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Why Donate Before You Move
Every item that leaves your current home is one fewer item to pack, carry, and unpack. Donating before a move also simplifies the packing process — it forces a room-by-room review of what is worth taking and what is not.
Schedule donation pickups 1–2 weeks before your move date. Most services book up, especially for large items like furniture. Booking early also gives you a deadline to have items ready, which makes the decluttering process more concrete.
Pro Tip
Ensure every item you donate is in usable condition. Most organizations will leave behind — or decline at the door — anything damaged, heavily stained, or missing parts. This wastes both your time and theirs.
Haven handles this
Haven coordinates your packing — making it easier to sort what to keep and what to donate.
When Haven arranges packing services for your move, your coordinators help you work through each room systematically. Identifying donation items during the packing process — before things go in boxes — is the easiest way to reduce what travels to your new home.
See how packing services work02 / 05
National Charities with Pickup
These organizations operate across the US and offer pickup services in most major markets. Always confirm availability at your specific zip code before scheduling.
Goodwill
Founded in 1902, Goodwill operates over 4,200 stores across the US and Canada. Proceeds fund job training and employment programs for people facing barriers to employment.
The Salvation Army
A global organization operating in 131 countries. Provides housing, disaster relief, and support services. Free furniture and large-item pickup is a standard service.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
ReStore locations accept donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods. Proceeds fund affordable housing construction.
The Arc
Founded in 1950, The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through more than 600 local chapters nationwide.
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Veteran and Military Organizations
Several veteran-focused organizations offer free pickup services and use donated goods to fund programs supporting active-duty military and veterans.
AMVETS National Service Foundation
A 501(c)(3) veterans charity serving US veterans since 1948. Provides representation before the VA and community outreach programs. Operates in 22 states.
Pick Up Please (Vietnam Veterans of America)
Supports Vietnam Veterans of America, which assists veterans of all eras. Accepts clothing, shoes, small appliances, household items, and more.
ClothingDonations.org (Vietnam Veterans of America)
Collects clothing and household items to fund programs for all veterans. Accepts clothing, shoes, baby items, bikes, toys, small appliances, and more.
Patriots and Paws
Provides home furnishings to military veterans, active military, and reservists moving into new homes. Based in Orange County, California.
Easy Donation Pickup (National Veterans Foundation)
Operated by the National Veterans Foundation. Supports veterans with counseling, advocacy, and everyday essentials. Accepts almost any item one person can carry.
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Specialty Programs and Online Platforms
These services connect donors with local charities or specialize in specific item types — useful when national organizations do not operate in your area or do not accept what you are donating.
Furniture Bank Network
A North American network of furniture banks providing lightly used furnishings to people in need at low or no cost. Serves formerly homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, immigrants, and others.
PickUpMyDonation.com
An online platform connecting donors with independent nonprofit thrift stores. Specializes in large items that are difficult to donate without a truck. Operating since 2012.
GreenDrop
A Philadelphia-based organization collecting donations on behalf of multiple charities including the American Red Cross and Military Order of the Purple Heart. You choose which program receives your donation.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
A nonprofit focused on mentoring youth through community- and school-based programs. Accepts clothing, books, jewelry, domestic items, small toys, and kitchenware.
Out of The Closet Thrift Stores
Established in 1990 to raise funds for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 96 cents of every dollar goes directly to HIV prevention and treatment services.
Donation Town
A directory connecting donors with local charities that offer free pickup services across the US. All listed organizations provide IRS tax deduction receipts.
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Tips for Donating Well
A few practices make the process easier for both you and the charity.
- Donate items in working condition — charities cannot resell broken or heavily worn items and most will decline or discard them, which wastes pickup resources
- Browse each organization's accepted items list before scheduling — some do not accept mattresses, electronics, or certain appliances
- Schedule pickup 1–2 weeks before your move date to account for booking lead times, especially for large items
- Have everything boxed, bagged, or consolidated before the driver arrives — do not make them wait while you gather items
- Request a receipt for items with resale value — donations to qualified nonprofits are tax deductible
- Plan ahead for items none of these organizations will take: hazardous materials, large appliances in poor condition, and certain electronics may require municipal disposal
Moving creates a natural opportunity to make deliberate choices about what you bring into your next home. Donating before you pack means less clutter on the truck, less to unpack, and a cleaner start in the new space.
See how Haven coordinates packing
