A guide to furniture donation in Boston

Are you decluttering for a move? Why not give your unwanted belongings a new lease on life with a furniture donation in Boston? You can even have the hassle of transporting heavy items taken out of your hands with donation pickups.

Outside of furniture items, charitable organizations in Boston accept a myriad of donations, from clothes to kitchenware and more. However, there are some specific items that are generally not accepted for donation.

For instance, children’s items, mattresses, or used bedding.

Should it stay or should it go?

Whatever the moving scenario, decide if it’s worth investing in moving costs to take furniture with you.

On the other hand, is there even a place in your new apartment for old furniture? Does it fit with your desired decor?

Let’s try and break this down.

If you’re moving into an unfurnished apartment, think of it as a blank canvas to make your own. Depending on the size and layout of your new place, the furniture you own may or may not fit.

In fact, depending on the dimensions, it may not even fit through the front door! It’s always good to invest in quality pieces and you may own some key pieces you shouldn’t part with.

Nonetheless, a new apartment is also a great opportunity for an interior fresh start. Making a move is so much easier without a lot of baggage. Finding a furnished rental is the ideal alternative.

For example, consider one of the apartments in Boston offered by Blueground. They provide furnished, equipped, turnkey accommodation for stays of one month, one year, or even longer in some of the best neighborhoods in the city.

Where to donate furniture

Whether you’ve rented furnished or you’re just trying to clean up and get organized, here are five places to donate in Boston. What’s more, they all offer the perk of a pickup

ReStore

ReStore in Greater Boston will gladly take gently-used items off your hands. The West Roxbury store is an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity on a mission to build affordable homes. Proceeds raised through items sold are reinvested in helping those in need of a home.

Also, they offer free donation pick-ups that can be scheduled by phone or email.

Donations accepted:

• Furniture
• Home decor
• Lighting
• Flooring

Items to donate elsewhere:

• Computers/TVs
• Sofa beds
• Pet Items
• Clothing

New Life Furniture Bank of MA

Donations to New Life Furniture Bank of MA are redistributed to homeless families that are transitioning out of homelessness (for free!). They prioritize basic items required to set up small apartments.

Above all, think practical rather than decorative when assessing what to give away. Items with any wear and tear won’t be accepted. They offer a pick-up service on Saturday mornings by appointment requiring a minimum of three items.

Donations accepted:

• Furniture
• Lamps
• Framed artwork
• Clocks

Items to donate elsewhere:

• Outdoor furniture
• Office furniture
• Personal care appliances
• Bedsheets

Furnishing Hope

Your furniture donation to Furnishing Hope will be rehoused to set up a starter home for a recently homeless family.

Urgently needed items include coffee tables, shower curtains, and towel sets. They offer a free pick up for a minimum of four items in and outside the Boston area. A small donation of travel costs is expected.

However, if you’re unsure if your furniture is up to scratch, a member of their team can visit your home to check.

Donations accepted:

• Furniture
• Kitchenware
• Linens
• Toiletries

Items to donate elsewhere:

• Clothes
• Books
• Appliances
• Building materials

Boomerangs

Serving the Greater Boston area, Boomerangs is a chain of award-winning thrift stores set up to support people living with HIV/AIDS. They accept items that are still in good condition and have a soft spot for vintage. It’s worth noting larger pieces of furniture are more difficult for them to sell so select smaller items to shift.

Schedule a free pick-up within the Greater Boston area on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They can pick up two items or more.

Donations accepted:

• Furniture
• Books
• Records
• Curtains

Items to donate elsewhere:

• Bed Frames
• Exercise equipment
• Computers and printers
• Magazines

The Salvation Army

When you donate furniture or more to The Salvation Army items are sold in their stores raising funds for rehabilitation centers. They feature a helpful Donation Value Guide on their website that offers an approximate tax-deductible value for commonly donated items.

Yes, a furniture donation can be tax-deductible, just always remember to get a receipt. Free pick-ups for furniture, household items, or clothing can be scheduled online.

Donations accepted:

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Cell phones
• Household Goods