One of the best contributions one can make to humanity is to perform charitable acts & donate generously. Moreover, it’s an excellent opportunity to chuck out things that no longer serve any purpose in your life, especially when you move to a new place. But, most importantly, your donations can make a positive impact on people’s lives & also help those in need.
However, sorting & packing your things is challenging when you’ve got a long to-do list to prepare before moving to your new home. While carrying them to a charity can be a hassle as it needs effort, attention, & time. Luckily, a few donation organizations that pick up your things for free so that you can focus on your moving process. If you’re looking for such charities & a few donation tips, here’s a comprehensive charity guide to making your life easier.
Making Donations: What You Need to Know?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule regarding the concept of giving back. But practicing a little generosity is a good habit & you can think of it as a way of paying it forward to your community. So, if you’re figuring out the details to make charitable donations, here’s what you need to know.
- Ideally, Your Donations Should Be “Gently Used”
- Your new, unused, or gently used furniture may not serve your needs anymore, but it can create joy for someone else. Since gently used items are mostly in good condition and resaleable, they have great potential to give back & serve communities.
- Your Donations Could Be Tax-Deductible
- Any donation, whether money, furniture, or other goods, is tax-deductible. All you have to do is get an itemized receipt. You’ll need some records, so you must secure your documents in a safe folder & use them to make the required tax deductions.
- Most Charities Will Pick Up Your Donations for Free
- The best part about donating your furniture to a charity is that some organizations provide free pickup service near your recommended areas. You can avail of their free service by visiting their website or contacting their local branch.
- Not Every Item Will Be Accepted
- There are some donation requirements that you need to follow before making charitable donations. Each non-profit organization has a different requirement list of acceptable items. For example, some of them may not accept stained or damaged items. When donating your furniture via a charitable organization, ensure that you qualify for their requirements for acceptable items.
- What Do You Need to Know About Donating Furniture?
- Are you planning to upgrade your home or office? Are you looking for donation organizations that pick up your furniture for free? The charities listed below can help you perform a little spring cleaning by taking your small furnishings & donating them for good.
- When donating your furniture, it’s a good idea to ask these organizations if they accept large and small pieces of furniture. Some organizations do accept furnishings like coffee tables, office chairs, headboards, and more. At the same time, some may not accept heavy items like a sofa set, bedroom set, or dining table. That’s why you must contact the non-profit organization before making charitable donations.
- What Do You Need to Know About Donating Books?
- When donating your books, examine their condition first to check whether they aren’t torn or molded. They should also create value for other people in your community & don’t contain outdated information. If it’s a textbook or an encyclopedia, ensure with your organization that it’s recyclable or not or even worth donating to charity.
- What Do You Need to Know About Donating Clothing?
- Several people donate clothing in bulk as it’s the most common form of donation. However, it also depends on the needs of the people you’re donating to. Luckily, most charities in our list accept clothes, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, and other accessories to help those in need. They will also sort through your torn, damaged, or stained clothes as they accept slightly used clothing that is clean & safe to use.
Donation Organizations That Pick Up for Free
THE SALVATION ARMY
If you’re donating your gently used or unwanted belongings, the best place to go is the Salvation Army, which offers free furniture pickup service and other things. If you need to learn about the tax-deductible value of your belongings, here’s their donation value guide to help you.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Household items;
- Kitchen appliances;
- Bedding, such as mattresses;
- Electronics;
- Clothing;
- Books;
- Used cars.
Who Do They Help?
The Salvation Army helps victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, natural disasters, the elderly, and the youth in need.
How to Schedule?
You can generously make your donations by visiting their website & scheduling a pickup date for your donations.
• The Salvation Army
If you’re donating your gently used or unwanted belongings, the best place to go is the Salvation Army, which offers free furniture pickup service and other things. If you need to learn about the tax-deductible value of your belongings, here’s their donation value guide to help you.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Household items;
- Kitchen appliances;
- Bedding, such as mattresses;
- Electronics;
- Clothing;
- Books;
- Used cars.
Who Do They Help?
The Salvation Army helps victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, natural disasters, the elderly, and the youth in need.
How to Schedule?
You can generously make your donations by visiting their website & scheduling a pickup date for your donations.
• Goodwill
Wondering who will pick up donations for free near you? Goodwill is the next right choice for you! It has more than 3,000 stores across the USA & Canada that sells your items at discounted prices to people in need.
List of Items They Accept:
- Furniture;
- Clothing;
- Toys;
- Books;
- Art;
- Electronics;
- Household appliances.
Who Do They Help?
Goodwill is a community-based organization that raises money for various initiatives, including job training programs for the youth, elders, prisoners, & people with disabilities.
How to Schedule?
It’s easy! All you have to do is contact them directly or locate their store near you. You can check Goodwill’s online store locator.
• Furniture Bank
Want a fresh start? You can donate your furniture to The Furniture Bank Network, which offers free pickup at your desired location.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Household items;
- Electronics;
- Small appliances.
Who Do They Help?
They support families who can’t afford to furnish their homes, victims of domestic violence, low-income class, & others.
How to Schedule?
You can book your appointment with them by visiting their website & consult their free pickup services for your donations.
• Amvets
Another well-reputed organization that picks up donations for free is the AMVETS National Service Foundation. It helps individuals by organizing free community programs & job training courses.
List of Items They Accept
- Small furnishings;
- Kitchen appliances;
- Clothing;
- Electronics;
- Toys;
- Bedding;
- TVs & computers;
- Exercise equipment.
Who Do They Help?
They assist U.S. veterans, women, and both retired and active-duty servicemen.
How to Schedule?
To check any AMVETS store in your area, you can use their online locator and ask to arrange a free donation pickup service.
• GreenDrop
Don’t worry about who will pick up donations for free near me, as GreenDrop provides efficient donation pickup services. Further, you can choose a program of your choice offering donation benefits.
List of Items They Accept
- Small furniture;
- Books;
- Kitchenware;
- Games;
- Sports equipment, tools, & more.
Who Do They Help?
They extend support to local organizations, such as the National Federation of the Blind, the American Red Cross, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, & more.
How to Schedule?
You can call & ask them for their free pickup services by visiting GreenDrop’s website.
• Habitat For Humanity
Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing, and its thrift stores are the perfect place for furniture donations.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Housewares;
- Building materials;
- Appliances.
Who Do They Help?
Habitat ReStores supports families in need of affordable housing & furniture all across the U.S. and internationally as well.
How to Schedule?
If you’re willing to donate furniture, you can visit Habitat for Humanity’s website and view their store locations or visit the store directly.
• Pick Up Please
Pickup Please is also one of those donation organizations that pick up your furniture & clothing for free in a prompt manner. They accept small & light items that are easier to lift & carry to the location.
List of Items They Accept
- Small furnishings;
- Clothing;
- Housewares;
- Toys;
- Books;
- Electronics;
- Small tools.
Who Do They Help?
This organization supports U.S. war veterans of all ages, women, and people in need of financial assistance.
How to Schedule?
Visit their website and book an appointment to schedule your pickup time.
• The Arc
Among other organizations, The Arc provides funding via thrift stores & donated items throughout the U.S.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Electronics;
- Household items;
- Clothing;
- Used cars;
- Toys;
- Books.
Who Do They Help?
The Arc supports kids and adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities.
How to Schedule?
You can schedule your pickup appointment with The Arc online or call them at 1-800-283-2721.
• Out of The Closet Thrift Stores
Out of the Closet Thrift Stores (OTC) also provides a free donation pickup service to provide affordable healthcare via AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Home decorations;
- Clothing & shoes;
- Musical instruments;
- Electronics;
- Kitchen appliances;
- Books, C.D.s, & artwork.
Who Do They Help?
OTC funds AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention & treatment program with every donation.
How to Schedule?
You can fill out this online form and schedule an appointment with the OTC. Their driver will pick up your donations from home.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is a non-profit organization that guides children about their futures & provides mentoring to young children.
List of Items They Accept
- Clothing;
- Toys;
- Kitchenware;
- Books;
- Jewelry;
- Musical instruments.
Who Do They Help?
They help match adult volunteers with young children to provide school-based mentoring and also raise money for those in need by selling donated items.
How to Schedule?
For a free pickup, you can schedule a meeting with them via BBBSA’s website.
• Donation Town
Donation Town is also a renowned donation organization that picks up your items for free. It connects donors with different types of charities all over the U.S.
All the non-profit charities on Donation Town offer an IRS tax deduction receipt whenever you donate, and you are free to donate to the charity of your choice. To schedule your donation pickup, enter your zip code here and choose from charities in your local area that will pick up your donations.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Clothing & shoes;
- Books;
- Household items;
- Toys;
- Antiques.
Who Do They Help?
They provide charities of all types to people and also update new charities daily.
How to Schedule?
To schedule your free pickup with Donation Town, you must enter your zip code first and choose from charities available in your area.
• ClothingDonations.org
The clothing Donations organization is also worth mentioning as it’s not just limited to clothing contributions but also accepts “almost anything” except large items.
List of Items They Accept
- Small furniture;
- Clothing;
- Baby items;
- Glassware;
- Kitchen essentials;
- Bikes;
- Bedding;
- Toys;
- Portable TVs, stereos, & radios.
Who Do They Help?
They help U.S. veterans through an organization called Vietnam Veterans of America, which offers assistance to American veterans of all age groups.
How to Schedule?
You can call them at 1-888-518-VETS (8387) or schedule an online appointment on their website.
• PickUpMyDonation.com
PickUpMyDonation operates as a non-profit thrift store offering a donation pickup to deliver your items to the needy.
List of Items They Accept
They mainly accept large items that aren’t easy to lift and carry without a truck.
Who They Help?
The organization secures donated items to help people with different needs. They also connect you with partners like Hauling Junk to transport your oversized items to the location you’re donating to.
How Do to Schedule?
If you’re choosing to donate your large furniture items to PickUpMyDonation, you can visit their nearest thrift store for a donation request or visit their website.
• Patriots and Paws
Patriots and Paws is also a non-profit organization that accepts most of your donated items and gives them to people who can’t afford necessities.
List of Items They Accept
- Furniture;
- Kitchen appliances;
- Washers, dryers, & gas ranges;
- Electronics;
- Housewares;
- Mattresses.
Who Do They Help?
This organization aims to help military veterans and soldiers in need.
How to Schedule?
You can schedule a pickup by calling them at 1 (714) 323-7229 or sending them a donation request via pickup@patriotsandpaws.org. For further information, you can visit Patriots & Paws website.
• Easy Donation Pickup
Easy Donation Pickup provides support to U.S. veterans & their families via National Veterans Foundation (NVF) & among those donation organizations that pick up your stuff for free.
List of Items They Accept
- Small furniture;
- Clothing;
- Household items;
- Sports equipment;
- Kitchenware;
- Electronics;
- Toys.
Who Do They Help?
Easy Donation Pickup helps veterans by selling all donations to raise funds.
How to Schedule?
You can visit their website to schedule a pickup date online or call them at (855) 628-8387.
How to Decide What You Should Keep, Donate, or Trash?
If an object holds sentimental value or makes you happy, you should keep it.
If it’s in good condition and doesn’t add any value to your life, donating seems more reasonable. However, if it’s damaged & doesn’t serve any purpose to you, it’s better to throw it away.
Need help? See this decluttering guide to make the right decision about your furniture & other items.
Donating Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Make sure to check the condition of your item first;
- If you’re donating clothes, wash & clean them properly;
- Disinfect every item before making donations;
- Avoid donating children’s items that can cause choking;
- If it’s an electronic appliance, test it first.
Don’ts
- Donate any hazardous item, such as makeup or cleaning tools;
- Donate broken, torn, or expired items;
- Include outdated or banned stuff that also doesn’t meet the safety standards;
- If you’re planning to drop off your item instead, make sure that the person or organization you’re donating to knows it.
Quick Tips and Ideas for Donation Pickups
- Choose Items That Are Worth Donating
- It’s essential to choose items that are easy to recycle or of some use. They don’t have to be brand new, but they should be clean, safe, and defect-free.
- Look For Responsible Disposal Methods
- If your items aren’t in good condition, you can also look for other ways to dispose of them. For instance, you can send your old linen clothes to a local animal shelter, as they accept linen towels & stained clothes for different purposes.
- Do Some Research Before Choosing Your Charity
- Every charity has a different way of making an impact. You can learn about their values and methods first either from their website or by visiting them personally. It will help you make the right decision for your donations.
- Look for an Organization in Your Area
- You can schedule a pickup date if you have already researched the organizations that will pick up donations for free near you. But if you still need to figure out one, it’s better to look for a local organization in your area for a quick pickup schedule.
- Decide Honestly
- Before making your donations, evaluate your options carefully & then decide whether or not you should donate an item. If you’re holding onto a thing that doesn’t bring value or joy, it’s time to let it go.
- Get Your Children Involved
- Let your children learn these little acts of kindness to practice the same when they grow up. It’s good to involve them as much as possible so they can understand the concept of giving back.
- Preparations: Clean and Mend the Items
- If it’s furniture or any gently used item, you should leave them uncovered for inspection. However, if your charity organization has a special request, you can pack your stuff before the pickup date. Also, it’s essential to clean all the items first & check the condition of your items before making the required donation.
- Schedule Your Donation Pickup in Advance
- Once you’ve decided to move or donate your items, don’t wait any further. Instead, start researching your options & schedule a pickup date in advance to avoid any last-minute confusion.
- Ask for a Receipt
- For a tax-deductible charity, remember to ask for a donation receipt from your charity organization against the donations made.
How To Schedule Your Donation Pickup?
- Find A Local Organization That Offers Furniture Donation Pickups
- List all the donation organizations that pick up furniture for free near you and contact them to schedule a pickup time.
- Make Sure the Organization Accepts the Items You’re Donating
- Ensure that the organization accepts your items by viewing the list of acceptable items on their site or asking them by visiting their store.
- Arrange An Appointment Time
- Schedule your appointment and pickup time. Be at home early before the appointment time.
- Dropping Off Donations on Your Own?
- Are you planning to drop off donations by yourself? Many charities follow a contactless approach by putting bins and boxes outside their stores.
- If your items are small, you can also drive up to the required charity store or facility and drop off your belongings personally. However, carrying large items and dropping them off can be a hassle sometimes. That’s why you can ask donation organizations that pick up for free to help you move effortlessly.
Donating FAQs
How Do I Schedule a Donation Pickup?
You can go through our How to Schedule Your Donation Pickup section.
Where Can I Donate Furniture?
Every charity organization has different requirements and criteria for accepting donations. For example, many accept small furnishings like coffee tables, chairs, etc. So, you’ll have to evaluate your options by contacting them to see which organization will accept your furniture.
What Furniture Donations Are Typically Accepted?
Generally, these organizations accept furniture items like tables, chairs, couches, bedding frames, mattresses, bookcases, office furniture, lamps, and other small items.
What Is Not Available for Pickup?
Large items like refrigerators, washers, and dryers are not available for pickup as they are challenging to lift and carry around by one person. Moreover, any organization will not accept any hazardous or broken item that doesn’t meet the safety standards.
What Condition do My Items Need to be in for Donation?
Your items should be in good condition that is resaleable & reusable by other people. That’s why most organizations accept gently used clothing or furniture for donations.
Are My Donations Tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations made to charities are tax-deductible, so make sure to take your receipt & save it in a safe place. You can read more about it here.
Who Are My Donations Helping?
It depends on the organization and your decision. For example, if you support a “charity by cause,” it will work on that particular cause.
Where Can I Donate Clothes Besides Goodwill?
You can view our charity list to donate gently used or unused clothes. For additional options, visit here.
Does Goodwill Pick Up Donations?
Yes, it does offer free pick-up for your donations. In addition, you can schedule an appointment time on their website.
Who Will Pick Up Donated Items for Free?
All the charity organizations on our list will pick up your donated items for free.
Who Will Pick Up a Donated Piano?
Other non-profit organizations like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity accept piano donations.
Who Takes Used Furniture for Free?
Most organizations take small pieces of furniture for free, while a few organizations, like PickUpMyDonation, accept large items and take them for free.
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