Our van is the lifeblood of our Hinckley-based homelessness charity, but after more than 10 years it’s spending more time in the garage than on the road. Every donation helps us support people to move on and rebuild their lives.
Thank you for supporting Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland. Our free furniture collection service helps raise funds through our Emporium charity shop, supporting people who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives.
Below are answers to the most common questions about booking a collection.
Do you offer free furniture collection?
Yes. We offer a free collection service for large furniture items that are too big to fit in your car. Collections are available Monday to Friday from homes and businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland. Book your free collection.
Is there a charge?
No. Our collection service is completely free.
How do I book a collection?
You can book online using our collection form or call us on 01455 637587 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
How quickly can you collect?
Most collections take place within one week, but this cannot be guaranteed.
If you need collection by a specific date, please let us know as early as possible.
How quickly will you reply after I submit the form?
We aim to contact you within 48 business hours to arrange a collection slot.
Will I be given a time slot?
Yes. When we confirm your booking, we will give you a collection time slot.
If we are running late on the day, we will do our best to let you know.
Can I change or cancel my booking?
If your plans change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can rearrange your collection.
What items do you collect?
We collect clean, good-quality, re-sellable furniture, including sofas and armchairs with valid fire labels, wardrobes, dining tables and chairs, beds and bed frames, chests of drawers, dressers, fridges and freezers, and tumble dryers.
We can only collect items that are in a condition suitable for resale in our Emporium charity shop.
Do you offer house clearances?
No. We do not offer full house clearances. We collect selected items that are suitable for resale.
What furniture don’t you collect?
We are unable to collect upholstered furniture without a valid fire label (unless pre-1950s), washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, furniture with missing parts or unsafe damage, furniture with non-tempered or non kite-marked glass, soiled or heavily stained mattresses, or any item that is not in a saleable condition.
For a full list of items we cannot accept, please see our donations guidance page.
Do items need to be clean?
Yes. All items must be clean and in a condition suitable for resale. Each year we have to pay to dispose of poor-quality or damaged donations, so your care helps protect our charity’s funds.
Do items need to be assembled?
Yes. Furniture must be fully assembled and ready for collection.
We are not able to collect disassembled flat-pack furniture unless it is brand new, unused and still in its original sealed packaging.
Do I need to help carry items?
No. Our team will carry items to the van.
However, items must be easily accessible and safe to move.
Do you collect from upstairs?
No. All items must be on the ground floor and ready for collection.
What if the team cannot take an item?
Our team will assess items when booking and again on arrival.
If an item is not as described, or does not meet our safety and resale requirements, we may not be able to collect it.
As a charity, we have to pay to dispose of unsellable items, so we can only take furniture we can confidently resell.
What areas do you cover?
We collect in and around the following areas of Leicestershire and Rutland: Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Barwell, Broughton Astley, Burbage, Charnwood, Coalville, Cosby, Counthorpe, Croft, Desford, Earl Shilton, Groby, Hinckley, Leicester, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth and surrounding villages, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Narborough, Newtown Linford, Nuneaton, Oakham and surrounding villages, Quorn, Ratby, Rutland, Sapcote, Stamford and Stoney Stanton.
If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us.
Can I Gift Aid my donation?
Yes. If you are a UK taxpayer, you can choose to Gift Aid your donation. This allows us to claim an additional 25p for every £1 your donated items raise, at no extra cost to you.
You will be given the option to sign up for Gift Aid when booking your collection.
If you cannot find the answer you’re looking for, please call us on 01455 637587 and we’ll be happy to help.
