This Instagram account spots furniture left on the streets of Paris so you can pick it up for free
An Instagram account unlike any other is making waves in Paris in 2026. Launched in late April, it offers a simple and generous concept that could very well change the way you furnish your apartment without spending a single euro.
Paris and Its Bulky Waste: A Problem That’s Turning Into an Opportunity
Paris isn’t known for being a clean city. Between overflowing trash cans, cigarette butts, and litter, the capital collects 30,000 metric tons of trash abandoned on its streets every year. Bulky items are a common sight, scattered all over the sidewalks.
Yet some Parisians see these discarded items as a valuable resource. So, instead of watching furniture destined for the dump go by, a young woman decided to take action on her own.
The idea came from a simple observation: these tables, chairs, and couches left on the sidewalks can still be put to good use. All it takes is letting the right people know at the right time.
Inspiration from Montreal
It was in Montreal—where she lived for a few months before returning to the capital—that Julie, 23, came up with the idea for this project. According to her comments reported by *Le Parisien*, it’s common there to see furniture listings posted on social media.
Back in Paris, she wanted to bring this practice to the capital. After all, why not post real-time updates about items found on the street, so that anyone can take them for free?
“Over there, it’s common to see furniture listings on social media, allowing those who wish to do so to give these items—which would otherwise end up at the recycling center—a second life.”
How does this Instagram account work on a day-to-day basis?
The concept behind the Instagram account @desencombrons.paris couldn’t be simpler. Each post features a photo or a short video of the item that was spotted, along with a caption specifying its exact location.
For example, you might see: “Nice wooden bench spotted at 33 rue de Surène, 75008, at 8:10 a.m. on May 7, 2026,” or “Nice sofas spotted at 7 rue Erlanger, 75016, at 5:45 p.m. on May 19, 2026.” Accuracy is key, because these items don’t stay on the sidewalk for long.
In addition, quick reflexes are essential for those lucky enough to want to claim a coin. Patience and vigilance are therefore the two qualities needed to make the most of this page.
- Follow the @desencombrons.paris Instagram account to receive real-time alerts.
- Check the date and time of publication: a reported item may disappear very quickly.
- Go immediately to the address listed in the post’s caption.
- Send your own finds via DM to the account to contribute to the community.
- Do not include mattresses; they are excluded for hygiene reasons.
Rapid success and a growing community
Launched in late April, the Instagram account “Désencombrons Paris” quickly won over Parisians. Today, it has more than 2,100 followers, a figure that reflects a real need in the capital.
The Instagram page is also open to contributions from everyone. Anyone can send in their discoveries via private message, so that the location can then be shared with the entire community.
A useful project in the context of inflation
At a time when inflation is increasingly weighing on the daily lives of the French, secondhand goods are becoming the obvious choice. Whether for budgetary or environmental reasons, picking up furniture from the street meets a real need.
This Instagram account is part of a broader trend. Giving a second life to items that are still in good condition is both economical and environmentally responsible.
So, if you’re looking for a nice table or an office chair, this Instagram page could save you a significant amount of money. All it takes is a little patience and a bit of quick thinking.
However, there is one rule: mattresses are not featured on this Instagram account, for obvious hygiene reasons. That said, all other types of furniture and home decor items can be featured there, from sofas to wooden benches.
