10 Charities: Free Donation Pick Up

Decluttering the house is the first step of packing once your move is final. As a result, you will have a pile of household items that you don't use anymore and decides to get rid of these items. Generally, we all opt for the most convenient way to get rid of such items- throwing them away. Did you ever think about some other way like donation? Yes, donating your belongings in the donation centers near you while relocating is a charity and you can be the reason for someone's smile.

Your move can be the reason for your future happiness, and it can also be the reason for happiness for those who are in need. Finding a charity organization can be difficult for you as you are already busy with your move. But we can help you in this noble cause. For your convenience, we have listed the top ten charitable organizations that offer free donation pickups from your place.

1. The Salvation Army

Who They Help?

The Salvation Army is a Christian organization established in 1865, which helps people in need. It includes homeless shelters, a network of churches, food pantries, adult rehabilitation centers, women's homes, children's homes, refugee centers, and more. the organization supports people of all ages, backgrounds and needs.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at The Salvation Army-

• Financial Contribution
• Clothes
• Furniture
• Books
• Electronics
• Toys
• Sports Equipment
• Household goods

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free

The Salvation Army offers free donation pick up so it is better to keep everything ready for pickup once scheduled. You can go to their website which offers online charitable donation pickup schedule service in several areas except a few. For such locations, they provide contact numbers so that you can schedule the donation pickup before your move. Scheduling a pickup or drop off will only take a few seconds, visit their website, enter ZIP code and schedule. Keep this in mind that anything you are donating must be in working condition, sanitized and can come in handy just after donation.

2. 2. AMVETS National Service Foundation

Who They Help?

The AMVETS National Service Foundation is the veteran service organization that supports all American Veterans. The organization was established in 1948 that provides help to veterans, their families and survivors. The AMVETS National Service Foundation is operating in 22 states with donation pickup facilities all across the country.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at AMVETS National Service Foundation-

• Small Furniture
• Beddings
• Electronics
• Household Goods
• Clothes
• Toys
• Books

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

AMVETS offer free donation pickup near you but it can be difficult to find a donation center in your area. You can check the areas where AMVETS service is available and book donation pickup accordingly. All the items donated to AMVETS are sold at their thrift stores at affordable rates for the veterans and their families.

3. 3. Goodwill

Who They Help?

Goodwill is one of the well-known organizations which was established in 1902 and provides employment training and employment opportunities to the people who need it. It operates on a local level and is a network of more than 156 community-based organizations. Goodwill offers free donation pickups in your area but the service depends on the existing local organization.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at Goodwill-

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Clothes
• Dishes
• Accessories
• RVs
• Cars
• Trucks

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

You can check out the Goodwill donation pickup online and schedule the pickup. Though there are some Goodwill that does not offer free pickup of donations, you should keep this in mind.

4. 4. GreenDrop

Who They Help?

GreenDrop is a charity program used by most charitable organizations including the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blinds, the American Red Cross and more. GreenDrop is based in Philadelphia, PA and when you donate clothes and furniture via GreenDrop you can decide which program your donation will benefit.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at GreenDrop

• Books
• Clothes
• Shoes
• Small Furniture
• Kitchen Ware
• Toys
• Tools

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

GreenDrop offers another free service- house clean-outs. In this, the members of the concierge service arrive at your location and get rid of the items in bulk. Scheduling a free donation pickup with GreenDrop is a matter of a few seconds. Visit their website, enter your ZIP code, and contact information and search for donation pickup near me. While donating through GreenDrop you have to pack and label the donations with the charity name.

5. 5. Habitat for Humanity

Who They Help?

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization established in 1976 to provide accommodation facilities to the needy. It offers affordable accommodation to the needy in more than 70 countries around the world. This helps people in constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes of more than 29 million people.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at Habitat for Humanity-

Building Material

Household items

Electronics

Vehicles (Cars, RVs, Boats, etc.)

Farm Equipment

Construction Equipment

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

All the items donated to Habitat for Humanity are sold at thrift stores that are located throughout the USA. The fund generated after the sale will then be used for the construction and other requirements of housing. The process to schedule a free donation pickup with Habitat for Humanity is by visiting this link- Does Habitat ReStore offer furniture donation pickup? | Habitat for Humanity, enter the ZIP Code and check the Habitat ReStores in your area.

6. 6. The Arc of the United States

Who They Help?

The Arc is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1950 to support people with mental disabilities. The organization supports people with different mental conditions including autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Arc has more than 1000 programs and covers 600 local chapters.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at The Arc

• Housewares
• Furniture
• Toys
• Clothes
• Shoes
• Games
• Used Vehicles

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

All the items donated at The Arc will then be sold at their thrift stores and the generated fund will be used to support their work. The Arc offers free pickup for furniture donations and other donations. You can visit The Arc Chapter locator and schedule the donation pickup. You can also call this number for additional information or find donation centers near you- 18002832721.

7. 7. Pick Up Please

Who They Help?

Pick Up Please is a nonprofit organization that is established in 1978 to support the Vietnam Veterans of America. The organization offers donation pickup within 24 hours of the request. Free donation pick-up offered by Pick Up Please is available in California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Michigan, Oregon, Virginia, Maryland and more.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at Pick Up Please

• Household Items
• Clothes
• Home Furnishings
• Toys
• Electronics
• Shoes
• Books

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

The Pick Up Please offers a pickup service where you have to pack the donations in a box and label it. You can leave the box at the door and they will pick it up even if you are not available. You can conveniently schedule the donation pick-up before your move via phone or computer.

8. 8. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Who They Help?

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBSA) is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the US. The mission of this organization is to provide one-to-one mentoring to children between the age of 6-18. They help these children in understanding their potential and prepare them for their future. They offer community-based mentoring, school mentoring and more.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at Big Brothers Big Sisters

• Books
• Household Items
• Fitness Equipment
• Jewelry
• Musical Instruments (Small)
• Collectables
• Small Toys
• Kitchenware

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

The organization does not accept furniture, encyclopedias, medical items, large toys, etc. All the items donated to the Big Brothers Big Sisters will be sold and the generated fund will be used for the operations of Big Brothers Big Sisters. You can schedule a free donation pickup through their website and you can even leave the box on the doorway for the pickup. But don't forget to mark the donation boxes- "BBBS".

9. 9. Furniture Bank

Who They Help?

The Furniture Bank Network is one of the best charities if you planning to donate furniture. The organization is operational in 34 states and collects furniture and provides it to people who cannot afford furnishings for their houses. The organization focus on the unemployed, women, children, previously homeless people and more.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at Furniture Bank

• Small Furniture
• Large Furniture
• Used Vehicles
• Recreational Vehicles

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

The Furniture Bank Network offers free furniture donation pickup. Visit their website to find the location or partner organization offering a free donation pickup for furniture. You can call them and ask for their assistance.

10. 10. ClothingDonations.org

Who They Help?

ClothingDonations.org is one of the donation programs of Vietnam Veterans of America. The organization supports the veterans for all kinds of necessities.

What to donate?

Here is a list of items you can donate at ClothingDonations.org

• Clothes
• Shoes
• Small Appliances
• Books
• Bedding
• Small Furniture
• Portable TV
• Kitchenware
• Curtains

How to Schedule Pick Up Donations for Free?

All the items donated to ClothingDonations.org will then be sold at their thrift stores and the generated funds will then be used for the operations of the program. You can schedule a free pickup for the donation by visiting their website. The organization cannot enter the apartments or houses, so you have to leave the boxes in an accessible area.

Things you should know about donating furniture

Getting rid of your furniture while moving, some charities will take them gladly. You can donate your furniture for a noble cause to the charitable organizations near you. Some charities will only take small-sized furniture while some take large units as well. Each organization has its rules for taking furniture as donations. Charities like Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc. take large-sized furniture including, dining tables, chairs, desks, beds and more. You can donate furniture of small size to Pickup Please.

Though it is time taking and difficult to find the charities that will pick up donations of furniture in your area. But you can use DonationTown to help you find the list of charities that will pick up donations in your area.

Now the only thought that can hold you from donation is what item will charity take and in what condition. For this, you can either call the charity to ask them or you can visit their websites. Most charities have websites where they have listed all the items they will take as donations and in what condition. And if you have items that these charities won't take then you can sell such items online like on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, etc.

Things you should know about donating books

The best thing you can donate is the medium of imparting knowledge. Books are accepted by most charities and but there are certain restrictions to book donations. Books if torn, molded, outdated and highlighted, are not accepted by most charities and libraries. If you are donating a book, it must be in good condition and must be recent as outdated information is of no benefit to anyone.

Some charitable organizations won't accept textbooks and encyclopedias. Those books which are not accepted by the charitable organizations then you can give them to the book stores, hospitals, shelters, etc.

Things you should know about donating clothes

We all have piles of clothes stacks in our almirahs that are of no use. Decluttering our almirahs from time to time and at the time of relocation will create more space and will give a piece of cloth for someone. You can donate your clothes to charities that offer free donation pickups. Look out for donation centers near you and then go to drop off the donation.

Always keep a few things in mind while donating clothes they are not torn, stained, or smelling. As these clothes will not be preferred by anyone. Most charities take clothes as donations along with the accessories like belts, bags, purses, shoes and more. They sort these things and sell them through thrift stores available in different locations in the city.

There is an online platform Dress for Success, that provides professional attire for professional meetings etc. You can also opt for donating your clothes at Planet Aid.

Donation Pickup tips

• Research about the organization- Each charitable organization works differently and the donation you made through the organization will bring a difference in the society.
• Donate items that can be used- Before packing the items for donation pickup, check if they are in good condition. Make sure other people can use it, so it should be clean and usable.
• Pack your donation- No matter where your donation is going, it is good to pack for transportation. If you are donating something that needs inspection leave them unpacked.
• Check if the organization offers free pickup- After COVID-19 most charity organizations started operating according to the regulation and terminated the free pickup process. Check once before scheduling the donation pickup.
• Schedule donation pickup ahead of your moving date- Once your move is finalized, start decluttering and schedule the pickup of the donation. You can donate furniture, clothes or more.
• Check for items accepted by the organization- Each charitable organization has limitations so they cannot take everything in the donation. So, visit the website and check the items on the list.

Dos and Don'ts of Donating

When you plan to donate furniture, books, clothes or anything else, keep some dos and don'ts in your mind.

Do:

• Each item must be cleaned and sanitized before donating
• Clothes must be washed or dry cleaned
• All the toys, books, etc. must be in ready-to-use condition
• Electronic items should have the battery

Don't:

• Donate broken or expired items
• Donate any chemicals, cleaning supplies, paints, etc.
• Allow the items that are banned
• Leave your package unattended if you are dropping off the donation at the donation center near you.

How to schedule your donation pickup?

• Many charities offer free donations picked from your place. You must know the right way to schedule the donation pick-up. Follow the given step and schedule your donation to be picked up by charitable organizations near you-
• Research the donation centers near you and also offer free donation pick up.
• Connect with the charity of your preference, and ask them about the items they accept and do they still accept free donation pickup. (Several charities halted the free donation pickup during the pandemic)
• Prepare your donation as suggested in the Dos section, and pack them in quality packaging.
• Schedule the pickup and try to be available on the date and time of pick up.

FAQs for Donation

Who will be benefitted from my donation?

It depends on the organization you picked. You can check the section "Who They Help" in the article to learn more. If you want to donate to some special cause, check out Charity Watch where you can find the charities for specific causes.

Are my donations tax-deductible?

Yes, your donations are tax-deductible, but you need to save your donation receipt and follow the guidelines of the IRS for charitable contributions.

What should be the condition of the items I am willing to donate?

Most charities prefer to take donations that are gently used as they can be used for resale. Before donating any item, make sure it is usable or not and, in any scenario, will you use it.

What items are not available for pickup?

Each organization has its rules for accepting specific items as donations. You can check out the section "What to Donate" to find out which organization pick up what items as a donation. There is a big no for building materials, tires and unassembled items by most of the charities. No charity accepts and picks hazardous materials food, beverages, firearm, damaged or broken items.

With all the moving and packing, you can still find a few minutes to pack the donation boxes and schedule their free donation pickup. So, this time when you move make it efficient by donating items to the people in need. For more information, you can connect with Van Lines Move or call 8337061800.