It’s no coincidence that Marie Kondo’s show “Tidying Up” premiered on Netflix on January 1st. The year was 2019, and even though that feels like a different era, some people still start the new year with the urge to purge their home of clutter and unwanted items.
Once you’ve decided what to get rid of, the issue becomes figuring out how to get it out of your home. Lifehacker covered this back in 2019, but not all of the strategies mentioned are pandemic-friendly. Here, we’re going to highlight one of the simplest ways to move stuff of your home, and into the hands of people who may use, appreciate, and/or benefit from it: Arranging an organization to pick the items up from your home. Here are some to consider.
What to do before scheduling a pickup
Prior to making arrangements with an organization that offers local pickup of furniture, household items, and/or clothing, be sure to read their website carefully to find out what they do—and don’t—accept. Most will stipulate that items need to be in decent condition; in other words, don’t put stuff in a box to “donate” that a group doesn’t take just to avoid feeling guilty about throwing it away.
Also, keep in mind that nonprofit organizations are often staffed by volunteers, and while yes, you’re providing them with items they need, they’re also providing a service for you (typically) free-of-charge, by hauling out the stuff you no longer want. You always have the option of paying someone to do the moving, hauling, and item pickup for you, where you’ll get likely get some level of customer service.
Organizations that will pick up donations of household items and furniture
Though most of the nonprofits and services listed here operate across the country, not every location offers donation pickup, so you’ll need to start by finding one that does. Here are a few suggestions:
- PickUpMyDonation: A service that offers both free and “priority” (i.e. paid) pickup of larger household items (that require a truck to move) to donate to nonprofit organizations.
- Furniture Bank Network: A service that offers free and low-cost furniture donation pickup from your home for delivery to local furniture banks. Currently in operation in 34 states.
- Habitat for Humanity: Many of the organization’s local ReStore branches offer free pickup of furniture and/or other household items. Policies—like which items can be donated, and whether free pickup is offered—vary depending on location, so check in with the one(s) in your area.
- The Arc: In operation since 1950, the organization provides services and support for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities thanks, in part, to profits from their thrift stores across the country. Find and then contact your local branch to find out how to donate, and if free pickup is available in your area.
- Big Brother Big Sister Foundation: Use the organization’s website to find out is free donation pickup is offered in your area. Though they accept a wide range of household items, they don’t pickup furniture donations.
- Vietnam Veterans of America: Their Pickup Please service operates in some parts of the country and offers free collection of items that are small and light enough for one person to easily lift and carry (i.e. no furniture or appliances). Up to 25 bags or boxes of donations are allowed for each pickup.
And yes, two of the major thrift store players aren’t listed here, but you know where/how to find them.
