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Declutter with Purpose: Where to Donate Household Items

June 19, 2025

If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, “Where did all this stuff come from?”—you’re not alone. From forgotten gadgets in the kitchen to furniture that’s just taking up space, it’s easy for household items to pile up over time.

Whether you’re decluttering, downsizing, or just ready for a refresh, there’s a simple way to clear space and do something good at the same time: donate your gently used household goods to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.

We’ll take you through what to donate, where to drop it off, and why your donations matter. Spoiler: they go way beyond clearing your countertops.

Why Donate Household Items?

Donating household items helps in more ways than one. You get a more organized home, and someone else gets access to affordable, gently used home goods they might need.

Here’s what your donation can do:

  • Reduce waste by keeping usable items out of landfills.
  • Support your community by funding job training and employment services through Goodwill.
  • Make room in your life for what truly matters.

And with convenient drop-off locations across the region, giving your household items a second life is easier than ever.

What Household Items Can You Donate?

If it works, is in good condition, and can be reused, it’s probably welcome! Here are the most commonly accepted household donations:

  1. Furniture

Goodwill accepts many types of donated furniture, including:

  • Side tables, nightstands, and coffee tables
  • Dressers, shelving units, and bookcases
  • Dining chairs and kitchen stools
  • Accent chairs and sofas (in good, clean condition)

Pro tip: Check with your local Goodwill for specific guidelines on furniture size and condition. Most locations ask that items be free of stains, rips, or major wear.

  1. Kitchen Items

From organizing your cabinets to upgrading your appliances, it’s easy to end up with duplicate or unused kitchen goods. Donate items like:

  • Dishes and cookware
  • Pots and pans
  • Serving platters and mixing bowls
  • Utensils and silverware
  • Storage containers (with lids!)

These basics are often the first things people shop for when moving into a new home or starting over.

  1. Small Appliances

Did you upgrade to the latest air fryer? Still holding on to that backup toaster? Free up space and help someone else at the same time. Accepted small appliances often include:

  • Coffee makers
  • Blenders and food processors
  • Microwaves (in working condition)
  • Slow cookers
  • Toasters and toaster ovens

Make sure appliances are clean and include any necessary parts.

  1. Home Décor

Your old style might be someone else’s dream aesthetic. If you’ve recently redecorated or done some seasonal sprucing, donate:

  • Vases and picture frames
  • Wall art and prints
  • Throw pillows and blankets
  • Mirrors
  • Decorative baskets and organizers

Home décor items are always popular among thrifters and first-time homeowners looking to personalize their space.

  1. Lamps and Lighting

Light up someone else’s home by donating:

  • Table lamps
  • Floor lamps
  • Lampshades
  • Light fixtures (small and manageable in size)

Just be sure everything works and includes a cord or plug that’s safe to use.

  1. Electronics

In 2004, Dell Technologies partnered with Goodwill Industires® to create Dell Reconnect, a program that provides consumers a free and simple way to drop off their used computer equipment at one of the participating locations to be properly recycled. Always check the current electronics acceptance list for your specific region and learn more here.

If you’ve recently upgraded your home office or entertainment system, consider donating electronics, such as:

  • DVD players and radios
  • Alarm clocks
  • Computer monitors and keyboards
  • Cords and chargers (clearly labeled, if possible)

What Not to Donate

While Goodwill accepts many types of household goods, there are a few items that can’t be accepted due to safety or legal reasons. These usually include:

  • Broken or stained furniture
  • Large appliances (refrigerators, ovens, etc.)
  • Mattresses and box springs
  • Hazardous materials like paint or chemicals

If you’re not sure, contact us and ask! We’’ll be happy to guide you.

How to Prepare Your Items for Donation

To make sure your donation is helpful and easy to process:

  • Clean items beforehand (a quick wipe-down works wonders).
  • Group like items together (dishes in one box, electronics in another).
  • Label boxes or bins to help staff sort them efficiently.
  • Secure cords, lids, and loose parts with tape or twist ties.

And remember—if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, it might not be right to donate. Quality matters!

Looking for a fast, more convenient way to donate? Book a Goodwill pickup today. Check our pickup schedule and map to see what works best for you, or schedule an appointment.

Where to Donate Household Items in Central and Northern Arizona

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona has dozens of donation locations throughout the region, including:

  • Phoenix
  • Glendale
  • Scottsdale
  • Tempe
  • Mesa
  • Flagstaff
  • Prescott

Many stores have drive-up donation centers, making it quick and convenient to drop off your items. Some even offer donation pickup services for larger furniture—check your local Goodwill to see if this is available in your area.

Decluttering? Downsizing? Moving?

These are some of the best times to do a clean sweep of your home. If you’re:

  • Moving into a new space and want a fresh start
  • Downsizing from a large home to an apartment or condo
  • Helping a family member sort through their belongings
  • Or just done with clutter…

Donating to Goodwill helps you let go of what you no longer need—and feel good about where it’s going.

Your Donations Make a Difference

Every plate, pillow, and lamp you donate has the potential to change a life. That’s because the proceeds from your donations support:

  • Job training and career services
  • Community employment programs
  • Skills development for those facing barriers to employment

So while you’re decluttering your home, you’re also helping someone else build a future.

Make Space. Make a Difference.

If your home feels overwhelmed with stuff you don’t use, don’t let it sit and collect dust. Donate your household items to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and give them a second life—and a second chance to do good.

From kitchenware and cookware to furniture, electronics, and home décor, your donation can help someone furnish their first home, find stability after hardship, or simply enjoy something new.

Ready to start? Find your nearest donation center and start decluttering with purpose today. And if you’ve recently donated, thank you. You’re making a real impact, one box at a time.

Tag your donation drop-offs or home transformations with #GoodwillAZ and let others know how easy it is to give back.