Create four clear groups
Use keep, family review, donation candidate, and other removal. A donation candidate is not guaranteed acceptance; it is ready for condition review and matching with an organization.
Protect documents and valuables
Check drawers, books, pockets, boxes, and device storage. Set aside identification, financial records, keys, photographs, jewelry, medication, and items named in estate documents.
Make a simple inventory
For large pieces, record the room, item, quantity, condition, dimensions, and a photograph. Number boxes on two sides. Avoid vague labels such as miscellaneous when someone else must approve the contents.
Prepare the route
Identify parking, stairs, elevators, narrow turns, locked gates, and items that require disassembly. Keep every item that stays physically separate from the pickup group.
Ready to describe the pickup?
Gather photographs, dimensions, condition notes, and access details before you call.
View the related serviceSources checked
Item-acceptance guidance was checked against current public information from Goodwill Dallas and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore on October 2, 2026. Policies can change; confirm directly with the receiving organization.
Goodwill Dallas donation guidelinesDallas Habitat ReStore donations