Guide to Selling, Donating, or Disposing of Your Old Furniture in NYC

President, Moishe’s Moving Systems

One of the biggest challenges during a move is deciding what to do with old furniture. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or simply decluttering, knowing how to get rid of old furniture efficiently and responsibly is crucial, especially in a big city like NYC. This guide will outline various methods for selling, donating, or discarding your old furniture in NYC, facilitating a seamless move to your new residence.

1. Selling Your Old Furniture

If your furniture is in good condition, selling it can be a great way to earn some extra cash and reduce waste. Here are some effective methods to sell your furniture in NYC:

Online Marketplaces

When looking to sell your old furniture, there are several online marketplaces that you can use. Craigslist is a popular platform that allows you to list your furniture for free. It’s important to provide detailed descriptions and clear photos to attract potential buyers. 

Another option is the Facebook Marketplace, which leverages your social network to help you sell items quickly. This platform is convenient and connects you with local buyers who may be searching for secondhand furniture.

For a user-friendly experience catered specifically to buying and selling used items locally, consider using apps like OfferUp and Letgo. These apps are ideal for those wondering how to get rid of old furniture, providing a convenient way to connect with local buyers.

Consignment Shops:

Furnish Green is a fantastic option if you’re looking to sell any vintage furniture and unique decor. This shop specializes in curating and selling vintage furniture and decor items. When you consign items with them, they handle the selling process and take a commission for their services. 

Another great option is Housing Works, a reputable non-profit organization with multiple locations across New York City. They accept donations and sell a wide range of items in their thrift shops, using the proceeds to support their charitable activities.

Tips for Selling Furniture:

  • Invest time and effort into cleaning and repairing items to enhance appeal.
  • Research similar listings for competitive pricing insights.
  • Be honest about the condition of your furniture.
  • Transparency helps build trust with buyers for smoother transactions.

Vintage Green Couch & Gramophone in a blue room

2. Donating Your Furniture

Donating is a wonderful way to give back to the community while decluttering your home. Several organizations in NYC accept donations of old things that take in mattress donations as well

Non-Profit Organizations:

  • Goodwill: They have multiple donation centers across the city. Ensure your furniture is in good condition.
  • Salvation Army: Offers free pick-up services for larger items. Donations help fund their adult rehabilitation centers.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Accepts a wide range of home furnishings, with proceeds supporting their mission to build homes for those in need.

Community Groups:

  • Freecycle: An online community where you can give away items for free. It’s a great way to ensure your furniture is reused.
  • Buy Nothing Project: A local gift economy where members give and receive items for free. Join a group in your neighborhood to participate.

3. Disposing of Your Furniture

When selling or donating isn’t an option, you may need to dispose of your furniture. NYC provides several ways to do this responsibly:

Curbside Pickup:

  • NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY): Offers free bulk item collection. Schedule a pick-up for large furniture items, and ensure they are placed curbside according to DSNY guidelines. This is particularly useful for those asking “how to get rid of large furniture for free.”

Recycling Centers:

Special Disposal Days:

  • NYC occasionally holds special waste collection events for bulk items. Check the DSNY website for upcoming dates and locations.

Abandoned armchair on footpath against building during sunny day

How Moishe’s Moving Systems Can Help

Moishe’s Moving Systems can assist with furniture disposal as part of our comprehensive moving services. When planning a move, we can help you decide which items to keep and which to dispose of, providing efficient removal of unwanted furniture. Our reliable movers in NYC ensure that furniture is handled safely and can arrange donations or recycling as needed. 

  • Professional Pickup and Disposal: Our dependable team can pick up your old furniture and ensure it is properly disposed of, adhering to NYC regulations.
  • Convenience: Using our services can save you time and effort, especially if you are unable to transport the furniture yourself.
  • Safe and Secure Handling: Moishe’s ensures that your furniture is handled with care, minimizing any potential damage in your home or issues during removal.

You can also leverage our commercial storage and self storage solutions if you need a safe space to store your old furniture during the moving process. 

Top Tips for Efficient Furniture Removal 

Plan Ahead:

  • Start by assessing your furniture and deciding which pieces you want to sell, donate, or dispose of. Make a list to stay organized.

Take Measurements:

  • Ensure that your furniture can fit through doors and hallways. Measure the items and your home’s entry points to avoid last-minute surprises.

Hire Professionals:

  • Consider hiring professional movers for heavy or bulky items. Companies like Moishe’s Moving provide specialized services for large furniture removal.
  • Fill out our contact form to request a quote or call us directly. We can provide personalized advice based on your moving and disposal needs, making the transition seamless and hassle-free. 

Eco-Friendly Disposal:

  • Opt for eco-friendly disposal methods. Many private haulers offer recycling services, reducing the environmental impact of your move.

Frequently Asked Questions about Furniture Disposal in NYC

How to get rid of unwanted furniture in Brooklyn?

You can use the curbside pickup services DSNY provides or hire private haulers like Moishe’s for eco-friendly disposal.

What days can I throw out furniture in NYC?

Check the DSNY schedule for bulk item collection days specific to your area. You may need to schedule a pick-up in advance.

Can you put furniture on the curb in NYC?

Yes, you need to schedule a pick-up with DSNY for large items. Ensure the items are placed curbside properly and follow the disposal guidelines.

How to dispose of wood in NYC?

Wooden furniture can be disposed of through curbside pickup if scheduled with DSNY. Smaller wood items may also be accepted by recycling centers.

How do I get rid of a couch in New York?

Sell or donate if it’s in good condition. Schedule a bulk item pick-up with DSNY or hire a junk removal service for disposal.

Who will pick up old furniture for free near me?

Organizations like Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity offer free pick-up services for donations.

What days can I throw out furniture in NYC?

NYC Sanitation requires scheduling an appointment for bulk item disposal. Their official website provides Specific guidelines and schedules to ensure compliance with local laws.

How do I get rid of a bunch of furniture?

To dispose of multiple pieces of furniture, consider renting a dumpster, hiring a junk removal service, or scheduling a bulk pickup with your local sanitation department. You can also organize a garage sale or list items on online marketplaces to sell or give away.

Can you leave unwanted furniture on the streets of NYC?

Leaving furniture on the curb without following NYC’s sanitation guidelines may result in fines. It’s essential to schedule a pickup with NYC Sanitation or arrange for proper disposal through other services.

Are there rules for getting rid of furniture in NYC?

Yes, there are specific rules for getting rid of furniture in NYC. Large items must be scheduled for bulk collection through NYC Sanitation. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in fines. Items must also be placed out on designated collection days, and some pieces, like mattresses, need to be wrapped in plastic.

Final Thoughts on Managing Your Old Furniture in NYC

Getting rid of old furniture in NYC doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By exploring options to sell, donate, or dispose of your items, you can ensure a smooth moving process and contribute positively to the environment. Whether you choose to earn some extra cash, support local charities, or dispose of items responsibly, we hope this guide has provided you all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Contact us today for top-notch moving services tailored to your needs. If you found this guide helpful, make sure you check out some of our other moving tips