If you’re moving, buying brand new or gently used furniture, or just downsizing, you’re probably thinking you’ll easily unload your old furniture — and some electronics — without any hassle. All you need to do is put an ad online, take it to a local charity, or put it on the curb to be picked-up. The truth of the matter is, it’s become increasingly more difficult to get rid of old furniture, as well as electronics, though it certainly isn’t an impossible task. In fact, you’ll discover that unloading used furniture is more difficult than you would suppose.
Ways to Get Rid of Old Furniture
So, why is it difficult to get rid of old furniture in the first place? There is actually more than one answer as to why; and, the first explanation is easy to understand. Old furniture, particularly upholstered sectional couches, loses value in a big way. Even leather furniture isn’t immune to this fact. The truth is, most furniture has become so easy to own new, there’s really not much of a market for used items. A second reason is found in the first answer, which is because the market is tiny, consignment and used retailers are very picky about what’s is and isn’t acceptable.
“It is no secret that getting rid of a used sofa or sleeper is difficult. Upholstered furniture may not find many takers, especially when it is damaged, torn, or stained. To think that once you paid good money for a piece of furniture that now seems to be of no interest to you or anyone else.” —About.com
Another reason is old furniture is just that and it’s probably not nearly as comfortable as it once was when it was new or even like-new. For appliances and electronics, it’s hard to rid yourself of these items, especially when its out-of-date or includes hazardous materials, something you’ll find is very common. However, all of this isn’t to mean you’re stuck with paying a hefty junk hauling bill, which typically are hundreds of dollars for basic service. Here are some ways to get rid of old furniture:
- Sell it online. If your old furniture is in good condition, you can market it online to college students. Publish plenty of pictures, along with a lot of details so you minimize any hassle you might experience. Try to be flexible with price negotiation, since the goal is to rid yourself of it as soon as possible.
- Host a garage sale. You can also host a garage sale, if you have the time. This is a great way to get people to see it firsthand and make a cash offer. Here again, you should be very flexible because you are not trying to turn a profit or break even, you just want to be free of it.
- Get involved in a rummage sale. Schools and community centers occasionally hold rummage sales, which means they’ll do all the advertising and host the event. All you have to do is get the furniture you no longer want there to sell it cheaply and be done with it.
- Try a charity or a consignment retailer. To donate it to a charity or take it to a consignment retailer, it’s going to have to be in really good condition. The great thing about doing one of these is you don’t have to do much and you’ll be able to get rid of it in short order. Some animal shelters welcome old furniture, even if it isn’t in gently used condition.
What you should avoid is putting furniture or electronics on the curb because most local trash collection services won’t pick it up as it doesn’t conform to their acceptance rules.