12 Charities That Offer Free Furniture Pickup Near You
Posted in: Packing & UnpackingWhen you’re decluttering before a move, don’t immediately send your furniture to the landfill. Local or nationwide charities will pick up furniture for free. Your donation supports their work, and you’ll streamline your belongings for an easier move.
In this guide, we’ll introduce 12 charities that offer free furniture donation pickup. Since availability varies by city and organization, we’ll share tips on finding services near you and explain which furniture charities usually accept, guidelines for a smooth pickup, and alternatives if pickup services aren’t available in your area.
Table of Contents
- How Free Furniture Donation Pickup Works (and When It’s Better Than Junk Removal)
- How to Find Free Furniture Pickup Near You
- National Charities That Offer Free Furniture Donation Pickup
- Regional Charities That Offer Local Furniture Donation Pickup
- What if I Can’t Find an Organization I Can Donate To?
- What Charities Accept (and Don’t Accept) for Donation Pickup
- Why Your Furniture Donation Might Be Rejected
- How to Prepare Items for Donation Pickup
- Furniture Pickup FAQs
How Free Furniture Donation Pickup Works (and When It’s Better Than Junk Removal)
When you’re looking for someone to pick up furniture from your house, you have two main options:
- Charity donation pickups: Charities send a driver and truck to your house to pick up your items and use the furniture to support people in need.
- Junk removal services: Private services pick up your items and sort them for donation, recycling, or disposal. Junk removal does cost money, so be prepared to pay a fee.
At HireAHelper, we recommend arranging a free charity donation pickup if your furniture is usable and in good condition. We only suggest junk removal services for damaged furniture or if charities can’t accept your donation, but you still need those items removed.
Here are common furniture pieces and household goods you may want to donate, and whether or not most charities accept them:
- Couches: Accepted in good condition
- Mattresses: Very rarely accepted if clean and damage-free; check charity guidelines
- Bed frames: Accepted in good condition, but make sure you disassemble before pickup
- Pianos: Not typically accepted, but you can consider specialized music charities
- Appliances: Small, functioning appliances are usually accepted, but check the charity’s guidelines for large appliances
- Clothing: Varies by charity and may not be eligible for pickup
As you start organizing your move, note what you want to give away so you can ask your local charity if they’ll accept it.
How to Find Free Furniture Pickup Near You
Many national charities operate regional chapters, which may or may not pick up in your area. When you’re ready to donate, search online or contact local organizations to confirm availability.
- Use a search engine: Search online for the name of the charity, your city, and “furniture pickup”.
- Contact local chapters: Reach out directly to your local charity to ask if they will pick up furniture donations.
- Check for partnerships: Some local moving companies partner with charities to deliver furniture donations to them.
It takes a few minutes to research your options, but saving unwanted furniture from the landfill can lessen your carbon footprint and save you money when moving.
National Charities That Offer Free Furniture Donation Pickup
To get started on donating, you can use this table that lists some national charity organizations, including whether they offer free pickup, furniture condition requirements, and service area.
National Charity Services and Requirements for Donations
Charity |
Offers Furniture Pickup? |
Furniture Condition Requirement |
Service Area |
| AMVETS | Yes | Good condition only | Limited pickup in Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware, Texas, Virginia, and Oklahoma |
| The Arc (Arc Thrift) | Yes | No stains, rips, tears, or pet hair | Select locations across the country |
|
Habitat for Humanity ReStore |
Yes |
Upholstered and leather furniture must be free of tears, stains, and pet damage | Select locations across the country |
| Furniture Bank Network / Furniture Bank | Yes | Gently used | Select locations across the country |
| GreenDrop | Yes, but small furniture only | Good condition only | Select locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Arizona |
| Other Charities (Donation Town, PickUpMyDonation, Pickup Please, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Vietnam Veterans of America, Out of the Closet) | Yes, but varies by local partner charity | Good, reusable condition | Select locations across the country |
Whether or not a charity provides furniture pickup is just the start, though. You might want to donate to a cause that’s meaningful to you. Below, we expand on each charity’s mission and provide more details on what they accept.
Whether or not a charity provides furniture pickup is just the start, though. You might want to donate to a cause that’s meaningful to you. Below, we expand on each charity’s mission and provide more details on what they accept.
1. AMVETS (American Veterans)
AMVETS helps veterans find housing, healthcare, jobs, and support services. Your donated goods are sold in AMVETS thrift stores, which raise money to fund veterans’ programs.
- Operating locations: Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware, Texas, Virginia, and Oklahoma.
- Donations accepted: Furniture, small appliances, household goods, clothing, jewelry, toys, games, bedding, electronics, bicycles, and seasonal items up to 5 years old.
- Donations not accepted: Large appliances, mattresses, and hazardous items.
- How to schedule a pickup: Contact AMVETS by email or phone to schedule your pickup.
2. The Arc
The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donations are sold at Arc thrift stores and help fund programs for employment, education assistance, and training.
- Operating locations: The Arc has nearly 600 chapters nationwide, with a presence in every state.
- Donations accepted: Furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, kitchen goods, décor, certain electronics, and household goods
- Donations not accepted: Baby furniture, computer monitors, televisions, hazardous goods, and mattresses.
- How to schedule a pickup: Use The Arc’s chapter locator to find your local chapter and contact them directly to see if they pick up donations. You may arrange furniture pickup in Colorado online.
3. Donation Town
Donation Town helps connect you with local charities that offer free pickup. It’s a no-hassle way to support organizations in your area.
- Operating locations: Nationwide
- Donations accepted: Clothing, household items, toys, electronics, books, sports equipment, small furniture, and small appliances
- Donations not accepted: Large appliances, large furniture, mattresses, items that require fuel, and TVs
- How to schedule a pickup: Donation Town schedules donation pickups through Pickup Please. Enter your ZIP code to find participating local charities.
4. Furniture Bank Network
Many families are rebuilding after homelessness, domestic violence, or other crises, and the Furniture Bank Network connects you with local charities that provide furniture to those families in need.
- Operating locations: U.S. and Canada
- Donations accepted: Gently used beds, couches, dressers, tables, chairs, mattresses, desks, lamps, and area rugs
- Donations not accepted: Appliances, kitchen goods, bedding, cribs, and curtains
- How to schedule a pickup: Use the Furniture Bank Network directory to find a participating furniture bank near you. Some furniture banks ask for a financial donation to pick up.
5. Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries operates thrift stores across the U.S. and Canada. Your donations help people who are unemployed or underemployed to gain new skills and find jobs.
- Operating locations: Nationwide
- Donations accepted: Clean, good-condition sofas, dining tables, dressers, nightstands, bookshelves, kitchenware, small appliances, electronics, linens, and home décor
- Donations not accepted: Mattresses, box springs, or large appliances
- How to schedule a pickup: Find the nearest Goodwill store online. Then, contact them to find out if they offer furniture pickup.
6. GreenDrop
GreenDrop is a for-profit organization that picks up donations on behalf of nonprofits. Partner charities include the American Red Cross and Big Brothers Big Sisters. GreenDrop pays the charity for your donation, helping them fund their operations.
- Operating locations: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Arizona
- Donations accepted: Small furniture, small appliances, clothing, electronics, bedding, books, backpacks, sporting goods, toys, and housewares
- Donations not accepted: Large appliances, mattresses, damaged furniture, baby products, construction materials, medical equipment, certain TVs, and hazardous goods
- How to schedule a pickup: Schedule a pickup online.
7. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell donated home goods to fund local homebuilding projects. Most locations offer free pickup for larger donations.
- Operating locations: Nationwide
- Donations accepted: Sofas, chairs, tables, bed frames, bookshelves, and filing cabinets, as well as building materials and household goods
- Donations not accepted: Broken or damaged items, mattresses, commercial lighting, chemicals, certain electronics, and gas-powered items
- How to schedule a pickup: Find your nearest ReStore in the ReStore directory. If they offer pickup in your area, you can book a date online.
8. Out of the Closet
Out of the Closet is a thrift store chain operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The proceeds go to support free HIV research, testing, prevention, and treatment services.
- Operating locations: California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Washington
- Donations accepted: Furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, kitchen goods, home décor, and books
- Donations not accepted: Mattresses, bedding, towels, linens, built-in appliances, TVs or appliances over 3 years old, kids’ clothing, baby items, and bed frames
- How to schedule a pickup: Use their online form.
9. Pickup Please
Pickup Please is a free service that picks up small goods. The organization sells the items and uses the money to support charities like the Vietnam Veterans of America.
- Operating locations: 15 states, including California, Colorado, Oregon, Michigan, New York, and Florida
- Donations accepted: Small items that one person can lift and carry, including clothing, household goods, electronics, sporting goods, and small furnishings
- Donations not accepted: Large or heavy couches, mattresses, box springs, desks, chairs, dressers, TVs, fuel-powered items, and appliances
- How to schedule a pickup: Visit the website and enter your ZIP code to check availability in your area.
10. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international charity that offers a range of programs for disaster relief, rent assistance, and family services. The furniture you donate is sold in the organization’s thrift stores to raise money to help people around the country.
- Operating locations: Nationwide
- Donations accepted: Mattresses, sofas, bed frames, tables, clothing, household goods, small appliances, and sporting goods
- Donations not accepted: Gas appliances, built-in appliances, large console TVs, TVs older than 5 years, paint, chemicals, and gas heaters
- How to schedule a pickup: Visit the Salvation Army donations website, and enter your ZIP code to see the free donation pickup options in your area.
11. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Vietnam Veterans of America supports and advocates for veterans. Your goods are sold to provide funding for programs, including VA claims assistance.
- Operating locations: More than 30 states
- Donations accepted: Small furniture, clothing, bedding, small appliances, shoes, baby items, TVs and small electronics, kitchenware, and tools
- Donations not accepted: Built-in appliances, fuel-operated items, and printers
- How to schedule a pickup: Find a location in your state on the VVA website, and schedule a pickup online.
12. PickUpMyDonation
PickUpMyDonation is an online platform that connects you with local nonprofits that offer furniture pickup. It’s a tool, not a charity, designed to help you support charities in your area.
- Operating locations: 48 states
- Donations accepted Dressers, sofas, bed frames, shelving units, and certain appliances
- Donations not accepted: Hazardous items, fuel, flammable items
- How to schedule a pickup: Enter your ZIP code into the pick-up provider locator and describe what you’d like to donate. If a partner nonprofit accepts your items, they’ll contact you to schedule a pickup.
Regional Charities That Offer Local Furniture Donation Pickup
Here’s a snapshot of organizations in selected cities that pick up furniture donations and use the proceeds to benefit the community. There are many more charities out there, but this list gives you a sense of what’s available in some major metros.
New York City:
Los Angeles:
Chicago:
Houston:
Phoenix:
Philadelphia:
San Antonio:
San Diego:
Dallas:
San Jose:
Las Vegas:
Long Island:
Atlanta:
Brooklyn:
San Francisco:
Sacramento:
Seattle:
Bronx:
Tucson:
What if I Can’t Find an Organization I Can Donate To?
Sometimes, the big-name charities don’t serve your ZIP code, or maybe they don’t take the items you want to give away. If you still want to donate furniture (with free pickup) to veterans or local families, you’ve got options:
- Check local veterans’ Facebook groups: Many vets use community groups to ask for help when they’re setting up a new home or coming back from deployment.
- Check local moms’ and women’s Facebook groups: This is a great way to donate to women who have fled domestic violence situations or are facing other hardships.
- Post in your city’s Nextdoor or Buy Nothing group: These platforms can connect you to neighbors looking to furnish apartments. Many are foster youth who have aged out of care or families recovering from a crisis.
- Call a nearby shelter or community health organizations: Transitional housing programs might accept donated furniture. This is a great way to donate small items like chairs or end tables.
- Contact an animal rescue: Many animal shelters can use older couches, clean rugs, or end tables. Your donations can help create more comfortable adoption rooms or office spaces.
What Charities Accept (and Don’t Accept) for Donation Pickup
Before you start packing up your stuff, make sure that charities can take it. Here are some items that charities usually accept and reject for donation pickups — plus a few that are hit-or-miss.
Accepted for donation pickup
- Furniture in good condition
- Small appliances
- Clothing (in bags)
- Toys and books (in boxes)
Not accepted for donation pickup
- Built-in appliances
- Hazardous or flammable substances
- Baby gear and furniture
- Gas-powered items and appliances
- Dirty, broken, or damaged items
Sometimes accepted for pickup
- Large appliances
- Older TVs and electronics
- Large furniture
- Mattresses
The size of your furniture often determines if it’s eligible for free donation pickup. Some charities have large trucks, so they can handle bed frames and couch donations.
“It takes a few minutes to research your options, but saving unwanted furniture from the landfill can lessen your carbon footprint and save you money when moving.”
Safety matters, too. Most charities won’t pick up used mattresses for health reasons, including pest or allergen concerns. The same goes for flammable substances like paint and fuel.
Why Your Furniture Donation Might Be Rejected
As much as you may want your used furniture to help someone in need, not every piece is going to be accepted. The charity may not have the resources to clean or repair it, or it may be too hard for them to move.
Here are reasons a nonprofit may decline your donation:
- Items have stains, odors, or damage.
- Pieces exceed size or weight limitations.
- Stairs or hallways make it difficult to access the furniture.
You can sell used furniture if the piece is in usable shape, or check out our article on getting rid of an old couch for additional ideas.
How to Prepare Items for Donation Pickup
Once you’ve scheduled a donation pickup, it’s time to get your items ready. Here’s how to prep your donations:
- Clean items: Wipe down hard surfaces, vacuum under cushions, and make sure appliances are free of dust.
- Check functionality: Test items to ensure they’re working correctly and safe to donate.
- Check and label parts: Put screws and hardware into a plastic bag, and tape it to the item so they don’t get lost.
- Place in the correct spot: If your charity does curbside pickup, make sure items are clearly labeled with the organization’s name so drivers know what to take. Use plastic bins or tarps if there’s rain in the forecast. For in-home pickup, make sure the items are near the front door and ready to move.
When the driver arrives, ask about a tax receipt. Some charities hand them to you on the spot, while others email them later.
Furniture Pickup FAQs
What are the tax advantages of donating furniture?
When you donate furniture to a qualified nonprofit, you can deduct its fair market value on your taxes. You’ll need a receipt from the charity, and the deduction is based on what similar items would sell for. A sofa worth $150 online could be a $150 deduction. Donations don’t affect your taxes if you take the standard deduction.
How do I donate furniture to veterans with free pickup?
Check with AMVETS and Vietnam Veterans of America to see if they have free donation pickup in your area. You can also reach out to your nearby American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars post to find vets in need. Some posts may even accept furniture donations for their own spaces.
Why can’t I find furniture pickup near me?
Furniture pickup requires time and labor, so availability depends on a local charity’s resources. Some organizations may still accept your donation if you drop it off yourself.
Do charities pick up furniture from apartments?
Most charities ask that furniture be left curbside or near a ground-floor entrance. They typically won’t move pieces if elevators or stairs are required. If you live in an apartment, you may need to move the pieces yourself so they’re accessible to the driver. Check with the charity when you’re scheduling a pickup.
How far in advance do I need to schedule pickup?
Many organizations ask for at least a week’s notice so they can organize their pickup routes. Some may also schedule pickups on certain days depending on the neighborhood. Get in touch with the charity early so that you can schedule your pick-up date.
Do donation pickup services work on weekends?
Some charities do offer Saturday or Sunday pickups, depending on demand and driver availability. It’s best to check with the organization you’d like to donate to and confirm when they offer pickups.
Is furniture pickup really free?
Yes, many charities pick up furniture for free to encourage your donation. Some may have a suggested donation to help cover their costs. Junk removal services, and some businesses that partner with charities, usually charge a fee. It’s best to confirm this with each organization before scheduling your pickup.
