Charities That Offer Free Donation Pickup 

Now that you’ve made the decision to move, it’s time to take a look at the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years and separate what you don’t need from what’s going with you. Some items may be ideal to feature in a garage sale, others are definitely destined for the garbage collector. That said, there may be a lot of perfectly good items that you no longer need or want, but someone else could still use.  

Fortunately, many major charities offer free pickup for gently used items in good condition. Even better, most have user-friendly online scheduling forms to request a pickup along with details about what types of items they accept.  

List of National Charities That Offer Pickup Service:  

The Arc 

The Arc has been supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1950. They have more than 600 state and local chapters throughout the U.S., with funding supported in part through thrift stores stocked with donated items. Visit their website to register and schedule your pickup. You can also schedule via phone at 1-800-283-2721. 

Furniture Bank Network 

The Furniture Bank Network, which operates in 34 states, gives used items to the working poor, formerly unhoused individuals, women and children escaping domestic violence, immigrants, and others unable to furnish their homes. Visit their website to see what’s available in your area. Note that not all participating organizations will offer free pickups. 

Goodwill Industries 

Goodwill provides free pickup for clothing, books, toys, and small furniture. They also help people find jobs and gain skills, so your donations go to help your local community. You can schedule a pickup on their website or by calling your nearest donation center. 

Habitat for Humanity ReStore 

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore locations offer free pickup services in many areas for large items like furniture, cabinets, doors, and lighting. Proceeds help fund Habitat for Humanity’s home building programs. Visit their website to schedule a pickup.  

PickUpMyDonation.com 

PickUpMyDonation.com works with local non-profit thrift stores. Your request will go out to the nearest non-profit thrift store, and if they’re interested, you’ll have a pickup scheduled. However, if your haul isn’t large enough to require a truck, they will direct you to your nearest drop-off location. Visit their website to make a donation request, listing the items you have.  

Pickup Please 

A relatively smaller but worthy program that helps support Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Pickup Please can usually schedule a pickup with 24 hours of notice, ideal if you’re moving on a tight timeline. Visit their website and enter your ZIP Code to see if they operate in your area. If you aren’t home at your scheduled pickup time, leave the items in bags or boxes outside your home labeled “VVA Donation Pickup.” 

The Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army offers free pickup services for large furniture like couches, dressers and tables then distributes them to those in need or sells them in their Family Stores to fund adult rehabilitation centers, food assistance, and disaster relief. You can schedule a pickup on their website. They usually pick up donations within three to five business days.  

A Final Tip 

Want to jumpstart the process? If you’re specifically looking to donate something large or bulky, instead of reaching out to each organization individually, use DonationTown to find a charity that can accommodate these items. Just enter your ZIP Code, and you’ll get a list of charities in your area that provide free pickup.  

Planning a Move Soon?  

Why not let the professionals at United Van Lines take care of the heavy lifting? United’s full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement.     

Get a quote from United Van Lines today.     

Do you need help settling in? Check out our other blogs for moving tips and packing advice, as well as city guides and a wealth of other helpful, time-saving information.