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The Ultimate Guide to Donating Furniture in Sydney
Donating your furniture to local Sydney charities is a meaningful way to give your pre-loved pieces a new life and make a positive impact.
With this guide, you can turn your gently used furniture into a source of support for Sydney’s local charities and communities.
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Table of Contents
Donating furniture (or anything useful, for that matter) is not only a generous act but also a sustainable way to support those in need and reduce waste.
The act of donating furniture in Sydney (or wherever you’re located) holds significant importance as it directly contributes to social welfare and environmental sustainability. By donating furniture, you can help families and individuals in need furnish their homes affordably while also reducing the amount of furniture ending up in landfills.
Moreover, the benefits of furniture donation extend beyond just charitable acts. If you’re moving homes or downsizing your house, donating furniture can be a practical solution to decluttering and reducing the cost and effort involved in transporting furniture to a new location.
Sydney’s vibrant furniture donation culture sees numerous organisations and charities actively involved in accepting and redistributing donated furniture to those in need. Whether it’s non-profit organisations, charitable institutions, educational centres, or community shelters, there are several options available if you want to know where to donate furniture in Sydney.
➜ Check here to know Where to Donate Books in Sydney
➜ Check here to know Where to Donate Clothes in Sydney
Where to Donate Furniture in Sydney
Below is a comprehensive list of places where you can make furniture donations in Sydney:
1. Non-Profit Organisations
Donating furniture to non-profit organisations serves a dual purpose of supporting those in need while promoting sustainability. It allows individuals to declutter their homes responsibly by giving their furniture a new life, benefiting both the recipients and the environment.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates several thrift stores across Sydney that accept goods as donations, such as:
- Clothing and accessories
- Electrical goods
- Furniture
- Homewares
- Toys, books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records
They have a broad acceptance policy for furniture donations, welcoming a range of items from couches and tables to beds and wardrobes. They prioritise donations in good condition that can be reused well by families in need. They may not accept items that are heavily damaged, outdated, or pose safety hazards.
One of the conveniences offered by The Salvation Army is furniture pickup in Sydney for larger items or pieces. This service makes it easier for donors to contribute without the hassle of transporting bulky items themselves. All you need to do is call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), visit the Salvos Stores website, or contact your local Salvos op shop to arrange a collection.
Website: www.salvationarmy.org.au
Phone: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)
Street Address: 140 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
St. Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies)
Known for their charitable work, St. Vincent de Paul accepts a range of goods at their stores, including:
- Books, CDs, DVDs and other media
- Furniture (subject to confirmation)
- Homewares
- Kids toys
- Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories (e.g., footwear, bags and jewellery)
- Certain electrical goods (subject to confirmation)
They may provide pickup services for furniture donations in Sydney, subject to availability and confirmation with your local Vinnies Shop. They have a straightforward donation process. Donors can drop off their furniture at designated locations, such as Vinnies shops or collection points. The organisation evaluates donated furniture for quality and suitability for redistribution to families and individuals facing hardship.
Once furniture donations are received, St. Vincent de Paul Society engages in various redistribution initiatives to ensure the items reach those in need. This may involve furnishing homes for families transitioning out of homelessness, providing essential furniture for low-income households, or supporting community programs that benefit from donated items.
Website: www.vinnies.org.au
Phone: 13 18 12
Email: vinnies@vinnies.org.au
Street Address: 2C West St Lewisham NSW 2049
2. Charitable Institutions
Charitable institutions play a vital role in addressing social issues and supporting vulnerable individuals and families. Donating furniture to these institutions directly contributes to their mission of improving lives and building stronger communities.
Lifeline
Lifeline operates a number of centres where individuals can drop off their donations. These centres are typically located in accessible areas, making it convenient for donors to contribute. Lifeline accepts a wide range of items, including:
- Clothing
- Books
- Bric-a-brac
- Homewares
- Furniture (except for baby furniture)
The proceeds from selling donated items in their retail stores directly fund Lifeline’s vital services, including crisis counselling, suicide prevention, and community support programs. By donating furniture, individuals contribute to these life-saving initiatives. However, note that only a few select Lifeline centres accept furniture donations primarily due to space limitations.
To schedule a Lifeline furniture pickup in Sydney, call (02) 6621 8516.
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Phone: 1800 800 768
Email: giving@lifeline.org.au
Anglicare
Anglicare operates op shops where donated furniture is sold to support their charitable activities. They have clear donation guidelines to ensure that donated furniture meets quality standards and can be resold effectively. Donors can give the following acceptable items in designated donation locations mentioned on the Anglicare website or by contacting their local branch:
- Accessories
- Clothes
- Furniture
- Homewares
- Toys
You may drop off furniture and sizeable homewares at op shops in Nowra and Dapto, while the Anglicare furniture donations collection service is available in the Illawarra area.
Beyond their op shops, Anglicare runs community outreach programs that benefit from furniture donations. These programs may include furnishing homes for refugees and asylum seekers, supporting families in crisis, or providing essential items to individuals experiencing hardship. Donations to Anglicare directly contribute to these valuable community initiatives.
Website: www.anglicare.org.au
Phone: 1300 111 278
Online Contact Form: https://www.anglicare.org.au/contact-us/
Dandelion Support Network Inc.
Dandelion Support is an organisation dedicated to supporting families in need, particularly those with young children. They offer a range of services and support, including providing essential nursery furniture and supplies to families experiencing financial hardship or other challenges.
The charity accepts ‘new and excellent quality used’:
- Baby gear
- Children’s clothes
- Nursery furniture
- Toys
Their main drop-off location is at Taren Point (see address below). They also accept donations at Caringbah, Earlwood, Maroubra, North Parramatta, Tallawong, West Hoxton, and Woonona, as well as a drop off for smaller items in Manly.
Donations to Dandelion may also be coursed by post at P.O. Box 582 Jannali, NSW 2226.
If you wish to avail of their pick-up/collection service, Dandelion charges a small fee depending on the volume of the goods and your location. You may book the service via their Donation Pick Up form.
Website: dandelionsupport.org.au
Email: donate@dandelionsupport.org
Street Address: Unit 4, 141-151 Taren Point Road, Taren Point
ReLove
ReLove Australia is a renowned charitable organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and supporting communities in need through the donation and redistribution of furniture and household items, such as:
- Bedframes (single, double, queen, king, bunk beds)
- Chairs
- Chests of drawers
- Dining/bedside/coffee tables (no glass top)
- Entertainment unit (less than 2 metres long)
- Fridge (less than 7 years)
- Mattresses (all sizes; must be clean and stain-free)
- Sofa (2-, 2.5-, 3-seater only)
- Sofas
- TV (smart TV only)
- TV stand (less than 2 metres wide)
- TV unit
- Wardrobe (small, mobile)
As of this time, ReLove only accepts donations being delivered to their Botany warehouse.
Website: www.relove.org.au
For large furniture donations, contact: donations@relove.org.au
Botany Warehouse Address: Unit 6B/1A Hale Street, Botany NSW 2019
Bower Reuse & Repair Centres
The Bower Reuse & Repair Centres’ House to Home program is a fantastic initiative focused on providing essential furniture and household items to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness or facing financial hardship.
They accept the following items:
- Bikes and bike parts
- Books and music
- Boxed tiles and pavers
- Bric-a-brac
- Doors and windows
- Furniture – solid wood and metal: tallboys, chests of drawers, small lounges, bedside tables, small-medium tables with chairs, small wardrobes, complete bedframes (all sizes)
- Gardening items: tools, plants, pots
- Hardware and tools
- Kitchenware
- Paint
- Plumbing
- Small electrical appliances: lamps, televisions (with remote), vacuum cleaners (complete parts; in working condition)
- Sports and leisure goods
- Timber
- Whitegoods: fridges, dryers, washing machines (in good working condition)
The household goods you donate may be repaired or refurbished for resale to the community at a lower price, or distributed to people in need (i.e., low-income housing residents and survivors of domestic violence) by creating comfortable and functional living spaces.
You can drop off your donations at their Marrickville store (see address below). To ensure there’s space for your donation, it’s best to contact the store at least a day prior to your intended visit.
Their free furniture donation pickup service in Sydney is available to participating councils, namely Bayside, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury Bankstown, City of Sydney, Cumberland, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-Ring-Gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Parramatta, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Waverley, Willoughby, and Woollahra.
Website: bower.org.au
Phone: (02) 9568 6280
Email: info@bower.org.au
Street Address: 34/142 Addison Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204
Pyrmont Cares Inc.
Since 2012, Pyrmont Cares Inc. has worked with over 40 social work agencies in the City of Sydney. They’ve supplied thousands of pieces of furniture, whitegoods, and other household items to over 500 people.
This community-based organisation provides essential support and assistance to individuals and families across greater Sydney. They offer various programs and services to address a range of needs within the community, including accepting specific furniture donations to help those in need furnish their homes.
The charity provides used goods to more than 40 social work agencies in the City of Sydney. They pick up a range of furniture from across the inner Sydney suburbs. However, they don’t collect ‘washing machines, mattresses, beds, clothing, soft furnishings, wardrobes, office furniture or sofas longer than 1.8 metres or which convert into a bed’.
Website: www.pyrmontcares.org.au
Phone: 0423 751 903
Online Contact Form: https://pyrmontcares.org/forms/contact.php
Goodwill Op Shops
Goodwill Op Shops actively supports Australian charities like the Starlight Foundation and Royal Far West, with a focus on aiding underprivileged, disadvantaged, and medically challenged Australian children. Situated in the northern suburbs of Sydney, the charity’s shops operations revolve around consistently receiving a steady stream of quality donations from the public, consisting primarily consist of pre-owned, saleable items such as:
- Bedding
- Bric-a-brac
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Various unique Items
You may drop off your donations at their Brookvale shop (see address below).
However, if you’re a resident in the northern suburbs of Sydney, Goodwill Op Shops offers a free pick-up service. Just call 1-800-GOODWILL or use their online truck booking form.
Website: goodwill.com.au
Phone: 1-800-GOODWILL (1-800-466-394)
Street Address: 545 Pittwater Road, Brookvale NSW
3. Educational Centres
Donating furniture to educational centres and through university donation programs help enhance educational experiences and support student welfare. These initiatives may include organised donation drives, collection points on campus, or partnerships with local charities for furniture redistribution.
The impact of furniture donations on student welfare is significant. Access to quality furniture in student accommodation, study areas, and common spaces enhances the overall well-being of students. It creates comfortable and functional environments that promote productivity, relaxation, and social interaction.
4. Homeless Shelters and Community Centres
Donating furniture to homeless shelters and community centres directly benefits individuals and families in need, providing essential resources for comfortable living and community support services.
These initiatives contribute to creating a sense of stability and dignity for shelter residents or individuals facing homelessness and hardship by providing essential services, including furnished accommodation. Furniture donations directly impact the ability of homeless shelters and community centres to offer comfortable living conditions and support pathways to stability.
Acceptance Policies and Guidelines
It’s important to familiarise yourself with each establishment’s acceptance policies and guidelines for furniture donations for a smooth and effective process of giving.
Condition of Furniture
Before donating furniture, check its condition. Most organisations prefer furniture in good to excellent condition that’s clean, functional, and free from flaws or damage. This includes items like sofas without tears, tables without significant scratches, chairs without broken legs, and appliances with no missing parts. A good rule of thumb is, if something isn’t good enough to give to a friend, then it might not be worth donating.
Types of Furniture Accepted
Are you planning to donate a mattress in Sydney? Or perhaps you’re in the middle of planning a branch relocation and wish to donate office furniture in Sydney.
Note that different organisations have varying policies regarding the types of furniture they accept. Commonly accepted items include couches, tables, chairs, dressers, beds (with mattresses in good condition), and functional appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. Some organisations may also accept smaller items like lamps, rugs, and kitchenware.
Donation Process and Logistics
The furniture donation process typically involves contacting the organisation or visiting their website to learn about their specific guidelines and procedures. This may include scheduling a pickup for larger items, dropping off donations at designated locations, or arranging for donation drives and events.
Make sure you follow the organisation’s instructions regarding donation preparation, such as taking photos and emailing them, cleaning furniture, and disassembling large items if required.
Pickup and Drop-off Options
Exploring pickup and drop-off options can help donors choose the most convenient method for donating furniture.
Establishments with drop-off and pickup options include:
- Anglicare: Drop (Nowra and Dapto) and pickup (Illawara area)
- Bower Reuse & Repair Centres: Drop (Marrickville) and free pickup at participating councils
- Dandelion: Drop and pickup (with a small fee)
- Goodwill Op Shops: Drop (Brookvale) and free pickup in the northern suburbs of Sydney
- Lifeline: Drop and pickup (subject to availability and confirmation)
- The Salvation Army: Drop and pickup (for larger furniture items only)
- Vinnies: Drop and pickup (subject to availability and confirmation)
ReLove only accepts donation drops at their Botany warehouse, while Pyrmont Cares Inc. offers pickup services exclusively and only in suburbs in the City of Sydney council area and specific suburbs in the Inner West.
Drop-Off Locations and Hours
For donors who prefer to drop off their donations, individual organisations have designated locations where furniture donations are accepted. These drop-off locations are usually located at thrift stores, donation centres, or specific facilities managed by the organisation.
Always check the operating hours of these drop-off locations to ensure your donations are accepted right away.
Scheduling Pickups and Arranging Deliveries
When scheduling pickups or arranging deliveries, provide accurate information about the items you’re donating, including descriptions, dimensions, and any special instructions. Some organisations may have restrictions on the types of items they can pick up, so check the organisation’s website, communicate clearly, and confirm logistics before the scheduled date.
Always check the operating hours of these drop-off locations to ensure your donations are accepted right away.
The Donation Process
Navigating the donation process effectively ensures a seamless and rewarding experience for both donors and donation centres.
Before donating furniture, assess its quality, condition, and usability. This includes checking for any damages, ensuring all parts are intact, and verifying functionality. Cleaning the furniture thoroughly and, if necessary, disassembling larger items can improve their acceptance by donation centres.
Creating an inventory list of the furniture you plan to donate helps streamline the giving process. Include detailed descriptions, dimensions, and photographs (especially when required). This documentation not only assists donation centres in assessing your donations but also serves as a record for tax purposes.
To communicate effectively with donation centres, follow these steps:
- Research donation centres and their acceptance policies by visiting their website.
- Contact your chosen centre to inquire about their donation procedures and scheduling options.
- Provide accurate information about your donations, including type, quantity, and condition.
- Schedule pickups or arrange drop-offs based on the centre’s guidelines and availability.
For a hassle-free experience, communicate any special instructions or considerations to the donation centre; be punctual for scheduled pickups or drop-offs to avoid inconveniences; and keep records of your donations, including receipts and communication.
Some donation centres may require donors to fill out online forms or provide receipts for tax purposes. Ensure you complete any necessary paperwork accurately and get receipts or acknowledgment of your donations.
Donating furniture to eligible charitable organisations may qualify you for tax deductions.
Keep detailed records of your donations, including receipts, acknowledgment letters, and documentation of the fair market value of donated items. Consult with a tax advisor or refer to relevant tax guidelines to maximise your tax benefits.
Alternatives to Furniture Donation
Exploring alternatives to donating gives you additional options for responsible furniture disposal in Sydney.
Selling Old Furniture: When and Where
To cover some of your removal costs, consider selling used or old but useable furniture through online platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, or consignment stores. Research the best time and place to sell based on market demand and the condition of your furniture.
Furniture Recycling Facilities in Sydney
Check out local waste recycling facilities that accept furniture. In the city of Sydney, free pickup is available within the government’s areas of service. You may also look for organisations that specialise in repurposing or salvaging furniture components, contributing to environmental sustainability.
For office relocations, organisations like Green Furniture Hub accept commercial furniture for refurbishment, reuse, and recycling.
Upcycling Furniture: Creative Ideas and Benefits
Explore creative upcycling ideas and tutorials to give old furniture new life. Furniture upcycling involves transforming your goods into unique pieces through painting, repurposing, or redesigning. This not only reduces waste but also adds personalised touches to your living spaces.
Rubbish Pickup/Removal
If you’re too busy to do any of the above and have the budget to get someone to collect your old furniture and whatever knickknacks you want to get rid of, there are service providers like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? ready to get all that rubbish off your hands.
Once you get your furniture removal worries in Sydney out of the way, it’s time to partner with trusted movers.
Moving Mates is your trusted go-to furniture removalist in Australia – whether you’re considering a local house move or are relocating interstate. We can even assist you with office relocation, packing, and storage.
Contact us for a free removal quote today!