Clearing out your home can leave you with bags of clothes, old furniture, books, and household items you no longer use. Instead of throwing everything away, you can pass those belongings along to someone who needs them.
Goodwill is a familiar donation option, but many other organizations and local groups accept used items. Depending on what you’re giving away, one of these places might be a better fit.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts a range of donated goods, including clothing, furniture, and household items, depending on the location. Revenue from its thrift stores funds charitable programs, and some locations offer pickup for eligible large donations.
Related: 14 Items Food Banks Wish More People Would Donate
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStores often accept furniture, appliances, tools, cabinets, and home improvement supplies in usable condition. They resell items at affordable prices, with proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity’s housing work and local programs.
Related: Don’t Throw These 9 Household Items Away (Donate Them Instead)
Furniture Banks
Furniture banks provide household furnishings to people setting up homes after difficult circumstances, including families leaving shelters or moving into stable housing. Beds, dressers, couches, dining tables, and other useful furniture can help make an empty home feel more comfortable.
Related: 13 Things the Salvation Army May Not Want You to Donate
Local Shelters and Women’s Shelters
Shelters may need clothing, towels, blankets, toiletries, kitchen supplies, and other everyday items for the people they serve. Call ahead to ask what is needed, since storage space and donation rules vary from one shelter to another.
Related: 10 Places to Donate Furniture When You Need to Clear Out Your Home
Schools and Community Centers
Schools and community centers may accept books, art supplies, educational materials, games, and certain furniture for classrooms or shared spaces. Ask staff what they can use before bringing items over, as each program has its own needs and restrictions.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America has donation programs that may accept clothing, shoes, and household goods, with available services depending on the area. Check its current donation guidelines or pickup service before setting items aside, since accepted goods and service areas can vary.
Housing Works
Housing Works operates thrift stores that accept selected clothing, furniture, books, and household goods. Proceeds from sales help support its work providing housing, healthcare, and other services for people affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Arc
Some local chapters of The Arc accept clothing, furniture, and household items through thrift stores or community donation programs. Money raised can support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including employment assistance, education, and family support.
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters may welcome clean towels, blankets, pet beds, crates, carriers, and unopened pet supplies. Contact the shelter first to confirm what it needs, since some facilities have limited storage or cannot use certain fabrics and products.
Freecycle and Local Giveaway Groups
Freecycle and neighborhood giveaway groups let you offer usable belongings directly to people who want them. Furniture, children’s items, appliances, and household goods are good options, and you can arrange pickup with the recipient.
Facebook Marketplace Free Section
Facebook Marketplace lets you list suitable items for free so people nearby can claim them. It’s often handy for larger items, such as furniture, outdoor equipment, and home goods that are difficult to transport to a donation center.
Senior Living Centers
Some senior living communities accept books, puzzles, games, blankets, and small furnishings for residents or shared activity spaces. Call ahead before dropping off, since each community has its own rules and may have limited room for extra items.
Local Libraries
Libraries may accept gently used books for their collections, book sales, or fundraising events, depending on their current needs. Ask before bringing in boxes, since some libraries have limited shelf space or only accept particular titles and formats.
Before packing your donations, make sure everything is clean, safe, and in usable condition. A quick call or visit to an organization’s website can help you find the right place for your belongings and save you an unnecessary trip.
