When you’re clearing out your home, moving, or replacing old furniture, it’s easy to assume everything has to go straight into the van and off to the tip. But much of what people get rid of during a house clearance can be reused or donated to help others.
Across North London, there are fantastic charities that collect and rehome furniture, appliances and household goods, helping families in need, reducing waste, and keeping perfectly good items out of landfill.
At Junk Hunters, we always aim to reuse or recycle as much as possible. Donating usable furniture is often the most sustainable option, and it makes a genuine difference to people’s lives.
If you’re planning a house clearance in North London and want to do some good in the process, here are ten excellent local charities that accept furniture donations.
1. British Heart Foundation (BHF) — Multiple North London Branches
The British Heart Foundation runs several furniture and electrical stores across North London, including in Finchley, Enfield, and Tottenham. They accept sofas, wardrobes, beds, tables, and working electrical items such as lamps or microwaves.
They’ll usually collect larger items for free, provided they’re in good condition and have fire safety labels where required.
BHF uses the proceeds from sales to fund vital research into heart and circulatory diseases, so your old furniture could literally help save lives.
2. North London Hospice — Finchley, Winchmore Hill and Barnet
North London Hospice provides care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. They run several charity shops and accept quality furniture donations, often arranging free collections within their catchment area.
They’re particularly grateful for wardrobes, chests of drawers, and sofas with the appropriate fire labels. Donating to the hospice directly supports local families and patients across Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey.
3. All Aboard Charity Shops — Throughout North London
All Aboard operates multiple charity shops across North London, including in Edgware, Hendon, Golders Green, and Highgate. They support a wide range of UK charities, so the proceeds from each sale reach many different causes.
They welcome most household furniture and can arrange free collection for larger items. If your furniture is in good condition and reusable, All Aboard can make sure it finds a new home instead of heading for disposal.
4. British Red Cross — Islington and Enfield
The British Red Cross has specialist furniture shops in several parts of London. In North London, they accept tables, chairs, wardrobes, sofas, and white goods that are in good working order.
Donations help fund emergency response and crisis support both locally and internationally. If you want your unwanted furniture to make a real impact, the Red Cross is a reliable and well-organised option.
5. Sue Ryder — Crouch End, Finchley and Barnet
Sue Ryder supports people living with serious illnesses and bereavement. Their furniture and electrical shops are always looking for good quality sofas, beds, tables, and chairs, and they’ll often collect free of charge.
They ensure every donated item is checked, cleaned, and priced fairly before resale, giving household goods a second life and supporting essential palliative care services.
6. Emmaus North London — Barnet and Enfield
Emmaus does more than just sell second-hand goods. They offer formerly homeless people a place to live, work and rebuild their lives.
Their North London branches accept furniture, bric-a-brac, and homeware. Every donation supports people directly within the community. If your items are too large to transport, Emmaus can arrange a collection service from your home.
7. The Salvation Army — Edmonton and Holloway
Known for their community and homelessness work, The Salvation Army’s charity shops accept reusable furniture, clothing, and electrical goods. Their larger stores in Edmonton and Holloway can take wardrobes, sofas, and tables, as long as they’re in good condition.
Collections can often be booked online, and the proceeds go toward supporting vulnerable people and families across North London.
8. Cancer Research UK — Kentish Town and Highgate
Cancer Research UK has a number of furniture and electrical shops throughout London, including in Kentish Town and Highgate.
They’ll happily collect large items such as sofas, dining sets, and wardrobes, provided they’re clean and safe to use. Donating helps raise funds for cancer research and patient support services, a great way to give back while decluttering your home.
9. St Luke’s Hospice — Edgware and Harrow
Serving the wider North West London area, St Luke’s Hospice accepts furniture donations and offers a free collection service for larger pieces. They sell donated goods through their charity shops, raising money for hospice care and support services for local residents.
They particularly welcome items such as dining tables, chairs, sideboards and wardrobes, as long as they’re in good, saleable condition.
10. Barnet Furniture Centre — Whetstone
Barnet Furniture Centre is a local social enterprise dedicated to recycling and reusing unwanted household goods. They refurbish donated furniture and sell it at affordable prices to people on low incomes.
It’s a brilliant local option if you want your items to stay in the community and directly benefit those in need. They accept everything from sofas and beds to tables and small appliances, and they’ll usually collect for free across Barnet, Enfield, and nearby areas.
Tips for Donating Furniture in North London
Before arranging a collection or drop-off, keep these quick points in mind:
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Check condition. Charities can’t sell damaged or broken furniture, so make sure items are clean and in usable condition.
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Fire safety labels. Upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs must have the original fire label attached.
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Book collections early. Many charities operate volunteer-based logistics, so slots can fill up quickly.
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Separate electrical items. Only donate electrical goods that are working and safe. Most charities PAT-test them before sale.
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Think local. Smaller community charities often have fewer donations and will really appreciate good-quality items.
Doing Good While Clearing Out
If you’re short on time or can’t manage the logistics of donations, Junk Hunters can help. During our house clearances across North London, we separate reusable furniture and donate it wherever possible, including to several of the charities listed above.
Our aim is simple: keep perfectly good items out of landfill and give them a second life. We’re fully licensed, insured, and provide duty-of-care documentation for every clearance.
Whether you’re clearing a single room, an entire house, or handling a probate property, our friendly North London teams can take care of everything and make sure as much as possible is reused or recycled.