Frequently asked questions
Furniture requests, donations, delivery, and pop-ups.
Start here for the questions we receive most often. If your situation is different, email us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Getting furniture
For households & referrals
Is the furniture free?
Yes. Repurposed Life redistributes donated furniture and household goods at no cost to recipients.
Is the furniture new?
Most items are gently used and donated by individuals, businesses, colleges, hotels, offices, and community partners. Some donations may be new. We will say so when that is known.
Do you deliver?
Delivery may be available for some requests and distributions. When Repurposed Life provides home delivery, it is curbside only.
Will your team bring furniture into my apartment?
No. The recipient is responsible for having enough help to move furniture from the curb into the building and up to the apartment. Please arrange family, friends, neighbors, a cart, or other assistance before delivery.
Can I request a specific color, brand, or style?
You can tell us what your household needs, but requests are filled from donated inventory. Specific brands, colors, styles, and exact dimensions cannot be guaranteed.
Does submitting a request guarantee furniture?
No. Requests are matched based on available donations, item condition, location, household need, and transportation capacity.
Do I have to live in NYCHA?
No. While many Repurposed Life pop-ups are organized with NYCHA resident associations and can serve pre-registered NYCHA households, we also work with referral partners and New Yorkers in need across the city.
Can my caseworker or agency refer me?
Yes. Caseworkers, social workers, resident associations, senior centers, and other organizations can submit a referral through the furniture request form. You can also just refer yourself.
Donating furniture
For individuals & organizations
What kinds of items do you accept?
We accept a wide range of clean, usable furniture, clothing, household goods, small appliances, books, kitchenware, and other items that can go directly into another home. The list of what we don’t take is much shorter.
What don’t you take?
We do not take used underwear or socks, large pieces such as curio cabinets, dining tables that seat more than 6 people, or broken and unusable items. If you have items outside our normal acceptance list, our partner ReSupply can pick up your items for a fee, deliver the items we accept to Repurposed Life, and try to place the remaining items with another nonprofit.
Do you accept damaged or broken furniture?
No. Items should be safe, clean, functional, and suitable to give to another household. We cannot use broken items or items with major damage, heavy staining, pests, or unsafe conditions.
Can Repurposed Life handle a large office, hotel, or dorm donation?
Yes. Large and institutional donations are an important part of our reuse work. Contact us early with the location, timeline, rough item count, elevator/loading information, and photos.
Do donors receive documentation?
We can provide donation acknowledgment and, when appropriate, documented item counts and diversion estimates. Donors should consult their own tax adviser regarding deductibility or valuation.
Pop-ups & volunteering
Community distribution
How do I find out about the next pop-up?
Follow Repurposed Life on Instagram and Facebook, check with your resident association, or submit a furniture request. Dates are announced as trucks and locations are confirmed.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with loading, unloading, sorting, distribution, and community events. Visit the Volunteer page to get involved.