Whether you’re halfway through your degree or about to graduate, student life has a way of accumulating stuff.
You know the kind: from kitchenware that magically fills your cupboards to piles of unworn clothes in your wardrobe. And you only realise it when you have to move at the end of the year and wonder: “How did one suitcase full of stuff turn into 20 overflowing moving boxes?”
Whichever part of your flat you’re looking to downsize, selling unwanted items is a great way to free up space, make a little profit, and save time and money when you eventually move out.
This guide will help you find the best places to sell your student stuff in New Zealand so that you know where to post for an easy sale.
TradeMe and Facebook Marketplace are two of the most popular places for selling furniture, household items, electronics, and clothing.
While many people prefer Facebook Marketplace because it’s completely free, TradeMe recently removed its ‘success fees.’ Now, you’ll only pay to list an item on the site.
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It depends on what you are selling. There are a lot more scam accounts on Facebook Marketplace, but it’s still a good place to list low-cost items or items for pickup.
TradeMe is New Zealand’s most popular classifieds platform and ideal for higher-cost items due to its built-in payment system. It’s also an auction platform, which can be helpful if you’re selling items that are in high demand.
Whether your goal is to make a profit or simply get rid of your old furniture easily, some platforms are better than others for selling student furniture.
Facebook Marketplace
If you have a bunch of low-quality items, sell them as a bundle. A box of kitchen items for NZ$10 is much more likely to sell than an individually priced NZ$2 ladle.
Setting a ‘buy now’ price or using the ‘reserve’ feature is a great way to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Selling items online isn’t the only way to get rid of your student furniture. Don’t underestimate the power of your local uni bulletin board. Look for them in your cafeteria, student centre, or halls of residence.
These are best used at the start of the year and up until exam season. By the end of the year, many students are on exams and over the summer break won’t be on campus.
University textbooks are one thing that you kind of don’t need to hang onto once you’ve completed your studies. Not only are they heavy to move around, but let’s face it – you're unlikely to read them again. Here’s how to pass them on:
Sell your second-hand texts on TradeMe’s University Books section. Selling your books here (rather than under the General Books section) will make it easy for other students to find your old speciality texts.
Several New Zealand Universities have dedicated second-hand textbook pages.
There may also be class groups where students pass along their textbooks. Otherwise, speak to your course coordinator – they may be able to connect you to the class of incoming students in need of the class material.
A closet clear-out can be as cathartic for your wardrobe as it is for your wallet. But, being strategic with where you sell your second-hand clothing is the best way to make a buck.
If you like ‘cheap and cheerful’ clothing, bundle similar items together as they are more likely to sell. Use popular search terms in your listing, like ‘retro’ or ‘Y2K’, as this makes it easier for your listings to be found.
Some consignment stores want season-specific items a couple of months ahead of time (winter pieces in Feb-March, for example). Other stores will only accept multiple items from the same seller. These boutiques are a good option if you want a higher return and have the time and patience to wait for a sale.
While you can list fast-fashion on Designer Wardrobe, items that are New With Tags (NWT) or barely worn perform best. Mid-range brands like Ruby, Moochi, or Marle also hit that sweet spot between finding a bargain and paying for quality.
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Electronics are probably the most high-value items you own as a student, and selling your old computer or phone is a great way to fund your next piece of tech. You’ll get the most money with a private sale rather than trading in your device.
Whatever you do, make sure you don’t ship your old electronics until TradeMe has processed your payment. Scams can and do happen.
Again, being specific in your product description will prevent a lot of annoying questions. If you’re not sure of the specifics, you can search for the product on sites like PB Tech or JB HiFi and copy the product description. Just make sure you’ve got the correct product model.
University bulletin boards are a great place to advertise your old tech, especially if the item you are selling is only a few years old. Selling to a fellow student on campus can also feel much safer than buying off Facebook Marketplace.
Whatever you’re selling as a student, you can increase your chances of making a sale by:
There’s nothing like clearing out your flat, selling what you no longer need, and making space for whatever comes next. But once the sale is sorted, there’s still the small matter of getting that desk, couch, fridge, or bedroom suite from A to B.
Whether you’ve sold something and the buyer can’t collect it, or you’ve found a second-hand bargain that needs picking up, Wise Move can help you book an affordable delivery with trusted New Zealand movers.
Get multiple quotes with one enquiry, compare your options, and make sure your pre-loved gear gets to its new home without borrowing a mate’s car, bribing someone with petrol money, or attempting to squeeze a couch into a hatchback.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
