How Do I Throw Out a Couch or Sofa?

How Do I Throw Out a Couch or Sofa?

A new couch or sofa can add a touch of elegance or homeliness to your living room. Similarly, an old or broken couch can create an ugly and negative vibe for your house. 

If you have an unwanted couch or sofa lying around, it’s best to get it out of your home— but there’s a problem. They’re just big. It’s a hassle to remove a sofa, as you’ll need strong people, good transportation, and someone willing to take it off your hands.

That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a junk removal service to haul away your sofa for you. Professionals are fast, efficient, and best of all your back will thank you for giving them a call.

But if you want to know how to throw it out yourself, keep on reading.

Ask a Waste Management Company

Since the local dumpster guy won’t just pick up any sofa he sees on the sidewalk, you can try giving your trash company a call. Find out if they will accept large sofas or couches— most of the time, they won’t. But if you do get lucky, sometimes you’ll be able to just put it on the curb and have it taken away by the dumpster truck. 

If they don’t accept sofas to remove for free, you can sometimes ask them to remove it for a fee (although the price is often very expensive). You can also try calling a local landfill or scrap yard, although you’ll most likely have to deliver it yourself on top of paying a fee as well.

Sell It Online

You can try selling it online on Craigslist. Not all old couches and sofas are equal, though— some of them won’t make the cut. If your sofa is too old, smelly, or broken, it’s likely nobody will take it (unless you get extremely lucky). 

Make sure to take good photos and write up an accurate description of the couch. If you’re not getting any bites, you can even list your couch as free. If you go this route, keep in mind that many people may show interest but not show up.

Donate Your Couch

Many places— especially in larger cities— have large donation organizations like Goodwill or Salvation Army that will take your items for you. Sometimes you’ll have to haul it yourself, however, so make sure you have the transportation and means to do so. Some companies will pick them up for free, as it can vary.

The major caveat here is that you need a couch that people will actually use. If you’re getting rid of a couch that’s close to its lifespan or way past overdue, donation companies usually won’t take them.

Give it Away for Free

You can also find out if a friend or someone you know needs a free couch. Alternatively, you can take a gamble and set it out on the sidewalk near your home with a sign that says, “Free.” Although you won’t likely get a good response unless you live in an area that sees high traffic, you may be able to get rid of it this way.

However, if it rains or gets infested with bugs while it sits outside, this won’t look good for people taking it away.

Call a Professional Junk Removal Company

Experts can haul away your couch or sofa in an efficient and easy manner. Since they have years of experience, they’ll haul it away for you for a small fee and that’ll save you a ton of time and effort.

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