Getting rid of old furniture is rarely as simple as just hauling it out the door. Whether you’re giving your home a makeover, moving, or just trying to cut down on clutter, figuring out what to do with those bulky pieces can feel like a bit of a headache. Selling them puts some money back in your pocket, donating gives back to others, but sometimes there’s really no choice but to send them off to the landfill. And even then, trashing furniture isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. So how do you decide what to do? Here’s a guide to help you make the call.
Donate What’s Still in Good Shape
If your furniture still has some life left in it, donating is often the best way to go. Thrift stores, charities, and community organizations are usually happy to take gently used tables, chairs, sofas, and bedframes. Not only does donating keep usable furniture out of the landfill, but it also helps people who might not be able to afford new pieces.
Just make sure your items are clean and in decent condition before you drop them off. Most places won’t take broken or heavily worn furniture. Also, some charities offer to pick up donations for free, which can save you the hassle of moving heavy stuff on your own.
Sell It If You Want to Make a Little Cash
If you’ve got furniture that’s still in good condition and want to recoup a bit of what you paid (or the furniture isn’t quite charity-worthy), selling is a great option. There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can list your items. Some of the best places to sell used furniture include Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and OfferUp.
When selling, be honest about the condition and include clear photos. Pricing can be tricky, so look at how much comparable pieces are going for and be realistic. In some cases, it’s better to price lower and get it gone than to hold out for more and have it sit forever.
Toss It When It’s Too Far Gone
Some furniture just can’t be saved. Maybe it’s damaged beyond repair, too worn out, or just not safe to keep around. It’s best to let it go if that happens, but you can’t simply drag it out to the curb. Lots of areas have rules about bulk trash pickup, and leaving big pieces outside can either result in you getting hit with fines or them never picking it up.
Instead, check out other options like renting a dumpster. Services like Temporary Dumpster offer containers that can handle all kinds of heavy and bulky furniture, and they take care of hauling it where it needs to go. Many of these companies also provide eco-friendly disposal, so the furniture might even be recycled. That way, it’s good for the environment, but you don’t have to do the hard part.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the best way to handle old furniture is to get ahead of it. Before you decide where it should go, take a few minutes to check the condition of your pieces, look into donation centers nearby or online resale platforms, and get familiar with your local waste disposal rules. Doing this first can save you a ton of time, hassle, and even money later on. So, the next time you’re staring down that worn-out couch or shaky dining table and feeling lost, remember: there’s almost always a better way than just chucking it to the curb.
