One of the easiest ways to cut down on moving costs is to get rid of things before they ever make it into a box. The less you have to move, the fewer boxes, truck space, and hours of labor you’ll need. And if the things you no longer want are still usable, donating them is a lot better than sending them straight to the trash.
For many people, the hard part isn’t deciding what can go. It’s figuring out how to get a couch, bags of clothes, or a pile of household items out of the house and to the right place.
That’s where donation pickup can help. Several charities and nonprofits in the Bay Area accept qualifying donations and may pick them up from your home. Pickup rules vary by organization, ZIP code, item type, and availability, so check the current guidelines before booking.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a good place to check if you’re getting rid of furniture, appliances, home décor, or building supplies. Some Bay Area locations offer pickup for larger donations that meet their guidelines.
The stores sell donated items and use the proceeds to support Habitat for Humanity’s housing work. Before scheduling a pickup, check what your local ReStore accepts and whether pickup is available in your area.
Related: 20 Things Habitat for Humanity ReStores Won’t Accept (Even If They Look Fine)
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts many common household donations, including clothing, furniture, and other household goods. Depending on where you live and what you’re donating, you may be able to schedule a pickup rather than loading everything into your car.
The items that are accepted and the areas served can vary, so check the current pickup rules before setting a date. Donations that are sold can help fund the organization’s programs and services.
Related: 7 Donations Salvation Army Workers Are Begging You to Stop Dropping Off
United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate
United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate has offered donation pickup services in parts of the Bay Area, giving residents a way to donate usable household items without hauling everything to a drop-off location.
Pickup areas and accepted items can change, so check the current service area before making plans. Donated goods help support programs and services for people with developmental disabilities.
Community Thrift
Community Thrift has a setup that lets donors choose from participating nonprofit organizations to receive funds from their donated items.
That can be a nice option if you have a particular local cause you’d like your donation to support. Pickup availability depends on the type and amount of items, so larger donations may qualify while smaller ones may need to be dropped off.
Goodwill
Goodwill is one of the most familiar names in thrift shopping, but donation pickup isn’t the same at every location. Some Bay Area Goodwill locations may offer pickup or work with outside providers, while others ask donors to bring items directly to a donation center.
If you’re hoping to donate furniture or a large household collection, check with the specific location serving your area before loading everything into a vehicle. Accepted items and pickup rules can vary.
Related: 12 Insider Goodwill Secrets You’ll Wish Someone Had Told You Years Ago
Out of the Closet
Out of the Closet thrift stores are operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, with proceeds supporting HIV/AIDS healthcare services.
Many locations accept donations such as clothing, furniture, home goods, and décor. Some locations may also offer pickup for larger donations, depending on the store, item condition, and available pickup service.
If you’re clearing out several large pieces before a move or home cleanout, check with your local Out of the Closet location first. A quick call or online check can save you from making a trip with items they can’t accept.
