<p>Aside from obviously trying to sell it or give it college-aged children to fill apartments, does Goodwill or the Salvation army accept such things?</p>
<p>Try Habitat for Humanity. We’ve called them several times to pick up excess furniture. They will then resell the items in their ReStore stores. The furniture has to be in pretty good condition (i.e. no ripped couches) and they’re always very appreciative of our donations.</p>
<p>Our local Goodwill takes just about anything. I’ve given them dining room chairs, children’s desks, etc.</p>
<p>All our local Goodwill, Salvation Army and mission stores will pick up donations if you call and schedule.</p>
<p>Hi klfrech~
Given a phone call to Goodwill & Salvation Army could answer your initial question…I am guessing you are in the midst of downsizing, and not aware of your options for places to donate your furniture and other items, correct? IF so…some additional places that can give you a receipt for a charitable donation: local battered women’s shelter-furniture, clothing----public library or bookstore that resells books and gives a portion of the proceeds to local schools—local church that may have a service for the destitute or homeless; kitchen items, clothing, beds, bedding, towels—animal shelter-towels—artwork-local museum, or resale shop that gives portion of proceeds to schools…and once you have exhausted those avenue…college students looking to enhance their first apt -no charitable deduction for taxes-BUT-a great deal of JOY knowing you are helping the next generation. I hope this helps you in your next chapter in your life.
~APOL-a Mum</p>
<p>Our local Goodwill doesn’t pick up furniture but a thrift store does. That’s our option for stuff no one we know wants. H knows someone from work who can use some stuff after we sell. Neighbors had a garage sale- too bad we didn’t own their dining room set, I would have taken it with me. One more week and the moving van comes! Still trying to sell this house, but hope the lowered price will work. Leaving some furniture to be given away when that happens- we can come back north to our “second” home this summer. It is so nice to be rid of stuff we both had from our single days but never got rid of- furniture we thought too good to not use. Downsizing is a pain but a new lease on life- shedding decades of a lifestyle for freedoms…</p>
<p>You could also consider the ‘free’ thread on Craigs List.</p>
<p>I second CraigsList as free, especially if you live near colleges.</p>
<p>We have a ton of extra stuff in the basement right now and we’re throwing stuff out today to make space for the stuff that moved in so that we have enough room to walk around and work out.</p>
<p>In our area we also have Amvets that will come pick it up. It is so convenient. When we moved here, we let the local women’s shelter know that we had extra kitchen stuff and furniture and offered to give it to the families that were transitioning into housing. It was very much appreciated.</p>
<p>Goodwill and Salvation Army will do pickups but will not necessarily accept everything - they have a list on websites of what is acceptable. One Goodwill truck arrived that was already 2/3 full and thus could not load all that we had to donate so be sure to tell them when you schedule if you have a big load.</p>
<p>I love the Craigslist Free section. It’s like taking stuff to the transfer station (“dump”) only faster and easier. You put stuff in, and 20 minutes later it’s gone, and someone came and got it.</p>
<p>We also have a Habitat for Humanity store in town that takes donations.</p>
<p>We’ve used FreeCycle to get rid of a lot of furniture, a piano, old exercise equipment, and various other household item. See if there’s a group in your area. I think there are over 5000 groups now so there may be one close to you.</p>