9 Charities that Offer Free Donation Pickup
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Furniture Bank provide free donation pick-up services for items like clothing, furniture, and household goods, and you can donate electronics through Human-I-T.
Pick-ups can usually be scheduled for free online or by phone, and charities will sell your stuff to support their program or distribute it to people in need. Whether you’re offloading a couch, clearing out your closet, or downsizing for a move, these services can help you declutter without lifting a finger and support your community.
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How to schedule a free donation pickup
Most major charities have online booking tools or hotlines to help you schedule a free pickup in minutes. Here’s how the process usually works:
- Choose your charity: Use the comparison table below to find an organization that serves your area and accepts your items.
- Check availability: Enter your ZIP code on the charity’s website or call to confirm they offer pickups near you.
- Schedule your pickup: Choose a date and share item details. Most organizations allow you to schedule online or by phone.
- Prep your items: Clean, pack, and label donations. Use our checklist below for guidance.
- Set out your items: Leave your donations in the designated area (porch, curb, or lobby) on pickup day.
Comparison table: Free donation pickup charities
Use this chart to compare the top organizations offering free donation pickup in 2025. Each one has its own rules, so be sure to check availability and restrictions.
| Charity | Accepted items | Restrictions | Service areas | Scheduling method | Business pickups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | Furniture, clothing, electronics, books, toys, housewares | No recalled items; some locations restrict size/quantity | Nationwide | Online/phone | Some locations |
| Salvation Army | Clothing, furniture, appliances, vehicles | No cribs, car seats, TVs, or particleboard furniture | Nationwide | Online/phone | Yes |
| Habitat for Humanity | Furniture, appliances, building materials, vehicles | No mattresses, used paint, hazardous waste | All 50 states | Online/phone | Some locations |
| Furniture Bank | All furniture, vehicles | Must be gently used; no mattresses in some areas | 34 states | Online/phone | Some locations |
| Vietnam Veterans of America (Pick Up Please) | Small furniture, clothing, electronics, housewares | No large furniture; all items must be in resellable condition | 13+ states | Online | No (residential only) |
| AMVETS | Clothing, bedding, small appliances, bicycles, books | No large furniture; electronics must be less than five years old | 22 states | Online | No |
| The Arc | Clothing, housewares, books, toys, decor, vehicles | No large furniture; local restrictions apply | 700+ chapters | Online/phone | Some chapters |
| GreenDrop | Clothing, electronics, tools, toys, housewares | No large furniture; available in select states | PA, NJ, DE, DC, VA | Online | No |
| human-I-T | Computers, electronics, office equipment | Items must meet specs; no household goods | 50 states (pickup/shipping) | Online/shipping | Yes |
Tip: Use the table to narrow your options, then read our detailed charity profiles below.
Top charities that offer free donation pickup
These nonprofits make it easy to give your gently used items a second life. Here’s a closer look at what they accept, where they operate, and how to schedule a pickup:
Goodwill
Goodwill transforms your donations into job training and community-based employment programs. With over 3,000 locations nationwide, they accept a broad range of household goods and offer free pickups in many areas.
- Schedule: Goodwill Online donation scheduler
- Accepted: Furniture, clothing, electronics, shoes, books, toys, housewares
- Not accepted: Hazardous materials, recalled items, some large furniture (location-dependent)
- Availability: Most states. You can confirm online using your ZIP code.
- Business pickups: Available at some locations; call ahead
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army supports disaster relief, food assistance, and shelter programs through its thrift stores. Their free pickup service accepts many household essentials.
- Schedule: Salvation Army pickup scheduler
- Accepted: Clothing, furniture, appliances, some vehicles
- Not accepted: Mattresses (in many areas), baby gear, particleboard furniture, CRT TVs
- Availability: Nationwide
- Business pickups: Yes; contact your local branch
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat ReStores resell donated goods to fund affordable housing. They accept functional household goods, appliances, and materials. Pickups are available in all 50 states.
- Schedule: Habitat ReStore pickup
- Accepted: Furniture, working appliances, tools, surplus building materials, vehicles
- Not accepted: Mattresses, chemicals, open paint, broken items
- Availability: Nationwide
- Business pickups: Some locations
Furniture Bank
Furniture Bank connects donated furnishings with families exiting homelessness or crisis. They serve 34 states and typically accept furniture in good condition.
- Schedule: Furniture Bank pickup scheduler
- Accepted: Beds, tables, sofas, dressers, vehicles (some locations)
- Not accepted: Soiled or broken items; no mattresses in some areas
- Availability: 34 states — use their map tool
- Business pickups: Some branches offer them
Vietnam Veterans of America (Pick Up Please)
Pick Up Please supports veterans’ programs by reselling donated goods. They’re known for fast, often next-day pickups, and operate in a handful of states.
- Schedule: Pick Up Please scheduler
- Accepted: Small furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, housewares
- Not accepted: Large furniture, mattresses, non-resellable items
- Availability: CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, LA, MI, NJ, NY, OR, PA, MD, VA
- Business pickups: No; residential only
AMVETS
AMVETS supports American veterans and their families. They offer scheduled home pickups in 22 states and accept a variety of household goods.
- Schedule: AMVETS pickup scheduler
- Accepted: Clothing, bedding, books, small appliances, toys, bikes
- Not accepted: Large furniture, outdated electronics (older than 5 years)
- Availability: 22 states
- Business pickups: No
The Arc
The Arc provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donation policies vary by chapter, but many offer home pickups.
- Schedule: The Arc donation info
- Accepted: Clothing, housewares, decor, books, vehicles
- Not accepted: Large furniture in most areas; some chapter-specific restrictions
- Availability: 700+ local chapters
- Business pickups: Some chapters
GreenDrop
GreenDrop partners with multiple nonprofits to collect donations across the East Coast. They offer contactless home pickups and support several charitable missions.
- Schedule: GreenDrop scheduler
- Accepted: Clothing, electronics, toys, tools, housewares
- Not accepted: Large furniture or appliances
- Availability: PA, NJ, DE, DC, VA
- Business pickups: No
human-I-T
human-I-T redistributes donated electronics to under-resourced communities. They offer free pickup or prepaid shipping labels for qualifying tech donations.
- Schedule: human-I-T donation page
- Accepted: Laptops, desktops, monitors, networking equipment, tablets
- Not accepted: Non-tech items or outdated equipment
- Availability: All 50 states (pickup or shipping)
- Business pickups: Yes
Donation guidelines and restrictions
Charities only accept items they can safely use or resell. You can avoid getting your donations rejected by following these general rules:
- Accepted: Clean, gently used furniture, clothing, housewares, electronics, books, and some vehicles.
- Not accepted: Broken or hazardous items, mattresses (some charities), baby gear, or large appliances (varies by organization).
- Condition matters: Donations must be safe, working, and in good repair.
- Local rules apply: Always double-check the charity’s website for policies on any items you aren’t sure about.
Commonly accepted donation items
Most organizations publish lists of accepted items. Here’s a quick reference:
- Goodwill: Most household goods, including clothing, electronics, and some vehicles
- Salvation Army: Furniture, appliances, clothing, and vehicles; no mattresses or baby items
- Habitat for Humanity: Furniture, tools, appliances, building materials, and vehicles
- Furniture Bank: Furniture and vehicles that are in good condition
- Pick Up Please (VVA): Clothing, small household items, toys, and electronics
- AMVETS: Clothing, books, bikes, and household goods; no large furniture
- The Arc: Clothing, toys, decor, and small furnishings
- GreenDrop: Clothing, housewares, electronics, and tools; no furniture
- human-I-T: Laptops, desktops, tablets, and commercial electronics
Where is free donation pickup available?
Availability depends on your location. Many services are national, but smaller charities may only serve specific states or cities. Check ZIP eligibility before scheduling.
- Nationwide or near-national: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat, human-I-T
- Mid-sized regional: Furniture Bank (34 states), AMVETS (22 states), The Arc (700+ chapters)
- State or city-limited: Pick Up Please, GreenDrop (East Coast states)
Donation preparation checklist
Follow this checklist to ensure a successful pickup:
- Clean all items: Wipe down surfaces, vacuum cushions, and wash fabrics.
- Test electronics: Make sure any devices you’re donating power on and function properly.
- Disassemble large pieces: If you need to, break down furniture for easier loading.
- Box or bag smaller items: Label all your boxes and bags clearly to make things easier on the charity.
- Designate a pickup zone: Set your items on the curb, porch, or building lobby.
- Remove non-donatable items: Don’t leave trash or prohibited items in your donation pile.
- Document for taxes: Snap photos of your donations and save your receipt for tax time.
Can you deduct your donation?
In most cases, yes. Charitable donations may qualify for a tax deduction if you itemize. Follow these steps to claim it:
- Get a signed receipt: Request one from the driver or charity rep
- List your items: Use fair market value and IRS guidelines to estimate worth
- Use Form 8283: If your donation is worth more than $500
- Keep everything: Receipts, lists, and photos are helpful if the IRS asks questions
For more info, see IRS Charitable Deductions and Publication 561.
Business vs. individual donation pickups
Some organizations will arrange pickups for offices, schools, or commercial spaces, especially for bulk donations. Check with the organization you’re considering to see if they offer this service.
- Business-friendly: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Furniture Bank, human-I-T
- Residential only: VVA (Pick Up Please), AMVETS, GreenDrop
Planning an office move? We recommend scheduling it early, because business pickups may need more notice.
No pickup available? Try one of these alternatives
If your charity of choice doesn’t offer pickup in your area, you still have options:
- Drop-off centers: Goodwill, Salvation Army, and others often have donation bins and centers all across the country.
- Junk removal: Use 1-800-GOT-JUNK or similar junk removal services for items in poor condition.
- City programs: Municipal recycling days or bulky item pickup may work for hard-to-donate items.
- Online swaps or sales: Use Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Buy Nothing groups.
- Share with someone you know: Friends or neighbors might need your items.
Why donating makes sense before a move
Donating your unwanted belongings can be beneficial for you and the people around you. Here’s how:
- Lower moving costs: Less stuff requires a smaller truck, which means lower moving costs
- Support your community: Donations fund housing, employment, and family services.
- Reduce waste: Donating keeps usable items out of landfills, helping the environment.
- Tax benefits: Deductions add up at tax time, making donating an even more appealing option.
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FAQs
How soon can I schedule a pickup?
Some organizations like Pick Up Please offer next-day or 24-hour donation pickups, especially in metro areas. Others may require 1–2 weeks’ notice depending on availability, location, and donation size. Scheduling early is always recommended during peak times like spring cleaning season or end-of-year donation rushes.
What if my items aren’t accepted?
If a charity can’t accept certain items, don’t worry—you have alternatives. Try another organization with different restrictions, visit a local donation drop-off center, or use a junk removal service for these items. Many cities also offer special disposal programs for hazardous or bulky items. Double-check guidelines in advance to avoid day-of pickup issues.
Can I reschedule or cancel a pickup?
Yes. Most charities allow you to reschedule or cancel your pickup through their online portal or hotline. You’ll typically need the confirmation number or email address you used during scheduling. Try to make changes at least 24–48 hours ahead of time so the charity can reallocate resources.
Can businesses schedule donation pickups?
Some charities, like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and human-I-T, do offer pickups for offices, retail stores, or community organizations—especially for bulk donations. However, availability and terms vary by location. Always call your location in advance to confirm if they support business pickups and whether scheduling differs from residential requests.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
In most cases, yes. Charities usually provide a tax-deductible donation receipt when they pick up your items. If you don’t receive one, ask the driver at the time of pickup or follow up via the charity’s website. Keep the receipt with photos and a list of donated items for your tax records. For donations over $500, you may also need to complete IRS Form 8283.
Ready for a fresh start?
Don’t let clutter slow you down. Free donation pickup services help you move smarter, save money, and support your community — all with less hassle. Follow the steps above to schedule your pickup, prep your donations, and give your items a second life.
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