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.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Helps support community organizations
- Potential tax deduction
Cons
- Need transportation if pick-up isn’t available
- Damaged items may not be accepted
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.
Pros
- Earn extra cash
- Keeps furniture out of the landfill
- Control over the selling price
Cons
- Can take time to find a buyer
- Requires effort to list and negotiate
- Some no-shows or unreliable buyers
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.
Pros
- Great for selling multiple items at once
- Immediate cash in hand
- Clears out your space quickly
Cons
- Time-consuming to set up and price items
- Weather-dependent
- Be ready to haggle
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.
Pros
- Perfect for large-scale projects
- Work at your own pace
- Handles bulky or awkward items
Cons
- Needs space
- You do the heavy lifting
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.
Pros
- Fast and convenient
- Handles heavy lifting
- Ideal for large or broken items
Cons
- Can get pricey
- Not all companies recycle
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.
Pros
- Creative and budget-friendly
- Keeps furniture out of landfills
- Adds a unique, personal touch to your space
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Need DIY skills and tools
- Potential extra costs for materials
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.
Pros
- Environmentally responsible
- Local recycling centers are often free or low-cost
Cons
- Not all materials are recyclable
- Might need own transport
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.
Pros
- Often free with municipal services
- Easy for large items
- Convenient if you’re already paying for trash collection
Cons
- Limited to specific dates or times
- Some restrictions on accepted items
Cost: Often free but special items may incur a small fee (around $20-$50)
Overview: Best Ways To Get Rid of Old Furniture
Method | Convenience | Handles Large/ Bulky Items | Time-Efficient | Requires Own Transport | Can Earn Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Donate to Local Charities or Nonprofits | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
Sell Online or Through Local Marketplaces | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Host a Garage Sale | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Dumpster Rental | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌️ | ❌️ |
Hire a Junk Removal Service | ✔️ | ✔️️ | ✔️️ | ❌️ | ❌️ |
Upcycle or Repurpose Old Furniture | ❌️ | ✔️️ | ❌️️ | ✔️️ | ❌️ |
Contact Local Recycling Centers | ✔️ | ✔️️ | ✔️️ | ✔️️ | ❌️ |
Use Bulk Trash Pick-Up Services | ✔️ | ✔️️ | ✔️️ | ❌️ | ❌️ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to get rid of old furniture?
Donating to local charities or selling online are the most cost-effective options, often costing nothing but a bit of your time.
How to get rid of a sofa easily?
If the sofa is in good condition, consider donation or selling. For hassle-free disposal, a junk removal service can handle it for a fee.
How much does it cost to remove furniture?
Costs vary widely: donations are usually free, while junk removal can range from $150-$600 depending on volume.
How do I get rid of a big couch?
Bulk trash pick-up services or a scheduled donation pick-up are great options. Junk removal services work if you need it gone quickly.
Conclusion
Clearing out old furniture doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. From free donation options that benefit your community to selling opportunities that put cash in your pocket, you have multiple paths to choose from.
Whether you prefer the hands-off convenience of junk removal services or the budget-friendly approach of bulk trash pickup, there’s a solution that fits your needs.
For bigger cleanouts or renovation projects, a dumpster rental offers flexibility and efficient removal on your schedule. Ready to clear your space? Contact us today for a free quote on dumpster rentals that match your project requirements.