How to Donate a Used Mattress

Hooray! You got a new bed! Now what the heck are you going to do with your old one?? Donating a bed is a great way to help someone out, but where can you go to give?

Things You'll Need

• Gently used mattress
• Phone or internet connection

Instructions

1. Goodwill or Savers are often the first places people think of when they want to donate a bed. Donation regulations vary by state, but in many areas, by law mattresses must be sanitized and wrapped in order to be resold. According to Goodwill's website, they are unable to take used mattress or boxspring donations because they don't have the resources to prep them for resale. You can start by contacting your local Goodwill or Savers, but don't be surprised if they turn you down.

2. Try posting to your local Craigslist.org or Freecycle.org website. Make it clear that you're not trying to sell your mattress, you just don't need it anymore and want it to go to a good home. Be upfront in your posting about any small stains, wear and tear, etc. Including a picture may also help increase your results.

3. Check out local university campuses! Post flyers on bulletin boards in high-traffic areas, like dining halls or arts buildings. Students are always looking for freebies - somebody's bound to need a bed to crash on, especially at the start of the semester.

4. Talk to local church groups or community organizations, especially groups that help refugees resettle in your area. My last bed (and bureau!) went to an Afghani family who had just settled in Australia. I was just leaving, so the timing was perfect - everybody won!

5. Ask your friends, or post on your Facebook page. In college, my mattresses always came from friends who were moving inter-state and didn't need them anymore.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, everyone needs a clean, safe place to sleep. If your mattress has springs poking out, big holes or creepy stains (be they blood or chocolate), don't donate it! Get a van and take it to the dump.

• Be honest with the person or organization who's taking your used mattress. Many people have severe allergies to pet hair/saliva or smoke. If you smoked in bed or let the cat sleep on your tummy every night, BE SURE to mention it! Karma's a bitch.

Resources

• craigslist.org
• freecycle.org
• goodwill.org
• savers.com