What to Know About Furniture and Donations at ReStore

Are you updating your home but aren't sure what to do with your unused, old, or unwanted furniture? Thankfully, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore home improvement outlets are a great option for furniture donation! (Plus, all donations are tax-deductible.) We also have some upcycling tips in case you're not ready to part with your items.

Know What You Can and Can't Donate

Although we're grateful for every donation we receive at ReStore, we cannot accept everything. Before you donate, please take a few minutes to review our Donation Guidelines. All donated items should be clean, pet-free, in working condition, with all parts and hardware—no rust, broken or missing parts, rips, stains, mold, or hand painted items.  Some items, such as patio furniture, are only accepted seasonally. Here are the general categories of items we accept at ReStore:

• Appliances

• Architectural items and new building materials

• Doors and new windows

• New electrical, heating, venting, and air conditioning

• Flooring, carpet, rugs, and tile

• Furniture

• Hardware and fasteners

• Home exterior, landscaping, lawn, and garden

• Home goods

• Kitchen cabinets

• Lighting and fans

• Paint and stain

• Plumbing and bathroom

• Tools

Items that are NOT accepted include the following:

• Automobile parts

• Children or infant items

• Clothing and textiles

• Electronics/TVs and small household appliances

• Exercise equipment and bicycles

• Hazardous materials, toxic chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides 

• Home décor and kitchen supplies

• Mattresses or box springs

• Medical equipment

• Musical instruments

Keep in mind that this is not exhaustive. If you've checked the Donations Guidelines but still aren't sure if your items can be donated, feel free call 612-588-3820 during business hours or to email us.

Before donating your items, make sure they are clean. If your item is made of cloth, please vacuum to remove dust and dander. If the item is leather or vinyl, use a material-safe cleaner. Finally, check your item for any broken parts, rips, or other problems to ensure the item works as it should.

Furniture Upcycling Tips

If you're not ready to donate an item, giving it a refresh can be easy! You don't even have to be a pro DIYer to transform an item. Some of the easiest ways to upcycle? Adding a fresh coat of paint (or changing the color or stain) or updating the hardware. You can even buy paint, hardware, and DIY materials at any ReStore location.

If you're looking for inspiration, explore our library of DIY video tutorials!