NYC Donations: What & Where to Donate Before Moving

Moving out of New York involves more than packing lists and tight schedules. Most people don’t realize how much they’ve accumulated until they begin preparing for relocation, and the process can quickly become overwhelming. One of the simplest ways to reduce stress, cut down on what you need to move, and even lower your moving costs is to donate the items you no longer need.

Donating before your move helps you travel lighter, save money on transportation fees, and pass along usable items to New Yorkers who can genuinely benefit from them. Clothing, small furniture pieces, household goods, books, and everyday essentials are all great candidates for donation.

New York City offers numerous trustworthy donation centers and community organizations across all five boroughs. This guide explains why donating before a move is helpful, which items are most suitable to donate, and the best places in NYC where you can bring them.

1. Why you should donate before moving

Moving out of New York forces you to make one essential decision: what’s worth taking with you and what’s better left behind. In a city where moving companies charge by the hour and by the amount of stuff you own, donating unwanted items can significantly reduce both the cost and complexity of your move.

New York apartments also tend to accumulate more than we expect—limited storage and small living spaces make it easy for clothes, books, furniture, and forgotten boxes to pile up. Donating these items instead of packing them saves time, reduces your moving load, and keeps you from paying to transport things you no longer use.

There’s a practical benefit, but also a community one. Your items can go directly to families in need, homeless shelters, community programs, and organizations that repair or repurpose goods rather than sending them to the landfill.

This choice has an environmental impact as well. In a dense city like New York, where waste management is a real challenge, donating usable items helps reduce trash volume and keeps valuable materials in circulation.

Decluttering before a move also helps you stay organized and focus on the essentials. A lighter load means a smoother moving day and a cleaner start in your new home.

And if you want to simplify things even further, a professional moving company can handle the logistics for you—packing, transportation, storage, and even delivering your donated items to the right organizations.

For a fully managed and efficient relocation, Moishe’s Moving remains one of New York’s most trusted choices, with decades of experience in both local and long-distance moves.

2. What to know before donating

Before donating in New York, it’s important to understand what local organizations actually accept and how the process works. Most donation centers follow clear guidelines about item condition, safety, and drop-off procedures, and these rules can vary from one location to another.

Evaluate the condition of your items

• Donation centers in NYC accept only clean, functional, and safe items. Clothing should be washed and neatly folded, furniture must be in good condition with no major damage, and small appliances should be in working order.
• Avoid donating broken, stained, incomplete, or unsafe items. Most organizations do not accept damaged furniture, used mattresses, large appliances, paint, expired products, or items that may pose a health risk.
• Always check the specific requirements of each organization. Goodwill, Salvation Army, Housing Works, and local community thrift stores all have different acceptance rules, which are listed on their websites.

Plan your donations ahead of your move

• Donation availability in New York can vary by season and organization. If you plan to donate larger items or several boxes, prepare everything a few days in advance so you can drop items off without rushing.
• Grouping items by category (clothing, books, household items, toys) makes the drop-off process faster and more organized.

Find the nearest donation location

• The official donateNYC directory (run by the NYC Department of Sanitation) lists verified donation partners, thrift stores, and nonprofit organizations across all five boroughs.
• You can enter your address to see nearby locations for clothing, small furniture, books, and household goods. 
• Keep in mind that each listing has its own rules, and not all locations accept the same categories.

Don’t forget your donation receipts

• Most organizations issue a donation receipt, which can help you qualify for tax deductions.
• For contributions over $500, you’ll need to complete IRS Form 8283.
• Keep your receipts and any lists of donated items, especially if you make recurring donations.

Prepare everything for pickup day

• Pack your donations in sturdy boxes or bags, keeping the weight under 25–30 lb (about 12–14 kg) per box.
• Place everything in an easily accessible spot near the entrance, in case your moving team or the organization you’re working with offers pickup.
• For smooth coordination, note the contact person and the scheduled pickup time, if one has been arranged.

Planning ahead allows you to reduce clutter, save space in the moving truck, and help people who truly need support.

In the next section, we’ll look at where to donate in New York City — with details on each organization, the types of items they accept, and how their pickup systems work.

3. Where you can donate in New York City

New York has one of the strongest donation and reuse networks in the country.
Before you move, you have access to dozens of charitable centers and initiatives that turn unused items into valuable resources for the community.

Whether it’s clothing, furniture, electronics, toys, or food, there’s a place for every category.

Below is a curated list of trusted, active organizations where you can drop off donations — and, in some cases, schedule a pickup when available.

Note

• Each organization has its own rules regarding item condition, categories accepted, and any pickup options.
• Pickup, where available, is usually reserved for larger or higher-value donations and is always subject to schedule and location.
• To avoid wasted trips, donors should check the official website or call ahead before bringing items to any location.

4. How to choose the best donation option

Not all donation centers are suitable for every type of item. The best choice depends on how much time you have before your move, the categories of items you want to donate, and even your personal values — some people prefer to support veterans, others want their items to help families in need or support environmental programs.

Choosing the right organization saves time and ensures your donations make a meaningful impact.

Step 1: Identify what items you want to donate

Start by making a complete list of everything you no longer need.

Divide your items into four main categories:

• Clothing and textiles – best suited for Goodwill, GreenDrop, Salvation Army
• Furniture and large appliances – ideal for Habitat ReStore or Salvation Army
• Household items, toys, decorations – suitable for Hour Children, GreenDrop, Goodwill
• Professional clothing – directed to Dress for Success

Quick checklist

• Is the item in good condition — clean and without defects?
• Can it be transported easily, or does it require a specialized team?
• Is it accepted by the organization you’ve chosen?

Step 2: Check distance and scheduling options

Time is essential during a move.

If you’re preparing to relocate soon, choose organizations with clear drop-off locations or flexible scheduling for larger donations.

• Salvation Army – pickup available depending on zip code and volume; scheduling required
• GreenDrop – online scheduling available in the NYC Metro area
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore – scheduling required; pickup generally reserved for larger items
• Housing Works – may offer pickup for quality furniture; availability varies by borough

Recommendation: Even if a pickup service is available, try to schedule at least one week before your moving day to avoid conflicts with your moving timeline.

Step 3: Evaluate the social impact of the organization

Each program has a different mission:

• Habitat for Humanity – builds affordable housing for vulnerable families
• Hour Children – supports women and children transitioning after incarceration
• The Arc of New York – services for people with developmental disabilities
• Dress for Success – helps women reenter the workforce through professional attire
• The Salvation Army – provides shelter, food, and social services

If you want your donation to carry a personal meaning, choose the cause that resonates with you the most.

Step 4: Keep in mind tax deductions

• Request a donation receipt for every item you give away.
• For contributions over $500, complete IRS Form 8283.
• Most major organizations offer Donation Value Guides to help you accurately estimate the value of your items.

Tip: Take photos of your items before donating — especially furniture or high-value equipment. They can be useful in case of a tax audit.

Step 5: Connect donation logistics with the actual moving process

The most efficient approach is to integrate the donation process directly into your moving plan. If you’re working with a professional company such as Moishe’s Moving, you can coordinate:

• packing the items you’re keeping
• preparing boxes designated for donation
• arranging drop-offs at nearby donation centers

The moving team can assist with transporting donation items to the correct locations, helping you save time and reduce moving-day stress.

5. Safety and donation etiquette tips

Donating items before a move isn’t just about clearing space — it ensures your belongings are passed on safely and responsibly.

To make sure your donations reach the people who truly need them, follow these simple safety and etiquette guidelines.

Prepare your items carefully

• Wash and dry all clothing before donating.
• Wipe down furniture and clean appliances.
• Make sure items are complete (full sets, hardware, cables, chargers).
• Use sturdy bags for clothing and clearly labeled boxes for fragile items.
• Test small appliances to confirm they work, and remove batteries when needed.

Avoid inappropriate donations

• Don’t donate items that are damaged, torn, stained, or have strong odors.
• Avoid flammable or hazardous items such as paint, chemicals, or cleaning liquids.
• Do not donate old mattresses or furniture with signs of pests — one unsafe item can lead a center to refuse an entire load.
• Don’t donate medications, perishable food, or items past their expiration date.

Respect each organization’s terms

Every donation center has its own rules and drop-off procedures. Always check:

• What types of items they accept (furniture, clothing, electronics, books).
• How items should be packed or labeled.
• Whether an appointment is required or walk-in drop-off is allowed.
• Whether certain categories have seasonal or capacity limits.

Practical tip: Never leave donations unattended outside a thrift store or center. Contact the location first and follow their posted drop-off hours.

Add a personal note (optional)

If you’re donating books, children’s items, or something special, you can include a short note such as “Hope this finds a good home.”

It’s optional, but some community organizations appreciate the gesture.

Coordinate the process with your moving team

If you’re working with a moving company, let them know ahead of time which items you plan to donate.

The team can plan your route so the donation boxes are delivered directly to the center you’ve selected.

For example, Moishe’s Moving can incorporate donation drop-offs into your moving schedule as part of a full-service relocation — helping you simplify the process without extra effort.

“Do’s & Don’ts” – Responsible Donations

Following these simple rules helps ensure that your donations are handled properly and that the entire process is smooth for everyone involved.

In the next chapter, we’ll discuss tax-deductible donations in New York — what documents you need and how to maximize the value of your charitable contributions according to IRS guidelines.

6. Tax-deductible donations in New York

Beyond the social impact, charitable donations can also offer financial benefits.

If you live in New York and donate goods to IRS-recognized organizations (501(c)(3) charities), you may be able to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the items you donate.

To take full advantage of this, it’s important to follow a few essential rules.

Donate only to officially recognized organizations

Not all nonprofits or community centers qualify for tax-deductible donations. The IRS allows deductions only for contributions made to approved 501(c)(3) organizations.

Some well-known examples in New York include:

• The Salvation Army Greater NY
• Goodwill NY/NJ
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Housing Works
• Dress for Success NYC
• The Arc of New York

You can always verify an organization’s status using the official IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.

Request a receipt for every donation

For any noncash charitable donation, you should receive an official acknowledgment from the organization. A proper receipt typically includes:

• the organization’s name
• the date and address where the donation was made
• the location (city / drop-off site)
• a brief description of the donated items (without stating a dollar value)

Important: Organizations are not required (and are not allowed) to estimate the value of your donation. Determining the fair market value is the donor’s responsibility.

Accurately assess the value of donated goods

To claim a deduction, you must determine the fair market value (FMV) — the price a willing buyer would pay for an item of similar age and condition.

Typical FMV ranges:

• Jacket in good condition: $25–$40
• Small furniture (nightstand, chair): $20–$50
• Bedding set (good condition): $10–$25
• Working laptop (3–5 years old): $100–$150

Useful resource: Salvation Army Donation Value Guide

Complete IRS Form 8283 for contributions over $500

If the total value of your donated goods exceeds $500, you must fill out Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) when filing your tax return.

For donations over $5,000, an independent, qualified appraisal is required.

Main steps:

1. Complete Section A of Form 8283 with item details
2. Attach receipts and, ideally, photos of the donated items
3. For high-value donations, include the signed appraisal report

Keep your documents for at least 3 years

Tax records must be retained for a minimum of three years from the date you file your return.

Make sure to keep:

• original donation receipts
• your personal list of donated items
• IRS Form 8283 (if applicable)
• appraisal documents for high-value contributions

These records are essential in the event of an IRS audit.

Check the rules for recurring or corporate donations

If you donate regularly — for example, through monthly contributions or workplace programs — maintain a clear log of your donations. Businesses may claim deductions separately, and eligibility depends on the company’s tax status and accounting method.

In New York, several organizations offer dedicated corporate giving programs, including Housing Works, Habitat for Humanity, and Nazareth Housing.

Quick summary – Tax deductions for donations in New York

Useful tip: Tools like It’s Deductible (Intuit) or TurboTax Donation Tracker can help you estimate fair market value for donated items and generate the documentation needed for tax filing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donations Before Moving 

1. What types of items can be donated before moving?

Most NYC donation centers accept clothing, shoes, books, small appliances, furniture in good condition, toys, kitchenware, linens, and working electronics. Always check the accepted-items list for each organization before packing.

2. What condition should donated items be in?

Items must be clean, functional, and free of major defects. Donation centers typically reject anything that is dirty, ripped, broken, moldy, or missing essential parts.

3. Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes — as long as you donate to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and receive an official donation receipt. If the total value exceeds $500, IRS Form 8283 must be completed when filing your tax return.

4. What items cannot be donated?

Avoid donating hazardous materials, chemicals, paint, medicine, expired food, broken appliances, heavily damaged furniture, and old mattresses. Many centers also refuse non-working electronics.

5. How can I estimate the value of my donated goods?

Use the valuation guides provided by Goodwill or The Salvation Army, which list fair market value (FMV) ranges for common household items. FMV represents what a buyer would reasonably pay for an item in similar condition.

6. What documents should I keep for tax deductions?

Keep the following for at least three years:

• official donation receipts
• an itemized list of donated items
• IRS Form 8283 for donations valued over $500
• photos or appraisals for high-value items

7. Are there donation programs for students or dorm residents?

Yes. The donateNYC Dorm Move-Out Program helps students donate or recycle clothing, food, and dorm items directly from campus during move-out periods.

8. Where can you donate clothes in NYC before moving?

You can donate clean clothing and shoes at Goodwill NY/NJ, Salvation Army, Housing Works, and textile drop-off sites listed in the donateNYC Directory.

9. Where to donate food in NYC before a move?

Non-perishable food can be donated to City Harvest, Food Bank for NYC, community pantries, or Move for Hunger partner locations. Items must be sealed and unexpired.

10. Where can you donate books in NYC?

Books in good condition are accepted by Housing Works Bookstore, Goodwill, NYPL partner programs, and various community book drives across the five boroughs.

11. Where to donate furniture in NYC when moving out?

Functional furniture can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, Housing Works, or Big Reuse. Large items usually require an appointment and must be in good condition.

12. Where can you donate blankets in NYC?

Blankets, comforters, and bedding can be donated to Bowery Mission, NYC Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and winter clothing drives. Most homeless shelters accept them year-round.

Mindful moving begins with a simple act: giving

Mindful moving begins with a simple act: giving. Every move marks a transition. And sometimes, amid the boxes and endless to-do lists, we forget that leaving an old space is an emotional moment. It’s when we decide what stays with us — and just as importantly, what we choose to pass on.

Instead of seeing the things you’re letting go of as “clutter,” think of them as a bridge between two chapters. A warm coat, a book you’ve read twice, or a favorite mug can become the start of someone else’s story.

In New York — a city that never truly sleeps — small acts of generosity are what keep the sense of community alive.

When you donate responsibly, you’re helping not only the person who receives your items, but also the planet — and yourself. You clear space, breathe easier, and turn the stress of moving into something intentional: keeping what matters and letting go of what no longer serves you.

Moving isn’t just about changing your address. It’s about beginning again — and rediscovering what it truly means to give.

Sources:

• All organizations and donation platforms mentioned in this article, active in New York City and other regions across the United States.