Getting rid of furniture in Toronto: donate, dispose or recycle

Sort before you pack, not after

Every sofa, dresser and mattress you move costs crew time and truck space. Deciding what stays behind before packing starts is the simplest way to reduce the size — and the price — of your move.

Work room by room and split items three ways: keep, donate, dispose. Photograph anything you are unsure about so you can price a replacement before you commit.

What can usually be donated

• Clean, structurally sound sofas, chairs, tables and dressers.
• Working appliances and electronics.
• Unopened household goods, dishes and linens.
• Building materials and fixtures, which some charities accept for resale.

What generally cannot

Charities routinely turn away mattresses, heavily worn upholstery, particle-board furniture that has come apart, and anything with damage, odour or pest exposure. Those items need proper disposal or recycling instead — and leaving them on the curb can mean a fine from the city and a bad start with your new neighbours.

When a removal crew makes sense

If the items are heavy, on a third floor, in a basement, or need to clear out on a schedule tied to your closing, a removal crew is faster than multiple car trips and a rental. We remove furniture from anywhere in the home — not just the curb — sweep up after, and sort items for donation or recycling where possible.

Booking removal for the day before your move keeps moving day itself focused on the things you are actually keeping.