If you’re organizing a move, the thought, “I have too much stuff,” has probably crossed your mind. This is the time to do room-by-room decluttering and find new homes for anything you no longer need. Consider donating any leftover items to charities that pick up donations.
Donation pick-ups are a great task to add to your moving checklist, especially if you are wondering where to donate furniture and other heavy items. Below are 13 organizations that provide pick-up services, with useful insights to help you find a charity that aligns with your values and needs.
The 13 Best Charities That Pick Up Donations
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- The Arc
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Out of the Closet Thrift Stores
- PickUp My Donation
- The Furniture Bank Directory
- AMVETS National Service Foundation
- Greendrop
- Patriots and Paws
- Pickup Please
1. Goodwill
Goodwill was founded by Boston-based Methodist minister Reverend Edgar J. Helms in 1902. Helm’s goal was to provide employment prospects, affordable clothing, and household goods to those facing financial hardship. More than 100 years later, his mission spread across the United States and has impacted over 1.7 million individuals across the world.
Goodwill’s pickup service varies from location to location. It is one of the easiest places to donate clothes. Call your local stores to see if they can pick up your stuff and check if they offer donation pick-ups.
Accepted Donations
- Furniture
- Small appliances
- Small electronics
- Tools
- Apparel (men, women, children)
- Miscellaneous Items (i.e., toys, books, bicycles)
Organization’s Purpose
Supporting economically disadvantaged individuals is Goodwill’s main goal. It offers various education and employment development programs for at-risk groups, including, but not limited to, single mothers, seniors, and teenagers.
Locations
Goodwill is a national charity with 150 local branches that operate independently across the U.S. and Canada.
2. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Christian-based charity organization founded on July 2, 1865, by an English minister named William Booth to help the poor, hungry, and destitute of London. His mission spread across the world, and the Salvation Army now operates in over 100 countries. Its mission is to help everyone in need without discrimination and share teachings of faith.
Scheduling a pickup begins with entering your zip code on The Salvation Army’s website. There’s also a map to show you the closest donation centers for drop-off.
On the next page, provide details of what you plan to donate. They provide a dropdown list and write-in option if your donation doesn’t fit into one of the page’s categories. Finally, provide your contact information, set a pickup date, and provide pickup details for the drivers, such as where you plan to leave the donations.
Accepted Donations
- Home appliances
- Intact Furniture
- Household goods
- Automobiles
- Children’s Clothing
- Men’s and Women’s Clothing
- Miscellaneous Items (i.e., bicycles, books, toys)
Organization’s Purpose
The Salvation Army supports a wide range of social causes in communities nationwide. It focuses on health and recovery services, supporting vulnerable populations, youth and development programs, and disaster/emergency relief.
Locations
The Salvation Army has 6,401 locations between its Eastern, Southern, Central, and Western territories across the United States.
3. Habitat ReStore
Habitat for Humanity was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976 in Georgia as a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing affordable housing for those in need.
To combat the sustainability issue of leftover building materials, Habitat opened its first Habitat ReStore in 1991. The organization uses the funds from these stores to support its goal of building homes across the world.
To schedule items for pickup with Habitat ReStore, start by finding the closest location to you on the Habitat ReStore donations page. Contact them via email or phone to see if the location offers pickup services.
Some locations have a built-in online scheduler on the website, and others include contact information at the bottom of the website.
Accepted Donations
- New and gently used appliances
- Furniture
- Building materials
- Household goods
- Items outside of this accepted are dependent on the location
Organization’s Purpose
Habitat for Humanity’s work focuses on creating affordable housing for individuals across the world. Its efforts extend to advocating for systemic policy reform to reduce socioeconomic barriers to housing opportunities for families.
Locations
Habitat for Humanity operates in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.
4. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a nonprofit organization created in 1904 to support the development of children across the United States. It creates positive and meaningful mentor relationships between adult volunteers and children.
To donate to the organization’s cause, search for your local chapter’s website. Some will have an online donation form, and others can be contacted by phone or email for pick-up availability.
Accepted Donations
- Apparel
- Small appliances
- Household items
- Small electronics
- Miscellaneous items (i.e., books, small toys, sports equipment)
Organization’s Purpose
The heart of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to support the potential and development of children. Donation proceeds go directly to help maintain its mentoring programs.
Locations
Big Brother Big Sister is located across the United States.
5. The Arc
The Arc was created in 1953 as an association dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Its goals are to create an inclusive environment and protect the rights of the disabled community.
To begin the donation process, contact your local Arc chapter and see if it accepts physical donations.
Accepted Donations
- Apparel
- Home goods
- Small appliances and personal tech
- Miscellaneous Items (i.e., bicycles, books, toys)
Organization’s Purpose
The Arc advocates for policy changes nationwide and funds research efforts for individuals with disabilities.
Locations
The Arc has 600+ state and local chapters located across the nation.
6. Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a congressionally chartered nonprofit, founded in 1978 to support Vietnam veterans and their families. Today it primarily supports Vietnam veterans but are extending its outreach efforts to all veterans in need. Through outreach programs and services, lobbying, and working with the media, it continues to advocate for veterans’ rights.
To find pick-up locations for your donations, put in your zip code on the VVA website. There’s an online form to provide information about the pickup, including your contact information and a list of items you plan to donate.
Accepted Donations
- Apparel (all ages and genders)
- Baby essentials
- Home goods
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Tools
- Miscellaneous Items (i.e., bicycles, books, toys)
Organization’s Purpose
Veterans are central to Vietnam Veterans of America’s work. The organization operates outreach and service programs for veterans and advocates for their health and well-being.
Locations
Vietnam Veterans of America is located throughout the nation.
7. Out of the Closet Thrift Stores
Out of the Closet Thrift Stores was established in 1990 to provide financial support and awareness for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. For every dollar spent at its stores, 96 cents goes toward supporting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Each location offers onsite HIV testing.
You can quickly and easily schedule a pick-up on the Out of the Closet Thrift Store website.
Accepted Donations
- Furniture
- Clothing (Men, Women, Children)
- Home Decor
- Appliances (three years old or newer)
- Electronics (three years old or newer)
- Miscellaneous items (i.e., books, toys, CDs)
Organization’s Purpose
Out of the Closet Thrift Stores financially supports the advocacy and research efforts of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Locations
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- New York
- Ohio
- Texas
- Washington
8. PickUp My Donation
PickUp My Donation is a for-profit organization established in 2012 to reduce the amount of usable items going to landfills. It partners with local businesses to pick up donations and source them to thrift stores nationwide. The organization’s goal is to make the donation process quick and painless, reduce waste, and support the work of local non-profit organizations.
Use the PickUp My Donation website to find local providers in your area and schedule a pickup. It offers a free pick-up service and paid expedited service if you need items gone quicker.
Accepted Donations
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Large Appliances
- Electronics
- Home goods
- Miscellaneous items (i.e., books, tools, toys)
Organization’s Purpose
PickUp My Donation supports various charitable efforts for local nonprofits.
Locations
Pickup My Donation is located nationwide across 160 local providers.
9. The Furniture Bank Directory
The Furniture Bank Directory is a network of local furniture banks located across North America. It uses donations from corporations, retailers, and individuals to provide second-hand furniture to families in need.
Check the directory page on The Furniture Bank Directory website to find a local furniture bank, and follow the details of that organization to schedule a pick-up.
Accepted Donations
- Furniture
Check the website of your local organization for specifics on what additional items it will or will not accept. At a minimum, you can donate furniture with free pick up.
Organization’s Purpose
Furniture Bank Directory supports individuals or families who are facing financial difficulties or other challenges.
Locations
Furniture Bank Directory is located across North America in the U.S. and Canada.
10. AMVETS National Service Foundation
For 80 years, AMVETS National Service Foundation has supported veterans’ well-being through various services and programs. Its programs are supported by donations from individuals in participating states.
If you live in a service area, use the AMVETS donation page to schedule a pickup. Furniture can be scheduled on a separate page.
Accepted Donations
- Apparel (men, women, children)
- Home appliances
- Home goods
- Furniture
- Miscellaneous Items (i.e., bicycles, books, toys)
- Electronics (five years old or newer)
Organization’s Purpose
AMVETS supports veterans and their families through programs focused on scholarships, career development, and health.
Locations
- Maryland
- Washington D.C.
- Virginia
- Delaware
- Texas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
- Oklahoma (Tulsa)
11. GreenDrop
GreenDrop is a for-profit organization that partners with local nonprofits and charities to raise funds on their behalf. It pays nonprofit partners for donations and sends donated goods to local thrift shops. Its goal is to keep used goods out of landfills while supporting local community organizations.
To schedule a pickup, enter your contact info and zip code into GreenDrop’s online scheduler.
Accepted Donations
- Apparel
- Home goods
- Small appliances and electronics
- Small furniture
- Miscellaneous Items (i.e., bicycles, books, toys)
Organization’s Purpose
GreenDrop partners with various local nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross, The Arc, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Locations
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Washington DC
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
12. Patriots and Paws
Patriots and Paws is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing veterans with free housing, home furnishing, and animal companionship. The organization was established in 2013 and has continued to expand its support across California over the years.
To schedule a pickup, fill out the donation form on the Patriots and Paws website. Once you fill out the form, the organization will contact you to find an appropriate date and time for donation pickup.
Accepted Donations
- Furniture
- Large appliances
- Small appliances
- Household goods
Organization’s Purpose
Patriots and Paws supports all veterans with housing support and by providing animal companionship to those in need.
Locations
Southern California (from Fresno to the Arizona and Mexico borders)
13. Pickup Please
Suggested File Name: pickup-please | Alt Text: Pickup Please logo of a blue rectangle with white “Pickup” and orange “Please,” with blue mouse icon clicking the rectangle.
Pickup Please is a for-profit organization that provides funding support to partner charity organizations based on the proceeds of your physical donations. It operates in 15 states and is continuously expanding its service areas.
To schedule a pickup with this organization, use the Pickup Please scheduling page or contact them via phone or email.
Accepted Donations
- Apparel
- Household items
- Small furniture
- Small appliances
- Small electronics
- Miscellaneous items (i.e., instruments, toys, bikes)
Organization’s Purpose
Pickup Please supports various charitable causes across the country. Some of the areas its supports include veterans, individuals with disabilities, disadvantaged teenagers, and environmental sustainability solutions.
Locations
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
Why Work With Charities That Pick Up Donations
Here are a few advantages of working with charities that offer pickup:
- Quickly get rid of your items: Some charities can do same-day pick-up or within a week of scheduling a request. Working with them can reduce unnecessary logistics and make moving easier.
- Reduce waste: Donating unwanted items allows them to be reused and reduces your environmental impact.
- Support a cause: Charities support various causes, and your donation has a tangible impact on their efforts.
- Earn a potential tax deduction: Donations to charities can potentially reduce your taxable income, similar to the financial benefits of a garage sale.
What Are the Best Charities To Donate to?
The best charities to donate to are ones that align with your values and can accommodate your donations. Charities support various social causes, and your background will impact what resonates most.
For example, someone with a family member in the military would be more invested in veteran-focused charities that pick up furniture donations. If you have experienced homelessness in the past, organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army may be more in line with your values.
| Charities Accepting Pickup | Items Accepted |
| Goodwill, Salvation Army, Out of the Closet Thrift Stores | Clothing, accessories, electronics, furniture, and household items |
| The Arc, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS National Service Foundation, GreenDrop, PickUp My Donation, Pickup Please | Clothing, household items, and electronics |
| Patriots and Paws | Clothing and household items |
| Habitat ReStore | Furniture, appliances, and building materials |
| The Furniture Bank Directory | Furniture |
Declutter, Donate, and Store What You Need With SpareFoot
Whether you are decluttering before moving or doing some spring cleaning, donating to charity is a great option to reduce waste and benefit your community. Choose from these 13 organizations to find the perfect match for your donation needs.
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