Downsizing? Here Are Top Charities That Pick Up Donations

A volunteer with children

Moving is the perfect time to refresh your space and embrace a new look. While the moving process can be stressful, it’s also a chance to reimagine your home. That excitement can fade fast when you’re faced with old furniture and items that no longer fit your vision. Instead of letting clutter weigh you down, consider donating. It’s a practical way to clear space—and your mind. Plus, it’s a win-win: you lighten your load, and someone else gets much-needed items.

The good news? You don’t have to handle it all yourself. Many charities will pick up donations right from your home, making it easier than ever to part with the things you no longer need. That said, not all organizations offer the same services; some offer only clothing donation pickup, others offer furniture donation pickup, and pickup options vary. If you’re looking for a convenient way to move without the extra legwork, we’ve got you covered.

Graphic reading, "Moving Blog. Downsizing? Here are some charities that pick up donations."

Charities That Pick Up Clothes and Household Items

Not all donation pickups are limited to furniture. Many charities focus on smaller, more manageable items. This can include things like clothing, books, shoes, kitchenware, or small appliances, which are often easier to transport and process. Below are a few reliable organizations that offer pickup services for these types of donations.

PickUp Please

PickUp Please supports Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and offers a fast, convenient way to donate smaller household items. You can schedule a pickup easily from your computer or phone, and in many areas, they can collect donations within 24 hours – perfect for last-minute movers. They accept a wide range of items, including clothing, shoes, books, purses, toys, small appliances, and other household goods, as long as they can be carried by one person. After pickup, you’ll receive a tax deduction receipt via email. Just note that they don’t accept bulky or heavy furniture.

ClothingDonations.Org

ClothingDonations.org is a service that also supports VVA by collecting donated goods to fund programs that address the needs and concerns of all veterans. Operating in 30 states across the continental U.S., this organization offers a convenient way to donate everyday items without leaving your home.

You can easily schedule a clothing donation pickup online, and while pickup may take a bit longer than some other services, the process is straightforward. They accept practical items such as clothing, shoes, baby items, small appliances, kitchenware, and electronics. They focus on goods that are useful and manageable in size, so large or bulky furniture is not accepted.

GreenDrop

GreenDrop offers a simple way to donate gently used items while supporting local nonprofit partners. They are a for-profit company that collects donations on behalf of charitable organizations. They pay these nonprofit partners for your donated goods, helping fund community programs.

Accepted items include clothing, shoes, bedding, toys, kitchenware, collectibles, small appliances, sporting goods, and electronics. For a complete list, you can visit their website’s accepted items page. You can schedule a clothing donation pickup online or drop off donations at GreenDrop locations in many states. After your donation is received, you can download a tax receipt for your records.

Cheerful woman volunteering

Charities that Pick Up Donated Furniture

If you’re downsizing, redecorating, or simply clearing out bulky items before a move, donating furniture can be a great way to lighten the load and help someone in need. There are several charities that pick up furniture to make the process even easier. From sofas and dressers to dining sets and bed frames, these organizations accept a range of gently used pieces and put them to good use. Below are some trusted charities that handle furniture donations and provide furniture donation pickup options to save you time and effort.

The Salvation Army

When it comes to charitable donations, The Salvation Army is often one of the first organizations that comes to mind. Founded in 1865, it remains a trusted name in helping those in need. Fortunately, it’s also one of the few charities that offers furniture donation pickup.

The Salvation Army accepts a wide range of donations, from clothing and household goods to furniture of all sizes. Their programs support underserved communities, including survivors of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking, those affected by natural disasters, and more. Scheduling a pickup is simple—just enter your ZIP code on their website to get started.

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Goodwill

Goodwill is a bit of a special case when it comes to donation pickups. While some locations do offer pickup services, it’s typically limited to large, heavy furniture that’s difficult to transport. If it’s something you can easily move yourself, they’ll likely ask you to drop it off instead.

This policy aligns with Goodwill’s mission to provide job opportunities, often to individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, who may not be equipped to handle small item pickups. Still, it’s worth checking if your local Goodwill offers furniture donation pickup, especially if you have larger pieces to donate. To find out, visit their website to see if pickup is available in your area.

Habitat For Humanity

Habitat For Humanity is another charity that picks up donations. They are a charity that mostly picks up donated furniture. They are a special case as well since you need to contact a Habitat ReStore for pickup. These stores have building and home materials to rebuild homes for people. They sell these items at a discounted price.  This goes hand-in-hand with the org’s mission to renovate homes. They are looking for large items like furniture and appliances. To schedule a pick-up, enter your zip code on their site and find your closest store.

The Arc

The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ranging from autism to Fragile X Syndrome, by providing vital resources and advocacy. Like Goodwill and The Salvation Army, The Arc sells donated items in its thrift stores, with proceeds directly funding its programs and services.

They accept a wide range of donations, including clothing, furniture, books, and even used cars. If you’d like to schedule a free pickup, reach out to your local Arc chapter to check availability and arrange a time.

A volunteer providing support to a man in a wheelchair

Need Another Option For Donation Pickups?

If none of the options listed here fit your needs, don’t worry! Many local charities also offer donation pickup services. Take some time to research what’s available in your area. You might discover a smaller organization doing work that aligns closely with causes you care about. Supporting a local nonprofit not only makes your move easier but also helps strengthen your community. It’s a great way to give your items a second life while backing initiatives that matter to you.

If you’re unsure which charity to choose or have limited options, PickUpMyDonation.com is a great resource. It connects you with local charities that offer donation pickups and, in many cases, drop-off options as well. Just enter your ZIP code, provide details about what you’re donating and when, and the platform will match you with the most suitable organization. It’s marketed as one of the easiest ways to connect with nonprofits that offer pickup services.

Conclusion

Moving is the perfect time to declutter and give back. Many charities offer free home pickup for items like clothes, books, small appliances, and electronics. Services like PickUp Please, ClothingDonations.org, and GreenDrop make it easy to schedule household item or clothing donation pickups online. Your donations help support veterans, community programs, and more, making it a win-win.

Looking for charities that pick up furniture? The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, and The Arc all offer pickup options for large items. Some require scheduling weeks in advance, so plan ahead. If you’re not sure where to start, PickUpMyDonation.com connects you with charities in your area. Don’t forget to check for local donation programs too—they might be just around the corner.

FAQ’s

What items do most charities accept for donation pickup?

Most charities that pick up donations accept clothing, shoes, household goods, small appliances, books, toys, and electronics. Some also accept furniture and larger items, but it depends on the organization and your location.

Do all donation pickups include furniture?

No, not all charities that pick up donations accept furniture. Some only take items that can be carried by one person. Others only offer clothing donation pickup. Be sure to check each organization’s guidelines before scheduling a pickup.

How far in advance do I need to schedule a donation pickup?

It varies by charity. Some offer next-day service, while others, especially charities that pick up furniture, may require a few weeks’ notice.

Can I get a tax deduction for my donations?

Yes, most nonprofits provide a tax receipt after your items are picked up or dropped off. Make sure to ask or check their website for details.

What if I can’t find a national charity that does donation pickup near me?

If these options don’t fit your needs, look into local charities that pick up donations. Many offer pickup services and may align better with the causes you want to support. Just be sure to confirm their pickup policies before donating.

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Maura De Cicco attends the University of Iowa as a Journalism and Anthropology student. She plans to pursue a strategic communications track when it comes to writing, and an archaeology track when it comes to Anthropology.

Content Editor/Guest Blogger at UniMovers |  + posts

Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.