Donate: Goodwill, Salvation Army, and others. In general, only furniture in good condition (not broken, torn, stained, or faded) is accepted. Although these are national organizations, furniture-donation standards and pickup policies vary by region. Also check with group homes and shelters in your area.

Trash: To dispose of furniture in bad shape, call your sanitation department or visit its website to find out about large-item pickup and local dump sites. Or check the Yellow Pages (try "Surplus and Salvage Merchandise") to find someone to haul it away.