Moving house? How to give away furniture before you shift
Packers and movers charge by volume and weight, and many things are not worth the cost of moving — or will not fit in the new home. Giving them away to someone nearby is faster than selling, costs nothing, and keeps good furniture out of the landfill.
Decide early what goes with you
Start two to three weeks before the move. Walk through each room with the floor plan of your new home and sort everything into three groups: take, give away, throw (only for things that are really broken).
- Measure big items — sofas, cots and almirahs that will not fit through the new door or lift are the first to give away.
- Compare with the packers' quote — moving a heavy steel almirah or an old cooler across the city often costs more than the item is worth.
- Appliances — check the voltage, gas connection and space in the new home before taking a fridge, washing machine or gas stove.
List items early, with good details
Items listed 10–14 days before moving day have time to find the right person. Use clear daylight photos and mention:
- The size (length × width × height) and whether it can be taken apart.
- The condition — honest about scratches, a wobbly leg or a door that needs fixing.
- When it can be picked up — for example "any evening this week, last day Sunday".
- Whether the person needs a vehicle or helpers — tick "Needs a vehicle" for big items.
On GiveAway you can choose how the recipient is chosen. For things that must go by a fixed date, "First to ask gets it" is the quickest; for something many people want, the lucky draw is the fairest.
Plan the handover
- Choose the person and agree a time in the private chat — share your exact address only there.
- Tell your building's security or association in advance if they need a gate pass.
- Keep the furniture near the door or in the parking if possible, so pickup is quick.
- Ask for the 4-digit handover code at pickup and enter it — that confirms the handover and lets both of you leave a review.
Never pay anything to the person collecting, and never ask them for money. Everything on GiveAway is free.
What if nobody takes it?
If an item has had no requests for a week, GiveAway suggests verified partner NGOs nearby that accept that kind of item. You can hand it to them in one tap. Charities working with families who are setting up a home often need beds, mattresses, utensils and fans.
For things that are truly broken, contact your municipal corporation about bulky-waste collection or a licensed scrap dealer — do not leave furniture on the street.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I list furniture before moving?
About two weeks before moving day works well. It gives people time to arrange a vehicle and gives you a backup if the first person cannot come.
Can I give away furniture that needs small repairs?
Yes — just describe it honestly (for example "one drawer is stuck"). Many people are happy to fix small problems.
Who arranges transport?
Usually the person receiving the item. Mention the size and whether it needs a vehicle, so only people who can collect it will ask.