How To Get Rid Of Old Furniture? 8 Best Ways

1. Donate to Local Charities or Nonprofits

Donating old furniture is popular among homeowners and for a good reason. If your pieces are still in decent condition, why not give them a second life in someone else’s home? 

Local charities and nonprofits, like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, often welcome gently used items and some even offer free pick-up services. 

Donating is not only generous, it’s also eco-friendly as your old furniture avoids landfill and benefits someone in need. Plus, some donations come with tax benefits, which can be a nice little bonus during tax season.

Cost: Usually free, though some charities charge a small pick-up fee

2. Sell Online or Through Local Marketplaces

If your furniture has a bit of life left, why not make some money off it? Selling on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace is a fast way to move pieces out of your home. 

For larger or bulkier items, consider reaching out to local buy-and-sell groups to target buyers in your area.

Listing items online means snapping good-quality photos and writing detailed descriptions. Set reasonable prices if you want things to sell quickly. It’s all about presentation and a little patience.

Cost: Free to list on most platforms; potential delivery fee if you decide to offer transportation

3. Host a Garage Sale

A garage sale is a classic way to offload a lot of stuff at once. It’s perfect if you’ve got multiple pieces of furniture to clear out, along with some knick-knacks that are cluttering up your space. 

Setting up a weekend sale is fairly easy, and with the right timing and advertising, you can attract a decent crowd.

Garage sales work best in warmer weather when folks are more likely to stroll through neighborhoods. A few well-placed signs and a quick post on local community boards can help get the word out.

Cost: Minimal for signs and advertising (around $10-$20)

4. Dumpster Rental

How do you get rid of a lot of furniture at once? A dumpster rental is a great way to go. It’s a practical solution for home renovations, big clean-outs, or estate clearances. 

Dumpsters come in various sizes, so you can pick one that fits your needs.

Keep in mind, you’ll need a place to park it, and you’re responsible for loading everything in. This choice can save time if you’ve got a mountain of furniture to clear.

Cost: $210-$600 depending on the size and rental duration

5. Hire a Junk Removal Service

Sometimes if you’re dealing with multiple items, heavy pieces, or broken furniture disposal, a junk removal service is helpful. 

This option is particularly useful if you’ve got a deadline or a ton of stuff. It’s not the cheapest way to get rid of old furniture, but it’s certainly one of the easiest.

Cost: $150-$600 depending on the volume and type of items

6. Upcycle or Repurpose Old Furniture

Upcycling has become a popular way to handle furniture waste disposal. Old wooden tables can become garden benches, and a tired armchair might transform with a little TLC and a fresh cover. 

What’s more, the EPA encourages reusing furniture instead of discarding it to save valuable resources and reduce waste in landfills.

This option works if you’re a fan of DIY projects and have the tools to make it happen. It’s satisfying to see a discarded piece turn into something beautiful and functional.

Cost: Generally low; $10-$100 depending on project complexity

7. Contact Local Recycling Centers

For those who are eco-conscious, recycling centers are a solid option. Many centers accept wood, metal, and other recyclable materials from old furniture. 

Some cities even offer curbside pick-up for large furniture disposal during designated bulk trash days.

Check your local recycling center’s guidelines before hauling items over as furniture waste disposal often comes with rules. For instance, upholstered furniture might not always be accepted because of fire retardants or other materials.

Cost: Free to low-cost (about $5-$15 per item, if there’s a fee)

8. Use Bulk Trash Pick-Up Services

Many cities have bulk trash pick-up days specifically for large or unusual items. This is an easy solution if you don’t mind waiting until the designated pick-up date. 

Some areas even allow you to schedule a pick-up for specific items—perfect if you’re wondering how to get rid of a big couch without much hassle.

Always check local guidelines, as there are often restrictions on what can be collected. Items like mattresses or electronics may call for special handling.

Cost: Often free but special items may incur a small fee (around $20-$50)

Overview: Best Ways To Get Rid of Old Furniture