8 Ways To Get Rid of Old Furniture

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Sell on Consignment or at a Second-Hand Store

If your old furniture is in particularly good condition or collectible, consignment is a great option. Again, do your research. Each store features a different audience, price structure and policies, and one may be a better fit than the rest.

Oh if you’re wondering what to do with that old sofa, rocking chair, or desk? Check this collection of options to know where to donate furniture.

It’s worth taking a moment to draw a distinction between consignment and second-hand stores. Says Borromeo Tomlinson: “A [second-hand] shop owner purchases items to resell. They tend to be curated to the tastes of the shop owner, not necessarily vintage or antique.” At consignment shops, she says, “individuals contract with the store owner to sell items on their behalf. Proceeds are paid on a percentage split, typically 60/40.”

Whether you’re considering a direct sale to a retailer or consignment, ask what kind of furniture will a store accept, and their payment terms. If selling on consignment, ask what percentage do they take from the sales, and what happens if no one buys it?

Willow Wright owns Urban Redeux, a treasure trove of unique, vintage home furnishings in Alexandria, Virginia. She suggests reaching out to retailers near you.

“Check if there are any local antique or vintage stores in your area that accept items on consignment or as donations,” she says. “Some stores, like ours, may make exceptions for rare and special pieces that align with their shop’s aesthetic.”

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Donate to a Charity

Donating to a charity provides most socially responsible way to dispose of gently-used furniture. The furniture will head to a good home, and you may get a tax deduction for your trouble.

Recycling resource Earth911 largely provides information on recycling. But if you enter “furniture” into their recycling search page, you’ll get a list of nearby charitable organizations that accept furniture, like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.

Wright is a big fan of charitable furniture donations, which keep lightly-used pieces out of landfills while contributing to the community. “Thrift/charity stores play a crucial role in supporting local hospitals and nonprofits,” she says. Here’s what you need to know about thrifted furniture.

When you contact the charity, ask what furniture the organization accepts. Will they pick it up, or must you arrange delivery? And always request a receipt for your taxes.

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Recycle

It’s not always possible to recycle furniture. Recycling materials need to be stripped down to their parts, and that’s hard to do with furniture. Before you send your old furniture to the landfill, check out these inspiring upcycling furniture ideas for cabinets, chairs, sofas, and more!

Earth911 provides free resources for those hoping to recycle household materials. But don’t expect miracles.

Per its website: “The reality is that furniture is not designed to be easily recycled, and the costs of processing often outweigh the value of materials. Most of the wood used in furniture is treated with paint or varnish, which means it can’t be composted. As a result, most furniture that can’t be reused will end up in a landfill.”

Exceptions include all-metal or all-plastic patio furniture, which can sometimes be recycled.

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