Donating Furniture and Household Items From an Estate

Donating is often the best home for good furniture and household goods that family members do not want and that will not sell. It keeps things out of the landfill, helps people, and can lower the cost of a cleanout. Here is how to do it smoothly.

What charities usually accept

Most donation centers take furniture in good, clean condition, working small appliances, kitchenware, linens, clothing, books, home decor and tools.

Many will not take: - Mattresses and box springs, upholstered pieces with stains, tears, odors or pet damage. - Large or older appliances, cribs and car seats (safety recalls), and old TVs. - Anything broken, moldy or from a home with pests.

Check each charity's list before you sort.

Pickup or drop-off

• Free pickup is offered by some charities and furniture banks for larger items, but slots fill up weeks ahead. Book early.
• Drop-off is fastest for boxes and small items.
• Estate cleanout companies often handle donations as part of the job, delivering usable items to charities and recycling the rest. Ask whether they do and whether you get receipts. See estate sale vs. cleanout.

Keep records for the estate

Ask for a receipt for every donation and keep an itemized list with photos and estimated values. Whether a deduction is available, and for whom, depends on the estate's situation. Talk with the executor's tax adviser. See estate donation tax deduction.

A sensible order

1. Family takes what they want first.
2. Pull out valuables and anything worth selling. See what to do with estate items.
3. Hold an estate sale if there is enough of value. See DIY estate sale.
4. Donate what is left that is in good condition.
5. Have a cleanout crew remove the rest.

Find an estate cleanout company near you or an estate sale company.