How To Say Goodbye (responsibly)
Remember that 61 million sofas-worth of furniture that goes into landfill each year?
I had promised to send some information about how to responsibly dispose of your unwanted furniture, so here it is!
In the SF bay area we have several good options:
1) Consign
Got a high end dining table that doesn't fit in your new place? Got a mid-century sofa that you know is "fashionable" but feels like you're sitting on concrete? I've often been asked how to sell furniture that is in good condition and good quality but no longer needed.
My go-to starting point is Design Plus Consignment. They have showrooms in San Francisco and San Rafael but all you need to do to see if they will take your item (and how much you will make from the sale) is to fill out their online form. They are picky about what they take and will accept only pieces they believe will sell. If your piece is accepted, they can suggest movers to help you get the piece to their nearest showroom. Remember to factor in that cost if you can't get the furniture to them in your own car.
You can also try Remoov. In my experience they are a bit less picky. They pick up your furniture themselves and then consign it for you. If they won't take the piece for consignment, they can donate if for you and give you the tax receipt or take it to be "responsibly decommissioned."
2) Donate
Sadly, Salvation Army no longer does free pick ups in California due to cost and changing regulations. Their donation centers are still open in SF in the Mission at 26th St and San Jose Ave (don't go to the store on Valencia St) and in the Richmond on Geary at 4th Ave. I prefer the Geary location because it tends to be less chaotic. You can see the list of items they will and won't accept here.
Building Resources WILL do a pick up for you if you have a "larger, pre-approved loads". Call them on 415-285-7814 to see if they can help you.
Goodwill does NOT accept large furniture items (or much furniture at all really) in the SF Bay Area.
3) Recycle