're just ready for a change. Whatever the reason, you now face the universal stress of moving: what do I do with all my stuff?

Moving companies charge by weight. Truck rentals cost money. And that IKEA dresser you assembled at 2 AM during first year? It's not coming with you. It's not worth it. Someone else can have the joy of disassembling it.

I've moved out of Kingston twice. I've sold apartments full of furniture in days. I've donated boxes of clothes. I've put things on the curb and watched them disappear within hours. Here's exactly how to empty your place before moving day.

First: The Moving Out Timeline

The 2026 reality: You need a plan. Stuff doesn't sell itself.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving

What to do:

• Declutter everything
• Identify what's coming, what's selling, what's donating, what's trash
• Research prices for bigger items
• Take photos of everything you're selling
• Start listing higher-value items

Why so early:

• Some items take time to sell
• You have time to drop prices if needed
• Less stress than last-minute chaos

3-4 Weeks Before Moving

What to do:

• List all items on Fliku, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji
• Post in student housing groups
• Start responding to messages
• Schedule viewings (daytime, safe locations)

2 Weeks Before Moving

What to do:

• Drop prices on anything not sold
• Bundle items ("bedroom set," "kitchen bundle")
• Post in "Free Stuff" groups for anything you just want gone
• Schedule donation pickups

1 Week Before Moving

What to do:

• Everything unsold becomes "free or donate"
• Post curb alerts
• Final donation runs
• Trash day for anything left

Moving Day

What to do:

• Nothing left. Empty apartment. Clean. Keys handed over.

Must Read:-

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9 Ways to Get Free Furniture & More

12 Best Places for Secondhand Deals

Step 1: Declutter Ruthlessly

Before you sell anything, you need to know what you actually have.

The Three-Box Method:

Box 1: KEEP

• Things going to your new place
• Be honest about what you'll actually use
• If you haven't used it in a year, it goes in another box

Box 2: SELL

• Items with value ($20+)
• Good condition
• Things someone else would want

Box 3: DONATE/TRASH

• Everything else
• Be realistic about what's sellable

The 2026 reality check:

That DVD collection? Not worth selling. Donate.

That printer from 2019? Probably not worth selling. Donate or recycle.

That couch your cat destroyed? Trash (or free if someone wants to reupholster).

Be honest with yourself. Selling takes time. Time is money. Some things aren't worth the effort.

Step 2: What Sells Fast in Kingston

Hot items (sell within days):

Furniture:

• Dressers ($50-150)
• Nightstands ($20-60)
• Desks ($40-100)
• Bookshelves ($30-80)
• Coffee tables ($40-100)
• Dining tables and chairs ($100-300)

Electronics:

• Laptops (recent models)
• Gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox, Switch)
• Monitors
• Speakers
• Headphones

Kitchen stuff:

• Small appliances (Keurig, Instant Pot, air fryer)
• Good knives
• Pots and pans (decent quality)

Seasonal:

• Winter tires on rims (September-April)
• Bikes (spring-summer)
• Patio furniture (spring-summer)
• Air conditioners (May-July)

Student-specific:

• Textbooks (during course add/drop periods)
• Bedding
• Desk lamps
• School supplies

Slow items (may take weeks):

• Large appliances (fridge, stove - hard to move)
• Mattresses (everyone is suspicious of bed bugs)
• Older electronics (TVs from 2015, old phones)
• Exercise equipment (January is peak, otherwise slow)
• Clothing (unless brand name or vintage)
• Books (sell to used bookstore instead)

Step 3: Where to List (Platform Strategy)

Fliku (Best for Serious Buyers)

Platform: Fliku.com

Why use it:

• Verified buyers (no scammer energy)
• Growing Kingston community
• Free to list
• Safe meetup integration
• User ratings protect you

What sells best on Fliku:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Mid-to-high value items
• Anything where you want serious buyers

Listing tips:

• 10+ photos (good lighting, clean background)
• Be honest about condition (scratches, wear, issues)
• Price competitively (check similar listings)
• Respond quickly

[List your items on Fliku - Kingston's fastest growing marketplace]

Facebook Marketplace (Most Buyers)

Platform: Facebook Marketplace

What sells best:

• Furniture (students, families, everyone)
• Electronics
• Free stuff (if you just want it gone)
• Everything under $500

The reality: Most eyeballs, most time-wasters. You'll get messages. Many will ghost.

How to win:

Photos:

• Clean everything first
• Natural light only
• 10+ photos minimum
• Show damage clearly

Description:

• Clear title with brand and item
• Condition details (honest)
• Dimensions (for furniture)
• Pickup location (general area)

Pricing:

• Check similar items
• Price 10-20% above minimum (negotiation room)
• "Firm" = serious sellers only

Kijiji (Older Audience)

Platform: kijiji.ca (Kingston section)

What sells best:

• Furniture
• Tools and equipment
• Musical instruments
• Older demographic items

The reality: Less traffic, more serious buyers. Worth posting but don't expect miracles.

Facebook Groups (Targeted)

Join these groups:

• Queen's University Free & For Sale
• Kingston Community Buy and Sell
• Kingston Furniture For Sale
• Kingston Student Housing (for furniture posts)
• Buy Nothing Kingston (for free items)

Post in all of them. Different groups, different audiences.

Curbside (The Nuclear Option)

When you just want it gone:

1. Put item on curb with "FREE" sign
2. Post in "Free Stuff Kingston" Facebook group with address
3. Watch it disappear (usually within hours)

Best for:

• Large furniture you can't move
• Items not worth selling
• Last-minute chaos

Step 4: Pricing Strategy

The 2026 pricing formula:

Research:

• Check Fliku and Marketplace for similar items
• Look at SOLD listings (not asking prices)
• Be realistic

Condition adjustment:

• Like new: 50-70% of retail
• Good: 40-50% of retail
• Fair: 20-30% of retail
• Poor: Free or donate

Speed adjustment:

• Want it gone fast? Price 20-30% below market
• Willing to wait? Price at market
• Desperate? Price at 50% and accept offers

Example pricing:

IKEA dresser:

• New: $200
• Like new: $100-140
• Good (some wear): $80-100
• Fair (scratches, wobbly): $40-60
• Damaged: Free

iPhone 12:

• Market value: $300-400
• Fast sale: $250
• Desperate: $200

Couch (good condition):

• New: $800
• Used good: $300-400
• Fast sale: $200
• Free pickup: Post in free group

Step 5: Photography That Sells

Bad photos = low offers or no interest.

Good photos:

• Natural light (window or outdoors)
• Clean background (not your messy room)
• Multiple angles (front, back, sides, details)
• Show damage (builds trust)
• Size reference (coin for small, person for furniture)

For furniture:

• Show it in a room (helps buyers imagine)
• Include measurements in description
• Show drawers open, doors open
• Show any damage clearly

For electronics:

• Show it turned on
• Show screen working
• Show accessories included
• Show any cosmetic damage

Step 6: Writing Descriptions That Sell

Bad description:

"Dresser for sale. Good condition. $50."

Good description:

"ikea MALM dresser - white - $60

Selling because I'm moving out of Kingston. This dresser has been in my apartment for 3 years.

Condition:

• 6 drawers, all slide smoothly
• Minor scratches on top (see photo 4)
• One small chip on bottom drawer (photo 5)
• No stains, no smells, no pets

Dimensions: 160cm wide x 80cm tall

Pick up in Williamsville area (near Princess and Division). Need gone by April 15.

Cash or e-transfer. Please message to arrange pickup."

Why this works:

• Clear title with brand and colour
• Honest about damage (builds trust)
• Dimensions included
• Location and deadline clear
• No games

Step 7: Handling Messages

You will get stupid messages. Respond professionally anyway.

"Is this available?"

Reply: "Yes, still available. When can you pick up?"

"Would you take $30?" (on a $60 item)

Reply: "I'm firm at $60 for now. If it doesn't sell by next week, I may consider offers."

"Can you deliver?"

Reply: "Sorry, pickup only. But happy to meet at a safe location nearby."

"Can you hold it until next week?"

Reply: "I can't hold, but if it's still available then, message me."

Red flags (block and move on):

• "I'll send a courier with cash" (scam)
• "I'm out of town but my cousin will pick up" (scam)
• "Can you take e-transfer and I'll pick up later" (scam)
• Won't meet in public
• Asks for your email for "e-transfer" (phishing)

Step 8: Safe Meetups for Selling

Never give your address to strangers. Meet at safe locations.

Kingston safe meetup spots:

Police station:

• Kingston Police HQ, 705 Division Street
• 24/7, cameras, designated safe exchange zone

Coffee shops:

• Starbucks, 1549 Division Street
• Starbucks, 1975 Gardiners Road
• Tim Hortons, 1550 Division Street (24 hours)

Malls:

• Cataraqui Centre food court (daytime)
• RioCan parking lot (cameras)

Libraries:

• Central Library, 130 Johnson Street (daytime)

What to bring:

• The item (clean, working)
• Friend (if possible)
• Phone (charged)
• Exact change if cash

What to do:

• Meet during daylight
• Stay in public view
• Take payment before handing over item
• Text friend when done

Step 9: Donation Options

For items that don't sell:

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Address: 2455 Princess Street, Kingston, ON

What they take:

• Furniture
• Appliances (working)
• Building materials
• Cabinets, doors, windows
• Lighting

Donation hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm

Pickup: Available for large items (call ahead)

Tax receipt: Yes, for value of items

Mission Thrift Store

Address: 816 Division Street, Kingston, ON

What they take:

• Clothing
• Housewares
• Small furniture
• Books
• Decor

Donation hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

Pickup: Limited, call ahead

Tax receipt: Yes

Value Village

Address: 1075 Wellington Street, Kingston, ON

What they take:

• Clothing
• Housewares
• Books
• Small electronics
• Linens

Donation hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

Pickup: No

Tax receipt: Yes (ask at counter)

Talize

Address: 1953 Division Street, Kingston, ON

What they take:

• Clothing
• Housewares
• Books
• Small furniture

Donation hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Pickup: No

Tax receipt: Yes

Salvation Army Thrift Store

Address: 279 Douglas Avenue, Kingston, ON

What they take:

• Clothing
• Housewares
• Small furniture
• Books

Donation hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

Pickup: Call ahead

Tax receipt: Yes

Re-Use Centre

Address: 196 Lappan's Lane, Kingston, ON

What they take:

• Furniture
• Building materials
• Bikes
• Household items

Note: They charge a small fee to drop some items. Call ahead.

Kingston Community Fridges

Locations:

• 617 Princess Street (behind building)
• 155 Bagot Street

What they take:

• Non-perishable food
• Personal care items
• Fresh produce (if good condition)

Not for furniture or clothes.

Step 10: Recycling and Disposal

Electronics recycling:

Best Buy

• 950 Centennial Drive
• Free recycling for most electronics
• Limits on some items

Staples

• 1040 Gardiners Road
• Free recycling for electronics

City of Kingston Household Hazardous Waste Depot

• 196 Lappan's Lane (same as Re-Use Centre)
• Electronics, batteries, paint, chemicals

Battery recycling:

Call2Recycle bins at:

• Canadian Tire
• Home Depot
• Staples
• Some grocery stores

Clothing recycling:

Textile recycling bins:

• Various locations around city
• Accept old clothes, shoes, linens (even worn out)
• Often support charities

Mattress recycling:

Landfill (fees apply)

Some private companies offer pickup (search "mattress recycling Kingston")

Bulk garbage:

Check City of Kingston website for your neighborhood's bulk collection days.

Place items on curb night before collection.

Post "curb alert" in Facebook groups so people take before trucks come.

Step 11: Moving Companies and Truck Rentals

Truck rentals:

U-Haul

• Locations: Multiple in Kingston
• Rates: $20-40/day plus mileage
• Book early (especially April and September)

Budget Truck Rental

• 1030 Gardiners Road
• Similar pricing

Home Depot truck rental

• 1015 Gardiners Road
• $25 for 90 minutes (great for small moves)

Moving companies:

Two Men and a Truck

• Professional, reliable
• Higher cost

Kingston Moving and Storage

• Local company
• Good reviews

Student movers (cheaper):

• Check Facebook groups for students with trucks
• "U-Haul and a student" is a Kingston tradition
• Pay cash, tip well

Moving supplies:

U-Haul stores

Home Depot

Canadian Tire

Facebook Marketplace (free boxes from people who just moved)

Step 12: The Final Clean

Landlords want the apartment clean. Here's what to do:

Essentials:

• Vacuum and mop all floors
• Wipe down kitchen cabinets
• Clean oven (really clean it)
• Clean bathroom (toilet, shower, sink)
• Wipe all windowsills
• Take out all trash
• Remove all your items (nothing left)

Optional but smart:

• Touch up paint if needed (ask landlord first)
• Professional cleaning receipt (shows you tried)
• Photos after cleaning (proof for deposit disputes)

The Moving Out Checklist

4-6 weeks before:

• Declutter everything
• Research prices
• Take photos

3-4 weeks before:

• List items on Fliku, Marketplace, Kijiji
• Join Facebook groups
• Start responding to messages

2 weeks before:

• Drop prices on unsold items
• Bundle remaining items
• Schedule donation pickups

1 week before:

• Free or donate everything left
• Post curb alerts
• Final donation runs

Moving day:

• Clean apartment
• Take photos
• Hand over keys
• Celebrate (you made it)

Why Fliku Helps with Moving Out

When you're moving, you don't have time for scammers and time-wasters. Fliku's verified buyers mean:

• Real people show up
• Less "is this available?" nonsense
• Safe meetup locations built-in
• User ratings protect you
• Faster sales, less stress

[List your moving sale items on Fliku - Kingston's safest marketplace]

FAQ: Moving Out of Kingston

Q: How early should I start selling?

A: 4-6 weeks before moving. Big items take time. Small items sell faster.

Q: What's the best platform for selling furniture?

A: Fliku and Facebook Marketplace. Fliku for serious buyers, Marketplace for maximum eyeballs.

Q: What if nothing sells?

A: Drop prices. Bundle items. Post in free groups. Donate. Curb alert. Something will take it.

Q: Where can I donate furniture?

A: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Mission Thrift, Value Village, Salvation Army.

Q: Can I leave stuff on the curb?

A: Yes, but post a "curb alert" in Facebook groups so people know. Check city bylaws about bulk items.

Q: What's the best time of year to sell?

A: April (students leaving), September (students arriving), January (post-holiday cleanout).

Q: How do I handle last-minute items?

A: Free groups or curb alert. Someone will take almost anything for free.

Q: Should I clean before donating?

A: Yes. Clean items are more likely to be accepted and resold.

Q: What if I have hazardous waste?

A: City of Kingston Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 196 Lappan's Lane.

Q: How do I get my damage deposit back?

A: Clean everything. Take photos. Do move-in inspection comparison. Communicate with landlord.

The Bottom Line

Moving out of Kingston is stressful. Selling your stuff doesn't have to be.

Start early. Price fairly. Take good photos. Be honest about condition. Use multiple platforms. Donate what doesn't sell.

And whatever you do, don't leave your IKEA dresser for the landlord to deal with. They will not appreciate it.

Good luck in your next adventure. Kingston will be here when you come back to visit.

Moving out of Kingston soon? Have questions about selling or donating? Drop them below. We've all been there.