🧺 How to identify & prepare items for donation

Greater Cincinnati resource · Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul & more

Donating usable items keeps them out of landfills and supports local communities. But not everything belongs on a donation truck. If you’re clearing out a house or renovating, consider professional Junk Removal OH for items beyond repair. And for quick drop‑off locations & hours, FIND us on Google Maps.

Furniture

Most charities accept sofas, tables, dressers — if they are free of major stains, rips, or odors. No bedbugs, please.

test drawers & stability

Appliances

Clean, working microwaves, stoves, fridges (doors removed) accepted. St. Vincent de Paul takes some with 1-year shelf life.

remove ice/water

Building materials

Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts cabinets, doors, windows, lumber (full length, no rot). No paint or open chemicals.

dimension matters

Clothing & linens

Goodwill and SVDP: clean, no holes/mold. Bag them — wet or mildewed items are trashed.

must be dry

Cincinnati-area charities & guidelines

Each organization has slightly different rules — below are the most common accepted items in good condition.

Goodwill clothes, furniture, electronics

St. Vincent de Paul furniture, appliances, household

Habitat ReStore building materials, fixtures

♻️ Always call ahead — donation hours change. Many also offer pickup for large items.

3‑step “donatability” check

Clean & dry — no mold, mildew
Fully functional — working order
No tears, stains, odors
Recalls? (cribs, car seats)
All pieces included (screws, knobs)
Not expired (car seats, smoke alarms)

Prepare like a pro

Wipe down surfaces, vacuum upholstery.

Remove batteries (toys, smoke detectors).

Take photos for tax receipts (value estimation).

Tie cords, include remotes if possible.

For a digital checklist & interactive donation map, try our netlify app — it also covers what charities won’t take. Need same-day pickup for unsalvageable items? Junk Removal OH serves the entire Greater Cincinnati area.