Who Will Pick Up Furniture for Free? UK Charities & How to Prepare

By HOLD Editorial Team
Reviewed 28 October 2025

Many UK charities collect furniture for free if it is clean, complete, and likely to sell. Sofas and chairs usually need a permanent fire safety label. Take photos and measurements, then book with a nearby charity shop or reuse network.

Most charities only accept sofas and chairs with a permanent fire safety label attached (required under UK furniture fire safety regulations).

Charities and reuse networks collect good condition items from your home, then resell or rehome them through local shops. Most ask for clear photos and rough measurements before confirming a slot.

For sofas and chairs, a permanent fire safety label is usually required.

What to do

1. Give everything a quick clean, check it is complete and safe.
2. Take two or three photos, add width, depth, and height.
3. Book online with your nearest branch, include access and parking notes.

What they look for

• Saleable condition, no heavy damage or strong odours.
• Pairs and sets kept together, for example dining chairs.
• Standard sizes and neutral styles tend to move faster.

Remember, for sofas and chairs, a permanent fire safety label is usually required (see image above).

Now, let's explore the UK charities and services that offer free furniture.

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.
• 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

Find a BHF near you

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.
• 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

Many of their superstores offer free collection of larger items like sofas, wardrobes, and tables.

• Donations help fund crucial life saving research.
• Use their website to request a collection through a simple online form.

Get started: Cancer Research UK – Furniture Donations

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

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.

For those living outside major cities, contacting their national furniture line here will ensure your items are collected efficiently, regardless of location.

Book via the online form, upload photos, and list sizes, acceptance depends on condition and demand.

Shelter offers chargeable full house clearances and, where accepted, free partial clearances via participating shops, availability varies by branch.

• 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.

More info: Shelter – House Clearance Services

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.
• Contact your nearest branch to confirm availability.

Find your local centre: Salvation Army – Donating

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.

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.

• Is the item clean, complete, and safe to use, yes or no.
• Does upholstery show a permanent fire safety label, yes or no.
• Can you provide photos, dimensions, and access notes, yes or no.
• If no label or poor condition, check council bulky collection.

1. Check condition

Clean, complete, safe to use, no heavy damage or strong odours.

2. Find the fire label

Upholstered items usually need a permanent fire safety label. Check under cushions, stitched seams, or the underside.

3) Clean and dry

Vacuum fabric, wipe hard surfaces, remove pet hair, let everything dry fully.

4) Measure and photograph

Add width, depth, height, plus two or three clear photos. Include a close-up of the fire label for sofas and chairs.

5) Make access simple

Move items near the entrance if safe. Add parking, lift, and floor details to avoid failed collections.

If parts are removed, keep fixings in a labelled bag taped to the item. If an item is not accepted, use your council’s bulky collection or a reuse network.

For upholstered donations, charities usually look for a permanent fire safety label. This shows the item meets UK fire resistance rules.

What is the label?

A stitched or stapled tag stating compliance, often referencing the 1988 regulations.

Where do I check?

Under seat cushions or covers, stitched into seams, or on the underside of the frame.

What if the label is missing?

Most charities will decline. Try council bulky collection or a reuse network instead.

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.

Usually no for upholstered items. Most charities require a permanent fire label. If it is missing, use your council’s bulky collection or a reuse network.

Book online with a nearby charity shop or reuse network. Upload photos and sizes, then a branch confirms availability and a pickup window.

Clean, complete, and safe to use. No heavy damage, strong odours, or missing parts. Sets and pairs should be kept together.

Many do, but access matters. Add floor, lift, and parking details to avoid failed collections.

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.

Absolutely. HOLD’s Box Shop has a full range of high-quality moving boxes, wraps, and furniture covers.