Who Will Pick Up Old Furniture For Free - Last Stop Moving
Yes, many well-known charities will pick up your old furniture for free. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity are the top three organizations that offer free furniture pickup services across the United States. These groups make it easy to donate your unwanted items while helping families in need.
This guide will show you exactly which organizations pick up furniture for free, how to schedule pickups, what items they accept, and why donating is better than throwing furniture away. You'll also learn simple tips to make the donation process smooth and hassle-free.
Top Charities That Offer Free Furniture Pickup
The Salvation Army - Your Best Choice for Free Pickup
The Salvation Army stands out as one of the most reliable options for free furniture pickup. They serve in 130 countries around the world and have been helping communities since 1865. Their pickup service covers most areas in the United States.
What They Accept:
- Living room furniture (sofas, chairs, coffee tables)
- Bedroom sets (beds, dressers, nightstands)
- Dining room tables and chairs
- Small appliances in working condition
- Electronics less than 5 years old
What They Don't Take:
- Broken or damaged furniture
- Items with excessive stains or tears
- Gas appliances of any kind
- Large console TVs and stereos
- Built-in appliances
How to Schedule:
- Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825)
- Enter your zip code on their website
- Choose your pickup date on their calendar
- Provide special instructions for drivers
The money from selling your donated items helps fund their adult rehabilitation centers, where people struggling with addiction find help and hope.
Goodwill - Available in Most Communities
According to the Goodwill website, 81% of people in the United States live within ten miles of a Goodwill location. This makes Goodwill one of the most accessible options for furniture donations.
Important Note: Each Goodwill operates independently, so pickup policies vary by location. Some areas offer free pickup for large items, while others may not have pickup services at all.
Accepted Items:
- Most furniture in good condition
- Small appliances that work
- Electronics and computers
- Tools and sports equipment
- Books and household items
To Schedule Pickup:
- Call your local Goodwill store directly
- Ask about their specific pickup policies
- Some locations only accept drop-offs
The proceeds from your donated furniture help fund job training programs for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Building Homes Through Donations
Most Habitat ReStores offer pickup of furniture donations, as well as other large items like appliances and building materials. Your donated furniture gets sold at their ReStore locations, and the money helps build affordable homes for families.
Popular Accepted Items:
- Sofas and chairs (no tears, stains, or pet damage)
- Tables and desks
- Bed frames and dressers
- Kitchen appliances
- Building materials and tools
Scheduling Process:
- Enter your ZIP code on their website
- Contact your local ReStore
- Check if they offer online scheduling
- Arrange pickup with trained volunteers
Proceeds from that sale help Habitat for Humanity partner with families to provide affordable homes — impacting health, education, and economic outcomes for millions of families.
Additional Free Pickup Organizations
AMVETS - Supporting Veterans
AMVETS helps veterans with benefits claims and offers scholarships. They provide free pickup in several states including Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Delaware, Texas, and Oklahoma.
What They Accept:
- Clothing and household goods
- Flat-screen TVs (less than 5 years old)
- Computers and exercise equipment
- Small furniture items
The Arc - Helping People With Disabilities
With over 600 local chapters, The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many chapters offer free furniture pickup services.
Benefits of Donating:
- Supports disability advocacy programs
- Helps fund community services
- Provides job training opportunities
Local Furniture Banks
Many cities have furniture banks that specifically help families transitioning from homelessness or crisis situations. These organizations often provide free pickup and give furniture directly to families in need.
How They Help:
- Furnish homes for disaster victims
- Support refugees and immigrants
- Help veterans get back on their feet
How to Prepare for Furniture Pickup
Clean Your Items First
Make sure your furniture is clean and in good condition. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum upholstered items, and check for any damage. Most charities won't accept items that are dirty, stained, or broken.
Schedule Early
Many organizations book pickups 1-3 weeks in advance. Popular pickup times fill up quickly, especially during spring cleaning season and around the holidays.
Get Everything Ready
Before Pickup Day:
- Move items to your front door or garage
- Take apart any large pieces if possible
- Have items easily accessible for drivers
- Be available during the pickup window
Important Rules:
- Most drivers cannot enter your home
- Items must be on the first floor
- Small items should be boxed or bagged
- You usually need to be present during pickup
Know What to Expect
Pickup crews typically arrive in trucks and work quickly. They'll provide you with a donation receipt for tax purposes. Furniture donations to qualified charitable organizations are tax-deductible, so keep your receipt for filing taxes.
Why Donating Furniture Matters More Than Ever
The Growing Furniture Waste Problem
According to the EPA's official waste data , furniture waste generated by Americans in 2017 totaled a staggering 12.2 million tons, and 80.2% of it went to landfill. This massive amount of waste comes largely from "fast furniture" - cheap, poorly-made items designed to be replaced frequently.
According to United States EPA estimates, up to 8.5 million tons, or 17 billion pounds, of office assets end up in US landfills annually. Office furniture makes up a huge part of this waste problem.
Environmental Benefits of Donating
When you donate instead of throwing away furniture, you help the environment in several important ways:
Reduces Landfill Waste: When old unwanted furniture is donated instead of being thrown out, it is diverted from the landfill. Landfills emit methane gas , which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change according to the EPA.
Saves Natural Resources: When people choose to buy used furniture instead of new, they reduce the demand for newly harvested wood, helping to prevent the loss of trees.
Reduces Carbon Emissions: Making new furniture can produce up to 1000 times more CO₂ than refurbishing old pieces.
Supports Circular Economy: The concept of a circular economy is to create a system where resources are used and reused with zero waste throughout the process. Research shows that circular economy practices significantly reduce environmental impact in the furniture industry.
Helping Families in Your Community
Your donated furniture makes a real difference in people's lives. Families moving out of homeless shelters, domestic violence survivors starting over, and refugees beginning new lives all benefit from donated furniture.
Real Impact:
- Provides essential items for new apartments
- Helps families save money for other needs
- Creates comfortable, dignified living spaces
- Supports children's health and education
What to Do If Free Pickup Isn't Available
Drop-Off Options
If pickup services aren't available in your area, most charities accept drop-offs during business hours. Call ahead to confirm their drop-off times and policies.
Alternative Services
Paid Pickup Services:
- Some furniture banks charge small fees ($10-50)
- Professional junk removal companies
- Local moving companies may offer disposal services
Online Platforms:
- Craigslist free section
- Facebook Marketplace
- Freecycle networks
- Buy Nothing groups
Selling Options
If your furniture is valuable, consider selling it first and donating the money to charity. This can sometimes be more beneficial than donating the item itself.
Tips for a Successful Furniture Donation
Choose the Right Organization
Different charities have different needs and restrictions. Research local options to find the best fit for your specific items.
Take Photos First
Document your donation with photos. This helps with tax records and can be useful if there are any questions later.
Get Multiple Receipts
Ask for itemized receipts when possible. This makes tax filing easier and helps you track the value of your donations.
Plan Ahead for Moving
If you're moving to a new home , coordinate furniture donations with your moving timeline. Many professional moving companies can help you plan donation pickups before your move date.
Consider the Season
Donation needs change throughout the year. Outdoor furniture is more needed in spring, while warm bedding is wanted in fall and winter.
Common Questions About Furniture Donation Pickup
Do I Need to Be Home During Pickup?
Most organizations require someone to be present during pickup. This ensures items are properly loaded and you receive your donation receipt.
How Far Will They Travel?
Pickup areas vary by organization and location. Urban areas typically have wider coverage than rural areas. Call to confirm service in your specific neighborhood.
What If They Won't Take My Items?
If items don't meet donation standards, consider:
- Repair or cleaning first
- Finding specialized recycling centers
- Contacting waste management services for proper disposal
Can I Claim Tax Deductions?
Yes, furniture donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. According to the IRS guidelines on donated property , the FMV of used household items is usually much lower than the price paid when new, so research fair market values for your items.
Final Thoughts
Donating furniture with free pickup is easier than ever thanks to major charities like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity. These organizations make it simple to clear out your space while helping families in need and protecting the environment.
In 2017, 12.2 million tons of furniture waste was produced by Americans —80.2% of that was sent to landfill and only 0.3% was recovered from the landfill for recycling. By choosing to donate instead of throwing away, you're part of the solution to this growing problem.
Start by calling The Salvation Army at 1-800-SA-TRUCK or visiting your local charity's website to schedule pickup. Your unwanted furniture can become someone else's treasure while making a positive impact on your community and the planet.
Remember to clean your items, schedule early, and have everything ready for pickup day. With a little planning, furniture donation is a win-win solution that benefits everyone involved.
