10 Charities Offering Free Furniture Donation Pickup

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When it’s time to update your living room furniture or declutter your home, don’t just toss your old items into the trash. According to the EPA, Americans discarded a staggering 12.1 million tons of furniture in 2018, with a staggering 80.1% of it ending up in landfills. 

On the flip side, you could join those who donated $499.3 billion in 2022 to support those in need. Even better, you can receive a tax write-off if you donate to a qualified organization.

And if you’re worried about how to get your couch or bookcase to the donation site, you should know that many charities offer free furniture pickup. Below is a list of 10 organizations where you can donate furniture with free pickup. 

In This Article


Where Are Furniture Donation Centers that Pick Up Near Me?

Tossing furniture into the trash is not only wasteful but also a missed opportunity to help those in need. If you have furniture or other items in your home that you’re not using and would like to donate, these organizations are currently offering free pickup services.

1. AMVETS

AMVETS, or American Veterans, is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to advocating for U.S. veterans and related causes. Their thrift stores offer quality used clothing, household goods, toys, and furniture at affordable prices. AMVETS is primarily in need of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, small appliances, electronics, jewelry, kitchenware, TVs, and computers. 

They request that donated items be less than five years old. For those in specific states, including Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Delaware, Texas, and Oklahoma, you can schedule a donation pickup online or over the phone.

2. The Arc

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization that advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, as well as their families.

In addition to cash and tribute gifts, many local chapters may also accept donated items like clothing. You can schedule a pickup, depending on your location. To find and contact the chapter near you, use the organization’s directory

If you’re interested in donating a vehicle, you can complete the car donation form online.

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3. Donation Town

Donation Town is a service that arranges pickups and deliveries of donations to charities across the country. Think of it as a moving service for you and the charity you donate to. They accept various items, including furniture, clothing, shoes, toys, vehicles, and more.

 

“Donating your furniture can go a long way toward helping others in need. However…be sure your furniture is fit for donation. Items should be in good shape and generally be something another family would want in their home.”

 

To schedule a free furniture donation pickup, simply enter your zip code in the online form, select the local charity to pick up your items, and schedule the pickup.

4. Furniture Bank (Canada)

Furniture Bank is a charitable organization based in Toronto dedicated to providing gently used furniture and housewares to families in need. While they charge a tax-deductible fee for donation pickups starting at $160, these funds directly support the organization and its programs. You can request donation pickup by filling out an online form.

Note that not all furniture can be accepted. The furniture should be free-standing, under 6 feet in height, and in good, usable condition. It should not require assembly or disassembly. Furniture Bank is particularly interested in receiving dining, living room, and bedroom furniture, electronics, small appliances, housewares, kitchen items, and decor.

Before scheduling a pickup, contact Furniture Bank to verify that your item is accepted. 

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5. Goodwill

furniture donation charities

Goodwill Industries International Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides job training and career services for individuals facing employment barriers. It is supported by a network of over 3,000 independent nonprofit retail thrift stores across the United States.

Goodwill welcomes a wide range of items, including clothing, furniture, and housewares, provided they are in new or gently used condition. Take a moment to review your local Goodwill’s donation guidelines to ensure your items are accepted, as there may be specific restrictions in place.

Does goodwill pick up furniture?

While most Goodwills offer pickup services for furniture and other large items that are difficult to transport, not all locations provide this service. To find out if pickup service is available in your area, you should contact your local Goodwill. You can use the online locator to find your nearest Goodwill retail store, donation site, or outlet store.

6. GreenDrop

GreenDrop is a for-profit and professional fundraising company operating on the East Coast. They facilitate donations on behalf of various local nonprofits, including the the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Donation Center, Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, National Federation of the Blind, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia.

If you have gently used clothing, household items, or other goods to donate, GreenDrop provides the convenience of scheduling charity donation pickups at select locations. To request a pickup, you can provide a few details and submit the online form.

GreenDrop accepts a wide range of items, including clothing, shoes, blankets, bedding, tools, collectibles, kitchenware, toys, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments, and sporting goods. For environmental reasons, they cannot accept tube TVs or computer monitors. They also won’t accept anything over 50 pounds. 

 

7. Habitat for Humanity

funiture donation charitiesHabitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps build and improve homes for families in need. It also operates home improvement stores known as Habitat ReStores, which accept donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials, and more. The proceeds from selling these items go toward supporting Habitat for Humanity programs.

Most Habitat ReStores pick up furniture donations for free and other bulky items, including building materials. Start by finding your nearest location via zip code and contact the store to ask them about the items you want to donate. They can help you find the best way to transport them. 

8. Out of the Closet Thrift Stores

Out of the Closet Thrift Store (OTC) plays a role in raising funds and awareness for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. A significant portion of the proceeds from their sales (ninety-six cents out of every dollar) goes toward HIV prevention and treatment services. You can find dozens of their locations throughout the United States.

 

“According to the EPA, Americans discarded a staggering 12.1 million tons of furniture in 2018, with a staggering 80.1% of it ending up in landfills.”

 

The organization accepts many items, including furniture, clothing, shoes (teen and adult sizes only), kitchenware, appliances and electronics (less than three years old), home decor, tools, musical instruments, and books. Some items that can’t be accepted include mattresses, bedding, children’s shoes and toys, older electronics, and vehicles. It’s always a good idea to contact your local store to ensure your donated item will be accepted.

Out of the Closet also has scheduled pick-ups for large item donations like furniture. To make an appointment, simply fill out their online form.

9. Pick Up Please

Items donated to Pick Up Please generate the majority of the funding needed to support local, state, and national programs of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The organization operates in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Pick Up Please gladly accepts donations of clothing, small furniture, household items, toys, electronics, books, exercise equipment, and more. In general, these items should be small and lightweight enough for a single person to pick up and carry. Items that aren’t accepted include large furniture and appliances, TVs, food, cash, or checks.

You can easily schedule pickups for your donations online, and often the service is available within 24 hours.

10. Salvation Army

furniture donation charities

The Salvation Army is affiliated with the Protestant church and is an international charitable organization with a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million. The proceeds from items sold at its thrift stores are used to fund its Adult Rehabilitation Centers, which assist individuals struggling with drugs and alcohol.

Commonly donated items include clothing, furniture, appliances, household goods, and automobiles. To schedule a pickup, put your zip code into the directory and find a participating location near you. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).


What To Know Before Donating Furniture

The first step before donating is to ensure that your items are in good condition, and are something that another family would want. Remember that not all charities accept furniture, and each organization has specific rules regarding acceptable items.

Dos and don’ts of donating furniture

DO:

  • Know what the donation center does and does not accept
  • Ask yourself whether you’d buy the item you’re donating
  • Get a receipt for your tax return

DON’T:

  • Donate furniture that is in poor condition
  • Donate an item that the organization prohibits
  • Misrepresent the item that you plan to donate

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How to schedule donation pickup

When you’re ready to schedule a donation pickup for your furniture, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the local charity of your choosing
  2. Contact them to verify they offer donation pickups in your area and that your item is acceptable
  3. Find their online scheduling form or other methods of contact for pickup scheduling
  4. Submit your personal details and choose a service date
  5. Prepare your item for pickup as indicated by the organization

I’m in need. How do I find free furniture near me?

There are a lot of resources available if you are in need of furniture. 

The Salvation Army, for example, offers free furniture to individuals who have vouchers from referring agencies. Likewise, the Crisis Assistance Ministry runs a free furniture bank for those in dire need. If you have undergone a life-altering event, the Ashley Furniture “Hope to Dream Program” might be able to furnish you with free furniture.

These and other organizations offer user-friendly online directories for your convenience, enabling you to search by your zip code and find nearby assistance centers. Feel free to contact any of the organizations mentioned above that align with your circumstances and inquire about the process for acquiring donated items. They will give you information or guide you to resources.


FAQs

Who takes used furniture for free?

Many charitable organizations offer free pickup services for furniture donations. Habitat for Humanity, for example, specializes in picking up large and bulky items, including furniture and building supplies.

Are furniture donations tax deductible?

Yes, furniture donations to qualifying charities are generally tax-deductible. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows taxpayers to deduct the fair market value of furniture donated, but this requires itemizing your taxes.

Do charities accept worn furniture donations?

Most charities prefer furniture donations to be in new or gently used condition. Items that are broken, stained, or in poor condition are typically not accepted.

What furniture is not available for pickup?

Each charity has its own rules regarding the types of furniture that can be donated and picked up. It’s always advisable to contact the organization in advance to learn their specific guidelines for donating furniture.

Who will pick up my piano for free?

Several charities specialize in providing musical instruments to educators and students. Organizations that offer free pickup for pianos and other large instruments include The Beethoven Foundation, PianosforEducation.org, and The Music Guild.

Who will pick up my mattress for free?

Due to health and safety reasons, most charities do not accept mattress donations. You will most likely need to hire a junk removal service or schedule a bulk pickup with your local sanitation service, which typically involves a fee. You can also look here for more tips and options on how to get rid of your mattress. 

The Movers Who Hire the Homeless

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It was only my second day as a mover when I was sent on a pack job. I was with two other guys. They’d been with the company a while, so it seemed totally natural when one asked me to label his carton of picture frames for him.

“Here, just use my marker,” I said, holding it out for him.

He just stared at it.

“He doesn’t label boxes,” the other guy said.

What he meant was, he couldn’t label boxes. My fellow packer was functionally illiterate.

But boy, could he pack a house.

(more…)

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