Finding Organizations Who Take Donated Furniture

Who doesn’t love to get brand new furniture? Even inherited antiques can be a treat. Unfortunately, the pleasure of new furniture can be overshadowed by the challenge of finding a new home for our old, worn or outdated furniture. If the furniture is worn or broken and has little value, hauling it away to the refuse center or another disposal sight may be the best bet, but if it is still in good shape, it can seem a shame not to try to find a new home for your comfortable furniture. Finding a place to donate used furniture, however, may be easier said than done.

Most communities have organizations who will take used furniture if it is in reasonable shape. You may feel compelled to donate your pieces, however, to an organization or cause you feel strongly about and this may be a smaller organization or some place that does not normally handle furniture donations. Many of these organizations may charge you, however, if they need to come out and collect the furniture. There may also be cleaning fees, transportation or other charges that you will be expected to pay for your donation. While these fees may be tax deductible, it is important to keep an accurate record and consider the overall cost of the contribution when making a choice.

Clean the furniture prior to donating. This may take some extra money and/or time, but it is just good manners and will make the pieces more valuable to the new owners. If there are minor repairs that you can make, do this as well. This way, you are not donating junk, but something useful.

Who can use your furniture? Consider any programs in your community that help the homeless or provide housing for low income families. People who have been through an abusive situation and are trying to get back on their feet may need furniture and household supplies too. A community center or senior center that serves a vulnerable population can also be a good consideration if you are looking to get the most use out of your furniture.

Before donating, check with the organization to make sure they can use what you have. Take a good photo or two and be honest about the size, color, and condition and let them know that they do not HAVE to take it if it cannot be used. It may take a little extra energy for you to find a good home for your used furniture, but it can be well work that effort.