How to get rid of furniture responsibly
Classes are over, you’re moving on, and that funky old couch is just weighing you down. What should you do with it?
Don’t just dump it on the curb. When you abandon furniture you risk being cited by authorities and charged by your landlord.
There are better ways to deal with furniture that can make you a little money or help our community!
Sell it
There are lots of venues to sell used furniture. Of course, Craigslist is an obvious outlet. You might also post it to social media sites like Facebook and Nextdoor.
Be sure to clean the item up and take some good photos of it.
Your photos will be more appealing if the furniture is inside, staged like it is actually used. Don’t take the item outside until someone is coming to get it!
Donate it
Your gently used furniture can help our community! There are a number of thrift stores in Missoula that accept furniture, and some will even pick it up. Some options include Donation Warehouse and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. What’s your favorite thrift store for furniture? Let us know in the comments!
Freecycle it
Just like with selling, Craigslist, Facebook, and Nextdoor are great places to give things away.
Again, you’ll want to clean up your item and take some good (indoor) photos of it. Don’t put it out until someone has spoken for it!
When all else fails, send it to the landfill
Republic Services is Missoula’s waste disposal service, and you can sign up for them to pick up bulk waste in addition to your usual pick-up. Republic also has a video with some tips for disposal:
Republic’s bulk waste pickups are available to people who already have regular curbside service, so you may need to coordinate with a landlord or roommate if they’re the one with their name on the garbage bills.
There are also independent companies who will do dump runs, including Missoula Works, which provides employment for homeless families.
If you see abandoned furniture
Furniture left on the curb may be illegal dumping that creates blight. You can report it online to the Missoula City-County Health Department.
