Donating to charity is a great way to declutter before a move and give back in the process. That’s why free donation pickup services offered by some charities are such a win-win. They help you simplify your move and support communities in need at the same time. If you’ve checked out our resources on packing and planning, you know we’re big proponents of using your move as a time to take inventory of what you own. Instead of lugging items you don’t want or use anymore to your new home, take this opportunity to part with them intentionally.
To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of seven organizations that offer donation pickups, along with tips and need-to-know info on donating furniture, books and clothing. Let’s dive in.
7 Charities That Offer Donation Pickups
One of the most recognizable donation-based organizations, The Salvation Army, has been operating since 1865 and works in 131 countries. Your donated items are either sold in thrift stores to fund charitable programs or distributed directly to those in need.
What they accept:
- Furniture (including large items)
- Mattresses
- Clothing and shoes
- Electronics
- Household goods and appliances
- Books
- Used cars
Who they help: Individuals and families in crisis: victims of domestic abuse or trafficking, the elderly, at-risk youth, and disaster victims.
How to schedule a pickup: Visit satruck.org, enter your ZIP code, list your items, and schedule your pickup. You don’t need to be home — items can be labeled “SA” and left outside. Save your donation receipts and use The Salvation Army’s Donation Value Guide to estimate tax deductions.
Founded in 1902, Goodwill has over 3,200 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Donated items are sold in stores to support job training and placement services for those in need.
What they accept:
- Furniture
- Clothing and shoes
- Toys and games
- Electronics
- Housewares
- Art
- Books
Who they help: Goodwill assists job seekers, youth, people with disabilities, the elderly, and those reentering society after incarceration.
How to schedule a pickup: Use the Goodwill Locator to find your nearest store and check whether they offer pickups (availability varies by location).
Serving U.S. veterans since 1948, AMVETS operates in 22 states with both stores and donation pickup options. Donations support outreach programs and job training for veterans.
What they accept:
- Small furniture and appliances
- Clothing
- Toys and games
- Bedding
- Bicycles
- Electronics (TVs, computers)
- Exercise gear under 5 years old
Who they help: U.S. military veterans, both active and retired.
How to schedule a pickup: Visit https://www.amvetspickup.org/, select your state, and call the listed number to arrange pickup.
Habitat for Humanity supports affordable housing efforts around the world and funds its mission partly through its U.S.-based ReStores.
What they accept:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Building materials
- Household items
Who they help: Low-income families and individuals in need of safe, affordable housing.
How to schedule a pickup: Visit habitat.org/stories, enter your ZIP code to locate ReStores near you, and contact them directly for pickup.
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Pickup Please (Vietnam Veterans of America)
Pickup Please supports Vietnam Veterans of America and offers fast pickup scheduling, sometimes within 24 hours.
What they accept:
- Clothing
- Toys
- Books
- Household goods
- Sports gear and tools
- Small home furnishings
Note: Items must be small/light enough for one person to carry.
Who they help: Veterans of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on healthcare, homelessness, and minority veterans.
How to schedule a pickup: Visit pickupplease.org, enter your ZIP code, and follow the instructions. Items can be left outside labeled “VVA Donation Pickup.”
Operating in 34 states, the Furniture Bank Network distributes donated furniture directly to people who can’t afford it.
What They Accept:
- Furniture
- Small appliances
- Electronics
- Housewares
Who they help: Formerly unhoused individuals, refugees, domestic violence survivors, and low-income families.
How to schedule a pickup: Use furniturebanks.org to find a participating organization near you. Pickup services vary by location.
Not a charity itself, PickUpMyDonation.com partners with local nonprofit thrift stores to connect them with donors.
What they accept:
- Larger items (that require a truck for transport)
Who they help: Nonprofits in your community — recipients vary depending on location and partnership.
How to schedule a pickup: Go to pickupmydonation.com, submit your list of items, and wait to be matched with a local thrift store or hauler (e.g., College Hunks Hauling Junk). Minimum size requirements may apply.
Donating Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Clean and disinfect all items.
- Wash/dry clean clothing.
- Check toys, games and books for damage.
- Test electronics and battery-operated items.
- Package items neatly for pickup (label and organize as needed).
Don’t:
- Donate broken, expired or soiled items.
- Include hazardous materials (e.g., paint, chemicals, makeup).
- Leave items outside unattended for drop-off.
- Donate recalled, banned or outdated baby/child items (cribs, strollers, etc.).
Donating Furniture: What to Know
If you’re downsizing or upgrading, donation is an ideal way to part with old furniture. Most charities take small household items like chairs, nightstands and lamps. For larger pieces (sofas, beds, dining tables), stick with The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or Goodwill.
Tools like DonationTown can help you find local charities that accept and pick up furniture.
Not Accepted: Ripped, stained or pet-damaged upholstery, broken furniture, or lighting that doesn’t work.
Alternative Options:
- Sell on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
- Use a consignment store
- Recycle, especially if items are beyond repair
Donating Books: What to Know
Books must be in good condition — no mold, tears or excessive markings. Outdated textbooks and encyclopedias are usually not accepted.
Consider donating to:
- Libraries (call first)
- Hospitals or shelters
- Literacy programs or prison libraries
- Little Free Libraries in your area
- Used bookstores or charity resale shops
You can also host a book swap or repurpose books into art or crafts.
Donating Clothing: What to Know
Moving is a great excuse to finally sort your closet. The charities listed above accept gently used clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. Avoid donating stained, ripped, smelly, or unwearable clothes.
Specialized options:
- Dress for Success: Women’s professional attire.
- Planet Aid: Resells clothing to keep items out of landfills.
- Local shelters and outreach centers may also accept clothes.
Quick Tips for Donation Pickups
- Sort and clean items in advance.
- Label boxes or bags clearly for the pickup team.
- Book early. Don’t wait until the last week before moving.
- Leave buffer time between the pickup day and your move day.
- Check each charity’s list of accepted items (many are posted online).
How to Schedule a Donation Pickup
- Identify a charity that offers free pickups near you.
- Confirm the service is active and free.
- Verify what items they accept.
- Prep your donation per their guidelines.
- Schedule your pickup via their website or phone.
- Be home at the scheduled time (or label and leave items outside, if allowed).
If You’re Dropping Off Instead
- Find out if drive-through or bin drop-off is available.
- Sort and label your items.
- Don’t leave donations outside after hours.
- Ask for a receipt for tax purposes.
Donation FAQs
How do I schedule a donation pickup?
First, identify a charity that offers free pickups near you. Then verify what they accept and prepare your donations according to their guidelines. Schedule your pickup via their website or phone and follow instructions for having your items picked up from your home.
What furniture donations are typically accepted?
Chairs, couches, dining tables, desks, dressers, bed frames, and lamps. Please check with each charity for specifics.
What won’t be picked up?
Large appliances, oversized furniture, hazardous materials, unassembled items, recalled/banned products, or anything broken.
What condition should my donation be in?
Clean, gently used, and resale-worthy. If you wouldn’t buy it, please don’t donate it.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, if given to a 501(c)(3) organization. Save your receipts and follow IRS guidelines.
Who do my donations help?
Each organization supports different causes. You can use CharityWatch.org to explore how your donation makes an impact.
Where else can I donate clothes?
Aside from Goodwill, try The Salvation Army, Dress for Success, local shelters, or Planet Aid.
Done Donating? Find a Mover!
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to hire a reputable moving company. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.
Best of luck and happy moving!