What to Know About Furniture and Donations at ReStore

Are you updating your home but are not sure what to do with your old furniture? Thankfully, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore home improvement outlets are a great option for furniture donation and upcycling tips.

Know What You Can and Cannot Donate

Although we are grateful for every donation that we receive at the ReStore, we cannot accept everything. So it is important for you to familiarize yourself with our guidelines before you provide your donations.

All donated items must be in good working order and free of any rips, tears, stains, rust, mold, or other damage. Items must also be donated with all of their hardware included. All furniture donations must come from a pet free and smoke free home. Some items, such as patio furniture, are only accepted during certain times of the year. Other items, such as sofas and love seats, must be picked up by a Twin Cities Habitat ReStore truck. Furniture donations that are accepted at our ReStore locations include:

• Leather/upholstered chairs, couches, and loveseats (photo required - pickup only)
• Hutches (photo required - pickup only)
• Dining tables and chairs
• Futon frames
• Home office desks (must be 4’ or less)
• Bookshelves
• Coffee tables
• Side tables
• Dressers and nightstands
• Beds (must include headboard, footboard, side rails, and hardware)

Items that are NOT accepted include:

• Metal bed frames, box springs, bed or futon mattresses
• Corner TV stands
• Entertainment centers
• Built-in wall storage
• Credenzas
• Glass tables
• Disassembled desks or bookshelves
• Reclining sofas or chairs
• Sofa beds, hide-a-beds, or sleeper sofas
• Hand-painted furniture

It is important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure whether your item can be donated, check out our list of accepted donations or give us a call! We can be reached at 612.588.3820.

Before donating your items, make sure they are nice and clean. If your item is made of cloth, be sure to vacuum it to remove dust and dander. If the item is leather or vinyl, use a material safe cleaner to wipe the item down. Finally, check your item for any possible broken parts, rips, or any other problems, to ensure that the item works the way that it is intended.

All donations to Twin Cities Habitat ReStore are tax-deductible. Check out some of our tips on how to claim your donation tax deductions.

What Furniture Sells Best? 

Although ReStore accepts many different types of furniture, there are some things that sell better than others. According to Jill, our Senior ReStore Manager, “Our best selling furniture is 4-5 drawer tall dressers, followed by items that are a contemporary style. We are a great place to furnish a home on a budget or help with a few college furniture essentials."

Furniture Upcycling Tips

You do not have to be a veteran DIYer to transform a piece of furniture. Some of the easiest ways to upcycle are to add a fresh coat of paint or to update the hardware on your piece. If you are wanting to take on a slightly more challenging task, reupholstering a chair is a great way to start bridging the gap between beginner and master DIYer!