How to Get Rid of Old Furniture: 7 Practical & Responsible Options

Getting rid of old furniture isn’t always as simple as dragging it to the curb. Whether it’s a bulky couch that’s outlived its comfort or a table gathering dust in the garage, figuring out what to do with unwanted items can quickly feel overwhelming.

You might be moving, upgrading your style, or just trying to free up some much-needed space in your house—but where do you begin?

In most cases, homeowners aren’t sure whether to donate, sell, or pay for furniture removal. The right choice depends on how much space your old furniture takes up, its condition, and how quickly you want it gone. With so many options—and just as many questions—it’s easy to feel stuck.

This guide will walk you through 7 practical and responsible ways to get rid of old furniture, from eco-friendly disposal to community-focused solutions that make a real impact.

Let’s help you clear the clutter the efficient way.

7 Ways to Get Rid of Old Furniture

1. Donate It to a Charity or Community

One of the most thoughtful ways to get rid of old furniture is by giving it a second life through donation.

If your items are still in good shape, without major damage, rips, or stains, donating them can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life, as many organizations accept gently used items .

Think of things like gently used couches, chairs, bed frames, or tables—furniture that’s no longer needed in your home but could serve someone else well.

Many nonprofit organizations and local charities accept furniture donations, especially when the pieces are still usable.

It’s a great way to clear space while supporting families or individuals who need help furnishing their homes. Just make sure to avoid donating anything broken, infested, or in poor condition—most donation centers can’t accept furniture that requires repairs or poses a health risk.

If hauling large or heavy pieces like sofas, dressers, or a pool table feels like too much, that’s where a pickup service can help.

HaulBuddy makes this step easier by offering same-day furniture donation pickup in several cities, including Raleigh, Charlotte, NC, Palm Beach, and Phoenix.

You can book a pickup truck through their platform, and they’ll handle the heavy lifting, delivering your items directly to a donation center or community group.

Choosing to donate instead of dumping keeps unwanted furniture out of landfills and helps others at the same time. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to deal with unwanted junk, especially if you’re downsizing or making room for something new.

Plus, it simply feels good knowing your old pieces are being reused by someone who truly needs them.

2. Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup with Your City

If donation isn’t the right fit or your furniture isn’t in good shape, another practical option is to work with your city’s waste management services.

Many municipalities across the U.S. offer bulky item pickup programs or junk removal services designed to help residents dispose of furniture that won’t fit in a standard bin.

This can be a convenient spot to start if you’re getting rid of large household items like bed frames, old couches, or broken chairs. In most cases, these pickups happen on a scheduled basis—either monthly or quarterly—and come with volume limits.

For example, some cities allow up to 10 cubic yards of waste (roughly the size of a full truckload) per pickup at no additional cost to residents who receive curbside recycling and garbage collection.

That said, every city operates differently. Some may limit the number of pickups per year or charge a furniture removal cost for larger loads. Others might not accept upholstered furniture, mattresses, or certain old items like a worn table or used metal frames.

You’ll want to check your city’s public works or sanitation department website to see what’s accepted and how to prepare your unwanted furniture for pickup.

Keep in mind:

You often need to book in advance, and pickups usually happen on specific days—so plan accordingly. If your city service doesn’t offer what you need, or if you're in a rush, working with a junk removal company like HaulBuddy might be the more efficient route.

3. Sell It Online (If Still in Good Shape)

Not in a rush to clear out your space? That gives you the perfect opportunity to get rid of old furniture while making a little extra money in the process.

If your furniture items are still in good shape, selling them online is a smart, budget-friendly move—especially for pieces like tables, chairs, bookcases, and couches that still have plenty of life left.

With so many easy-to-use platforms available, listing your used furniture has never been simpler.

You can quickly search for local selling apps or turn to trusted options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor. These services let you post for free, and in many most cases, well-priced listings with clear photos move fast—especially when marked in “decent condition.”

When creating your post, include accurate measurements, note any wear or minor flaws, and snap a few photos from different angles. Honesty builds trust and helps buyers make informed decisions.

If you’re not up for the heavy lifting, add a note saying the buyer must pick up—saving you time and keeping the disposal process simple.

Selling locally is not only a cost-effective way to clear your space, but it also helps keep your unwanted items from becoming junk. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and your home.

4. Give It Away on Local Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups

Sometimes, the quickest way to clear out unwanted furniture is to simply give it away—especially when selling isn’t your goal. If you're more focused on freeing up space than turning a profit, local reuse groups offer a smart, community-first solution that skips the hassle of pricing, haggling, or managing a sale.

Platforms like Freecycle and Buy Nothing make it easy to pass your old furniture along to someone who truly needs it.

These online networks are built around the idea of sharing resources locally, helping keep unwanted items out of the landfill while supporting your neighbors. You can list everything from gently used bed frames to tables, chairs, and even couches—as long as it’s safe and usable.

You can join Freecycle through their official site at freecycle.org or search for nearby groups on Facebook. Similarly, Buy Nothing groups are active across the U.S. and accessible via Facebook or the Buy Nothing Project website.

Both platforms are free to use and offer a convenient spot to post furniture and other old items you no longer need.

The best part?

Listings here tend to go fast, and pick-ups are often same day. You get the satisfaction of knowing your furniture items are getting a second chance—and you’ve just helped reduce junk removal needs in your city.

5. Take It to a Donation Drop-Off Center

When you’re ready to part ways with unwanted furniture and want to support a good cause, dropping items off at a local donation center can be a rewarding option.

It’s a simple way to extend the life of your gently used furniture while helping nonprofit organizations raise funds through resale.

Places like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army regularly accept furniture donations, including tables, chairs, bed frames, and other household items.

These centers resell donated goods at a fraction of the retail price, using proceeds to fund housing, employment, and community support programs.

Before loading your pickup truck or van, contact the center ahead of time. Donation policies vary, and some locations won’t take upholstered furniture, damaged items, or pieces made of non-ferrous metals.

A quick call can save you a wasted trip and help you prepare properly.

This route is ideal for those who can manage the heavy lifting on their own.

But if transportation is an issue or you're dealing with a large amount of furniture, booking a pickup service through HaulBuddy can save time and effort. Our team handles everything from your doorstep to the local charity, offering a smooth and stress-free disposal option.

6. Repurpose or Upcycle It

Not every piece of old furniture needs to be tossed, sold, or given away. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to see the potential in what you already have.

Repurposing or upcycling can turn worn-out furniture items into something entirely new—and surprisingly functional.

That scratched table or faded dresser could be your next DIY project.

With a bit of sanding and a fresh coat of paint, old wood furniture can transform into a custom TV console, shoe rack, or even a reinvented bed frame.

Online platforms are filled with tutorials for those ready to take on a hands-on challenge—perfect for eco-conscious homeowners or anyone who enjoys breathing new life into forgotten items.

Even when furniture seems too damaged for donation or resale, don’t write it off just yet.

Broken-down pieces can be salvaged for parts, reused in craft projects, or repurposed for storage. Turning an old bookcase into modular shelving or using nonferrous metals from discarded items for DIY builds is a satisfying way to reduce unwanted junk and minimize waste.

Choosing to reuse and recycle through upcycling not only clears your home of clutter—it also reduces your environmental impact.

For those who love a creative challenge, this method offers one of the most fulfilling ways to handle furniture disposal.

7. Drop Off at the Landfill (Last Resort)

When all other options are off the table, landfill drop-off becomes the final route for dealing with unwanted furniture—especially when pieces are broken, moldy, or pose a safety risk.

Though it’s not the most sustainable choice, sometimes disposing of severely damaged old items is unavoidable.

Local public dumping sites typically accept furniture items, but you’ll need to double-check what's allowed.

Many recycling centers and landfills have restrictions on materials like upholstered furniture, nonferrous metals, or large couches. In some cities, disposal fees may be charged, particularly for items that don’t qualify for regular junk removal services.

Before heading out, visit your city’s waste management website or contact them directly to confirm hours, drop-off rules, and whether your specific furniture disposal needs to meet the criteria. The last thing you want is to load a pickup truck only to be turned away at the gate.

While this should be considered the easiest way only when no other path works, it’s still an important option for ensuring that unsafe furniture is removed responsibly.

In cases where you're unsure what to do, working with our junk removal company - HaulBuddy can simplify the process and ensure proper disposal without the stress.

Clear Out Clutter—The Smart and Responsible Way

Still wondering how to get rid of old furniture without the stress? From donating and selling to upcycling or arranging a quick pickup service, you have more options than ever to clear out your space responsibly. There’s always a better choice than dumping furniture on the curb or sending it to the landfill.

Looking for the easiest way to donate furniture without the hassle? HaulBuddy has you covered. We handle the pickup, manage the heavy lifting, and deliver your unwanted furniture straight to trusted local charities—saving you time, energy, and space.

Book your same-day donation pickup at www.haulbuddy.comNow serving Raleigh, NC, Palm Beach, Phoenix, and more.

Let’s take that couch, chair, or gently used furniture off your hands—and put it into someone else's home where it’s truly needed. Clearing out clutter has never felt this good.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to dispose of furniture?

The cheapest way to get rid of old furniture is to give it away through platforms like Buy Nothing or Freecycle or to drop it off at a local donation center if it's still in good shape. Some cities also offer free bulky item pickups as part of curbside services. For larger cleanouts, using a junk removal company like HaulBuddy may offer affordable rates, especially if you're dealing with a full truckload of unwanted items.

Can I throw furniture in a dumpster?

It depends on your local regulations. In most cases, small pieces might be allowed, but larger furniture items like couches, tables, and bed frames often require special disposal due to their size and materials. Some dumpsters also ban upholstered furniture or items with nonferrous metals. Check with your city’s waste management authority or contact a junk removal service like HaulBuddy for the safest and most compliant disposal process.

What can I do with very old furniture?

Even very old furniture can serve a new purpose. You can repurpose wooden pieces into shelves, storage benches, or décor. If it’s still functional, consider donating it to a nonprofit organization or selling it online. For damaged pieces, breaking them down for recycling or arranging a pickup with a junk removal company is a practical way to clear space. Avoid public dumping and explore eco-friendly alternatives to reduce landfill waste.

How to get rid of tables and chairs?

You have several good options to get rid of tables and chairs. If they’re in usable condition, try donating to local charities or posting them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Buy Nothing groups. For broken or bulky pieces, your city may offer bulky item pickup, or you can schedule a haul with a junk removal service like HaulBuddy. Upcycling is also popular—tables and chairs can be painted or repurposed into creative home projects.