Don’t waste time moving or storing excess furniture or clothing; donate it instead. This comprehensive guide lists several charities that offer donation pick up services.

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Moving is the perfect opportunity to reassess everything we own. In short, who wants to pack and move clutter we don’t use? If your movers charge by the hour, donating unused items beforehand is just one more way to save money during a move, let alone saving you time.

On the other hand, let’s say you’re downsizing or you inherit your parents’ house. That additional ‘stuff’ can seem endless and daunting. Donating household items like clothing or used furniture to charity is one way to declutter and destress. In fact, several charities offer free donation pick up or drop off.

Choosing a charity might be simple. You could select the first organization that can pick up large furniture for free. However, some people have more personal reasons for choosing a charity. Your donation could be more meaningful if your items benefit a cause that is dear to your heart.

Who Is Picking Up Donations in My Area?

We’ve compiled a list of well-established charities and not-for-profits that may accept your household donations. If you’re searching for who will take free furniture and other donations off your hands, find a charity on the list below that resonates with you, and then visit their site for more information on how you can donate your household items.

What Items Should I Donate?

Many charities and not-for-profit organizations accept donations of used furniture, clothing, household appliances, books, toys, kitchenware, and other items. Need some inspiration? Check out our post on Marie Kondo closet method for help choosing what items are best to part with!

What Items Should Not Be Donated?

Depending on what charity you choose to donate to, there will be different guidelines on what items will be accepted. For each charity on the list below, we’ve provided information about what items can and cannot be donated, but be sure to review a complete list on each website before donating.


Medical Charities

National Kidney Foundation Currently Accepting: Used clothing and small household items.

 

Not Accepted: Cash, T.V.s, appliances, large furniture, or computers.

Pick up or Drop Off: Pick up is available for specific locations. Search for a National Kidney Foundation location near you.

Lupus Foundation of America Currently Accepting: Clothing, shoes, and small household items.

 

Not Accepted: Furniture or large items.

Pick up or Drop Off: Pick up is available in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. Drop off is available in Maryland area stores.

Epilepsy Foundation Currently Accepting: Clothing, small furniture, household items, and media like books or DVDs.

 

Not Accepted: Large furniture, mattresses, or large appliances.

Pick up or Drop Off: Direct Drop off is available in Chicago, Kansas/Missouri, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New England, and Northern California. Pick up is available in Greater Chicago, IL, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Minnesota. You can also support the Epilepsy Foundation by donating to Savers thrift shop locations throughout the country.

Housing Works Currently Accepting: Gently used furniture, antiques, art, jewelry, and rugs.

 

Not Accepted: Damaged furniture, mattresses, appliances, or office furniture.

Pick up or Drop Off: Drop off is available at any thrift shop location. You can also schedule a furniture pick up online.

The Arc Currently Accepting: Clothing, furniture, and more.

 

Not Accepted: Only local offices accept donations. The National Office does not allow physical contributions.

Pick up or Drop Off: Contact your local chapter to discuss drop off or pick up of donations.


Veterans Charities

AMVETS National Service Foundation Currently Accepting: Clothing, small appliances, electronics, jewelry, and houseware.

 

Not Accepted: T.V.s or computers that are over five years old.

Pick up or Drop Off: Drop off is available at any thrift store location. Pick up is currently available in Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Deleware, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Vietnam Veterans of America (a.k.a. Pick Up Please) Currently Accepting: Clothing, toys, household items, books, and small furnishings.

 

Not Accepted: Large furniture, appliances, and anything that one person cannot easily carry.

Pick up or Drop Off: Donation pick up is available in several U.S. cities. Check their site for more information.


Children’s Charities

Big Brothers Big Sisters Currently Accepting: Clothing, furniture, and shoes.

 

Not Accepted: Check with each local organization for more information on current donation options.

Pick up or Drop Off: Search for a local BBBS in your area to schedule a pick-up or drop off.


Humanitarian Charities

Goodwill Currently Accepting: Furniture, clothing, appliances, and more.

 

Not Accepted: Contact your local Good Will for any restrictions.

Pick up or Drop Off: Drop off at local shops or donation bins. Contact your local Good Will to discuss options for large furniture pick up.

Salvation Army Currently Accepting: Clothing, furniture, cars, appliances, and more.

 

Not Accepted: Contact your local Salvation Army for any donation restrictions.

Pick up or Drop Off: Schedule a free pick up online or drop off at local stores.

Furniture Bank Association (FBANA) Currently Accepting: Furniture for families in need.

 

Not Accepted: Clothing, shoes, and other personal items.

Pick up or Drop Off: Check their online map for areas where pick up is available.

Habitat for Humanity Currently Accepting: Cars, household items, appliances, building materials, and more.

 

Not Accepted: Clothing, accessories, and other personal items.

Pick up or Drop Off: Contact your local Habitat Restore to discuss items you have to donate and figure out pick up or drop off.


Faith-Based Charities

St. Vincent de Paul Society Currently Accepting: Gently used clothing, books, toys, household items, and working appliances.

 

Not Accepted: Anything that is broken or unsalable, medical items, and computers.

Pick up or Drop Off: Find a clothing collection bins and drop off areas at churches listed on their local website.

United Jewish Council Currently Accepting: Clothing, accessories, houseware, and furniture.

 

Not Accepted: Contact them directly for more information.

Pick up or Drop Off: Pick up and drop off is available in NYC through the thrift shop Vintage Thrift.

Catholic Charities Currently Accepting: Cars, stocks, money, and more.

 

Not Accepted: See local branch for more details.

Pick up or Drop Off: Search a local Catholic Charities branch for more information.


Misc. Charities

Green Drop Currently Accepting: All donations must weigh 50 pounds or less.

 

Not Accepted: See their list of non-acceptable items on their website.

Pick up or Drop Off: Pick up and drop off is available in select locations.

human-I-T Currently Accepting: Electronics and technology.

 

Not Accepted: Batteries or items that are cracked or compromised.

Pick up or Drop Off: Pick up and shipping of technology is offered on their website.

Secure the Call Currently Accepting: Used cellphones for seniors. They will even recycle broken phones.

 

Not Accepted: Anything that isn’t a cell phone.

Pick up or Drop Off: Free shipping is available.

Vehicles for Charity Currently Accepting: Cars

 

Not Accepted: A car without a clear title or car keys.

Pick up or Drop Off: Arrange local pick-up and donate your car to a charity of your choosing.

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Currently Accepting: This company will find a way to donate or recycle your junk.

 

Not Accepted: N/A

Pick up or Drop Off: This organization will set up local pick up of unwanted items and find them a home somewhere else. Some of their pick up services might cost a fee.


Local Charities that Accept Donations

If you have your heart set on supporting local organizations, consider researching some of the following charities near you.

  • Humane Societies
  • Rescue Missions
  • Women and Children Shelters

There may be several organizations listed under these categories. Contact someone locally to find out how you can help.


Find Donation Pick Up & Drop Off Near You

We hope you found a charity that is ideal for your particular donation pick up situation. If you are in the midst of a move, be sure to grab our free moving checklist printable to help you through the process, and good luck!

Updates:

  • Revised on August 3, 2022 with new information from Emily Malkowski Originally published on February 28, 2020.

About the Authors

Emily Malkowski

Emily Malkowski is a writer and SEO strategist with over 5 years experience, living in Buffalo, New York. Having graduated from University at Buffalo with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, her work has appeared in outlets like The American Prospect, Roadtrippers Magazine, Step Out Buffalo, and more.

Lauren Thomann

Lauren Thomann has written about self storage and moving since 2015, making her our storage expert. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Linguistics and has published over 150 articles on moving, storage, and home organization. She is also a contributing writer at The Spruce and Martha Stewart.

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