Donating your unwanted items is a great way to declutter your home, it’s great for the community, and it will help you save money if you are getting rid of things before a move. If you know what organizations to contact, you can schedule a free donation pick up and you won’t have to leave your home. Donating to a charity is a great way to get rid of your old furniture and other items.
Who will pick up donations for free?
Organizations like The Salvation Army, Habitat For Humanity, Goodwill, and other organizations we’ve listed in this article will come to your residence and pick up your donations for free. Most of these organizations will pick up items like furniture, clothes, toys, and other donations. Read ahead because some organizations only pick up certain items and some only service certain locations. You’ll need to know which one is best for you to contact.
Charity Organizations That Provide Free Donation Pick Up Service
The organizations listed below provide free donation pick-up services for certain items and for certain locations. Read ahead to learn about each of the services and locations the organizations provide.
- Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- The Arc
- Habitat For Humanity
- Pick Up Please
- GreenDrop
- AMVETS
- Furniture Bank Network
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is well known for its network of thrift stores or charity shops, but that’s not all they do. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that includes a network of churches, adult rehabilitation centers, veterans services, homeless shelters, food pantries, refugee centers, children’s homes, women’s homes, and more. The Salvation Army reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers, and adherents, and is present in 132 countries.
Does The Salvation Army offer to pick up donations for free?
Yes. The Salvation Army does offer free donation pick up for items in certain zip codes only. The Salvation Army is one of the easiest organizations to schedule a pick up and has the highest chance of offering services in your area. Below is how to schedule your free donation pick up.
What items do The Salvation Army take for donations?
The Salvation Army typically accepts clothes, furniture (can’t be particleboard), books, toys, electronics (make sure they work), movies & DVDs, games, sports equipment, vehicles, and more. Each location does accept different items, so make sure you give your local center a call first. Here is an example of some items they accept, and here is their Donation Value Guide that will give you information on the approximate tax value of each item.
How to schedule a donation pick up with The Salvation Army?
In order to schedule a donation pick up with The Salvation Army, simply visit The Salvation Army Donation Pick Up Page on their website. From there, you can easily schedule your donation pick up for a future date. You can also visit their main donation page at satruck.org if you wish to find a drop-off center near you, donate your vehicle, or find a Salvation Army thrift store near you.
How does your donation to The Salvation Army help & make a difference?
When you donate goods to The Salvation Army, those items are then sold at their Thrift Stores. The proceeds are then used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where those struggling with drugs and alcohol find help, hope, and a second chance at life.
Main Website: TheSalvationArmyUsa.org
Donation Website: SATruck.org
2. Goodwill
The Goodwill organization operates on a local level with locations nationwide. To meet the needs of their local communities, each local Goodwill organization designs its own programs and services to help people find work near where they live. The Goodwill enterprise is a network of 156 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries.
Does Goodwill offer free donation pick up?
Yes, and No, Goodwill does offer free donation pick up for furniture or other large items for certain locations only. It is up to each local organization to offer these services or not.
What items does Goodwill take for donations?
Goodwill takes funiture, books, toys, clothes, electronics (make sure they work), movies & DVDs, games, sports equipment, vehicles (more info at GoodwillCarDonations.org).
Here is some more information and a more complete list of the items Goodwill accepts and doesn’t accept.
How to schedule a donation pick up with Goodwill?
In order to schedule a pick up with Goodwill, you must contact your local Goodwill Headquarters by visiting the Goodwill store locator, use the filter for Headquarters, and call the phone number listed. Not all Goodwills offer free donation pick up, so make sure you ask and make sure you ask them specifically what items they will pick up.
How does your donation to Goodwill help & make a difference?
When you donate your new and gently used items, local Goodwill organizations sell them in stores or on shopgoodwill.com and use the revenue generated to provide valuable employment training and job placement services for people in your community.
Website: Goodwill.org
3. The Arc of the United States
Founded in the 1950s, The Arc of the United States is an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 730 local chapters in 39 states nationwide, The Arc is a people-first organization that believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value — not by their disability.
Does The Arc offer free donation pick up?
Yes and No, The Arc offers free donation pick ups for certain locations. The Arc does not have an online scheduler, you must find your local Arc center and give them a call to see if they pick up donations. Below is more details on how you can schedule your pick up.
What items does The Arc take for donations?
The Arc takes clothes, toys, books, housewares, furniture, electronics (make sure they work), movies & DVDs, games, sports equipment, and more.
To get more information on the items they take and don’t take, you must first find your local Arc chapter here and contact them.
How to schedule a donation pick up with The Arc?
In order to schedule a pick up with The Arc, you must contact your local Arc chapter visiting The Arc Chapter locator, and call the phone number listed. You can also give them a call at 1-800-283-2721 to speak with someone who can answer your questions.
How does your donation to The Arc help & make a difference?
When you donate your new and gently used items to The Arc, those items will be sold in the Arc thrift stores, and proceeds will go to helping support The Arc’s initiatives and programs the organization offers.
Website: TheArc.org
4. Habitat For Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps people in communities and around the world build or improve a place they can call home. Founded in 1976 by couple Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization that has helped more than 29 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve their homes. As of 2020, Habitat for Humanity operates in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Does Habitat For Humanity offer free donation pick up?
Yes. Habitat For Humanity offers free donation pick up for certain zip codes through their reuse store Habitat ReStore. Below you can get more information on how to schedule a donation pick up.
What items does Habitat For Humanity take for donations?
Habitat For Humanity mostly accepts furniture, appliances, building materials, and other houseware items. Each location may accept different items, but here is an example of what the NYC location accepts so you can get an idea of what your location might accept.
How to schedule a donation pick up with Habitat For Humanity?
In order to schedule a donation pick up with Habitat For Humanity, simply visit Habitat For Humanity Donation Pick Up Page on their website. From there, you enter your zip code to find the local chapter near you and contact them to schedule a local pick up.
How does your donation to Habitat For Humanity help & make a difference?
When you donate goods to Habitat For Humanity, those items are sold at Habitat ReStores for affordable rates to the community. The proceeds are then used to help families construct, rehabilitate, or preserve their homes.
Website: Habitat.org
5. PickUp Please
PickUp Please is a program that helps support the Vietnam Veterans of America. While most charity organizations require you to schedule your donation pickup weeks in advance or have certain scheduled pick up days, PickUp Please can pick up your donation within 24 hours in many areas.
Does PickUp Please offer free donation pick up?
Yes, for limited locations. PickUp Please offers free donation pick up for California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Below you can find how you can schedule your free donation pick up.
What items does PickUp Please take for donations?
PickUp Please offers a wide range of acceptable donations including clothing, shoes, purses, household items, small home furnishings, electronics, toys, and more items listed here.
How to schedule a donation pick up with PickUp Please?
In order to schedule a donation pick up with PickUp Please, simply visit their Schedule A Donation Pick Up Page on their website. From there, you can easily enter your zip code to see if they offer services in your area, then continue to fill out the forms to schedule your pick up.
How does your donation to PickUp Please help & make a difference?
The Vietnam Veterans of America sells your donated items to private companies to support the local, state, and national programs of the Vietnam Veterans of America. These include helping finance the general welfare and medical care of homeless and disabled veterans.
Website: PickUpPlease.org
6. GreenDrop
GreenDrop provides one of the most convenient ways to donate items. Serving multiple states on the east coast, your donations will assist charitable programs for American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Federation of the Blind, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia.
Along with a donation pick up service, GreenDrop offers a home clean-out service, perfect for those who are preparing to move, those who are simpy spring cleaning, or those who may be seniors downsizing. They will come in and help you organize your belongings and take anything you wish to donate. For more information, visit the GreenDrop Home Concierge Service webpage.
Does GreenDrop offer free donation pick up?
Yes. GreenDrop offers free donation pick up for certain zip codes on the east coast. Below you can get more information on where the organization provides service and how to schedule a donation pick up.
What items does GreenDrop take for donations?
GreenDrop accepts books, toys, clothes, electronics (make sure they work), sports equipment, small furniture, and more. Here is a complete list of acceptable items GreenDrop will take.
How to schedule a donation pick up with GreenDrop?
Scheduling a pick up with GreenDrop is easy, you just have to make sure they service your area. In order to schedule a donation pick up, simply Schedule A Donation Pick Up With GreenDrop on their website and fill out your information. You can also find a local GreenDrop drop-off location if you wish to bring your donations to them yourself.
How does your donation to GreenDrop help & make a difference?
GreenDrop supports the fundraising efforts of its charitable partners by generating and collecting clothing and household goods that are sold to various thrift stores. The proceeds collected by the charities from the thrift stores provide the critical funds needed to support charitable initiatives in diverse communities.
Website: GoGreenDrop.com
7. AMVETS
American Veterans (AMVETS) is a veterans service organization that supports all American Veterans who have served honorably. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy, and services. Since 1944, AMVETS has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens.
Does AMVETS offer free donation pick up?
Yes. AMVETS provides free donation pick up for certain zip codes. Below you can get more information on where the organization provides service and how to schedule a donation pick up.
What items does AMVETS take for donations?
AMVETS accepts books, toys, clothes, electronics (make sure they work), sports equipment, small furniture, and more.
How to schedule a donation pick up with AMVETS?
Scheduling a pick up with AMVETS is not as easy as some others, and you have to make sure they service your area. In order to schedule a donation pick up, visit their AMVETS donation pick Up page and find the areas they service to contact them to schedule a pick up.
How does your donation to AMVETS help & make a difference?
When you donate goods to AMVETS, those items are sold at their thrift stores for affordable rates to the community. The proceeds are then used to support their veterans’ programs.
Website: amvets.org
8. Furniture Bank Network
The Furniture Bank Network is a network of charities that help bring furniture to those in need. They connect you with local furniture donation organizations that can pick up your furniture and give them to people who need them. You can find a furniture bank near you and request a pick up.
Does Furniture Bank Network offer free donation pick up?
Yes. The furniture bank network connects you with their local members who may be willing to pick up your old furniture. Simply reach out to the organization near you.
What items does Furniture Bank Network take for donations?
Furniture Bank Network accepts small and large furniture, used vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
How to schedule a donation pick up with Furniture Bank Network?
The best way to schedule a donation pick up from the Furniture Bank Network is to use the Furniture Bank location finder and find a location/partner near you. Call them up and they will be able to assist your needs.
How does your donation to Furniture Bank Network help & make a difference?
When you donate your furniture to the Furniture Bank Network, the network members will be able to relocate your items to those in need. They offer free furniture donation pick up in order to help as many people as possible.
Website: FurnitureBanks.org
9. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest and most successful mentoring program in the US. BBBSA has been featuring one-to-one mentoring for over a hundred years, specifically for children and teens from the ages of 6-18. Big Brothers Big Sisters works towards their goal of helping children and young people reach their full potential with the help of one-to-one mentoring programs.
Does Big Brothers Big Sisters offer free donation pick up?
Yes. Depending on you your location, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers free donation pick up to mainly the New England area. Below are some of the items they take and how you can schedule a pick up.
What items do Big Brothers Big Sisters take for donations?
Big Brothers Big Sisters mostly accepts clothes, shoes, books, household items, DVDs, and more. Here is a complete list of items they accept.
How to schedule a donation pick up with Big Brothers Big Sisters?
The best way to schedule a donation pick-up from Big Brothers Big Sisters is to use their online form to schedule your pick up. You can also give them a call to find out if they provide services in your area. Here is where you can drop off items.
How does your donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters help & make a difference?
With the profits from BBBSA thrift stores across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters provides several charitable services including One on One mentoring with children and teens 6-18 years old, Community-Based Mentoring, School-Based Mentoring, Mentoring children of prisoners, Specialized mentoring for Hispanic, African American, Amachi, and Native American children, and Mentoring for military children.
Website: bbbs.org
Donation Do’s & Don’ts
Before donating your items, please take a quick read of this donation Do’s and Don’ts to keep everyone happy and safe.
Donation Do’s – Wash and dry all clothing, test electronics to make sure they are in working order and include all pieces to games and toys.
Donation Don’ts – Do not drop off items to a collection center unattended (unless it is a designated dropbox), do not donate broken or soiled items, do not donate items that have been recalled, do not meet the current safety standards, or pose a hazardous risk to others.
Tips For Donation Pick Ups
When moving out of your old home, you’ll likely have a lot of items you want to part ways with. Instead of throwing them out, you can schedule a donation pick up from an organization to come by and help you lighten your load. And the best part is you don’t have to take them anywhere. Here are a few tips when donating your items and scheduling them for pick up.
- Do a bit of research on the organizations you wish to donate to. You’ll want to pick the best one for the causes you care about. Also, not all organizations will be able to pick up your items in your area, and not all organizations will take whatever you give them. So make sure you do your research to make sure your items are in the best hands possible.
- Schedule your donation pick-up a few days or weeks in advance. Some organizations have certain pick up days and some are very good and will pick up in less than 24 hours. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to schedule your donation pick up.
- Know what you want to donate. Some items are worth donating and others are worth selling or simply throwing out. Also, make sure you’ve done your research on whether the organization you choose will take those items.
- Only donate clean items. You’ll want to make sure any items you donate are cleaned beforehand. Please do not donate dirty clothes or houseware that have not been cleaned beforehand.
Donation Pick Up Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are my donations tax-deductible?
Answer: Yes, donations to organizations like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other tax-deductible qualified organizations. Donations or gifts to friends and family do not count. Generally, you can only deduct charitable contributions if you itemize deductions. However, for 2020, if you do not itemize deductions, you can deduct $300 from gross income for your qualified cash charitable contributions to public charities, private operating foundations, and federal, state, and local governments. For more info, visit the IRS’s rules on charitable contributions.
Question: What condition do my items need to be in to be able to donate?
Answer: Your items should all be in working order and have normal wear and tear. If the item no longer works as intended, do not donate. Most charities take items in order to re-sell them to support their causes.
Question: Where can I have a piano picked up for a donation?
Answer: Two organizations that will pick up a piano for donation are The Beethoven Foundation and PianosForEducation.
Question: What organizations will pick up my donations for free?
Answer:
- Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- The Arc
- Habitat For Humanity
- Pick Up Please
- GreenDrop
- AMVETS
- Furniture Bank Network
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
Question: What can I drop off donations to?
Answer:
- Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- The Arc
- Habitat For Humanity
- Pick Up Please
- GreenDrop
- AMVETS
- Furniture Bank Network
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
Question: Where Can I Donate My Car?
Answer:
Donating to charities is a great way to lighten your load before you move, if you are Spring cleaning, or if you are simply downsizing. And for those items you cannot lift or fit into your car, scheduling a pick up is a great way to make it easier for you. Just make sure anything you donate can be used again by someone in need and best of luck with your donations! Also, make sure that any items on this list: 52 items movers will not move are disposed of properly. Thank you for helping your community and those in need!
