If you're decluttering your home or getting ready for a big move, donating unwanted furniture to the Salvation Army is a great way to give your items a second life while helping those in need.
In this article, we'll walk you through the types of furniture they’ll accept, provide a handy checklist to help you decide which pieces are donation-ready, and guide you on how to organise a smooth and hassle-free pick-up.
Ready to clear out some space and make a difference?
Let’s dive in.
If you’re considering handing over your preloved pieces of furniture for free, you probably want to feel confident they are going to a worthy cause. Here's a brief overview on the Salvation Army in Australia and what it is the organisation actually does.
The Salvation Army is a Christian-based charitable organisation that has been supporting communities across Australia for over 130 years.
Known for its iconic red kettles and volunteers in uniform, the organisation is dedicated to helping those facing hardship, regardless of their background or beliefs. The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services, from emergency relief and housing support, to addiction recovery programs and mental health services.
They also run thrift stores, with the proceeds helping fund their many community-based initiatives. Whether it's supporting families in crisis, helping the homeless, or providing assistance to those affected by natural disasters, the Salvation Army is there for people in need, offering practical help, hope, and a path to a better future.
Donating to the Salvation Army is more than just a way to clear out your home—it's a chance to make a real impact on people’s lives. The Salvation Army supports a wide range of important services, from providing food and shelter to those in need, to offering programs that help people recover from addiction or rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness.
When you donate your furniture, it’s not just being resold in a store; it’s helping to fund these vital programs and support people who need it most. So, by passing on your unwanted items, you’re not only making space in your home, but also helping to improve the lives of others, giving them a fresh start and a bit of hope along the way.
The Salvation Army's furniture pickup service is particularly designed for people who are unable to transport large items themselves—whether due to lack of a vehicle, physical limitations, or time constraints. It's a perfect solution for busy individuals, families, or seniors who may find it difficult to organise their own drop-off.
The service is also ideal for people who are clearing out entire homes, downsizing, or relocating, as it takes the stress out of moving bulky furniture. On the other hand, if you're able to easily transport your donations yourself or only have smaller items to give, arranging your own drop-off at a nearby Salvation Army store might be a quicker and more convenient option.
The Salvation Army's pickup service is happy to accept a wide variety of used furniture, as long as it's in good condition and still has plenty of life left in it.
Common items include:
They also accept mattresses (though these must generally be in nearly-new condition, with no stains or damage).
If you're unsure whether a piece is suitable, it’s best to check the condition—items with stains, tears, or severe wear and tear may not be accepted.
The Salvation Army is also selective about very large or bulky items that might be difficult to sell or reuse, so always give your furniture a quick once-over to make sure it’s in a condition that will benefit someone else.
If your furniture is in good, functional shape and has a few years left to give, it’s likely the Salvation Army will be happy to take it off your hands.
Arranging a furniture pickup with the Salvation Army is simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. First, visit the Salvation Army’s website for your local area, where you’ll find a convenient online form to request a pickup.
Alternatively, you can call their customer service line (13 SALVOS / 13 72 58) to arrange a pickup over the phone. When booking, you’ll need to provide details like the items you’re donating, your address, and your preferred date and time for the pickup. Be sure to mention any large or bulky items so the team can bring the appropriate transport.
It’s recommended that you book your home collection 4 weeks in advance to ensure there will be a team member / vehicle available for your booking. In some areas across the country there are specific days/ or times available for pickups - check with your local SALVOS store to confirm.
Once you've arranged your pickup, preparing your items for collection is key to making the process smooth and efficient.
Start by giving your furniture a quick clean—dusting off surfaces, vacuuming any upholstery, and wiping down wood or metal pieces. This ensures your items are ready to be reused and appreciated by their new owners.
Next, take a moment to check that everything is in good condition—loose legs on chairs, broken frames, or worn-out cushions might not be accepted. If your furniture is bulky, like a large sofa or wardrobe, try to move it closer to the door, garage, or driveway where the pick-up team can easily access it.
Finally, make sure your donation is clearly marked and easy to spot, so the collection team knows exactly what to take. A little prep goes a long way in making the process quick, efficient, and hassle-free.
Donating furniture to the Salvation Army is a great way to declutter while making a positive impact in your community. With the simple process of arranging a pick-up, prepping your items, and ensuring they meet the right criteria, you’ll be on your way to helping those in need in no time.
But if you're also in the midst of a move or need help with any furniture transport, platforms like Upmove can make the process even easier.
Upmove connects you with affordable and reliable local removalists from across Australia - whether you're donating items, moving house, or getting new furniture delivered straight to your door, they're ready to help.
Upmove helps Aussies find and book removalists and transport services across Australia. The easy-to-use platform allows customers to access reliable, cost-effective, and user-reviewed service providers in just a few clicks. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's free and easy to create a request on Upmove.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your listing — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
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