There’s no doubt about it—living in a decluttered space can reduce your stress and make your home easier to maintain. One of the biggest issues in decluttering, though, is dealing with all of the stuff you want to get rid of.
Being quick to donate or trash items will prevent you from forming big piles in your house. If you have just a little stuff to declutter, drop it off at your nearest charity or thrift store donation center. However, when you end up with multiple bags of items plus large pieces, toting it all to a thrift store can be a hassle. In this case, contact one of these ten companies who will come to your home and pick up your donations for free.
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a religious organization that uses proceeds to help meet human needs worldwide. One of the main ways it raises money is through the sale of items at its thrift stores.
While item acceptance varies by location, most Salvation Army branches take clothing, shoes, toys, furniture, small appliances, household goods, automobiles, and books. You can use the Salvation Army’s website to locate your nearest drop-off center or schedule a donation pickup here.
2. Vietnam Veterans of America
The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans, veteran families, and communities. The VVA operates thrift stores throughout the United States and uses the proceeds to fund their programs.
The VVA accepts clothing, shoes, baby items, jewelry, bikes, small furniture, small appliances, tools, kitchenware, and other household goods. They don’t accept large furniture or appliances. You can schedule a VVA pickup through their website. After scheduling your pickup, leave your items outside, and the VVA truck will come get them.
3. Goodwill
Due to the number of thrift store branches, Goodwill is one of the easiest places to drop donations. This organization uses proceeds to help with social and human services needs, often through the power of work and learning.
The items Goodwill accepts vary by location but most often include clothing, shoes, small furniture and appliances, houseware, kitchenware, and books. Some Goodwill organizations pick up donations, especially for those who have a lot to get rid of. To see if your local branch offers this service, visit its website.
4. GreenDrop
GreenDrop is a for-profit company that collects donations and partners with local charities to help them fund their programs. It operates in select states, including Alaska, Illinois, Washington D.C., Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
GreenDrop accepts clothing, shoes, household items, kitchenware, toys, games, sporting goods, small appliances, small furniture, and electronics. If you reside in one of their service areas, you can schedule a pickup.
5. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Program funds one-on-one mentoring of youth. This organization accepts monetary donations, household goods, and clothing from residents of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The BBBS Hartsprings program accepts clothing, shoes, books, small appliances, kitchenware, and household goods. You can schedule a pickup from their website or locate one of their donation bins.
6. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a charity that helps families build homes and find affordable housing. One way Habitat raises money is through its local ReStores, which accept donations of building supplies, construction equipment, tools, appliances, and furniture.
Most Habitat Restores will pick up large items directly from your house. Use the search box here to locate your nearest store. Then, you can contact them to inquire about pickup.
7. The Furniture Bank Network
The Furniture Bank Network is a group of furniture banks that accept gently used furniture. They then provide the furniture to the community at little or no cost.
All Furniture Banks are independently run, so pickup availability will vary by location. Search for your local Furniture Bank here and then contact them to schedule a pickup.
8. Pick Up My Donations
Pick Up My Donation is the way to go if you want to impact your local community with your donations. This organization partners with local charities and thrift shops to ensure your donations benefit the community and stay out of landfills.
To get started, enter your zip code here. Then, you’ll fill out a questionnaire that details what you have to donate. Pick Up My Donations will then send your information to all charities within a 15-mile radius, and you’ll be contacted to schedule a pickup time.
9. AmVets Foundation
AmVets supports veterans and their families. One way they do this is through the proceeds they earn from their thrift stores. They offer pickup services in Maryland, Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, Delaware, Texas, and Oklahoma.
AmVets accepts clothing, shoes, kitchenware, household goods, bedding, electronics, and seasonal items. They also accept electronics, computers, and flat-screen TVS as long as they’re under five years old. However, they don’t accept furniture. Schedule a pickup here.
10. The ARC
The ARC’s mission is to empower and protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Branch offices across the United States accept donations of clothing and household items.
To see if your local branch accepts donations and offers pickups, search your zip code here. You can then contact your local chapter for further information.
