donating furniture -pick up

[Tiggeroo]

We are cleaning a home to put on market, for a Realtor. There is a garage full of furniture. I had a yard sale but there is still a good deal of stuff. It is in very good shape but kind of old-fashioned in style. It has been in a garage for probably nearly a year. I would like to find an organization to pick it up as a donation. If we were on a bigger road I would just put it out with a fee sign but the home is kind of off the beaten path and we don't live there so if it rained I wouldn't be able to bring it in. And there is a good deal of stuff. A sofa, love seat, several beds, a half dozen end tables and lamps, several wing chairs, etc..Any tips?

 

[crazyme5kids]

Around her the Vietnam Veterans pick up furniture being donated.

 

[ctinct]

If you live anywhere near a medium to large city I bet there are plenty of groups that help people who are trying to get back on their feet, whether it be from homelessness, a fire, incarceration, etc. Start with the Salvation Army, or call a social services agency. You can also try some churches, even if you are not a member of one. I'm sure they could point you in the right direction. I know I worked with some kids from school at a faith based place I had never heard of before, and they helped people without regard of their religion. (The kids are special needs and helped out with cleaning, sorting clothes, moving furniture, etc. A win-win for every one.) A smaller town might have a human resouce or welfare helper---I know ours does. Kind of an ombudsman to connect people with help. They may know of people who need furniture or can point you in the right direction. A woman's shelter is also another thought, as many imperiled families flee with very little material goods. Good luck choosing where to donate--SO much better than dumping it.

 

[RitaZ.]

Around her the Vietnam Veterans pick up furniture being donated.

You can even set up your pick-up online.

VVA doesn't pick up big pieces of furniture, as they only have a driver to load smaller items onto the truck. Maybe there are other local organizations that will take all of your furniture. Don't be surprised if they are choosy in what they will take.

 

[prncess674]

I would snap a few photos and list it on craigslist in the free section. Donating is great, but sometimes unless it is tip top condition they are sometimes picky in what they will accept.

 

[J/T Gramdma]

You could call 'Purple Heart' or 'Salvation Army' or even 'Goodwill'. A lot of times they will pick for free and give you a slip for your income taxes.

 

[kirstenb1]

I would snap a few photos and list it on craigslist in the free section. Donating is great, but sometimes unless it is tip top condition they are sometimes picky in what they will accept.

This is exactly what I've done with great success!! Highly recommend!

 

[C.Ann]

Last I knew, the Salvation Army will pick up big stuff - but only big stuff - and when you call to find out their schedule, you will have to give them a list of exactly what you have so they will know if there is enough room in the truck that day.. (They make multiple pick-ups by location..)

Other than that, maybe a Goodwill store near you? Not sure if they pick up or not..

 

[eduk8r26]

If the mattresses have any stains on them no one will take them.

 

[runwad]

Habitat for humanity came out and picked up all household furniture and items. Everything!! They were great.

 

[Tiggeroo]

If the mattresses have any stains on them no one will take them.

haha, they don't. They actually look like new. It was an older couple and I suspect the twin beds were really for occasional guests. If nobody wants the stuff I have no problem throwing it out. The furniture is really in very good shape. Not a tear or mark. It just looks like a well preserved grandmothers house. I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to take the photos from my iphone and throw them on craigs list too.

 

[Pooh Crew]

We live in the suburbs, and I always call the local women's shelter. They come pick it up and are always so appreciative. They help people (mainly women and children, I guess) get on their feet.

 

[monkeybug]

We have something here called freecycle. Its similar to craigslist, but everything is free. I recently gave away a bed, sofa, and computer hutch on freecycle and it was super easy. You might want to check to see if you have a group in your area.

 

[barkley]

if you have a military base nearby give them a call. the airforce base near our home had "the airman's attic" which was a collection of furniture and household goods that were kept on hand to help temporarily furnish base housing until the family's furnishings arrived.

another resource is "season of sharing"-local newspapers tend to publish wish lists this time of year from needy families. i've seen families wish for furnishings and household goods with no concern to it's style or the fact that it's gently used.

the vietnam vets organization near our former home had large trucks, and they took any usable household goods they could get.

 

[C.Ann]

Habitat for humanity came out and picked up all household furniture and items. Everything!! They were great.

Is Habitat For Humanity nationwide - or at least in most major/semi-major cities? I don't know if there is one in our area or not.. It would be good to know for future references..