You can't give this stuff away. Literally.

February 13, 2009 9:52 AM

I'm moving on Sunday, and all efforts to sell (or give away) my bed and futon/couch have failed. There's no room for them in my new apartment. What should I do with them?
posted by Robson to Home & Garden (19 answers total)

Have you tried donating them Goodwill or the Salvation Army? In some locations they'll come and pick up furniture donations. You could try FreeCycle or CraigsList too.
posted by HauteMama at 9:54 AM on February 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

Why have they failed? Are they in really bad condition? Are you just being unlucky?

Leave them outside. They'll be gone.
posted by theichibun at 10:00 AM on February 13, 2009

Response by poster: "You could try FreeCycle or CraigsList too."
I tried Craigslist, but had no luck, even with low low prices.

"Are you just being unlucky?"
Unlucky, it seems. They're in fine shape.
posted by Robson at 10:03 AM on February 13, 2009

I tried Craigslist, but had no luck, even with low low prices.

Try the FREE section. Freecycle always works.

Leave them outside

Please don't do this. They'll be a horrible eyesore for your neighbors.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:04 AM on February 13, 2009

Craigslist FREE. If it doesn't go, there's something REALLY wrong with it.
posted by jckll at 10:07 AM on February 13, 2009

At least around here where I live (Bay Area), putting these types of things on the sidewalk is the norm... it'll ALWAYS be gone. Sure, it's illegal, but always works.
posted by ORthey at 10:08 AM on February 13, 2009

Depending on where you live, even Curb-cycling may not work (I'm thinking of the recent Cambridge/bedbug thread.) Drop 'em off at Goodwill.

(Or, you know, post your general location here. I could use a couch.)
posted by cobaltnine at 10:09 AM on February 13, 2009

The free section of craigslist really really works. I'm convinced I could post an ad to give away botulism on craigslist and people would snap it up.
posted by 2oh1 at 10:12 AM on February 13, 2009 [2 favorites]

Free on CL, or the salvation army will send a truck to pick stuff up if you have one nearby.
posted by craven_morhead at 10:15 AM on February 13, 2009

Okay, Freecycle may not always work but it's sure worth a try. A good description, links to flattering pictures, and an easy pick-up schedule will really help your chances, too.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:17 AM on February 13, 2009

Are you near a university? They usually have a buy/sell listserv or website.
posted by barnone at 10:24 AM on February 13, 2009

Have you tried doing searches for people who are searching for a cheap futon/couch?
posted by cashman at 10:30 AM on February 13, 2009

Best answer: Agreed with those above about the free section of craigslist -- your inbox will be swamped in no time.

Another option might be to contact your local department of social services. Social workers frequently work with people (particularly women who have just left abusive situations) who have an immediate need for household items like beds.
posted by susanvance at 10:41 AM on February 13, 2009

Do you have a local refugee/resettlement agency? Furniture is greatly needed many times.

Or, as others have said, craigslist.
posted by acacius at 10:49 AM on February 13, 2009

It could be a fear of bedbugs, as suggested already. If that's a problem in your area, try explicitly stating in your ad that these are bedbug free (assuming they are!!) and that you are getting rid of them because you are moving in with your partner/upgrading to a bigger or smaller bed, moving across the country, whatever the reason is.
posted by min at 11:15 AM on February 13, 2009

Best answer: I have given away broken printers, broken AC Adapters, broken vacuums, old magazines, old shoes, what have you on the free section of craigslist and have only once not gotten a hit and that was for a cardboard box.

Real furniture will disappear in seconds. Let people know if they will need a truck or a hand taking the stuff away.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 11:34 AM on February 13, 2009

If they are in decent shape, you could always try to sell them to a consignment shop and make a little money. They take a pretty big cut of the profits, but heck, you've already tried to give it away. Otherwise, donate them to the Salvation Army or likewise. Hopefully you have access to a truck?
posted by sararah at 11:37 AM on February 13, 2009

Response by poster: Okay, Craigslist's free area was more successful. Thanks everyone!
posted by Robson at 1:53 PM on February 13, 2009

I know I'm late to the party, but I've always had luck calling up womans' shelters and churches. They always know someone who is in need.
posted by cleo at 6:51 PM on February 13, 2009