How To Get Rid of Old Furniture Before Moving Day

Moving to a new space comes with both pros and cons. One perk is getting a fresh start to redecorate and make the place your own. But it also means figuring out how to get rid of old furniture you no longer need.

The good news? There are more options than ever, whether you want to declutter, upgrade, or pass along pieces that no longer serve you. You can donate used furniture, schedule curbside furniture pickup, or even sell used furniture online. With a little planning, finding out where to get rid of old furniture can be simple and stress-free.

Should You Get Rid of Furniture Before Moving?

Before you decide to get rid of old furniture, take time to consider whether bringing it with you is the best choice. You may love your current pieces, but the benefits of starting fresh can sometimes outweigh the effort of moving what you already have.

Moving without furniture is simpler. You won’t need to plan around bulky items, rent a larger truck, or figure out how to maneuver heavy pieces through tight spaces. It also removes the need for extra equipment like dollies, straps, or moving blankets.

However, moving with your furniture is completely doable, especially with the help of a labor-only company like UniMovers. If you’re renting a truck yourself, having trained movers to handle the lifting keeps your belongings safe and saves you time and strain. It’s an affordable middle ground between doing it all alone and hiring a full-service moving company.

Still, bulky items require planning. Large dressers, couches, and tables take up valuable truck space and may increase the size of the rental you need. That added cost sometimes makes it worth considering whether now is the right time to get rid of old furniture and replace it.

In the end, weigh the sentimental value of your furniture against the convenience and flexibility of starting fresh. Either option can work well; it just depends on what makes your move easier.

Giving to People You Know

If you’ve decided it’s time to get rid of old furniture, one of the easiest options is giving it to people you already know. Friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors are often the first people to turn to when you’re trying to lighten your load before a move. Loved ones may need exactly what you’re offering. A spare dresser, an extra couch, or a coffee table you’ve outgrown could be a perfect fit for someone setting up a new space. This option is simple, fast, and requires almost no planning.

If you’re not concerned about making money and you’d rather pass your items along to someone who will use them, gifting furniture can be the ideal solution. You’ll save them the cost of buying new pieces, and you’ll cross another item off your moving to-do list. It’s an easy, thoughtful way to get rid of old furniture without the hassle of selling or arranging a donation.

Donate Used Furniture

Another great way to get rid of old furniture is to donate used furniture to charities, consignment shops, or local thrift stores. These organizations help ensure your pieces go to someone who truly needs them, and it’s a meaningful way to support your community. Donating is also a sustainable choice, keeping usable furniture out of landfills and reducing waste.

Many shelters and nonprofit charities rely on donated furniture to furnish transitional housing and assist people rebuilding their lives. Your old couch, table, or mattress can help create a safe, comfortable living space for someone in need. Some groups even offer furniture donation pickup, making it easy to clear out bulky items without leaving home.

Consignment stores and thrift shops offer a similar benefit. They help people furnish their homes affordably while giving your items a second life. Some consignment shops may even offer a small payment or store credit for the pieces you bring in. If you’re searching for where to donate furniture, this option is both simple and impactful. You declutter your home, support your community, and make your move more environmentally friendly.

Here are a few reliable options for charities that accept furniture donations:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Many locations accept gently used furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, beds, dressers, etc.) and often offer free pickup for large items.
• The Salvation Army – Their thrift stores accept furniture, and in many areas, you can schedule a pickup for large items.
• Goodwill Industries – Some locations accept small to mid-size furniture and may offer pickup services depending on the region.
• Furniture Bank Network – This network works with local nonprofit “furniture banks” to furnish homes for people transitioning out of homelessness or domestic violence. Some affiliates offer pickup.
• The Arc – Helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their thrift-store operations sometimes accept furniture and offer pickup services.

Selling Furniture on Facebook Marketplace

If donating isn’t the right fit, there are still plenty of easy ways to get rid of old furniture. One of the most convenient options is right on your phone. If you’d like to make a little extra money before your move, consider selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace.

Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular places for selling used furniture because the process is fast, simple, and customizable. You can add photos, write a quick description, choose your price, and communicate with buyers all in one place. It’s also one of the easiest answers to where to sell used furniture without needing to schedule donation times.

The only downside is that selling can sometimes take a while. Buyers may need time to respond, negotiate, or arrange pickup. To avoid last-minute stress, post your items as early as possible and keep communication clear.

Here are some tips for selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace:

• Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles.
• Include accurate measurements and an honest description.
• Price competitively based on similar listings.
• Respond quickly to messages and questions.
• Be flexible with meet-up or pickup times.
• Stay safe by meeting in public or having someone with you.

Garage Sales

If selling used furniture online isn’t appealing, traditional methods still work well. A garage sale is a classic and effective way to get rid of old furniture without the hassle of coordinating pickups or posting listings.

Hosting a garage sale lets buyers see exactly what they’re getting. They can inspect items in person, ask questions, and negotiate prices on the spot. This often leads to faster sales, especially when you have several pieces you’re ready to part with. It’s a simple solution for anyone wondering where to get rid of old furniture before moving day.

Garage sales also cut out the waiting time you might experience when selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace. Instead of relying on messages or online interest, you can move multiple items in just a few hours.

Many neighborhoods offer community-wide garage sale weekends. These events draw more foot traffic, which boosts your chances of rehoming your furniture without resorting to bulky-item trash pickup. It’s a great alternative if donating isn’t the right fit and you’re not looking to sell used furniture online.

Curbside Pick-Up

If none of the other options feel like the right fit, you can always turn to curbside furniture pickup. This method isn’t always the most convenient or widely available, but it’s helpful to know about, especially if you need to get rid of old furniture quickly.

Some cities offer scheduled bulk pickup through local waste services. You can usually book a time online or over the phone. In other areas, private hauling companies, junk removal services, or furniture recycling businesses provide similar pickup options. These services act as an alternative to furniture donation pickup when donating isn’t possible.

Curbside pickup usually comes with a fee, and it’s best suited for people who aren’t concerned about where to get rid of old furniture as long as it’s removed. If moving without furniture is the simplest option for you, then curbside furniture pickup may be the most straightforward solution.

Conclusion

Now you know where to get rid of old furniture and how each option fits different moving needs. Whether you choose to donate used furniture, schedule curbside furniture pickup, or explore where to sell used furniture, the right choice can make your move smoother and less stressful.

With a bit of planning, getting rid of old pieces becomes simple. You can reduce clutter, help your community, stay sustainable, or even earn some extra cash. And with support from a labor-only moving company like UniMovers, you can focus on settling into your new space with ease.

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