Easy Ways to Get Rid of Your Couch Before Moving

That old couch has been through it all — movie nights, pizza spills, and maybe even a pet (or three). But now? You’re moving, and it’s not coming with you.

The problem is: getting rid of a couch when you’re moving isn’t always easy.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to get rid of a couch before a move — fast, stress-free, and on your timeline. Let’s get started.

What’s the best way to get rid of a couch when you’re moving?

When it’s time to dispose of a couch before a move, you’ve got several options. Some are quick and simple, while others require a little more time or effort. Here’s what movers like you are choosing — and why.

Hire a Pro (A.K.A. Junk Removal Service)

If you’re happy to trade a little cash for a whole lot of convenience, this is hands-down the smoothest way to get rid of your couch:

1. A friendly crew shows up
2. They do all the lifting, wrapping, and loading
3. Your couch is gone like magic

How it works:

• Book online in seconds (yes, really!)
• No need to move it to the curb — they’ll grab it from inside
• Same-day or next-day pickups are often available
• Apartments, elevators, tight spaces? No problem
• They donate or recycle whenever possible
• Flat-rate pricing with zero surprises

👉 See available services for couch pickup in your area.

Want to Donate Your Old Couch?

Yay! Donating your couch is such a great way to give it a second life and help someone in need. But before you schedule that pickup, let’s make sure your couch is donation-ready (most places do have a few simple rules).

Quick couch check 🛋️

Take a moment to check the following:

• No rips, stains, or pet hair — think “gently used”
• No broken legs, arms, or wobbly frames
• Clean and in good condition

Pro Tip: If you’d feel good giving it to a friend, it’s probably donation-approved!

Before donating, review our complete guide to couch donation rules to ensure your furniture qualifies.

Be sure to call ahead — many charities offer free furniture pickup services but may require advance scheduling.

City Bulk Couch Pickup: Not Always Reliable

Some cities offer free bulk pickup services — which sounds amazing, right? But before you count on it, there are a few little details you should know. (Trust us, this will save you a headache later!)

Here’s what you should know:

• Appointments can fill up fast — sometimes weeks in advance!
• You may need to wrap, bundle, or tag your couch (each city’s a little different)
• Leaving it out too early or without an appointment could mean a fine (yikes!)

💡 Always check your city’s website for the most up-to-date info, and plan ahead if you can.

If you’re on a tight timeline, you might want to have a backup plan — just in case!

Thinking About a DIY Couch Disposal?

Got a truck? Got some muscles? You can absolutely haul your couch to the dump or recycling center yourself — but let’s make sure you know what you’re signing up for so there are no unpleasant surprises.

But here’s what you’re signing up for:

• Not all dumps accept furniture
• Expect drop-off or tipping fees
• You’ll need to lift and load it yourself
• Wrap it to avoid damage to your vehicle

Should You Try to Sell Your Old Couch?

Got a nice, modern, clean couch? You might be able to make a few extra bucks selling it on places like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist. That’s a win, right? Sometimes!

Here’s what to consider:

• Buyers may ghost or cancel last minute
• Movers might not have time to wait while you sell
• Sometimes, you end up giving it away just to make it disappear

Not sure how much your used couch is worth? Check out our guide on the value of used couches to help you price it right.

What Happens to Your Couch After Pickup?

If you use a professional removal service like Couch Disposal Plus, your couch gets the most eco-friendly sendoff possible.

Whenever possible, your old couch will be:

• Donated to local charities
• Recycled responsibly
• Kept out of the landfill

If you’re looking for more ways to give your old couch new life, take a peek at this helpful blog post on creative couch recycling and upcycling ideas.

Scheduling ahead is smart — appointments can book up quickly, especially during busy moving seasons.

Don’t Let a Couch Slow Down Your Move

Moving comes with plenty of stress. Getting rid of your couch shouldn’t add to it.

By choosing the right disposal option, you can:

• Check one more thing off your to-do list
• Avoid last-minute headaches
• Focus on your move, not your old sofa

Whether you hire pros, donate, sell, or haul it yourself — you’ve got plenty of ways to get rid of your couch before moving day.