Donating to charity is a fantastic option if you're looking to declutter your home and give your old furniture a new lease of life. Not only does it help those in need, but many organisations across the UK offer free collection services, making the process hassle-free.
In this guide, we'll explore how to get your furniture collected for free, highlight charities that accept donations, and provide tips on preparing your items for collection.
Table of contents
- Free furniture collection services in the UK
- Preparing your furniture for donation
- Understanding fire safety labels
Free furniture collection services in the UK
If you're looking to get rid of unwanted furniture without the hassle, you're in luck. Many UK charities and organisations offer free collection services, especially for larger items like sofas, beds, and wardrobes.
Whether you’re getting rid of old furniture, upholstered items, or white goods, these charities often accept items in good condition, helping you donate with ease while supporting valuable causes.
Below are some of the most reliable and active services in the UK offering free furniture collection:
1. British Heart Foundation (BHF)
One of the UK’s most recognised charities, BHF accepts a wide range of pre-loved items, including soft furnishings, tables, chairs, mattresses, washing machines, and other white goods.
- Free furniture collection is available via their online booking system.
- All upholstered furniture must have a valid fire safety label, as per UK regulations.
- Items are sold in their charity shops to fund life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
Book here: British Heart Foundation – Book a Collection
2. Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder offers a comprehensive collection service for larger unwanted items, including beds, armchairs, and sofas.
- Items must be in saleable condition and, where applicable, have the correct fire safety labels.
- Sue Ryder supports palliative, neurological, and bereavement care through the sale of donated furniture.
- Fill out an online form to arrange a collection date.
Arrange here: Sue Ryder – Free Furniture Collection
3. Cancer Research UK
Many of their superstores offer free collection of larger items like sofas, wardrobes, and tables.
- Donations help fund crucial life saving research.
- You’ll need to ensure that any upholstered furniture includes the correct fire safety label.
- Use their website to request a collection through a simple online form.
Get started: Cancer Research UK – Furniture Donations
4. Emmaus
Emmaus helps people out of homelessness through social enterprises, including furniture donations.
- Accepts unwanted furniture in suitable, good condition.
- Collections are free and can include soft furnishings, tables, chairs, and other items.
- Check with your local Emmaus store to see which items they currently accept.
Learn more: Emmaus – Donate Goods
5. Furniture Donation Network
The Furniture Donation Network works with multiple UK charities to facilitate the free collection of large items.
- Complete a straightforward form online to request a collection.
- They accept items like upholstered furniture, beds, and fabric-covered goods in saleable condition.
- Ideal if you're looking to rid your home of old furniture while ensuring it benefits someone in need.
Submit a request: Furniture Donation Network
For those living outside major cities, contacting their national furniture line here will ensure your items are collected efficiently, regardless of location.
Phone number: 01772566557
6. Shelter
Shelter may offer free collection within a 25-mile radius of participating stores as part of their house clearance service.
- Items should be complete, in good working order, and meet safety standards.
- They particularly welcome sofas, beds, wardrobes, and tables.
- Some branches also accept white goods and fabric-covered furniture with the proper fire labels.
More info: Shelter – House Clearance Services
7. Salvation Army
Though not every location offers a collection service, some Salvation Army donation centres will collect furniture, upholstered items, and white goods.
- Donated items support community projects and employment training.
- Make sure your unwanted items meet fire safety standards and are suitable for resale.
- Contact your nearest branch to confirm availability.
Find your local centre: Salvation Army – Donating
8. Local councils
If you’re unable to donate furniture, your local council may offer a free or low-cost bulky waste collection service.
- Typically used for items without fire labels or that aren't in saleable condition.
- Each council has different rules regarding accepted items, collection dates, and access.
- Some may sell or recycle reusable furniture, helping reduce landfills.
Remember, services and fees vary by council. Find out more on GOV.UK.
9. Online marketplaces and local networks
While not charities, platforms like Freecycle, Olio, and Facebook Marketplace are effective for giving away unwanted furniture.
- You can list sofas, chairs, and other items for free collection.
- Great alternative for furniture without fire labels, as long as you are transparent.
- Always prioritise safety, meet in public areas when possible, and confirm access requirements with the person collecting.
These services offer an excellent way to donate furniture, clear out your house, and help people in your community—all without spending a penny.
Just remember: your furniture must usually be in good condition, clean, and ideally include the necessary fire safety label if it's upholstered or has a fabric covering.
If your item doesn’t have a fire safety label, be upfront when listing it—some people may still accept it, but it’s important they know in advance.
Preparing your furniture for donation
Before arranging a free furniture collection, it’s essential to prepare your unwanted furniture properly. Not only does this increase the likelihood of your items being accepted, but it also ensures they’re collected efficiently and in a condition suitable for resale in charity shops.
Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you get ready:
1. Ensure items are in good, saleable condition
Most charities will only accept items that are in suitable condition for resale. Your furniture donations should be:
- Structurally sound – no broken legs, torn upholstery, or missing parts.
- Free from stains, strong odours, mould, or signs of infestation.
- Visibly clean and presentable.
Example: A sofa with intact fabric and minor cosmetic wear will likely be accepted, but one with torn arms or broken springs will not.
Charities often decline items that are not in a saleable condition, as it costs them money to dispose of unsellable goods.
2. Check for the fire safety label
This is crucial for all upholstered furniture and soft furnishings.
In the UK, the fire safety label (also known as a “permanent label”) proves that an item complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Without it, most charities will not take your upholstered items due to legal obligations.
What to Look For:
- The label should say something like “Complies with the 1988 Fire Safety Regulations”.
- Commonly found under cushions, stitched into the fabric of sofas, armchairs, and mattresses.
- Look inside zipped covers or underneath seat cushions.
If you’re unsure who will take furniture without fire labels, the answer is generally: very few organisations. In such cases, your local council or recycling services may be your best bet.
3. Clean thoroughly
Giving your pre-loved items a good clean makes a big difference in both presentation and hygiene.
- Vacuum upholstered surfaces and inside crevices.
- Wipe down wood, metal, and plastic surfaces with mild soap and water.
- Use fabric-safe cleaners for stains, and let everything dry completely before collection.
- Remove any pet hair or lingering smells.
Charities need to accept items that are ready for resale, and cleanliness goes a long way in determining this.
4. Disassemble large items (if required)
While some charities will remove items as they are, it helps if you can disassemble large or bulky furniture ahead of time, especially if there’s restricted access in your home (like tight staircases or narrow hallways).
Items such as:
- Beds
- Wardrobes
- Dining tables
- Flat-pack furniture
should ideally be taken apart and stacked neatly. Keep all screws, bolts, and assembly pieces in a clearly labelled bag, and tape it securely to one of the larger components.
This makes loading easier for the collection service and avoids delays or cancellations on the collection date.
5. Label and document components
If you've disassembled your item, add sticky notes or paper labels to each part, explaining what it is (e.g. "headboard", "side panel"). You may also include assembly instructions or a printed photo of the item when it was whole.
While not essential, this level of care ensures that your furniture donations can be resold quickly in charity shops without hassle.
6. Make items accessible for collection
To avoid last-minute issues on the collection date, ensure:
- The furniture is close to your front door or in a designated area.
- Any gates or doors are unlocked.
- There’s space for a van to park or stop safely.
- Any family member or neighbour helping you is informed about timings.
Many charities will collect from inside your home, but some may have restrictions, particularly in flats without lift access. Always check the charity’s policy in advance.
7. Separate non-acceptable items
Some items may be unsuitable for donation, even if they’re in good condition. Charities often don’t accept:
- White goods (unless fully functional)
- Soft furnishings like cushions without fire labels
- Mattresses with visible wear or no fire tags
- Flat-pack furniture that can’t be safely transported
Set these aside and check with the charity first. If not accepted, consider HOLD Self Storage to temporarily store them while you make alternate arrangements or use your local council for disposal.
8. Complete the charity's online form accurately
Nearly every charity now requires you to complete an online form to arrange a free collection. Be as detailed as possible when listing:
- Item dimensions
- Description of the item
- Condition notes (mention if it’s clean, disassembled, or has a fire label)
- Photos, where possible
This allows them to confirm whether they can accept items and avoid wasted trips.
9. Be present or arrange access
If you're not able to be home, arrange for a family member or trusted friend to be there when the collection team arrives.
Alternatively, confirm if items can be left in a secure location (e.g. porch or garage), though this is typically at your own risk.
By taking these steps, you significantly increase the chances that your furniture donations will be accepted and collected with ease.
Remember, donation is not just about getting rid of unwanted furniture, but about giving it a second life—ideally helping fund charity efforts or supporting someone in need.
Understanding fire safety labels
In the UK, any upholstered furniture or soft furnishings you wish to donate, such as sofas, chairs, mattresses, or fabric-covered items, must have a valid fire safety label attached. This label confirms the item meets the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, which are designed to ensure items meet specific fire safety standards.
What is a fire safety label?
It’s a permanent label usually stitched or stapled onto the item, indicating that the piece complies with UK fire resistance regulations. It should mention compliance with the relevant legislation and is often found under cushions or on the underside of furniture.
Why it matters
Most charities cannot accept or resell upholstered furniture without this label due to legal and safety obligations. Even items in excellent condition will likely be refused if the label is missing or illegible.
Where to find it
Common label locations include:
- Under seat cushions or on cushion covers
- On the base or underside of the item
- Inside zippered or removable fabric sections
Before booking a collection service, check all upholstered items for this label. If it’s missing, charities may decline the donation, and you’ll need to contact your local council or explore other disposal options.
Conclusion
Donating your unwanted furniture is one of the most rewarding ways to declutter your home while supporting vital causes across the UK. With so many reputable charities offering free furniture collection, it’s now easier than ever to pass on your pre-loved items—from sofas and tables to upholstered furniture and white goods—to someone who truly needs them.
But what if your item doesn’t meet donation criteria but is still in excellent condition? In that case, you could consider selling upholstered furniture through online marketplaces or second-hand platforms before deciding to donate.
Need a safe place to store your furniture?
If you're not quite ready to donate or sell your furniture, HOLD Self Storage offers the perfect solution.
Our climate-secure storage units are designed to protect and store your furniture from damp, dust, and damage—ideal for short- or long-term storage.
With 24/7 access, you can come and go whenever it suits your schedule.
Whether you're moving, renovating, or simply creating more space, our flexible, secure, and our centrally located King's Cross facilities are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate furniture without a fire safety label?
Most charities are unable to accept upholstered furniture without a valid fire safety label due to UK safety regulations. If your item lacks this label, consider contacting your local council or using resale platforms that don’t require one.
How can I arrange a free furniture collection?
You can arrange a free collection by contacting charities like the British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, or Cancer Research UK through their websites or local stores. They typically provide online forms or contact numbers for scheduling pickups.
What condition should my furniture be in for donation?
Furniture should be in good, saleable condition, free from significant damage, stains, or excessive wear. Cleanliness and structural integrity are essential to ensure the item can be reused.
Can I store furniture at HOLD before deciding to donate?
Yes. HOLD Self Storage offers furniture storage with flexible terms and 24/7 access, so you can store your items securely while deciding whether to donate, sell, or reuse them.
Does HOLD sell packing materials for moving or storing furniture?
Absolutely. HOLD’s Box Shop has a full range of high-quality moving boxes, wraps, and furniture covers—ideal for preparing your items for storage or donation.
