How to Get Rid of Old Furniture: Sell, Donate, or Recycle?

Old furniture taking up space? Whether you’re moving, renovating, or just tired of looking at that scratched-up dresser or sagging couch, knowing how to get rid of old furniture can make the process smoother and faster. In this guide, you’ll learn how to sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of furniture responsibly—even if you’re short on time, space, or resources. 

Furniture doesn’t last forever, and when it’s time to let it go, you have several options. Some methods are free, some require effort, and others offer total convenience at a price. Your decision may depend on the item’s condition, your timeline, and local regulations. 

You might be asking: 

• How do I get rid of old furniture for free? 

• What if I live in an apartment or have no truck? 

• Is there a way to do this sustainably? 

Let’s break down your best options so you can make the most efficient, responsible, and cost-effective choice. 

Selling Used Furniture Online and Locally

If your furniture is still in good shape, selling it can be a smart way to make some extra money. It’s especially effective for pieces with name-brand appeal, solid wood construction, or modern styles that are in demand. 

Best platforms to sell used furniture: 

• Facebook Marketplace 

• OfferUp 

• Nextdoor 

• Chairish or AptDeco for high-end or vintage items 

Tips for selling successfully: 

• Clean the furniture thoroughly before taking photos 

• Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles 

• Include accurate measurements and honest descriptions 

• Set a fair price based on local listings 

• Offer local pickup to attract buyers with limited transport 

Selling may take time and effort, but it can be rewarding—especially when working with pieces that are still in excellent condition. 

Donating Furniture to Charities and Nonprofits 

If you’re short on time and would rather see your furniture go to someone in need, donation is an excellent choice. 

Organizations that may accept furniture: 

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore 

• Salvation Army 

• Goodwill 

• Local churches, shelters, or crisis centers 

Donation guidelines: 

• Must be clean, gently used, and structurally sound 

• Some organizations may offer free pickup (especially for large pieces) 

• Always call ahead to confirm what items they accept 

Donation is especially helpful when clearing out old bedroom furniture, sofas, dining sets, or bookshelves. Not only will someone else benefit from your items, but you may also qualify for a tax deduction. 

Recycling and Upcycling Old Furniture 

If you’re dealing with furniture that’s damaged or outdated beyond repair, recycling or upcycling is a smart alternative to tossing it in a landfill. 

Recyclable materials often found in furniture: 

• Wood (natural or treated) 

• Metal (bed frames, recliner mechanisms, shelving) 

• Glass (tabletops, cabinets) 

• Upholstery foam or padding (at specialized facilities) 

Where to recycle furniture: 

• Municipal waste and recycling centers 

• Private waste haulers 

• Metal scrap yards (for bed frames and patio furniture) 

Upcycling ideas: 

• Refinish or repaint wood pieces for a new look 

• Use old dresser drawers as wall shelves or planters 

• Turn a door into a dining table or desk 

• Reupholster chairs and stools for a fun DIY project 

Upcycling is great for creative homeowners who enjoy DIY projects. It’s also an eco-friendly option that adds personality and uniqueness to your home.

Sometimes, the job is just too big to handle alone. Whether you’re dealing with a whole room of old furniture or just one massive sectional sofa that won’t fit through the door, hiring a professional makes sense. 

Why hire a pro: 

• Saves time, energy, and back pain 

• Professionals are experienced in lifting and hauling safely 

• Avoid damaging your walls, door frames, or floors 

• Easy scheduling and fast turnaround—especially if you need the furniture gone quickly 

This is especially helpful when you’re moving, clearing out after a renovation, or downsizing your belongings. It’s also ideal for large-scale removal, like clearing out old office furniture. 

How Much Does Furniture Removal Cost?

Prices vary based on location, item type, size, and quantity. Here’s a general pricing overview: 

• Small items (nightstands, chairs): $50 to $100 

• Medium items (mattresses, desks, dressers): $100 to $250 

• Large or multiple items (sectionals, entire rooms): $250 to $600 or more 

Other factors that can affect cost: 

• Whether stairs or elevators are involved 

• The need to disassemble furniture 

• Same-day or emergency pickups 

Most junk removal companies offer free estimates and handle all the labor, hauling, and disposal for you.

Bonus: How to Get Rid of Old Furniture Based on Type 

How to get rid of old furniture for free: 

• Post on Buy Nothing groups or Freecycle 

• List on Facebook Marketplace as free for pickup 

• Schedule bulk item pickup with your local municipality 

• Donate to a nonprofit that offers pickup 

How to get rid of old bedroom furniture: 

• Donate dressers, nightstands, and bed frames in good shape 

• Recycle broken or damaged wooden pieces 

• Hire a junk removal service for fast, hassle-free removal 

How to get rid of old broken furniture: 

• Strip it for recyclable materials like metal and wood 

• Use a disposal site or hire junk haulers for large items 

• Avoid illegal dumping—it’s costly and environmentally harmful 

How to get rid of old furniture in an apartment: 

• Check with your building management for move-out guidelines 

• Use compact, stackable dollies to transport down elevators 

• Hire pros who can handle stairs and tight spaces 

How to get rid of old office furniture: 

• Donate desks and chairs to local schools or startups 

• Hire a commercial removal company for full-office clear-outs 

• Recycle metal desk frames and electronics responsibly 

How to get rid of old patio furniture:

• Recycle metal or plastic frames through scrap yards or local centers 

• Toss cracked or rotted wood in bulk waste pickup 

• Refurbish or repaint metal sets for continued use