What Habitat for Humanity ReStore pickup is and how to request it

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a home improvement resale store run by the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. Most ReStore locations offer pickup service for large furniture and building materials you want to donate. You contact your local ReStore directly by phone or through their website, describe what you have, and they tell you whether they want it and when a truck can come get it.

The pickup service is free to you as the donor. ReStore uses the money from selling your donated items to fund Habitat's homebuilding programs. Not every ReStore offers pickup — some only take drop-off donations — so you need to call or check the website of the location nearest you to confirm they have a truck available.

The items ReStore accepts most often are furniture, appliances, cabinets, doors, windows, flooring, and building materials. They typically do not take clothing, books, electronics, or items that are broken or heavily damaged. Each ReStore sets its own rules about condition and what categories it will pick up, so what one location accepts another may not.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact your local ReStore directly by phone or website to request pickup — there is no central number or online booking system for all locations.
  • ReStore pickup is free, but not all locations offer it; some only accept donations you drop off yourself.
  • The items most likely to be picked up are furniture, appliances, cabinets, and building materials in good condition.
  • ReStore staff will tell you on the call whether they want your items and give you a pickup window, usually within one to two weeks.

How to find your local ReStore and check what they pick up

Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations are independent — each one is run by a local Habitat affiliate and makes its own decisions about pickup service and what it accepts. The national Habitat for Humanity website has a store locator tool where you enter your zip code and see ReStore locations near you, along with their phone numbers and websites.

Once you find your nearest ReStore, call them directly. Tell them what items you have, roughly how many pieces, and what condition they are in. The staff member will tell you whether they want the donation and whether they offer pickup for that type of item. Some ReStores pick up large furniture but not building materials, or vice versa. If your local ReStore does not offer pickup, ask whether they know of another location that does, or whether you can drop the items off yourself.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to search online, you can call Habitat for Humanity's national office at 1-800-HABITAT (1-800-422-4828) and ask for the phone number of your local ReStore. They can also tell you whether that location offers pickup service.

What happens when you call to request a pickup

When you call your local ReStore, have a clear description of what you want to donate ready. Tell them the type of item (for example, "a dining table and six chairs" or "kitchen cabinets"), the approximate dimensions if you know them, and the condition (for example, "good condition, no stains or damage" or "some wear but fully functional"). The staff will ask where the items are located and whether you can have them ready by the door or driveway on pickup day.

If the ReStore wants your donation, they will give you a pickup window — usually a range of days or a specific week when a truck will come. This window is typically one to two weeks out, though it can be longer if the ReStore is busy. They will tell you whether you need to be home during the pickup or whether the driver can collect the items from your porch or garage. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the pickup window so you have it for reference.

The ReStore driver will load the items onto the truck themselves — you do not need to help load. If the items do not fit in the truck or the driver finds damage you did not mention, they may refuse part or all of the donation at that point. This is rare, but it happens if an item is larger than expected or in worse condition than described.

Items ReStore typically accepts and refuses

ReStore locations most often accept furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, beds), kitchen and bathroom cabinets, doors, windows, flooring materials, appliances (refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers), lighting fixtures, and building supplies like lumber and drywall. Items should be in good working condition with no major damage, stains, or missing parts.

ReStore locations typically refuse clothing, books, electronics (televisions, computers, printers), mattresses, upholstered items with stains or odors, broken or non-functional appliances, and items with missing hardware or parts. Some locations also will not take items that are very large or difficult to move, such as pianos or hot tubs. A few ReStores have restrictions on certain types of wood or materials due to local regulations.

Because each ReStore is independent, policies vary. One location may take a used mattress if it is in excellent condition, while another refuses all mattresses. Always ask when you call — do not assume based on what another ReStore accepted.

Timing and scheduling for ReStore pickup

The time between your call and the actual pickup usually ranges from one to three weeks, depending on how busy your local ReStore is and how much demand they have for pickup service. During busy seasons (spring and early summer), the wait can be longer. If you have a specific important date — for example, you are moving and need the items gone by a certain date — tell the ReStore staff when you call. They may be able to prioritize your donation or let you know whether they can meet your timeline.

Once you have a pickup window, keep the items in a safe, accessible place. If the ReStore gave you a specific day or narrow window, stay home or arrange for someone to be there. If they gave you a wider window (for example, "sometime the week of March 15"), you may be able to ask them to call 30 minutes before arrival so you can be ready. Not all ReStores do this, so ask when you schedule.

If you need to reschedule after booking a pickup, call the ReStore as soon as you know. They may be able to move you to a different week, or you may have to call back and request a new pickup date later.

Tax deduction documentation for ReStore donations

Habitat for Humanity ReStore donations are tax-deductible if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return. When the ReStore picks up your items, ask the driver for a receipt or donation form. This document should list the items donated and the date of pickup. Keep this receipt for your tax records.

You are responsible for determining the fair market value of the items you donated. The IRS does not set specific values, but you can look at similar used items on resale websites or in local classified ads to estimate what yours would sell for. Write down the estimated value of each item or category on your tax records. If the total value of your donation is over $500, you will need to file IRS Form 8283 with your tax return; your tax preparer or accountant can help with this.

Keep your ReStore receipt, your list of items and estimated values, and any photos you took of the items before donation. If the IRS ever questions your deduction, these documents show what you gave and when.

What to do if your local ReStore does not offer pickup

If the ReStore nearest you does not have a pickup truck or does not offer the service, you have a few options. First, ask whether another ReStore location in your area does offer pickup — sometimes one affiliate runs multiple stores with different services. Second, ask the ReStore staff whether they know of other nonprofits in your area that pick up furniture or building materials; many communities have thrift stores, homeless services organizations, or other charities that do.

Third, you can drop off your items at the ReStore yourself if you have transportation. Most ReStore locations accept drop-offs during their business hours, though they may have specific drop-off times or days. Call ahead to confirm they will take your items and when you can bring them.

If you cannot transport the items and no local pickup service is available, you can post them for free on community sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor and ask the person who claims them to pick them up. This gets the items reused without you having to move them, and you still get the satisfaction of keeping them out of a landfill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be home when ReStore picks up my donation?

It depends on your local ReStore's policy. Some require someone to be home to unlock the door or show the driver where items are. Others will pick up from a porch, garage, or driveway if you leave the items accessible and call ahead to confirm. Ask when you schedule the pickup.

Can I donate items that are slightly damaged or worn?

ReStore accepts items with normal wear as long as they are clean and fully functional. Light scratches, fading, or minor cosmetic damage are usually fine. Items with stains, odors, broken parts, or that do not work are typically refused. Describe the condition honestly when you call so the staff can tell you whether they will take it.

What if I want to donate items but do not know their value for taxes?

You can estimate the value by looking at what similar used items sell for on resale websites, thrift store price tags, or local classified ads. Write down your estimates and keep them with your ReStore receipt. You do not need an appraisal unless your total donation is over $5,000, in which case the IRS requires a professional valuation.

Can I schedule a ReStore pickup online?

Most ReStore locations do not have online booking systems. You must call your local store directly to request a pickup. Some ReStores have contact forms on their websites where you can submit your information and they will call you back, but phone is the fastest way to get a pickup scheduled.

What if the ReStore driver says they cannot take my items when they arrive?

This can happen if items are larger than expected, in worse condition than described, or if the truck is full. If this occurs, ask the driver whether you can reschedule for another pickup, or ask the ReStore to suggest other organizations that might take the items. You can also keep the items and try a different charity or resale option.