10 Charities Offering Free Donation Pick-Up to Simplify Your Move or Declutter

Planning to move into a new house? Or maybe just clearing the clutter? Giving away some things you no longer need is one way to declutter, all while supporting worthy causes. One of the easiest methods is by choosing charitable organizations that provide free donation pick-up so that they do some of the work for you during a busy move or downsizing.

Which organizations run free donation pick-up services, and what do they accept? Let’s run through the benefits of donation, what can be donated, and the list of charity organizations with donation pick-up offerings so that we can be sure your donations get through to a charity they intended.

Why Donate When Moving?

Moving is a nightmare! It can take months to plan and carry out with the packing of items. The more so are your belongings, the more complicated and expensive the move-and that is with the packing materials, moving truck, and stress! Any disposable or unnecessary items may be offloaded and donated before the move, which reduces moving headaches and gives room in the new home-in other words, a chance to cut moving costs!

Sometimes when one is not moving, emptying out clutter can do wonders in transforming space into something neat and calm. Besides, the donations go out towards needy communities, and it might also grant you tax benefits. A charitable contribution might be tax-deductible according to the guidelines set by IRS if you itemize your donations, so perhaps it is worth your time to review the guidelines to get the most out of it.

 

What Can Be Donated?

Don’t know where to start? Here is a quick list of the common items with an insight into why they’re such wonderful things to offer:

• Clothing and Shoes

 If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it might be time to let it go. This includes clothes that are tight or shoes that are in fine shape but simply do not agree with your style anymore. Keep those pieces you’re sentimental about, but give away the rest to someone who can use them. 

• Furniture

 Furniture can be awfully nasty to part with, especially if it harbors numerous memories for you. If your piece is a bit worn out or probably outdated and one that will certainly not fit into your new setup, let alone donating it can save it from being destroyed. And if you feel a bit unsure as to giving it away, you can always look at temporary storage. 

• Books, Toys, and Games

 Those chore collections, toys, or board games ready to bring joy to someone else: donate good condition loud and limp items rather than throwing them away. 

• Sports Equipment

 Gently used sports equipment, ranging from soccer balls to tennis rackets, can be very costly to replace. Committee members will take away these items to help hold on to an active lifestyle free of financial embarrassment.

• Kitchen Items

 Extra pots, pans, or dishes? Donating these is a fantastic idea to help somebody get started in a fresh home if you are remodeling your kitchen or simply no longer need them. 

• Art and Decor

 Perhaps some art, wall decor, or small antiques that no longer suit your style will prove to be a treasure for someone else. Donating them can spice up another home. 

• Vehicles

 Many charities accept vehicles for donation, including boats and can arrange for free pick-up. The donations usually are tax-deductible, thereby greatly impacting charitable programs.

Package items carefully to avoid damage while donating. Consider sturdy bags for soft items such as clothes and bubble wrap for harder-to-break items such as dishes or decor. Once packed, you are ready to proceed with the charity to arrange for pick-up.

 

Charities That Provide Free Pick-Up

Here is a select list of ten NGOs throughout the United States that provide free donation pick-up service during your move or declutter:

1. The Salvation Army

Established in 1865, The Salvation Army functions in over 130 countries worldwide and is truly an international name in charity work, including free donation pick-up, homeless shelter assistance, and disaster relief.

What They Accept: 

• Clothing, 
• Furniture, 
• Vehicles, 
• Appliances,
• Household goods.

What They Don’t Accept: 

• Broken large appliances, 
• Hazardous materials such as paint, 
• TVs more than five years old.

Impact: The items are sold at thrift stores to generate funds for programs such as rehabilitation centers.

Availability: Check online for drop-off locations or to schedule pick-up.

2. Habitat for Humanity

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has been raising shelter worldwide. Their ReStores sell donated items for home-building projects.

What They Accept: 

• Furniture, 
• New or gently-used appliances, 
• Building materials, and vehicles.

What They Don’t Accept: Mattresses, obsolete electronics, or broken items such as cracked windowpanes.

Impact: ReStore sales go toward the building of affordable homes.

Availability: Go on their site, enter your ZIP code, and see where the nearest ReStore is for booking pick-up time.

3. Goodwill

Goodwill began in 1902 to gear job training and community support through its chain of thrift stores.

What They Accept: 

• Clothes, 
• Small appliances, 
• Furniture, 
• Electronics,
• Sporting goods.

What They Don’t Accept: Hazardous items, furniture that is broken, or items that have been recalled.

Impact: The sale proceeds go to funding job training for those who are under some form of barrier to employment.

Availability: Contact your local Goodwill for pick-up arrangements.

4. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

Established in 1978, these groups work for veterans through advocacy and services, including pick-up in select areas.

What They Accept: 

• Clothing, 
• Shoes, 
• Small appliances, 
• Books, 
• Household items.

What They Do Not Accept: 

• Large furniture, 
• Major appliances, 
• Hazardous materials.

Impact: Donations fund veteran support programs.

Availability: Use their online map to schedule a pick-up.

5. The Furniture Bank Network

Networked charities all across North America provide furniture for families in need, such as those affected by homelessness or natural disasters.

What They Accept: 

• Gently used furniture such as couches, 
• Tables, 
• Mattresses.

What They Do Not Accept: Damaged or stained furniture.

Impact: Furniture goes directly to families that need it.

Availability: Check their map for locations and pick-up information.

6. AMVETS National Service Foundation

Since 1948, AMVETS has supported veterans through many programs, including their thrift store operations selling donated items.

What They Accept: 

• Clothing, 
• Household goods,
• Toys.

What They Do Not Accept: Varies by location-so contact your local chapter.

Impact: Proceeds go toward services and scholarships for veterans.

Availability: Schedule online or give your local chapter a call.

7. The Arc

The Arc, having been established in 1950, serves as an advocate for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities; more than 600 chapters operate nationwide.

What They Accept: 

• Clothes, 
• Kitchenware, 
• Linen, 
• Decor.

What They Don’t Accept: Varies by chapter, so check locally for whatever your case may be.

Impact: Funds were used for advocacy and community programs.

Availability: Check online for the chapter near you, and whether they prefer pick-up or drop-off.

8. GreenDrop

They perform collection and pick-up services for charities such as the American Red Cross.

What They Accept: 

• Clothes, 
• Small electronics, 
• Tools, 
• Sporting goods weighing under 50 pounds.

What They Don’t Accept: 

• Tube TVs, 
• Baby items,
• Heavy furniture.

Impact: Supports partner charities in carrying out their work.

Availability: Mostly the East Coast-please check for your location on their official website.

9. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, this mentoring agency helps at-risk youth via community programs and accepts donations to fund their programs.

What They Accept: 

• Clothing, 
• Household items, 
• Exercise equipment.

What They Don’t Accept: 

• Furniture, 
• Medical supplies, 
• Anything in a broken state.

Impact: Child mentoring.

Availability: Check their site for local offices and scheduling of pickups.

10. PickUpMyDonation.com

Since 2012, this service connects donors with local nonprofit organizations, with free pick-up offered in many areas.

What They Accept: It depends on the nonprofit—usually things like clothes or small furniture and household items.

What They Do Not Accept: Again, it depends on the partnered NGO.

Impact: It helps local charities as well as reducing landfill.

When Can It Be Done: You can enter your ZIP code online and request a pick-up.

Other Ways to Give Back

Besides donating through pick-up services, you may want to consider:

Local Shelters and Food Banks: Donate nonperishable food items or volunteer your time for those in need.

Educational Programs: Donate to foundations such as The NEA Foundation that work for the betterment of public education.

Domestic Violence Support: Organizations like DomesticShelters.org allow you to buy items from their wishlists for survivors.

 

Moving out or decluttering gives a great opportunity to donate: one becomes simpler, while the other aids someone in need. Above-listed charities can come to your doorstep and pick up the items, giving them new life. Check for accepted items by each charity, pack them well, and ask for receipts for tax deductions if applicable.

 

Another charity in your vicinity offers free pick-up? Get on Google and check for more, and thus start yourself on a clutter-free road with a difference!