Free Donation Pickup When Downsizing Your Home
DonateYourStuff.ca provides free scheduled downsizing donation pickup for qualifying reusable items across the GTA and select surrounding communities. We accept clothing, shoes, books, kitchenware, household goods, home décor, electronics, small appliances, toys, tools, office supplies, small furniture and more.
Donations should be clean, complete and in good reusable condition. Electronics and small appliances must work properly, sets should include their important pieces, and furniture must be clean, sturdy and manageable for our pickup vehicles.
Submit a pickup request with your location, the approximate number of boxes, bags, totes and loose items, along with a general description of what you have. We will review your request and contact you by email about pickup availability.
Downsizing Donations We Accept
A downsizing donation can include reusable belongings from several areas of the home. Clothing, books, kitchen items, electronics, toys, tools and qualifying small furniture can all be included in the same pickup request.
The sections below explain the types of downsizing donations we accept and the important details to check before including them in your pickup request.
Why Condition Matters
Items donated during a downsizing project should still be in a condition where they can realistically continue to be used.
Broken, badly worn, incomplete or non-working items create additional sorting and disposal instead of becoming useful donations. Items that have been stored for long periods should also be checked for moisture, mould, pests and strong odours.
Checking your belongings before donating helps make sure more of what we collect can remain in circulation instead of being discarded.
- Small Furniture
- Chairs (dining, office, or accent)
- Small tables, nightstands, end tables, side tables
- Lamps & light fixtures
- Small shelving units
- Curtains, blinds, mirrors, clocks
- Area rugs (small to medium, clean)
- Table linens (tablecloths, placemats, runners)
- Storage baskets & bins
- Cookware, pots, pans, and bakeware
- Dishes, glassware, mugs, cups
- Cutlery and utensil sets
- Mixing bowls, serving trays, cutting boards
- Small appliances in working condition (toasters, kettles, blenders, coffee makers, air fryers, slow cookers, etc.)
- Small kitchen furniture
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing (clean & wearable)
- Jackets, coats, and seasonal outerwear
- Formal wear, business attire, and suits
- Dresses, gowns, and wedding or bridesmaid dresses
- Activewear and loungewear
- School uniforms and workwear
- Shoes, boots, sandals, and slippers
- Hats, scarves, gloves, and belts
- Handbags, purses, backpacks, and accessories
- Costumes and cultural clothing (clean and wearable)
- Children’s toys
- Building blocks and construction sets
- Dolls, action figures, and playsets
- Board games and card games
- Puzzles
- Educational toys
- Outdoor toys
- Ride-on toys
- Complete arts and crafts sets
- Video games and consoles
- Stuffed Animals & Plush
- Strollers
- Baby gates
- Baby carriers
- Activity centres
- Bouncers
- Baby swings
- Diaper bags
- Feeding supplies
- Baby clothing
- Baby shoes
- Baby toys
- Toddler ride-on toys
- Baby blankets
- Nursery décor
- Portable storage and organizers
Baby and toddler items must be clean, complete, fully functional, and free from damage, stains, mould, or missing safety parts. We do not accept car seats, cribs, crib mattresses, playpens, high chairs, recalled products, or any item that may present a safety risk.
- Yarn, fabric, thread, and notions
- Knitting and crochet supplies
- Sewing machines and sewing kits (working condition)
- Art and craft supplies (brushes, canvases, paints — sealed only)
- Hand tools (hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, etc.)
- Power tools (working condition only)
- Hardware & small toolboxes
- Extension cords, work lights, small paint tools (clean)
- Yard & garden tools (handheld only)
- TVs, flat screen and under 70 inches
- Desktop computers, laptops, and monitors
- Keyboards, mice, and computer accessories
- Tablets, e-readers, and mobile phones
- Gaming consoles, controllers, and video games
- DVD and Blu-ray players
- Small stereos, radios, and speakers
- Cables, chargers, remotes, and required accessories
All electronics must be fully functional and include the cords, chargers, remotes, or accessories needed to use them. Personal information must be removed from computers, tablets, and phones before pickup.
- Guitars, keyboards, violins, and small instruments
- Microphones, amplifiers, speakers, and accessories
- Sheet music and music stands
- Tuners, cables, and small sound equipment (working)
- Dumbbells, kettlebells, and weight plates (manageable size)
- Resistance bands, yoga mats, and foam rollers
- Compact exercise machines (stationary bikes, steppers, ellipticals — working only)
- Jump ropes, training accessories, and workout gear
- Gym bags and clean activewear
- Hockey sticks, gloves, pads, and skates
- Baseball gloves, bats, balls, and catcher’s gear
- Soccer, basketball, and volleyball equipment
- Tennis, badminton, and golf gear
- Team uniforms, cleats, and bags
We cannot accept damaged protective gear or recalled safety items.
- Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs, coolers, cookware)
- Hiking and hunting apparel (clean and wearable)
- Fishing rods, tackle boxes, and accessories
- Archery equipment, bows, and crossbows (must be safe and in good condition)
- Hunting knives, pocket knives, and collectible blades (legal size, securely packaged)
- Backpacks, lanterns, binoculars, and compasses
We do not accept firearms, ammunition, explosive devices, or anything requiring a restricted license.
- Artificial Christmas trees that are not pre-lit
- Ornaments, tree toppers, tree skirts and other tree decorations
- Christmas wreaths, garlands and artificial greenery without lights
- Christmas villages, nativity sets and figurines
- Stockings and mantel decorations
- Tabletop Christmas décor and centerpieces
- Christmas table linens, serving pieces and display décor
- Christmas decoration storage boxes and organizers
Christmas decorations must be clean, complete and in good usable condition. Artificial trees must include their main sections and stand. We do not accept Christmas lights OR pre-lit artificial trees.
- Halloween costumes for adults and children
- Masks, wigs, hats, capes, and costume accessories
- Indoor and outdoor Halloween decorations
- Wreaths, garlands, tabletop décor, and decorative pumpkins
- Working lighted, animated, and musical Halloween decorations
- Trick-or-treat bags, buckets, and reusable containers
- Halloween party décor, serving pieces, and displays
Costumes must be clean and wearable. Decorations must be clean, complete, and in good working condition.
- Desks & office chairs (small, one-person lift)
- Printers, calculators, laptops, and office accessories
- Notebooks, binders, and stationery (new or gently used)
Small, valuable pieces that can be loved again.
- Costume jewelry, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches
- Vintage and antique jewelry (non-precious metals and stones welcome)
- Brooches, pins, cufflinks, and accessories
(Please package small jewelry securely before pickup.)
- Coins, stamps, and postcards
- Figurines, statues, and decorative keepsakes
- Comics, collectible cards, and memorabilia
- Vintage décor or small antiques
- Souvenirs, pins, medals, and badges
- Fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books
- Cookbooks, hobby guides, and textbooks (recent editions only)
- Comics, graphic novels, and magazines (current and complete)
- Educational workbooks and learning materials
- Coffee table and art books
We cannot accept books that are moldy, water-damaged, or missing pages.
Every reusable book has the opportunity for a second life while helping keep quality books in circulation and out of landfills.
Downsizing Donations We Cannot Accept
We cannot accept downsizing donations that are broken, unsafe, contaminated, excessively large, extremely heavy or unsuitable for reuse.
Please do not donate:
- Sofas
- Sectionals
- Sofa beds
- Mattresses
- Box springs
- Large or extremely heavy furniture
- Large wall units
- Oversized shelving units
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Washers
- Dryers
- Other large household appliances
- Broken electronics
- Non-working small appliances
- Items missing essential parts
- Badly damaged furniture
- Heavily stained items
- Mouldy or water-damaged items
- Items exposed to pests
- Items with strong smoke or pet odours
- Wet items
- Hazardous materials
- Construction materials
- Scrap material
- Garbage
- Car seats
- Cribs
- Crib mattresses
- High chairs
- Recalled children’s products
- Items requiring more than one person to safely carry
- Wet or collapsing boxes
- Containers that are too heavy to safely lift
- Items that have not been prepared for pickup
Items that do not meet our donation standards may be declined at pickup.
How Much is Needed for a Downsizing Donation Pickup?
Our pickup service is intended for donations large enough to reasonably justify sending a vehicle to your location.
One small bag, one box or one small household item will usually not qualify for pickup on its own.
A downsizing donation is more likely to qualify when it includes several bags, boxes or totes, multiple qualifying household items, or a combination of clothing, books, kitchenware, electronics, small furniture and other accepted categories.
A smaller amount from one category may also qualify when combined with other accepted donations.
You do not need to count every individual item. Provide your best estimate of the total number of bags, boxes, totes and loose items included.
The overall donation volume, condition, location and current pickup routes will determine whether pickup is available.
How to Prepare Downsizing Donations for Pickup
Please prepare all downsizing donations before your scheduled pickup.
Sort before donating: Separate the belongings you are keeping, giving to family, selling and donating.
Pack clothing securely: Place clean clothing, shoes and accessories inside bags, boxes or reusable totes.
Use strong boxes: Pack books, kitchenware, household goods and décor inside containers that can safely hold their weight.
Keep boxes manageable: Divide heavy books, dishes and other dense items between smaller containers that one person can safely carry.
Protect fragile items: Wrap glassware, dishes, mirrors, framed pieces and other breakable items before boxing them.
Keep sets together: Keep games, puzzles, electronics, tools and other multi-piece items with their matching pieces and accessories.
Test electronics and appliances: Make sure donated electronics and small appliances work before packing them.
Keep accessories together: Include chargers, cords, adapters, remotes, batteries and other parts needed to use an item.
Remove personal items: Check drawers, bags, boxes, books and storage containers for money, photographs, medication, paperwork and other belongings you do not intend to donate.
Remove personal data: Delete personal information from computers, phones, tablets and other electronic devices.
Label containers: Labels such as Clothing, Books, Kitchen, Electronics, Household or Fragile can make larger downsizing donations easier to handle.
Protect donations from weather: Keep prepared donations indoors or inside a dry garage until pickup.
For complete instructions, review our How to Prepare Your Donations page before pickup.
For complete instructions, review our how to prepare your donations page before pickup.
How a Downsizing Donation Pickup Works
Step 1: Submit your pickup request: Provide your location, approximate number of bags, boxes, totes and loose items, along with a general description of the downsizing donation.
Step 2: We review your request: We review the item types, condition, quantity, size, location, available vehicle space and scheduled routes. We may request photographs or additional information by email.
Step 3: Receive email confirmation: Your pickup is only scheduled after you receive confirmation by email. Dates and times entered on the form are requests and are not automatically secured.
Step 4: Prepare the approved donations: Pack smaller items securely, keep matching sets together, test electronics and protect fragile pieces.
Step 5: We collect the approved donation: Items that are broken, unsafe, contaminated, non-working, improperly packed or significantly different from what was described may be declined.
How Your Downsizing Donations Help
Donating reusable belongings when downsizing helps:
- Keep clothing and household goods in circulation
- Extend the useful life of books, kitchenware and home décor
- Keep working electronics and small appliances in use
- Give toys, tools, sporting goods and other household items another opportunity to be reused
- Reduce waste from reusable belongings that are no longer needed
- Create Canadian work connected to pickup, sorting and preparation
- Support the Family Relief Program through a portion of the value created
Downsizing Donation Pickup Areas
Schedule Your Free Downsizing Donation Pickup
Have several bags, boxes or reusable household items ready to donate after downsizing?
Submit a pickup request with your location, approximate number of bags, boxes, totes and loose items, along with a general description of what you have.
We will review your request and contact you by email regarding pickup availability.
Once approved, pack smaller items inside strong, manageable containers, protect fragile belongings and have all approved donations ready for collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you help sort or organize a home before the donation pickup?
No. DonateYourStuff.ca provides donation pickup rather than professional downsizing, organizing or sorting services.
Please decide which belongings you are keeping, selling, giving to family and donating before requesting your pickup.
Do you pack downsizing donations for me?
No. Donations should be packed and prepared before pickup.
Smaller items should be placed in bags, boxes or reusable totes, while approved loose items should be ready and accessible for collection.
Do you remove junk or items that cannot be donated?
No. Our service is for qualifying reusable donations.
We do not provide junk removal, garbage removal or disposal services for damaged, broken or non-reusable belongings.
Should I finish downsizing before I request a donation pickup?
You do not need to have the entire home completely finished, but you should have enough sorted to provide a reasonable estimate of what you want picked up.
This allows us to properly review the donation and determine whether we have enough vehicle capacity.
Can I arrange the donation pickup around my moving date?
Yes. If you are downsizing because of an upcoming move, you can request a pickup before your moving date.
Submit the request as early as possible because preferred dates are subject to availability and are not confirmed until you receive scheduling confirmation by email.
Do I need to be home for a downsizing donation pickup?
Not always.
Once your pickup has been confirmed, approved donations may be left in an agreed, visible and accessible ground-level location when this has been arranged in advance.
Everything must remain protected from rain and other weather until it is collected.
Who We Are
DonateYourStuff.ca is the official donation pickup arm of Thrift Society, a Canadian social reuse initiative that keeps useful goods in circulation while creating local employment, supporting family relief and reducing waste.
Every qualifying downsizing donation helps:
- Keep reusable belongings in circulation
- Give clothing, household goods, books, electronics and other items another opportunity to be used
- Create Canadian work connected to pickup, sorting, preparation and distribution
- Reduce waste by keeping reusable household items out of landfills
- Support the continued expansion of the Thrift Society reuse network
- Support the Family Relief Program through a portion of the value created by donated items
A portion of the value created through donated items helps support the Family Relief Program and other work connected to the continued growth of the initiative.
Other Donations We Accept
- DVDs & Blu-rays
- VHS Tapes
- Cassette Tapes
- Vinyl Records
- Books & Learning Materials
- Household Items & Small Furniture
- Kitchen & Dining
- Clothing & Accessories
- Baby Items
- Arts, Crafts & Sewing
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Electronics
- Musical Instruments & Audio Gear
- Fitness & Exercise Equipment
- Sporting Goods
- Camping & The Outdoors
- Holiday, Costumes & Seasonal
- Mobility & Medical Aids
- Pet Supplies
- Office & School Supplies
- Jewelry & Accessories
- Collectibles & Memorabilia
- Wall Art & Home Décor
- Bedding, Linens & Textiles