Charities That Offer Free Donation Pick-Up: A Helpful Guide

Getting ready for a move is the perfect time to declutter. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or just simplifying your life, donating gently used items can make your move lighter and help others at the same time. The good news? Many charitable organizations offer free donation pick-up services, making the process simple and rewarding.

If you’re planning a local move, a long distance move, or simply placing some items into storage with Roadway Moving, this is the ideal opportunity to lighten your load while giving back.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the top charities that provide donation pick-up services – plus detailed steps on how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the most impact.

Why Donation Pick-Up Services Matter

When you’re moving, time is tight and energy is limited. Trying to deliver bulky furniture, bags of clothes, or boxes of kitchenware to a donation center yourself can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where donation pick-up services shine – they come to your door, saving you time, stress, and extra trips.

Beyond the convenience, donation pick-ups are a way to extend the life of your possessions and help others in need. Your couch might become a bed for someone escaping homelessness. Your old winter coat could keep a child warm. The toys your kids have outgrown may bring joy to another family.

From environmental benefits to emotional relief, there are countless reasons to consider donation as part of your pre-move routine. Plus, it can lower your moving costs by reducing the volume of items needing transport or storage.

Top Charities That Offer Free Donation Pick-Up

1. The Salvation Army

One of the most recognizable charitable organizations in the U.S., The Salvation Army accepts furniture, clothing, appliances, and more. Their trucks can pick up donations from your home, and the proceeds go toward adult rehabilitation centers, emergency shelters, disaster relief efforts, and anti-trafficking programs.

Operating across many Roadway Moving service areas, including New York, New Jersey, and California, The Salvation Army remains a top choice for donors looking for widespread impact and convenience.

2. Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat ReStores accept donations of gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods. The items are sold at affordable prices to fund Habitat’s mission of building safe and affordable housing for families in need.

Many Habitat ReStores in New York and beyond offer free donation pick-up for qualifying items. This is a great way to offload large furniture before a local or long distance move, especially when working with a professional moving company like Roadway.

3. Goodwill

Goodwill primarily accepts clothing, shoes, electronics, and small household items. While not all locations offer free pick-up, some do – especially for large-volume donations or estate cleanouts.

Goodwill’s mission is to provide job training and employment support to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment. Donating here contributes directly to economic empowerment.

4. Pickup Please (Vietnam Veterans of America)

Pickup Please offers one of the fastest donation pick-up services, sometimes within 24 hours. They accept clothing, small household goods, toys, and electronics. Donations support programs for U.S. veterans, including job placement, housing assistance, and mental health resources.

Ideal for small donations before a move, especially when time is limited.

5. Furniture Bank Network

This network connects furniture donors with local furniture banks that provide household essentials to people transitioning out of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or living in poverty.

They accept items like beds, sofas, tables, and dressers – making this a perfect choice if you’re downsizing before moving or placing furniture in storage.

6. AMVETS National Service Foundation

Serving American veterans, AMVETS accepts donations of clothing, electronics, small appliances, and household goods. They operate pick-up services in multiple states, including parts of New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

7. GreenDrop

GreenDrop partners with nonprofits like the American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the National Federation of the Blind. They operate in New York, Pennsylvania, and other major areas.

GreenDrop accepts clothing, tools, small appliances, and more. They offer free pick-up or drop-off at one of their designated locations.

8. Big Reuse (NYC only)

Big Reuse is a local nonprofit based in Brooklyn and Queens that diverts usable furniture and building materials from landfills. They offer free pick-up for reusable furniture, bikes, tools, and appliances.

Their mission is deeply rooted in sustainability, and they’re a great option if you want to reduce waste during your move.

9. Housing Works

A New York City-based nonprofit, Housing Works supports individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. They operate thrift shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and offer scheduled furniture pick-up.

Housing Works accepts furniture, art, lighting, books, and decor items in good condition.

10. Out of the Closet Thrift Stores

Out of the Closet supports AIDS Healthcare Foundation and operates stores in NYC, Florida, and California. They accept clothing, furniture, electronics, and more – and offer free pick-up in select locations.

Your donations help fund HIV testing, treatment, and advocacy services.

11. NYC Stuff Exchange

NYC residents can explore the city-run NYC Stuff Exchange website to connect with charities and non-profits that accept used goods. The city offers information on where and how to donate everything from clothing and books to electronics and building materials.

This is a helpful resource for finding specialized organizations or local partners that match your donation needs.

12. Jewish Education Project

Some synagogues and Jewish charities in NYC accept furniture and clothing donations to help resettled families or refugee programs. While pick-up may not always be guaranteed, larger donation drives often provide door-to-door service.

Reach out to local chapters or congregations for more information.

Preparing Items for Donation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Donating isn’t just about loading a couch onto a truck. A little preparation ensures your items are accepted, used, and appreciated.

Sort thoughtfully: Only donate items in gently used condition. If it’s broken, stained, or unsafe, recycle or dispose of it instead.

Clean everything: Wipe down surfaces, vacuum cushions, and wash clothing. Presenting items clean and organized increases the chances they’ll be accepted.

Label your donations: Group items by category (clothing, kitchenware, toys) and label bags or boxes.

Inventory large items: If donating furniture or large appliances, list everything out for the charity to review in advance.

Check for restrictions: Every charity has a list of acceptable and unacceptable items. Check their guidelines beforehand.

Schedule pickup in advance: During peak moving season, charities may be booked weeks out. Try to coordinate donation pickups 1–2 weeks before your moving date.

Get a tax receipt: Many organizations provide tax-deductible donation receipts. Ask for one during the pickup process.

Planning a Donation Before a Move

Whether you’re planning a local move or cross-country relocation, donating before moving helps simplify your packing and reduces overall moving costs.

Roadway Moving can assist by coordinating your donation schedule with your move. Our team can advise you on the best way to separate items for donation, storage, and transport.

We’ve worked with thousands of families moving across the U.S., and we’ve seen firsthand how much smoother things go when donations are part of the moving plan. You get a cleaner start, and someone else gets a better life.

And if you’re using one of our storage solutions, donating items you no longer need also helps reduce long-term storage fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate items on moving day?

It’s best to donate ahead of time. Most charities require a few days to a week of lead time to schedule a pick-up.

Do all charities pick up furniture?
Not all. Some only accept small household items or clothing. Refer to the specific organization’s guidelines.

Can Roadway Moving help coordinate donation pickup?
Absolutely. Let us know which items you plan to donate and your preferred charity. We’ll help organize pickup timing around your moving schedule.

Can I leave donations outside if I’m not home?
In many cases, yes. Some charities allow for contactless pickups. Be sure to label and weatherproof your items in case of rain.

Can I get rid of multiple categories of items at once?
Yes. Just be sure to separate and label everything. This makes it easier for the pickup team to sort and distribute.

Is there a weight or item limit?
Some charities may have limits. If you’re donating a large number of items, mention it when scheduling to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering before your move can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. By partnering with donation pick-up charities and working with a reliable moving company like Roadway Moving, you can ease the transition while doing good for others.

Need help planning your donation and move? Contact Roadway Moving today for a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.