Is your old furniture taking up space and collecting dust? Whether it’s outdated, broken, or simply no longer serving its purpose, getting rid of old furniture is essential for maintaining a clean, organized space.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to dispose of or repurpose your unwanted furniture, making it easy to refresh your home and reduce clutter.
8 Ways To Get Rid of Old Furniture Like an Expert
1. Donate to Charities
Donating old furniture to local charities or thrift stores is a great way to help others while decluttering your space. Many organizations offer free pickup services, making it convenient to get rid of items you no longer need.
2. Sell It Online
Selling your old furniture online on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay allows you to make some money. Be sure to take clear photos, provide accurate descriptions, and set a reasonable price for a quick sale.
3. Hire a Furniture Removal Service
If you prefer not to handle the disposal yourself, hire a professional furniture removal service. They’ll pick up and dispose of your old furniture for a fee, often including eco-friendly recycling options for materials.
4. Repurpose or Upcycle
Repurposing old furniture can give it a new life. Transform a worn-out chair into a stylish garden seat, or turn an old dresser into a trendy bookshelf. With a bit of creativity, you can create unique home decor pieces.
5. Recycle Furniture
Many furniture pieces are made from recyclable materials like wood, metal, or plastic. Research local recycling centers that accept large furniture items, or check if your community offers curbside recycling for bulky items.
6. Arrange for Bulk Pickup
Many cities offer bulk trash pickup services for large items. Check with your local waste management service to schedule a pickup. This is often free or available for a small fee, depending on your area’s regulations.
7. Give It Away for Free
If your furniture is still in decent condition but you don’t want to sell it, consider giving it away for free. Post on websites like Freecycle or Facebook groups, where people are often looking for free furniture to repurpose or use.
8. Hire a Junk Removal Company
If your furniture is too damaged or worn to be donated or sold, junk removal companies can handle the disposal. They will safely remove and dispose of items, including environmentally friendly recycling of materials when possible.
How to Get Rid of Smelly Furniture?
1. Clean Thoroughly
Start by deep-cleaning your furniture. Vacuum upholstery to remove dust, dirt, and crumbs, and wipe down hard surfaces. Use fabric-friendly cleaners for sofas and chairs, ensuring the upholstery is fresh and free from dirt that could contribute to bad odors.
2. Use Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over fabric furniture or mattresses. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb odors and moisture. Vacuum it up afterward. Baking soda works wonders in neutralizing musty and unpleasant smells without damaging your furniture.
3. Vinegar Spray Solution
Mix a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the furniture, avoiding soaking the fabric. Vinegar naturally neutralizes odors and helps remove stubborn smells like pet odors or mustiness, leaving your furniture smelling fresh.
4. Deodorizing with Activated Charcoal
Place activated charcoal bags or sachets near the furniture or inside drawers. These absorb odors over time, including lingering smells from mildew or smoke. Charcoal is an eco-friendly option and perfect for eliminating musty or strong smells in enclosed spaces.
5. Air it Out
Take your furniture outside on a dry, sunny day. Fresh air and sunlight can help remove odors, especially for larger items like mattresses or couches. Sunlight kills bacteria and freshens up fabrics, leaving your furniture smelling clean and refreshed.
6. Use Fabric Fresheners
Spray fabric fresheners like Febreze on your furniture to neutralize odors. These products are designed to eliminate odor-causing molecules and leave behind a light, pleasant scent. Be sure to check compatibility with your furniture’s fabric before use.
7. Steam Clean the Upholstery
If your furniture allows, use a steam cleaner on the upholstery. The heat from the steam can break down the bacteria that cause odors, while also refreshing the fabric. This method works well for deeply embedded smells from food, pets, or mildew.
8. Essential Oils for a Pleasant Scent
Mix a few drops of essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus) with water in a spray bottle. Mist your furniture lightly. The oils help mask any unpleasant odors, leaving a fresh scent. Just ensure not to saturate the fabric too much to avoid damage.
How to Get Rid of Old Broken Furniture?
1. Hire a Junk Removal Service
Hiring a junk removal service is an easy and efficient way to get rid of broken furniture. These services pick up items directly from your home, saving you time and effort. Many also offer eco-friendly disposal options, ensuring your old furniture is recycled or disposed of properly.
2. Take It to the Dump
If you’re able to transport the broken furniture, taking it to a local landfill or dump is a straightforward option. Many areas offer specific drop-off locations for large items, so check for any nearby facilities. Ensure you follow local guidelines to dispose of the furniture safely.
3. Donate to Charity
Some charitable organizations may accept broken furniture if it can be repaired or upcycled. Call local thrift stores or non-profits to ask if they accept damaged items. This not only helps declutter your space but also gives the furniture a second chance with someone who can fix it.
4. Recycle the Materials
For broken wooden, metal, or plastic furniture, recycling is a sustainable option. Many recycling centers accept parts of old furniture like wood and metal. Strip the furniture of any non-recyclable components, and take the materials to a local recycling center to minimize waste.
5. Repurpose for DIY Projects
If you’re creative, consider turning your broken furniture into something new! Broken chairs, tables, and other pieces can be repurposed into useful items like garden planters, shelving, or even wall art. This gives new life to old furniture while saving money on new décor.
6. Sell for Parts
If your broken furniture contains reusable parts (such as cushions, legs, or metal frames), consider selling or giving them away for free. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle allow you to offer these parts to people who may need them for their own projects or repairs.
How to Remove Furniture in Apartments?
1. Measure Doorways and Hallways
Before removing any furniture, measure your doorways and hallways to ensure the pieces will fit through. This prevents unnecessary damage and ensures smooth removal. If something won’t fit, consider disassembling it first.
2. Disassemble Large Furniture
Take apart bulky furniture, such as beds, sofas, and tables, to make them easier to maneuver. Remove cushions, legs, and any detachable parts to simplify the process. Keep screws and parts in labeled bags for easy reassembly if needed.
3. Get Help for Heavy Pieces
Removing heavy furniture in apartments is a two-person job. Enlist a friend or hire professional movers to help lift and carry large items. Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury, and protect walls and floors with padding.
4. Use Furniture Sliders or Dollies
For easy maneuvering, place furniture sliders under heavy pieces or use a dolly to move them. This reduces strain and protects your flooring from scratches and scuffs. Make sure the dolly is sturdy enough for large or heavy furniture.
5. Hire a Professional Moving Service
If your furniture is too cumbersome to remove on your own, hire a professional moving company. They are experienced in navigating tight spaces and can safely remove and dispose of your old furniture without causing damage to your apartment.
Dispose of Your Furniture with Junk Robbers
When it’s time to get rid of your old furniture, make the process hassle-free by choosing Junk Robbers. Their professional team ensures safe, efficient removal and disposal, leaving your space clean and clutter-free.
Ready to say goodbye to your unwanted furniture? Contact Junk Robbers for fast, reliable furniture removal services and reclaim your space!