How to get rid of used furniture in MA?

[JESW]

Does anyone know of a place that would take used furniture? We are doing a MASSIVE cleaning in our house and we will have some pieces we just don't want/need. I had called the salvation army last time and they are VERY picky about things - they want them in almost perfect shape so they can turn around and sell them. While these pieces are not junky, they do have some scratches and some paint peeling. They would be perfect for someone who was handy and sould do some re-finishing. I got the pieces from my in-laws years ago with the intention of doing that, but, well, the kids came along and I didn't quite get to it.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have!

Jill

 

[kasar]

I don't know where you live but Helping Hands is on Rte. 1 in Wrentham (near the outlet mall). They'll pick up just about anything (you'll need to check with them about furniture) and donate the proceeds to charity. It's worth a try, here's a link:

http://www.helpinghandsofamerica.org/main/default.htm

 

[winniedapooh]

I also do not know where you are from, and have experienced similar with the Salvation Army. Funny though when I stopped in their furniture store near me they had some of my stuff there! Anyhow-several good places to begin are homeless shelters. We have a furniture clearing house in our area as well-Central Mass. You could also put them on your front lawn with a free sign, I have done that as well and the stuff went by the end of the day! Good luck and hope this helps.

 

[nativetxn]

Women's shelters are a good place to donate furniture. Volunteers of America aren't usually very picky about furniture and St. Vincent's De Paul is pretty good.

Do you have those organizations in MA?

 

[disykat]

I actually had more luck taking furniture to a resell shop then I did trying to give it away to charity. I ended up getting some money out of it too. I thought it was weird because in the charity shops I see furniture that is in much worse shape than mine - I don't know where they get it because their pat answer on the phone was that they don't accept furniture.

 

[SeaSpray]

I've had the same problem here in MA; it's hard to give away decent furniture! What I've ended up doing over the years is put them out on my front lawn (We live on a main road that runs through our neighborhood) with a "FREE" sign on it, and it was always picked up by people. We've done this with sofas, desks, bathroom over-the-toilet shelves, etc. People have told me that I should have yard sales and SELL this stuff rather than giving it away, but I'm impatient and when I want something gone, I want it gone NOW. I also don't have the patience to store things and then wait for one weekend and try to sell it all. Besides, it makes us feel good to just give away stuff. Everyone who has ever taken the stuff from our lawn has always walked to our front door, rang the bell, and asked "Are you sure you're just giving this way? Can I just take it??" I've even "held" a sofa sleeper for one lady so she could come back with her husband and pick up the next day.

I really wish that charitable organizations would be able to take donations such as these, though.

 

[pjlla]

These are all good suggestions.... but here is one more. Coincidentally, my DM's American Cancer Society Relay for Life team is having a yard sale this spring. Maybe you have a friend/relative whose charitable/non-profit organization is having a yard sale this spring that you can donate this stuff to. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church rummage sales all come to mind. Maybe they would even take it off you hands now and store it for you!.........Just a thought.............P

 

[airhead]

Transition House is a great place to give your furniture,clothes and toys to. this is an organization that helps women(and kids) that have escaped abusive situations with literally the clothes on their backs. Transition House helps to set these families up with housing,jobs and school enrollment. Its a great program and these women are extremely appreciative of any help. If anyone wants more info let me know.

 

[Mari annie]

Hi

any local colleges in your area?
College kids are always looking for furniture!
Free, is the best, since most budgets are very tight or slim to nothing---boy do I remember those days!!!

You could either call the local college or go and post something the residence hall office.

All the other suggestions are great, too!

Also, if you have any free newspapers in your area *community type, they sometimes let people place free ads, might want to consider that area as well.

Good luck!

 

[Serena]

I have a suggestion that worked for me. You just set it out front by the road. Make sure it's not trash day, someone will pick it up.

I do live on a main road though. So maybe it wouldn't work any place else.