The narrator begins by expressing his disbelief and confusion over a bizarre and inexplicable event that has happened to them. He mentions being in a private asylum voluntarily and feeling weighed down by an intolerable nightmare.
The narrator describes himself as a recluse who prefers solitude and finds the presence of others to be overwhelming and torturous. He explains that he get tired easily with things that don’t come from within himself and feel a strong desire to be alone.
The narrator reveals that he has become attached to inanimate objects and his house has become a world in which he lives a solitary life. He describes the peacefulness of his garden and the discomfort he feels when entering his house one night.
He hears strange noises coming from inside and eventually witness his furniture moving on its own. The furniture marches past him, causing him to struggle and be injured in the process. The narrator is filled with terror and hides among the shrubbery to watch his cherished objects disappear.
Noises are heard from the narrator’s apartments, indicating that the house is empty and doors are being slammed shut. The narrator flees to the city and seeks refuge in a hotel, where he informa the porter about losing his keys. The narrator cannot sleep and waits for dawn, planning to summon his servants to the hotel.
The valet de chambre informs the narrator that all his furniture, including small items, has been stolen. The narrator is strangely pleased by the news and decides to keep his knowledge of the theft a secret. The police investigation lasts for five months but yields no results.
The narrator regrets not speaking up about being locked up and witnessing the theft. The narrator decides not to refurnish his house and seeks medical advice for his troubled nerves. Doctors recommend traveling, and the narrator follows their advice by going to Paris. The narrator begins by traveling through Italy, enjoying the sunshine and exploring various cities and landmarks.
He then ventures into Africa, crossing the desert and experiencing the unique atmosphere of the region. Upon returning to France, the narrator feels a sense of sadness and illness, prompting him to visit Normandy. In Normandy, the narrator is captivated by the ancient city of Rouen and its collection of second-hand furniture shops.
To his surprise, the narrator discovers his own belongings, including a wardrobe and chairs, among the items for sale. He explores the dark and labyrinthine house, calling out for someone but finding no one. Eventually, the narrator encounters a short and fat man who owns the shop and purchases his own chairs from him. The narrator arranges for the chairs to be delivered to the hotel room the next day and leaves the shop.
The narrator discovers a robbery and informs the police. The police try to locate the suspect but are unable to find him. The narrator’s furniture mysteriously reappears in his house after being stolen. The police suspect the thief had accomplices and continue to investigate. The narrator becomes fearful and decides to seek refuge in a mental asylum. The narrator expresses concern that the thief may find him even in the asylum.
