4 Tips for Unneeded Old Furniture

By Ian Acosta on December 16, 2016

This article is brought to you by CORT Furniture Rental. We take the hassle out of furnishing your new place so you can do more important things like read this article. Learn more about why furniture rental is the best way to get a great looking apartment.

Time to rent some new furniture! When living in a dated apartment or dorm, it may be necessary for some people to upgrade to a few new couches and end tables based on the condition of the old furniture. While you might be excited to break in the new recliner and look forward to sleeping on a brand new couch, a huge problem still remains: what to do with the old furniture that is now in the way.

Well, there are a few options that will help you not only get rid of unneeded furniture, but also put some money in your pocket by doing so.

1. Selling

Everyone looks to try and make money on any old purchase they made at one point or another. Furniture is no different. A great inherent quality about furniture is that it is durable and lasting. Therefore, depreciation will not play as big of a factor in terms of determining a reasonable price to sell a piece, i.e. more money in your pocket.

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Where is the best place to put your old couch or love seat up for option? Craigslist is a popular and well-known avenue. However, make sure to make postings very explicit and detailed while also being careful of potential buyers. Another potential route to take is to seek out local resale groups either by newspaper or on social media.

For example, Champaign and the University of Illinois residents use a group called “Free & For Sale” where residents and students post various listings for clothes, goods, furniture, and other household items. Not only does this allow for easier access to various items, but this allows for potential buyers and sellers to have a better idea of who the other is transacting with. There are obviously many ways to sell old items and a wide variety of potential buyers, but these are two very popular options.

2. Donate

Research a local, state or national charity or nonprofit and reach out to see if they accept donations of old furniture. It can be repurposed for a person who would greatly benefit from an old recliner or couch. Consider donating to an organization such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. These organizations benefit locals in need or in hardship so it can be rest assured that the donation will be going to a person or family who could greatly benefit.

In addition, the donation could be tax deductible which allows you to save money in that sense as well. Any donation to any charity helps no matter how insignificant it might seem at the time. Some take pride in helping others — this is a great way to give back to the community.

3. Refurbishing

Consider yourself creative or handy? If you have the time and patience, it would be a fun project to strip down your old couch or recliner and update it with a look to match your style. Furthermore, a little sweat equity could go a long way into turning an old ottoman worth 5 bucks into a newly refurbished one for $30 to $40. This could offset the cost of new rental furniture, and you might just come around on that old recliner or bookshelf. If you enjoy arts and crafts but on a much grander scale, there is no doubt the thrill and joy of remodeling will satisfy that urge.

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4. Repurposing

Another creative method for unneeded old furniture is to figure out ways to repurpose it throughout your apartment, dorm, etc. This interesting article from House Beautiful mentions a couple creative ways to turn old pieces into handy, new staples you will love. For example, turn an old door into a bed headboard, turn an old bookcase into a stylish new wine and glass storage, and an empty easel into a fancy, rustic TV stand.

The internet is filled with thousands of different ways to repurpose that old table or chair you are thinking of throwing out. Seek out the best, most creative ways to make sure nothing goes to waste around the house. Remember, waste not want not!

Millions of ways exist to repurpose or get rid of old furniture. Whether through selling, donating, refurbishing, or repurposing, there is sure to be one use for that old, outdated recliner or grandma’s favorite rocking chair from 50 years ago. Remember to keep charity at the forefront of all options. There are few better feelings than knowing a gift to a local charity can directly impact a fellow community member.

Looking for an easy way to furnish your off-campus apartment? Renting furniture from CORT saves you time and money. See how easy it is to get great looking furniture without breaking the bank.

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