Here are 3 things to think about before you junk your unwanted furniture in the GTA.
# 1 – Can it be repaired?
If you’re looking to get rid of an item of furniture owing to damage, it’s worth first considering your repair options. Has your item been damaged by moisture, heat or a pet? If the damage is only superficial, you may want to consider repairing it yourself.
In the case of wooden furniture, there are several options for repairing damaged surfaces. For leather items like sofas, some tips for overcoming holes and burns can be found here. There are many helpful tutorials on YouTube that share the step-by-step process of repairing your old furniture. Tears and damage to upholstery, especially those caused by pets, can similarly be patched or mended. And here are ways to deal with a sagging couch.
Of course, if the damage is severe, you’d need to consider the services of a professional to reupholster or repair it, but such services aren’t for everyone’s wallet. In fact, this is one of the main reasons individuals consider buying new furniture.
# 2 – Can it be given a new lease of life?
Reupholstery is not just about overcoming damage. If you’re thinking about getting new furniture mainly for aesthetic reasons, why not consider options for transforming it to match your tastes. Reupholstery involves stripping a piece of furniture down to its frame and rebuilding it according to a specified design.
As mentioned, such services aren’t cheap, which means that oftentimes the cost of buying a new item is less than reupholstering an existing piece. On the plus side, however, you’ll get to inject a bit of your own personality and style into the furniture, and end up owning a one of a kind creation.
Reupholstery is most often considered by those looking to hold on to an antique piece or one with sentimental value. So if you have the budget for it, here are some things to consider before you reupholster. If you live in Toronto, you may want to check out blogTO’s list of top 10 furniture upholstery shops.
# 3 – Can you find a new home for it?
If your furniture item is generally in good condition but you still want to part with it, then one of the most environmentally friendly and socially conscious destinations for it is another home. If none of your relatives or friends are in need of your old furniture, then consider donating it to an organization that will distribute it to an individual or family in need.
A list of organizations accepting furniture donations, along with a brief description and contact details can be found here. Often times these organizations operate both a furniture drop off and pickup service. You will be charged for the latter, but as these organizations are registered charities, you’ll receive a tax-deductible receipt for the value of your furniture donation – making this option cheaper than commercial junk removal companies in a lot of cases.
If however your item of furniture is beyond repair and can’t be salvaged, then the disposal is likely to be your only option. City authorities generally run a curbside collection service for oversized items such as pieces of furniture. If you live in Toronto, you can find more information about the city’s bulky item disposal services here.
If you’d like to learn more about Furniture Bank’s furniture donation or removal service (we offer distanced service as well!), click here.
The last option – not very charitable or environmentally friendly – is a junk removal service. You can find an updated list of Top Junk Removal Companies in Toronto here.
