How to Get Rid of a Couch? - What to do!
Getting rid of that old couch and replacing it with much more current and modern models can be quite complicated, as long as you don't know the right way to do it. You can't just place it in front of the house and wait for it to be removed by the garbage truck. Here we will teach you how to get rid of a couch in the simplest way.
Nowadays, you can opt for some eco-friendly options to throw away furniture that is no longer needed in your home; you can take advantage of the special collection day available in some cities, even if it means waiting much longer to get rid of the furniture. But you can also appeal to some other techniques such as selling, donating, exchanging, or recycling, which are just as effective.
Recycle Info
Before you get rid of your couch, pay attention to the following recommendations
If you no longer need that old couch and you are thinking of removing it from your life, evaluate its condition. If you are thinking of giving it away or selling it, you will have to make sure that it is in perfect condition, so it is best to look for stains, tears, or mildew.
Furniture that is infested with termites or covered with mold should not be donated, sold, or recycled. In this case, the best thing to do is to take it to a landfill.
But if it does not have such problems, you have the opportunity to upholster or repair it to make it more attractive to the customer and to increase its value in the used sofa market.
How do I get rid of my old couch?
You don't need to stress about how to get rid of the old couch you have at home, because here are some simple methods to achieve the goal:
1. Contact the city sanitation and garbage eradication service
The garbage removal company is capable of carrying scrap metal and oversized items. They will take your furniture as long as you meet the required fee. The companies responsible for this work impose amounts according to the volume and weight of the items you wish to throw away, but they will also impose additional charges, depending on the distance they have to travel from your home to the landfill or recycling center.
Some companies have a minimum charge of $118, but this may only be a small part, as the amount could increase if the move includes going up and down stairs with extremely heavy objects.
2. Give the furniture as a gift
There are non-profit organizations that will receive your old couches as a donation. These will be offered for sale at a lower cost in their retail stores. Another option is to drop off your sofa at a free pickup and have them do the donation work for you.
In the U.S. there are places that will take your furniture such as Goodwill, Furniture Bank Network, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity Restore.
3. Go to the nearest recycling center
Recycling the couch can be an excellent option to get rid of them without complications. But before going to specialized stores first consult, through a phone call, if they have space available to receive your old furniture.
Most likely, you will have to move the sofa on your own, so we suggest disassembling it before taking it to its new destination. You should know the customer service hours so you don't travel in vain.
4. Selling or exchanging are two good options
If the furniture is in good condition, you can sell it in specialized stores or on websites. There are infinite options to make your old sofa available to third parties. There are many people interested in buying second-hand objects, preferably because of their low cost.
Conventional garage stores are a good alternative to put up for sale any object you do not need. Organize one at home if you do not trust the traditional method of sale, but if the sale doesn't work for you, barter with someone else.
Yes, exchange your sofa with someone you know who has a product you need. No doubt that this is one of the best ways to get rid of your sofa without mishaps.
5. Exchange your old couch for an updated one
There are companies that receive old furniture as part of payment for the purchase of much more updated models. This is definitely a good way to get rid of your old furniture. You will have much more modern options at home.
Most companies will only accept the same brand that they sell or furniture that you have previously purchased from them. For the same reason, you will have to look for options from the company you bought your first furniture from.
There are companies that will come to your home to take your old couch, just for the purchase of new items, which can be an excellent way to save on moving costs.
The condition of your old couch
You've probably decided to get rid of your old furniture. Well, you should confirm that they are in good condition to sell, donate or recycle them. These are the main elements to consider before making the decision:
1. Useful life
Generally, the useful life of a piece of furniture is between 7 and 15 years. But there are circumstances in which the couch is so old that it has become a relic. If you still want to get rid of it without discarding it in the landfill, check what is its physical condition. It may need some adjustments to make it fully available to sell, donate or recycle.
2. Durability and comfort
Another element to take into account is the comfort it is still able to provide. Take a look at the cushions and check that they are not sagging. Squeeze them to see how sturdy they are and, after releasing them, see how long it takes for them to return to their normal state. If they take a long time to decompress, you will most likely need to replace the foam rubber inside.
3. Sofa wear and tear
If the fabric of the furniture has stains or tears, call a professional to help with repair and cleaning. Sit on the sofa and listen for any creaks. If there are, they will most likely require repair work.
4. Health risks
Before selling, donating, or exchanging your old couch, do a thorough inspection of the interior. The idea is to check for animal droppings, bed bugs, or mold that could affect the health of the new owners. If any of these items affect the lifespan of your sofa, you can discard just the couch or throw away the entire piece of furniture.
Knowing How to Get Rid of a Couch is a great way to get rid of this item in an environmentally friendly way. The easiest options are to sell it, donate it, trade it, or recycle it, as long as it is in good condition.