What to do with furniture you don't need after moving?

The first step in dealing with unwanted furniture is to carefully assess its condition and suitability for further use. Furniture in good condition offers a wide range of options for passing it on to others through sale or donation, while damaged or worn items require alternative approaches to disposal. Calgary Furniture Repair emphasizes the importance of professional furniture assessment, as many items that appear to be beyond repair can be restored and brought back to life.

Assessment criteria include structural integrity, aesthetic condition, functionality, and potential for restoration. Even if furniture has defects such as bent chair frames, wobbly tables, or other structural issues, the professional craftsmen at Calgary Furniture Repair specialize in addressing these issues. The company offers a full range of services from repair and restoration to customization, allowing you to extend the life of your furniture instead of throwing it away.

Furniture Medic Calgary also offers an alternative to complete furniture replacement through professional repair and restoration services. Their technicians can repair damaged furniture, cabinets, and other woodwork on-site with minimal disruption and at a fraction of the cost of replacement. This service is especially useful for antique items or furniture with sentimental value.

Charities and donation programs

Leading charities in Calgary

Women in Need Society (WINS) is one of the most active furniture donation organizations in Calgary. WINS supports women and families in need by reselling donated items to fund community programs. They offer free pickup for large items, making the donation process extremely convenient for donors. For more information, call (403) 255-5102.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts gently used furniture and appliances, and proceeds from sales fund affordable housing projects in Calgary. The organization has two locations in Calgary: one at 3465 Sunridge Way NE, phone (403) 291-6764, and the other at 7291 11 St SE, phone (403) 910-2561. Both locations are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offer pickup services for larger items.

Calgary Drop-In Centre provides furniture directly to those in need, especially individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The Free Goods Program, funded by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, provides gently used items such as furniture, kitchenware, clothing, computers, and cell phones free of charge to Calgarians in need. To arrange a pickup, call (403) 264-0856.

Specialized Support Programs

Calgary Inter-Faith Furniture Society is known for its commitment to helping low-income families furnish their homes free of charge. This organization especially welcomes donations of basic living room and bedroom furniture. Their respectful and efficient pickup service is available by calling (403) 276-3173, and their address is 635 35 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2L2.

The Salvation Army Calgary accepts furniture donations to support its community programs and offers pickup services for larger items. For more information, visit their donation page or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

Goodwill Industries of Alberta has four locations in Calgary that accept gently used clothing, household goods, and furniture. Unfortunately, Goodwill does not offer pickup services.

Online selling platforms

Leading online marketplaces

  • Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji are the most popular in Calgary.
  • Karrot App is a less popular alternative.

Recommendations: use lots of photos, unique descriptions, and highlight the main features.

Professional selling services

Sell My Stuff Canada — comprehensive sales (estate, moving, garage sales) with a large buyer base and over 50 years of experience.

Consignment shops and specialty stores

High-end consignment galleries

  • Prestige Consignment Furniture Gallery
  • Reclaim Vintage
  • The Consignment Gallery
  • Calgary Inter-Faith Furniture Store

Process: preliminary approval of furniture photos before delivery.

Refurbishment and restoration services

Calgary Furniture Repair — comprehensive restoration, repair, and customization. Reclaim Vintage — custom upholstery and restoration. Fibrenew Calgary South — leather, plastic, and fabric repair. All Pro Furniture Finishing & Restorations Inc. — 30+ years of experience.

Disposal and environmentally responsible disposal

City programs

  • Reuse or donate.
  • Small broken furniture — in the black bin.
  • Large items — to the eco-center (fee required).
  • Businesses — East Calgary and Spyhill Eco Centre only.

Professional services

  • 1-800-GOT-JUNK Calgary — same-day pickup, eco-conscious.
  • Waste In Motion — sustainable waste management.

Creative alternatives and upcycling

Upcycling is the process of renovating old furniture to give it a new style and reduce waste. Cactus Cleaning emphasizes the benefits of upcycling, even with minimal changes such as painting.

Professional upcycling support

Calgary Furniture Repair offers customization services, allowing you to personalize your furniture with new handles, hinges, or other modifications. They work with customers to bring their vision to life, whether it's updating the look or improving functionality.

Head of the Bed Inc. has been serving Calgary customers since 2009, priding itself on the quality of its furniture and services. Sew Unique Canada combines a passion for home décor with excellent sewing skills to provide unique solutions for updating furniture through textile elements.

Seasonal considerations and planning

The best time for donations and sales

The best time to shop at thrift stores is midweek, when new inventory is restocked and there are fewer crowds. This gives you the first chance to pick from the latest finds without the holiday crowds.

This principle also works in reverse—midweek can be the best time to donate, when stores are actively replenishing their inventory.

Calgary has a constant flow of people moving in and out of the city for work or school, so there is always a steady supply of quality used furniture for sale. Thanks to the oil industry, high salaries, and a healthy job market, many Albertans live comfortably in Calgary. This makes it easier to find high-quality items, as homeowners often update their home decor or completely revamp their interior design.

Plan ahead

When planning to get rid of furniture after moving, it is important to consider the time of year and the availability of services. Many charities have seasonal variations in their ability to accept large items, especially during the winter months when transportation can be more difficult.

There are numerous options for dealing with unwanted furniture after moving in Calgary, ranging from charitable donations and online sales to professional restoration and creative upcycling. The key is to assess the condition of the furniture and choose the most appropriate method that fits your goals, time constraints, and environmental values. Calgary has a well-developed infrastructure for all of these options, making the process as convenient as possible for city residents.