Hold onto your moving trucks, Austin – the most amazing week of free furniture is about to begin! Starting this Saturday, July 26th, the annual MoveOutATX event kicks off, and if you’ve never experienced this community treasure hunt, you’re in for the treat of the year.
What’s MoveOutATX? Your New Favorite Austin Tradition
Picture this: thousands of UT students are moving out of their apartments, and instead of tossing perfectly good furniture and household items in the dumpster, they’re donating everything to five convenient drop-off spots around West Campus. Then – here’s the magical part – all that donated furniture gets moved to one central location where you can snag it for absolutely free.
We’re talking couches, dining tables, desk chairs, small appliances, kitchen supplies, and even unopened food. Basically, everything you need to furnish an apartment or upgrade your current space without spending a dime.
The Free Furniture Market: Where Dreams Come True
When: July 26-31, 6:30-8:00 PM daily
Where: UT Whitaker Courts Parking Lot, 287 W 51st St (near the tennis courts)
Cost: FREE (seriously!)
Limit: Two pieces of furniture per person (furniture sets count as one item)
Here’s how it works: Austin Resource Recovery partners with local reuse organizations to collect all the donated items from the five drop-off stations throughout the day, then they set up this incredible free market every evening. It’s first-come, first-served, so the early birds definitely get the best selection.
Your Treasure Map: Where Students Are Dropping Off the Good Stuff
If you’re curious about what’s being donated (or want to donate your own items), here are the five collection spots running daily from 11 AM to 6 PM:
- Camino Flats: 2810 Salado St.
- Escala Condos: 1000 W 26th St.
- Lenox Condos: Across from 2216 San Gabriel St.
- 26 West: Just south of 2620 Nueces St.
- UT Whitaker Courts Parking Lot: 287 W 51st St.
Pro Tips for Maximum Treasure Hunting Success
Come prepared: Bring a truck, SUV, or trailer – you’ll need to load and transport everything yourself. No delivery service here, but that’s part of the adventure!
Get there early: The market opens at 6:30 PM, but the good stuff goes fast. Think of it like Black Friday, but for furniture and without the crowds getting crazy.
Bring help: Some of these furniture pieces are going to be heavy, so grab a friend or family member to help you load up.
Sign the waiver: You’ll need to sign a liability waiver, but it’s quick and easy.
Why This Week is Pure Austin Magic
This is Austin at its absolute best – students being environmentally conscious, the city creating innovative solutions, and neighbors helping neighbors. Instead of perfectly good furniture ending up in landfills, it’s going to people who can actually use it. Plus, you’re supporting Austin’s zero waste goals while scoring incredible deals.
“MoveOutATX gives students an easy way to donate gently used items instead of sending them to the landfill,” says Richard McHale from Austin Resource Recovery. “It’s a win for zero waste and a boost for our local reuse economy.”
Want to Help Make the Magic Happen?
The event needs community volunteers to help staff the Free Furniture Market throughout the week. If you’ve got a few hours to spare and want to be part of this amazing community effort, you can sign up for shifts at AustinTexas.gov/MoveOutATX.
This Week Only: July 26-31
Whether you’re a college student furnishing your first apartment, a young professional looking to upgrade your space, or just someone who loves a good treasure hunt, MoveOutATX is your chance to score big while helping Austin stay weird and sustainable.
Daily Schedule:
- Donation Stations: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Free Furniture Market: 6:30 – 8 PM
- Location: UT Whitaker Courts Parking Lot, 287 W 51st St
Mark your calendars, Austin – your dream furniture is waiting, and the price is absolutely unbeatable!
MoveOutATX is hosted by Austin Resource Recovery in partnership with UT Office of Sustainability and UT Office of the Dean of Students. Learn more at AustinTexas.gov/MoveOutATX.
