Ask the consignment shop if you can put up a notice in their shop. Have you approached antique shops, it doesn't necessarily have to be an 'antique'.

Put an ad in your local paper, most grocery stores or convenience stores have a bulletin board to put notices up, spread the word to friends, family and any groups you may be involved in, church members, etc. Have notes ready to hand over stating a detailed description including measurements, phone number and price.

Set a price, do your own research to see what is reasonable. Nothing irritates me more than seeing an ad that does not show a price, 'best offer' or 'please contact' will get few responses.

Sometimes you have to break up a set in order to sell most of the pieces close to the price you are looking for.

the thing i find galling when i go into arhaus or RH is that one can buy better pieces for a small fraction of the price used. whenever possible, i do. i only draw the line at upholstered, that i want new, without temporarily masked pet or smoke odor.

Local newspaper advertising dept.

I'm military and we are constantly selling items before every move. At two of my last bases, there were local Facebook groups (some public and some where you have to ask to join) that would sell everything under the sun. There was even one group that was women only. I know your not a fan of Craigslist, but this might be less intimidating. Just some thoughts. Good luck!

I recently had to donate my beautiful and brand new Bassett Louis Phillippe dining set to Goodwill. I tried consignment - was told no one wants dining room furniture and they wouldn't even consider taking it. I didn't have time to do Craigs list - besides which I really didn't want a bunch of strangers coming to my house to view it. My cousin bought the buffet, but the china cabinet and hutch went to Goodwill. I didn't have a table or chairs yet. The reason was the furniture was purchased for a large house with extra high ceilings - but after my divorce I had to move into a very small one bedroom condo with standard 9 ft. ceilings. I tried to sell it on facebook but none of my friends needed anything that size either. At the time I had not discovered local Facebook yardsales or the Facebook buy nothing groups.

I agree the consignment shop may be just turning you away if it is a dated, overly large, set. Not sure what type of set it is as you didn't post pics. Since you "don't want to do Craigslist" Im afraid there isn't many options, but the Facebook groups are one. they are usually called "[City Name] Furniture Swap" or " Furniture Exchanges". However in my experience on these groups which is alot, the things that sell well are small items and things under the $100 price range (ie lamps, small tables, pillows, benches). Rarely do I see anything sell on there over $300.

Unless you are willing to part with it for a very small fraction of what you initially paid, Im afraid you will likely need to donate or give away.

Used furniture is great but it is greatly discounted from new, b/c well it is USED and not new. Kind of like driving a new car off the lot but even more depreciation on resale value.

In today's world, Craig's List is THE PLACE for local buying and selling. I'm an older woman who lives alone and have bought and sold many times on CL without problems. You just have to use common sense and trust your instincts.

As others have said, you'll have to get real on the going market rate for dining furniture, unless it's way cool mid-century modern. That's what younger families are buying, at least in my area. If your furniture is a high-end, prestigious brand, you might find a buyer on CL who will come haul it out of your house for pennies on the dollar. Maybe. If you don't want to sell on CL, at least spend some time browsing the ads so you have a good understanding of your competition.

I've also bought and sold furniture on consignment. The good shops with quality merchandise and rapid turnover know their market and price accordingly, then take a big cut off the top. In the end you often do better donating the furniture and taking a deduction.

For me, in the end it's all about getting the stuff OUT OF MY HOUSE! I usually choose the path of least resistance, and pocket any chump change that comes my way. Good luck with your big move. Downsizing is a challenge!

consign high end antiques with houzz