Have you got an old chair gathering dust in your attic? Or a dining table that’s no longer dining-room-worthy. Whether you’re downsizing, redecorating, or just tired of looking at the same furniture, old pieces can feel like a burden. But wait to haul them off to the curb! Plenty of creative, practical, and eco-friendly ways to give your old furniture a second life.
Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or decluttering, chances are you’ve got some old furniture to get rid of. And you’re not alone! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans dispose of more than 12 million tons of furniture annually.
We asked furniture experts — home organizers, contractors, antique dealers, and refurbishers — to reveal the most effective ways to dispose of old furniture. Their recommendations fell into four categories: sell, donate, dispose or repurpose.
Before deciding how to proceed, take inventory of your furniture and capabilities.
Assess your old furniture’s condition.
Give your old furniture an honest appraisal. Does it look fresh off the showroom floor, lightly used, or beaten and battered? Are there stains or missing parts? Does it smell of smoke or pets?
The answers will determine the resale value and may indicate the difference between selling and junking the furniture.
Market research
If you decide to sell, research what similar items are selling for near you. Check online markets like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay, or visit thrift stores and garage sales. Pro tip: Revisit the store or online site a few times over a week or two to see if the item has sold or fallen in price.
If you’d instead donate, learn what items charities near you accept and the potential tax benefits.
Are your prices negotiable?
Some of us love negotiating, while others sweat at haggling. Knowing where you fall will make you feel less pressure when presented with counteroffers.
Be honest about your time.
Do you have the mental energy to manage other people’s schedules and negotiating tactics? Do you have the time to invest in upcycling furniture into something new?
Be honest about your ability to take on additional work. If you don’t have much free time, you might be better off donating or disposing of your furniture rather than selling or upcycling it.
What is the best way to determine the value of my old furniture?
To determine the value of your old furniture, consider consulting with an appraiser or conducting online research on similar pieces in local marketplaces. Brand, age, condition, and historical significance can significantly influence price. Online forums and antique dealers can provide valuable insight into current vintage and antique furniture market trends.
Can I repurpose any old furniture?
Yes, with some creativity and basic DIY skills, almost any type of old furniture can be turned into something new and valuable. Consider the furniture’s material, size, and condition when brainstorming ideas for repurposing. For example, an old wooden dresser may be suitable for turning into shelves or a desk, while a broken chair may make a great plant stand. Be bold and think outside the box!
How do I properly dispose of unusable furniture?
Proper disposal methods for unusable furniture vary by location. Contact your local recycling center or waste management facility for guidance on recycling or disposing of old furniture. They may have specific guidelines for disassembling and disposing of certain materials. If your city has a bulk-item recycling day, take advantage of it for larger pieces of furniture that cannot be easily recycled. Following proper disposal methods to minimize waste and protect the environment is essential. So before throwing out your old furniture, explore all options for reuse and recycling first!
What are some benefits of upcycling old furniture?
Upcycling not only helps reduce waste and promote sustainability but also allows you to save money by repurposing items rather than purchasing new ones. It lets you get creative and personalize your home decor with unique pieces. Additionally, upcycling can be a fun and fulfilling DIY project that allows you to learn new skills and connect with others in the upcycling community. So, by upcycling old furniture, you benefit the environment, yourself, and those around you!
Sell at a Garage or Estate Sale
Garage sales are a great way to dispose of furniture while making a few bucks. The downsides involve time—the back-and-forth of negotiating and the effort required to move your furniture to the sale site and stay for the actual sale.
Running a successful garage sale is a science that seems overkill if you only have a few pieces of furniture to get rid of. Ask around your neighborhood; you may find neighbors in the same position. To draw a bigger crowd and gain some assistance in running the event, join forces to organize a community sale. Here’s what you should not sell at a garage sale.
If you want professional assistance or have an entire houseful of goods to get rid of, consider contacting an estate sale company. They can manage the details, handle payments, and run the event.
Estate sales are viral when families dealing with the loss of a loved one need space to grieve and process rather than negotiate prices or make changes. Find out where you can sell your furniture.
Sell (or Offer Up) Online
Online marketplaces revolutionized the secondhand furniture market. Major platforms include eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Both offer a staggering number of users — around 133 million for eBay and 1.185 billion for Facebook Marketplace — so chances are you’ll find a buyer for even the most unusual furniture.
No matter which platform you choose, be prepared to invest time in taking pictures, writing descriptions, and possibly answering buyer questions.
Bonnie Borromeo Tomlinson, home organizer and author of Stop Buying Bins, offers another suggestion: “Utilize your local area Facebook Buy Nothing page. You can post what you’re giving away, and someone will come and pick it up.” This streamlines the whole process, with no money changing hands.
Sell on Consignment or at a Secondhand Store
Consignment is a great option if your old furniture is in excellent condition or collectible. Again, do your research. Each store has a different audience, price structure, and policies; one may be a better fit.
If you’re wondering what to do with that old sofa, rocking chair, or desk, check out this list of places to donate furniture.
It’s worth taking a moment to distinguish between consignment and secondhand stores. Says Borromeo Tomlinson: “A [secondhand] 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 a store will accept and their payment terms. If selling on consignment, ask what percentage 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 contacting 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.”
Donate to a Charity
Donating to a charity is the most socially responsible way to dispose of gently used furniture. The furniture will go to a good home, and you may get a tax deduction for your trouble.
Recycling resource Earth911 broadly 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.
Recycle
It’s only sometimes possible to recycle furniture. Recycling materials requires stripping them 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 ideas for cabinets, chairs, sofas, and more!
Earth911 provides free resources for those hoping to recycle household materials. But don’t expect something other than 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.
Conclusion
Repurposing old furniture presents an enriching journey filled with creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental consciousness. Whether transforming an antique dresser into a modern masterpiece or donating lovingly used items to charity, each action reduces waste and extends the life of valuable resources. Viewing outdated furniture with a fresh perspective enhances your living space and promotes sustainability within your community. As more people embrace upcycling and mindful consumption, this movement can inspire positive change, leading toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Remember, every piece of furniture you transform or pass on tells a story and adds character to your home and the environment. So, gather your tools, ignite your imagination, and start your next upcycling project today!
