You have ordered a brand-new sofa, and delivery day is approaching. But what happens to the old one? Many UK furniture retailers offer take-back or old furniture removal services, though the terms, costs, and limitations vary widely between stores.
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Which UK Furniture Retailers Offer Old Furniture Removal?
Several major UK furniture retailers offer some form of old furniture removal, but the service is rarely free and always comes with conditions. Here is a quick overview:
£35–£50
John Lewis
Removal offered – like-for-like only
Varies
IKEA
Limited – mattresses only in some areas
£49+
DFS
Removal offered – like-for-like sofas only
£45+
Sofology
Removal offered – like-for-like sofas only
£29–£49
Dreams
Removal offered – beds and mattresses only
£49+
Furniture Village
Removal offered – like-for-like items
The key phrase is like-for-like: most stores will only take away the same type of item you are buying. Order a new sofa and they will take your old sofa, but they will not take your old wardrobe at the same time.
John Lewis Old Furniture Take-Back Policy
John Lewis is one of the more accommodating retailers for old furniture removal:
- They offer removal on a like-for-like basis – one old item removed for each new item delivered.
- The service costs approximately £35–£50 per item, added at checkout.
- The old item must be in the same room as the delivery location.
- The item must be disconnected and ready to go (applies to appliances especially).
- They will not remove items that are heavily soiled, infested, or pose a health risk.
John Lewis partners with recycling organisations, so your old furniture is typically recycled rather than sent to landfill.
IKEA Furniture Take-Back and Recycling
IKEA's approach to old furniture removal is more limited than other retailers:
- Buy Back service – IKEA will buy back certain used IKEA furniture in good condition for store credit. This does not apply to non-IKEA items.
- Mattress recycling – Some IKEA stores offer mattress take-back when delivering a new one.
- No general furniture removal – IKEA delivery teams do not remove old non-IKEA furniture.
If you are replacing IKEA furniture with new IKEA furniture, check the Buy Back programme on their website. For anything else, you will need a separate removal service.
DFS, Sofology and Sofa Retailers
Sofa specialists tend to offer removal services focused specifically on seating:
- DFS – Offers old sofa removal from approximately £49, but only when delivering a new sofa. The service must be booked at the time of purchase.
- Sofology – Similar service from around £45. Like-for-like only; they will not take other furniture.
- ScS – Offers removal for an additional fee, typically £45–£60, on delivery day.
Important limitations to note:
- The old sofa must be on the same floor as the delivery point.
- Some retailers require the old sofa to be in a condition that two people can carry safely.
- Delivery teams may refuse removal if the old item is infested, soaked, or structurally unsafe to move.
What Conditions Apply to Store Take-Back Services?
Across all retailers, common conditions include:
- Like-for-like only – You can only have the same type of item removed (buy a bed, remove a bed).
- One for one – One old item removed per new item delivered. No extras.
- Must be booked in advance – Usually at the time of purchase, not on delivery day.
- Item must be accessible – The delivery crew will not dismantle built-in furniture or navigate extremely tight spaces.
- No hazardous items – Anything soiled, infested, or containing hazardous materials will be refused.
- Extra charge – The service is never free; expect £29–£60 on top of delivery costs.
What If the Shop Will Not Take Your Old Furniture?
There are many situations where a retailer will not help:
- You are getting rid of furniture you are not replacing
- The old item is a different type to the new purchase
- You bought online and the delivery service does not include removal
- The item is damaged, stained, or infested
- You have more items than new deliveries
In all these cases, a professional removal service is the simplest solution. Any London Waste collects any furniture regardless of condition, type, or quantity – with same-day collection available across London.
Professional Removal vs Store Take-Back: Which Is Better?
From £45
Professional Removal
- Any furniture, any condition
- No limit on items
- Same-day available
- Any room, any floor
- Any condition accepted
Store take-back works well for a simple one-for-one swap in good condition. For anything more complex, professional removal gives you far more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. John Lewis charges approximately £35–£50 per item for old furniture removal. The service is like-for-like only and must be added at checkout when placing your order.
Yes, DFS offers old sofa removal from around £49, but only on a like-for-like basis when delivering a new sofa. You must book the service at the time of purchase, not on delivery day.
IKEA does not generally remove old furniture on delivery. They offer a Buy Back programme for used IKEA furniture in good condition, and some stores accept old mattresses when delivering a new one. Non-IKEA items are not accepted.
If your furniture is stained, broken, or infested, retailers will refuse to take it. A professional removal service like Any London Waste accepts furniture in any condition and can collect the same day.
Furniture stores only offer removal when you are purchasing a new item. If you simply want old furniture gone without buying anything new, you need a council collection or a professional removal service.
Most major retailers partner with recycling organisations and aim to recycle or donate removed furniture. However, policies vary by retailer and the condition of the item.
