How to Dispose of Furniture in NYC – and Buy New Furniture on a Budget (2024)

If you’re moving into a new place or have just been wanting to give your New York City digs a makeover, but you’re worried about budget or sustainability, we’ve got great news: you can absolutely get the Instagram-worthy space of your dreams while being mindful of the environment and your wallet. All it takes is some preparation, flexibility, and creative thinking. Here’s a helpful breakdown of everything you need to know about how to dispose of furniture in NYC, plus how to replace it with affordable and eco-friendly options. And if you need more apartment shopping and decorating tips, check out our list of new apartment essentials.

Table of Contents

    How to Dispose of Furniture in NYC

    First thing’s first: if you want new furniture, you’ve gotta make room for it. Take stock of any furniture that is old, outdated, unused, or doesn’t “spark joy” (if you know, you know). Then, honestly assess it, and decide on the best way to dispose of it. Generally, your options are to sell it, donate it, or trash it.

    Selling Used Furniture Online

    Is your furniture in good condition, with solid structural foundations and little-to-no surface blemishes? If so, you might want to consider listing it on a resale website or app, like Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace.

    Selling on these platforms requires some work on your part, such as taking quality photos of the furniture, writing a clear and accurate description, and coordinating with potential buyers. But on the plus side, it’s a way to dispose of furniture in NYC that could result in some extra cash to put toward new stuff. If you’re not so tech-savvy, we have a helpful guide to selling used furniture in NYC that includes a myriad of in-person selling options, too.

    If the furniture you’re trying to dispose of is not in great condition, but you still want it to go to a good home, you can list it for free on these same platforms. There are Facebook Groups and sections of Facebook Marketplace devoted to exchanging free stuff in NYC, and it can be an easy way to take something off your hands.

    Apartments for Rent in Brooklyn Under $3,000 Article continues below

    How to Dispose of Furniture in NYC – and Buy New Furniture on a Budget (1)

    Sunset Park

    453 55th Street

    $2,400No Fee

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    Bedford-Stuyvesant

    157 Jefferson Avenue

    $2,799No Fee

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    Ditmas Park

    2010 Newkirk Avenue

    $1,999No Fee

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    Bay Ridge

    7032 Fourth Avenue

    $2,499No Fee

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    East Flatbush

    96 East 38th Street

    $2,500No Fee

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    Bushwick

    86 Grove Street

    $2,549No Fee

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    Flatbush

    55 Linden Boulevard

    $2,670No Fee

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    Clinton Hill

    78 Clinton Avenue

    $2,800No Fee

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    Clinton Hill

    258 Clinton Avenue

    $2,650No Fee

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    Stuyvesant Heights

    656 Hancock Street

    $2,550No Fee

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    Stuyvesant Heights

    656 Hancock Street

    $2,650No Fee

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    Flatbush

    1620 New York Avenue

    $2,750No Fee

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    Furniture Donation

    If making a buck isn’t necessarily a top priority, you could also donate used furniture to places such as Goodwill, Housing Works, or the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. These nonprofit organizations not only accept furniture and sell it at affordable prices for those in need, but many also donate a certain amount of their proceeds to a specific charity or cause. They can usually provide a tax-deductible receipt for you as well. Use our handy guide to find more donation options across all five boroughs.

    Recycling and Trash Disposal

    If you have a piece of furniture that’s broken, stained, or otherwise unsalvageable, you may need to consider recycling or truly disposing of it. The general rule of thumb is that if something fits into city-provided recycling or trash bins, it’s fair game to be collected with your usual weekly waste. Just be sure to double-check what kinds of materials are recyclable before your collection day.

    And don’t fret if you have a piece of furniture that is bigger than your bins. You can still kick that massive credenza to the curb – literally! – by using the city’s free bulk item pickup. Read the website carefully to determine which days of the week you can set out your extra-large items for pickup. Note that specific guidelines exist for items such as electronics, mattresses, and appliances that utilize CFC or Freon.

    NYC Homes for Sale Under $750K Article continues below

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    Yorkville

    1623 Third Avenue

    $630,000

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    Midwood

    1494 Ocean Avenue

    $429,000

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    Kensington

    179 Ocean Parkway

    $400,000

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    Forest Hills

    67-50 Thornton Place

    $419,900

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    Jackson Heights

    37-32 89th Street

    $468,000

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    Sutton Place

    400 East 59th Street

    $479,000

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    1

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    Brighton Beach

    3016 Brighton 5th Street

    $500,000

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    1

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    Clinton Hill

    195 Willoughby Avenue

    $599,000

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    1

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    South Jamaica

    115-28 146th Street

    $648,888

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    3

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    Park Slope

    527 8th Street

    $499,000

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    1

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    Murray Hill (Queens)

    149-35 Northern Boulevard

    $438,888

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    1

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    Beechhurst

    166-25 Powell Cove Boulevard

    $424,000

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    How to Buy Affordable Furniture in NYC

    So, you’ve learned how to dispose of furniture in NYC while being thoughtful and thrifty. Now, onto the fun part: buying stuff to replace what you’ve gotten rid of! If you prefer to buy your furniture totally new, here’s a few places where you can get quality pieces without overpaying:

    • IKEA: Everyone’s favorite Swedish furniture store sells ready-to-assemble pieces that are modern, consistent, and affordable. Finding your way to and from the Red Hook IKEA is a New York City rite-of-passage, but if you want to avoid lugging the tell-tale blue bag onto the bus or train, you can always order online.
    • Wayfair: An e-commerce destination for all of your home needs, Wayfair supplies seemingly endless furniture options across different styles and exclusive designers.
    • Target: In addition to stocking daily necessities like clothes and toiletries, Target also has a sizable home goods and furniture section. You can find staple pieces for great prices.
    • Overstock.com: Another online-only retailer, Overstock.com frequently hosts massive sales and limited-time deals. Plus, everything always ships for free. Score!
    • Amazon: You really can buy anything on Amazon — and that includes furniture!

    If the upfront cost is too much to swallow, many furniture sites offer financing options, either directly through them or a third party like Affirm or Afterpay — sometimes with little to no interest.

    Renting Furniture in NYC

    If you’re not ready to commit to new furnishings (or their price tags) quite yet, you could try filling your apartment with rentals instead. For nominal monthly fees, you can rent things as small as lamps and as large as bed frames, and even try out different aesthetics and styles. And if you fall in love with something you’ve rented, most companies offer convenient lease-to-own options. Here are a few furniture rental companies that service the New York City area:

    • The Everset: This NYC-based company allows you to choose individual pieces or bundled packages, with the option to extend your lease at a lower monthly rate if you love your furniture too much to let it go. Plus, expert assembly is always included with delivery.
    • CasaOne: Competitive pricing and varied inventory makes CasaOne stand out. They even offer pet accessories for rent, such as cat scratchers and dog beds.
    • Feather: Feather was designed specifically for city-dwellers whose tastes and addresses change frequently. They offer memberships or shorter leases, curated design packages, and free delivery and assembly in a week or less.
    • Aaron’s: Aaron’s allows you to rent not only furniture but also large electronics, name brand appliances, and even exercise equipment.

    Apartments for Rent in Manhattan Under $3,000 Article continues below

    How to Dispose of Furniture in NYC – and Buy New Furniture on a Budget (25)

    Kips Bay

    217 East 30th Street

    $2,500No Fee

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    Central Harlem

    214 Bradhurst Avenue

    $2,975No Fee

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    Inwood

    63 Cooper Street

    $2,000No Fee

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    Chinatown

    19 Allen Street

    $2,100No Fee

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    East Village

    52 Saint Marks Place

    $2,650No Fee

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    Hamilton Heights

    50 Hamilton Place

    $2,375No Fee

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    Lower East Side

    112 Suffolk Street

    $2,750No Fee

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    Chinatown

    146 East Broadway

    $2,699No Fee

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    Yorkville

    413 East 82nd Street

    $2,250No Fee

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    Hamilton Heights

    1734 Amsterdam Avenue

    $2,658No Fee

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    1

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    Yorkville

    526 East 85th Street

    $2,900No Fee

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    Yorkville

    304 East 91st Street

    $2,600No Fee

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    Buying Secondhand and Vintage Furniture in NYC

    If you have more eclectic taste, you might want to consider buying secondhand or vintage furnishings instead of filling your home with something more typical from a big box store or rental company. Buying previously-owned furniture is a great way to be eco-friendly as well, since you’re choosing to extend the life of something old instead of contributing to an unsustainable demand for new things.

    Below is a non-exhaustive list of places to comb for well-loved treasures of the past in NYC. Delivery services vary widely across shops, so be prepared to rent a vehicle or order an Uber XL if necessary (and tip well!). A shopping buddy may be helpful, too, for loading your finds in and out of the car.

    • Otto’s Vintage: Located on Greenpoint’s bustling Nassau Ave, Otto’s Vintage stocks incredible used furniture and home decor at super low prices.
    • Remix Market: This popular-on-TikTok store receives new inventory daily, making it perfect for repeat visits.
    • Furnish Green: Every piece of furniture that comes through this impeccable Manhattan store undergoes an extensive cleaning and care process, ensuring lasting quality.
    • Facebook Marketplace/OfferUp/Craigslist: While not necessarily curated by vintage experts, these websites allow you to buy interesting furnishings directly from other people…which means you could find yourself in possession of a stranger’s cool family heirloom or unique travel souvenir. Neat!

    Apartments for Rent in Queens Under $3,000 Article continues below

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    Flushing

    41-10 Bowne Street

    $2,750No Fee

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    Bayside

    36-26 216th Street

    $1,900No Fee

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    Astoria

    32-76 42nd Street

    $1,845No Fee

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    Ditmars-Steinway

    22-31 74th Street

    $1,850No Fee

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    Jackson Heights

    35-38 94th Street

    $1,895No Fee

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    Ditmars-Steinway

    22-15 73rd Street

    $2,799No Fee

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    Elmhurst

    85-14 Broadway

    $2,250No Fee

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    Astoria

    27-04 Hoyt Avenue South

    $2,450No Fee

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    Astoria

    26-41 3rd Street

    $2,800No Fee

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    Astoria

    26-41 3rd Street

    $2,800No Fee

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    Astoria

    32-16 Crescent Street

    $2,400No Fee

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    Flushing

    138-12 Northern Boulevard

    $2,300No Fee

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    It’s crucial to stay curious and cultivate patience when hunting for secondhand furniture. Be open to scouring different areas and new-to-you shops in order to find unique goods. Visiting a friend in a different neighborhood and a thrift shop catches your eye? Pop in – you never know what hidden gems could be waiting for you in the most unlikely places. And don’t despair if you can’t find the perfect patio chair or the dining set of your dreams right away. New York City is full of people cycling through one-of-a-kind furniture every single day. Stay persistent and before you know it, you’ll have curated a swoon-worthy vintage home collection.

    Looking to buy, sell, or rent in NYC? Get started with StreetEasy

    How to Dispose of Furniture in NYC – and Buy New Furniture on a Budget (2024)

    FAQs

    How do I get rid of unwanted furniture in NYC? ›

    Use 1-800-GOT-JUNK? for furniture pickup in New York City. A same-day junk furniture pickup and removal service in NYC can be a lifesaver for residents dealing with the challenges of urban living.

    Does NYC sanitation pick up furniture? ›

    NON-RECYCLABLE ITEMS Put oversized (larger than 4ft. x 3ft.), non-recyclable items like sofas and wooden furniture out after 4pm the night before your LAST garbage collection day of the week. DSNY will collect these items by Saturday. debris in Brooklyn • mattresses and Queens.

    How much does furniture removal cost in NYC? ›

    Junk removal costs in NYC typically range from $100 to $800, depending on the specific removal needs. Drawing on our firsthand experience and the services we've provided, the average cost for a full-service junk removal is around $250.

    Can I leave a couch on the curb in NYC? ›

    Something is considered a large item (or bulk item) if it is too large to fit inside a bin or bag. NYC residents can get free curbside removal of large items – no appointment necessary. Set your large items out at the curb next to your trash. You can set out up to six items (bags, bundles) per collection day.

    How do you get rid of a large piece of furniture? ›

    Recycling centers: Look for local recycling centers that accept furniture. Materials like metal and wood can often be recycled. Professional removal services: Consider hiring a professional furniture removal service for convenient and eco-friendly disposal.

    How can I get rid of my old sofa? ›

    Here are the main options available.
    1. Take it to the tip. Many people choose to dispose of their sofa at their council's local waste facility. ...
    2. Furniture collection service. ...
    3. Donate to a charity. ...
    4. Online market places. ...
    5. Professional sofa removal service. ...
    6. A sofa recycling scheme.

    Does NYC sanitation take mattresses? ›

    You can dispose of a mattress, box spring, or futon with your regular trash. Bulk pick-up appointments are no longer offered and can't be scheduled. Place these items curbside between 6 PM and midnight the evening before your bulk trash collection day.

    Can I throw away a microwave in NYC? ›

    Microwaves, fans, irons Remove batteries and recycle curbside. A/Cs, refrigerators Contact 311 to make an appointment to remove CFCs, then recycle curbside. Bring to a professional who changes antifreeze. Contact a private hazardous waste company.

    How do you get rid of a house full of furniture? ›

    How To Get Rid of Furniture Like A Pro
    1. Roll Off Dumpster Rental. Renting a roll off dumpster is one of the easiest ways to tackle getting rid of multiple pieces of furniture. ...
    2. Junk Removal Service. ...
    3. Haul It Away Yourself. ...
    4. Curbside Pickup. ...
    5. Garage Sale or Online. ...
    6. Donate It To Charity.
    May 19, 2023

    How do you pack furniture for removal? ›

    How to pack furniture for moving
    1. Wrap your sofas in blankets and then seal them in a layer of plastic wrap. ...
    2. Dismantle large items and wrap them individually. ...
    3. Wrap your sofas in blankets and then seal them in a layer of plastic wrap. ...
    4. Make sure to wrap any wooden furniture in a protective fabric.

    How much does it cost to move furniture NYC to la? ›

    The cost to hire a full service moving company to transport your belongings from New York to California can range between $2000 - $7500 for a basic move without additional services. For very large moves, naturally costs can exceed these amounts. For packing services, you can expect to pay an extra $500 - $2000.

    What are the new garbage rules in NYC 2024? ›

    Commercial properties just started to have to use hard containers to put out their trash. All businesses must use a bin with a secure lid. That rule went into effect on March 1, 2024.

    What is the zero waste policy in NYC? ›

    The five-bill legislative package codifies a mandatory residential curbside organics collection program, sets zero waste targets for 2030, requires annual reporting on Zero Waste efforts, creates community food scrap drop-off sites, and establishes new community recycling centers in the five boroughs.

    How many bags of garbage can I put out in NYC? ›

    Most standard kitchen bags are not heavy duty and should be placed in bins. Do not use blue, red, clear, or any colored bags for regular trash. There is no limit to the number of bags you can put out for collection.

    Is it illegal to leave furniture on the street NYC? ›

    Set-Out Rules

    Bulk items placed out for collection must not be placed in the street, extend in front of another property, or impede pedestrian traffic. In addition, items that are left out on private property are "unserviceable” and cannot be picked up by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

    How to throw away a mattress in NYC? ›

    You can dispose of a mattress, box spring, or futon with your regular trash. Bulk pick-up appointments are no longer offered and can't be scheduled. Place these items curbside between 6 PM and midnight the evening before your bulk trash collection day.

    How to donate a mattress in NYC? ›

    Options for Mattress Disposal in NYC
    1. You can leave it for the local sanitation department on the bulk trash collection day.
    2. You can recycle the mattress by contacting recycling centers in your area directly.
    3. You can donate the mattress to charitable organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
    Feb 20, 2024

    How do you dispose of wood in NYC? ›

    To dispose of residential wood debris, you must:
    1. Securely tie it in bales no more than two feet high and four feet long.
    2. Use twine or rope to tie up the bundles of wood. ...
    3. Remove any nails from the wood.
    4. Place the bundles out curbside between 6 PM and midnight the day before your trash day.

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