I find the simple act of donating furniture mirrors the best of human generosity—a sentiment that moving companies across the nation witness regularly. In 2022 alone, Americans opened their hearts and wallets to donate over $319 billion. This figure reflects the empathy and compassion that defines communities across the country.
In this article, I'll show you the unsung heroes of the charity world—organizations that will pick up your furniture for free and ensure your pre-loved items find a second life in a new home.
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Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity invites you to donate your lightly-used items to their Habitat ReStore thrift stores. When you donate furniture items like sofas, chairs, dining tables, and dressers, your donations go toward building homes for low-income families. All they ask is that upholstered or leather furniture be free of tears, stains, or pet damage to ensure quality for the next owner.
You can also join their nationwide volunteer efforts—particularly beneficial for older adults seeking a sense of purpose. This is linked to better psychological and physical health, says Dr. Patricia Boyle, a neuropsychologist at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center. By participating in Habitat for Humanity's free furniture pickup, you contribute directly to building homes and hope for underprivileged families.
Habitat ReStore accepts the following items:
- Working appliances no more than eight years old
- Home décor
- Kitchenware
- Non-fluorescent light fixtures
- Framed mirrors
- Patio furniture
- Flatscreen televisions
- Tools like wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, and power tools
How to Schedule a Pickup
Scheduling a donation pickup with the Habitat ReStore is simple. Just enter your ZIP code on their website to locate your nearest Habitat ReStore and check what items they accept, as each location might vary. Most Habitat ReStores offer pickup services for large items.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is globally recognized for its humanitarian efforts. They welcome a range of furniture donations via a user-friendly online system. The Salvation Army's furniture donation services not only aid the less fortunate but also provide an opportunity for donors to claim a tax deduction.
You can easily organize donation pickups for items like beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and dressers. Your furniture will then be sold at a Salvation Army Thrift Store or go straight to those in need.
- Functioning appliances
- Clothing
- Cars
- Furniture
- Kitchenware
- Bedding
- Electronics like computers and cell phones
How to Schedule a Pickup
Just enter your zip code on their website, pick your local area, list the items you're giving, and set up a pickup time. This convenient process supports their broad work, including addiction rehab, veteran support, elderly care, disaster aid, and job training.
Adjusting your pickup is hassle-free. Simply change your details online with just your last name and phone number.
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Pickup Please
Pickup Please supports Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and offers a convenient way to give back, catering to donations of compact furniture pieces such as nightstands, small chairs, and other lightweight items. While larger items like sofas aren't accepted, the smaller pieces you donate are sold to fund various charity programs. So, by choosing Pickup Please, your unused furniture can become a resource that helps drive positive change within different charitable missions.
You can donate the following items to Pickup Please:
- Furniture items light enough for one person to carry
- Small appliances like microwaves, toasters, and blenders
- Kitchenware
- Exercise and sports equipment
- Clothing
- Bedding and linens
- Toys
- Electronics such as radios, cameras, and computers
How to Schedule a Pickup
Their straightforward online scheduling allows you to choose a pickup date that fits your calendar. Just enter your zip code to begin scheduling. You can even get a pickup date within just 24 hours, which is ideal if donations unexpectedly end up last on your moving checklist. Remember to label your donations and set them outside on the agreed date.
The Arc
Donating to The Arc thrift stores is a meaningful way to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They welcome a wide array of donations, including larger pieces of furniture like wardrobes, dining sets, and bookcases.
Your donated goods help fund programs that offer job training and independent living assistance for individuals with disabilities. The process is designed for your convenience, with The Arc only collecting large furniture pieces to streamline their operations.
The Arc accepts these household items:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Kitchenware
- Toys
- Books
- Electronics (excluding televisions and computer monitors)
How to Schedule a Pickup
To donate, simply schedule a pickup for your large furniture items. This can be done with a quick phone call or by completing an online form. Your contributions directly enhance the autonomy and employment prospects of those within the community.
Goodwill
Goodwill, in collaboration with ReSupply, welcomes your donations, including a wide range of furniture such as couches, chairs, tables, and shelves. They ensure prompt service where ReSupply handles the logistics, including disassembling items if necessary, within 48 hours of scheduling.
When you're ready to donate, ReSupply's service ensures that your large or small items are collected and delivered to Goodwill. Your contributions of furniture and other household goods are sold in Goodwill stores, generating funds for their employment and training initiatives.
You can donate the following items to Goodwill:
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Vehicles
- Toys
- Linens
- Electronics
How to Schedule a Pickup
To schedule a pickup with ReSupply, give them a call or send an email to make arrangements. Although ReSupply charges for this service, the fee covers the convenience and speed of the pickup.
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AMVETS
AMVETS offers a straightforward way to support veterans with your furniture donations. They accept various items, including tables, chairs, dressers, and other small to medium-sized furniture.
Your furniture can help change a veteran's life. Every item you donate can help furnish a veteran's home or be sold to fund vital services for veterans' welfare. Your generosity can have a lasting impact, helping to uplift those who have served our country.
AMVETS accepts the following items:
- Small appliances
- Clothing
- Kitchenware
- Bedding and linens
- Electronics like TVs and computers
- Tools
How to Schedule a Pickup
AMVETS ensures that the donation process is easy for you, with options to accommodate your schedule. To donate, you can quickly arrange a pickup from your home by using their online form or making a phone call. Your contributions go directly to aiding veterans and their families, providing them with essential support.
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Streamline Your Furniture Donations and Relocations
Donating your furniture to charities that offer free pick-up is a generous act that can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need while also providing you with a tax benefit.
However, to ensure you can claim this benefit without any hassle, it's important to ask for a donation receipt. Snap a photo of the receipt as soon as you get it and store it in a designated digital folder.
For those who find themselves relocating regularly, maintain a specific binder for all vital documents, including these receipts. Remember, by donating, you're giving back to your community and preventing usable items from ending up in landfills, supporting environmental sustainability.
