When your couch no longer serves its purpose properly because it’s already heavily used, damaged, ugly, or uncomfortable, it is definitely time to get a new one. But how to get rid of an old couch?
Such a task may seem challenging, but fortunately, there are several ways to handle it successfully. Choosing one of them will allow you to get the necessary space for placing a new sofa and upgrading the decor in your home. Keep on reading to learn what to do with old couches!
How to Assess Your Couch?
Before you decide on how to dispose of your couch, you should carefully assess its condition. It will help you to pick the right method, as certain conditions may exclude particular solutions. Ask yourself such questions as:
- Can anyone still use your sofa?
- Would you buy it if it was cheap enough?
- Would you get it if it was given to you for free?
- Is it still complete?
- Is there a lot of hard-to-remove pet hair on it?
- Does it comply with fire safety regulations?
❗ Important: Never sell or donate a sofa (or any other item) that poses safety risks.
What to Do With an Old Couch? Ideas to Consider 💡
Now that you have assessed your sofa, take a look at the suggested solutions and pick the one that suits its condition and your preferences:
Solution 1: Make a Donation 💗
Making a donation is a great way to get rid of your couch while helping someone else and reducing waste. If your sofa is still in relatively good shape and doesn’t pose any risks, look for local charities and non-profit organizations online that may hand it over to someone in need.
Each of them has its own criteria for the condition of the donated furniture, so make sure to check them before you contact them. If they can accept your donation, they may offer you free pick-up, so you just need to schedule the right time when they come and take your sofa.
🧾 Tip: Remember that a donation to a charity or a non-profit organization may qualify you for a tax deduction, so ask for a receipt.
Solution 2: Sell Your Used Couch 💰
If your sofa is not too damaged and can still be comfortably used, you may try selling it and making some extra cash. You can search for buyers in the following ways:
- List your old couch on online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist.
- Join local Facebook groups (preferably focused specifically on selling and buying used items) and publish a post with your offer.
- Publish a post on your individual social media to let your friends and family know you are selling your sofa.
- If possible, organize a garage sale, offering your old couch as well as some other items you don’t need anymore.
📏 Tip: Make sure to measure your sofa precisely and add these details to your online offer.
Solution 3: Join a Curbside Program in Your City 🏙️
Leaving your sofa on the curb does not necessarily mean that it will be taken to a landfill. You can label it properly and inform passersby that they can take it for free.
Preferably, do it in a well-organized manner by joining a curbside program in your city if it organizes one. If you meet all the requirements, bring your sofa to the designated place and at the proper times or days, respecting the city ordinances.
🏢 Tip: Before you join the program, familiarize yourself with all the rules and make the required arrangements to avoid any fines from the city.
Solution 4: Repurpose or Upcycle Your Couch ♻️
Instead of thinking about how to get rid of a sofa, you may also consider using it for a different purpose. For instance, if you no longer want to use it inside your house, you can consider taking it outside and transforming it into patio furniture. With a few cushions and a blanket, it can become a nice place to relax in your backyard.
If you’re a creative DIY enthusiast, you can also consider disassembling your old sofa and using its elements for different purposes, like building shelves or creating artwork.
🌧️ Tip: If you move your sofa outside, remember to protect it from various weather conditions. Add a canopy or roofing above it, or cover it with all-weather paint.
Solution 5: Contact a Junk Removal Company 🗑️
If your sofa is too damaged for you or anyone else to use it, or if you simply want to avoid any additional effort, you can look for local junk removal service providers. To get rid of a couch without spending too much money, analyze and compare various offers that cover your area.
While browsing junk removal sites, pay attention to the following aspects:
- The distance from the company to your home
- The local dumping or recycling fees
- The minimum volume accepted
- The possible factors for the company charging more (such as carrying heavy items down the stairs)
🚚 Tip: If you or someone you know has a vehicle large enough to load your old couch on it, consider transporting it yourself to reduce the costs.
Solution 6: Reupholster Your Couch and Add Protection
After taking a closer look at your old couch, you may reconsider getting rid of it. It may turn out that it just needs some repairs, but it can still regain its previous glory (at least to a certain extent).
In this case, look for a reupholstering service near you and check whether it is more beneficial for you to invest in it or buy a new sofa. If you choose to repair it, remember to add proper protection, such as our Magic Sofa Covers. In this way, the new upholstery will serve you longer, being protected from stains, pet hair, and everyday wear and tear.
🛋️ Sofa Care 101: How to Prevent Wear and Tear Damage
How to Get Rid of an Old Couch - The Final Note
All in all, you have quite a few options for what to do with an old couch. If it still can be used, you can consider donating it, giving it away, or selling it online or offline. You can also get creative and use it for a different purpose, either as a whole or after disassembling certain elements.
What’s more, sometimes, if the sofa turns out to be salvageable, you may consider a reupholstering service instead of getting rid of it.
On the other hand, if the couch is in very poor condition, you should search for the most optimal junk removal services offered in your area to dispose of it conveniently and at a relatively low cost.
No matter if you decide to repair your old sofa or buy a new one, you should always pay attention to proper protection so that it can serve you long and not result in the same problem after just a few years.
Thanks to our Miracle Sofa Covers and other products from Nolan Interior, you can significantly reduce the damage to your couch caused by regular use. This way, you can avoid additional trouble or significant expenses and just wash the covers or exchange them for new ones when necessary.
Browse through our online store and order the best protection for your couch!
