When you move into a new home, you can get rid of all your furniture in a clean sweep by donating it instead of trying to sell it online or in a yard sale. Many charities will make it convenient by sending someone to pick it up for you. You can turn getting rid of an old layette set or a love seat into an act of kindness if you've given them to someone in need.
Beneficiaries
Furniture donations aid such individuals as the working poor, abused women who are starting over, victims of fires or natural disasters, college students, homeless people who are moving into housing, and senior citizens of limited means. People living on a budget and first-time homeowners or renters can benefit by purchasing the furniture at affordable prices.
Secondary Benefits
Donating furniture keeps it out of landfills, thus easing its environmental impact. Furniture banks and other donation centers also stimulate the economy, because consumers who get rid of furnishings usually need new ones, leading them to make major new purchases. The act of giving is also its own reward - you may help a family sit together at a kitchen table or give a child a bed to sleep in.
Statistics
According to an open letter from the National Furniture Bank Association posted on Help1Up.org, Americans donate one million pieces of furniture each year. More than three dozen American furniture banks distribute one million-plus pieces of furniture to over one hundred thousand people in need.
Where to Donate
Freecycle and Freeshare provide message boards to advertise unwanted items. See if your city's theater group or community college can use your old dresser for a prop. Many local charities, like humane societies, run thrift shops with castoff pieces to raise funds.
Tax Breaks
Depending on the value of your property, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Write a detailed list or take pictures of what you're giving away and get a receipt from the charity who received it. Estimate the resale value of the items by checking with a used-furniture dealer, and consult with your accountant on how much of a write-off you are due.
Courtesy
Organizations ask that you only donate gently used items, since many of them don't have the budget to clean or repair furniture that's dirty or damaged. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself is: "would I give this bookshelf to a friend?" If an item is too old to give away, check your town's recycling program to see if it can be reused for textile products.
Caution
There is a downside to buying a donated bedroom or dining room set. Items that have been sitting outside or abandoned can become infested with bed bugs, termites, or other insects. Be aware that you run the risk of bringing these creatures into your home when purchasing used furniture.
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