A move or renovation is often the perfect time to get rid of old furniture. But instead of simply throwing it away, there's a more sustainable solution: Furniture donations! Many social institutions and organizations appreciate well-preserved furniture. In this article, you will learn where and how you can donate your old furniture to do good and protect the environment at the same time.
1. Why donate furniture instead of throwing it away?
📦 1. Waste prevention & sustainability
✅ Bulky waste and disposal cause high environmental pollution
✅ Furniture recycling saves resources & reduces CO₂ emissions
🎁 2. Support people in need
✅ Social department stores, refugee homes & non-profit organizations often need furniture
✅ With a donation you directly help people in difficult situations
💰 3. Free & environmentally friendly disposal
✅ Bulky waste often costs fees – furniture donations are free & sustainable
✅ Some organizations even bring furniture free of charge from
💡 Tip: Before you throw away furniture, consider whether it is still usable – a donation often makes sense!
2. Which furniture is suitable for donation?
✅ Well-preserved beds, sofas & wardrobes
✅ Kitchen tables & chairs
✅ Children's room furniture & baby beds
✅ Functional electrical appliances (e.g. washing machine, refrigerator)
❌ Not suitable for donation are:
❌ Severely damaged or broken furniture
❌ Dirty or irreparable furniture
❌ Furniture with mold or heavy wear
💡 Tip: If a piece of furniture is damaged but can still be repaired, some social projects offer free repair services.
3. Where can you donate used furniture?
1. Social department stores & non-profit organizations
📍 Caritas social department stores – In many cities there are Caritas shops that sell furniture for the needy.
📍 Oxfam Shops – Accepts well-preserved furniture and household items.
📍 Diakonie department stores – Supporting families and those in need with used furniture.
2. Refugee accommodation & social projects
📍 Local refugee accommodation – Many homes are urgently looking for furniture for new arrivals.
📍 Furniture exchanges for refugees – Initiatives such as “Give Something Back to Berlin” help with furniture brokerage.
3. Online platforms for free sharing
📍 Nebenan.de – Local platform for free furniture donations.
📍 eBay Classifieds (Free to give away) – Furniture can be easily passed on here.
📍 Freecycle – Sustainable community for free furniture brokerage.
4. Second-hand shops & upcycling projects
📍 Furniture upcycling workshops – Many workshops take old furniture and repair it for resale.
📍 Social workshops & reuse projects – Support for low-income people through second-hand furniture.
💡 Tip: Some organizations offer free pick-up services – just ask!
4. How does a furniture donation work?
📌 1. Check the condition of the furniture
✅ Is the furniture still usable or easily repairable?
✅ If necessary, clean furniture or make minor repairs.
📦 2. Find a suitable organization or platform
✅ Choose the best donation option depending on the piece of furniture and location.
✅ Use online platforms for direct sharing.
🚛 3. Organize transport
✅ Some organizations offer Free pick up – make an appointment in advance.
✅ If self-delivery is necessary, Use vans or car sharing.
💡 Tip: Some organizations require Photos of the furnitureto check the status.
5. Avoid common mistakes when donating furniture
❌ Donate damaged or dirty furniture → Solution: Only pass on clean and functional furniture.
❌ Do not clarify donation with organization in advance → Solution: Always ask beforehand whether there is a need.
❌ Do not send photos of the furniture → Solution: If you would like to have your item picked up, please send pictures to the organization beforehand.
❌ Planning too late & wanting to hand over furniture at the last minute → Solution: Find a donation location early and make an appointment.
💡 Tip: If the donation is not accepted, it can be transferred via online platforms or given to upcycling workshops.
6. Checklist for a successful furniture donation
📌 Before donating:
✅ Check the condition of the furniture and clean if necessary.
✅ Select and contact an organization or platform.
✅ If self-delivery is necessary: organize transport options.
📦 During the donation:
✅ Pack furniture securely for transport (if necessary).
✅ If pickup is agreed: Keep furniture prepared and easily accessible.
🚛 After the donation:
✅ Request confirmation (if tax relevant).
✅ If new furniture is needed: Check sustainable second-hand alternatives.
💡 Tip: If you declutter regularly and don't throw everything away at once, you can live more sustainably in the long run!
Conclusion: How sustainable furniture donations work
✔ Donating used furniture instead of throwing it away protects the environment and resources
✔ Social organizations and people in need benefit from well-preserved furniture
✔ Avoid bulky waste and instead pass it on
✔ Free collection by non-profit organizations often possible
✔ A sustainable move also means being more conscious about furniture
🚛 Are you planning a move and want to pass on old furniture in a meaningful way? Praktik Transport supports you with environmentally friendly furniture disposal and sustainable apartment clearance! Get a non-binding offer now! 🌍✨
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