Mark Parry

Donate Items To Charity

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Donate Your Items

What to Know Before Donating Furniture to Charity Shops

If you’ve tried selling your unwanted furniture and had no success, donating to a charity is a good next step. However, it's important to understand that charities have limited space and must be selective with what they accept. They are subject to strict regulations, such as fire safety for foam-filled items, electrical compliance, and gas safety certification.

Many charities do offer free collection, often for up to 15 items, but this service only applies to items they’re confident will sell. For example, if only three of your 15 items meet their criteria, they’ll only collect those three. Checking in advance can save time and ensure your donations are accepted and put to good use.

Three charity shops on the same high street, showing the local competition for second-hand donations.

Charity Shops Are Now Competing Locally

In recent years, the rise in the number of charity shops on high streets has led to increased competition between them. Many are located just a few hundred yards apart, often selling the same types of second-hand goods. This saturation has made it harder for individual shops to manage donations effectively and limits what they’re able to accept from the public during house clearances.

Charity donation centre with rejected second-hand items due to low demand and limited resale value.

Low Demand Affects Furniture Resale Value

Increased competition has driven the value of second-hand furniture to an all-time low. As a result, many charities now only collect high-quality items, often refusing anything less than excellent condition. This leaves you responsible for clearing the remaining furniture, potentially adding to your disposal costs. It’s important to manage expectations and plan accordingly when preparing for a property clearance.

Checklist of UK safety regulations applying to the sale and donation of second-hand household items.

Second-Hand Sales Must Follow the Law

Strict regulations govern the sale and donation of second-hand goods to protect public safety. These legal requirements apply to charities, auction houses, and second-hand dealers alike. Failure to comply can lead to prosecution. If you're planning to sell or donate items, ensure they meet the relevant safety standards and are fit for resale to avoid potential legal complications.