Are you downsizing or clearing out a few pieces, maybe needing to get rid of furniture that doesn’t work for your space or no longer brings joy to your home? Why not donate them? While it can feel wasteful to simply get rid of furniture, donating unwanted pieces can not only be an incredibly rewarding experience but also benefit your local community.
By donating furniture to charitable organizations that accept items near you, not only are you helping make sure these pieces have one more chance at finding new homes, but you’re likely having a positive impact on someone else’s life too!
Donate your furniture
Donating furniture is a gratifying experience, especially when you know that your generosity is making a significant difference in someone’s life. It’s a relatively easy process, too. The first step is to choose a reputable charity or non-profit organization that accepts furniture donations. Once you have identified an organization, the furniture donation process is straightforward, and the joy it brings outweighs any minor inconvenience.
Donor
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Take inventory of items
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Make sure items meet requirements
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Book a pick-up or drop-off
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Prepare items for transport
Charity
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Remove furniture at pick-up
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Assess items and provide a tax receipt
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Repair any damages
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Make items available to clients
Working alongside a charity to donate unwanted furniture means that you are splitting the tasks involved, saving you time and effort.
Financial benefits of donating furniture
When it comes to getting rid of old furniture, many immediately think of selling it off to make a quick buck. However, it may surprise you to learn that donating your furniture can actually be more financially beneficial in the long run. Many non-profits provide charitable tax receipts to their donors, which can be used on tax returns for a charitable donation deduction. Not only do these donations help support important causes, but they can also lower your taxes (not to mention you’ll be doing a good deed by providing someone in need with essential pieces of furniture!) So, next time you’re considering selling an old sofa or chair, take a moment to consider the benefits of donating it instead.
Donate and help someone in need
Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home. However, it costs $8,000 to furnish a one bedroom apartment, and not everyone has the means to furnish their living space. This is where the simple act of donating furniture can have a tremendous impact.
At its core, donating furniture is about more than just getting rid of old items. It’s about giving someone in need the opportunity to create a homely and comfortable environment. For individuals or families emerging from crisis with little-to-no possessions, donated furniture can make all the difference in creating a warm and welcoming space.
In Canada, nearly 5 million people live in poverty- that's 2 million families
Any person or a family without the financial means to make their empty housing into a furnished home is said to live in furniture poverty.
What is missing from the homes of those experiencing furniture poverty?
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A bed to sleep on
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A table to eat at
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A couch to sit on
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Pots and pans to make a meal
There are harmful physical, emotional, and financial consequences of furniture poverty. Studies have shown that returning to crisis is incredibly common for those living without furniture and homegoods, and people have reported returning to shelters where they have beds to sleep on rather than stay in empty housing.
Supporting your community
Donating to local charities is an easy and effective way to support your community. With your help, local organizations can continue their vital work, including ending furniture poverty by providing families with essential household items. Your contributions can also support social programs, providing critical resources to those in need.
Feel good about yourself
Knowing that you’re helping others in need is rewarding
There are few things more satisfying than knowing that you have made a positive impact on the community around you. By taking steps to help those in need, whether it be through volunteering your time or supporting a cause you care about, you can feel good about your actions. This sense of fulfillment can have a ripple effect, inspiring others.
Furniture has a profound impact on clients quality of life:
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Decreased likelihood of re-experiencing displacement or homelessness
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Improved physical and mental health
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Improved financial stability
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Increased ability and likelihood to participate in and contribute to the community
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Improved relationships with family and friends
Find a charity
Donating used furniture has many benefits, making it a great option for your unwanted furniture. If you decide that you would like to donate your furniture to a local charity, “A Guide To Donating Furniture In Toronto” may be a good place to start learning about the donation process and how to find a charity that suits your needs.
