Are you getting ready to put your extra belongings in storage? We always recommend decluttering before you do so. That way, you’ll store things you need rather than simply hoarding a bunch of stuff you don’t.

When you declutter, you’ll have a few options of what to do with things you no longer need. You can sell, donate, recycle, or trash them. Selling your old stuff can be a lot of work, though eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, and other apps can help.

Often, the best thing to do with your gently used items is to donate them. When we say “gently used,” we mean it. Donate things that are in good condition only. When you donate you won’t get paid for your things, but you can deduct the value from your taxes, which can save you a lot of money when tax season comes.

Here are five excellent charities to donate your old stuff to.

The Salvation Army

We all know about the Salvation Army thanks to the volunteers with the red kettle bells who take donations for the charity outside shops during Christmas. However, this vast organization also has many thrift stores where they sell household items.

The Salvation Army does a lot of good in the U.S. and around the world. Proceeds from their stores  fund programs assisting people in need. This includes:

• Disaster victims

• Domestic violence survivors

• The homeless

• Older adults

• People in addiction recovery

• Veterans

Items they accept include:

• Appliances

• Books

• Cars and other vehicles

• Clothing and shoes

• Electronics

• Furniture

• Games and toys

• Housewares

• Sports equipment

The Salvation Army provides work skills training, food, and more to those who need it, and helps about 30 million people a year in America alone, and operates in 130 countries.

Habitat for Humanity

With 900 locations across the U.S., Habitat for Humanity has the goal of ensuring everyone has a “decent place to live.” They build and repair homes. Anyone can apply to get one of these homes, but they’re provided to those most in need at a very reduced price. They help the needy in over 70 countries.

Habitat for Humanity accepts monetary donations and more, including:

• Airplanes

• Appliances

• Building materials

• Cars and other vehicles

• Construction equipment

• Farm equipment

• Furniture

• Housewares

• Tools

At its Habitat ReStores, Habitat for Humanity sells gently used furniture at pennies on the dollar. If you’re looking for attractive, solid furniture, these stores are a great place to shop. If you have things to donate, ask your local ReStore what they need.

Goodwill

With over 3,200 stores in the U.S. alone, Goodwill may be the best-known charity on this list. The organization resells donated household items and furniture. The proceeds help them provide career training and employment opportunities for people experiencing difficulty finding work. This often means veterans, people with disabilities, and people laid off from their jobs. It helps those with few marketable job skills with training. These programs teach financial literacy, how to interview well, and job skills.

Goodwill accepts:

• Appliances

• Books

• Cars and other vehicles

• Clothing and shoes

• Collectibles

• Electronics

• Furniture

• Games and toys

• Housewares

• Jewelry

• Sports equipment

You can drop off donations at a local Goodwill donation center. In some areas, you can schedule a pickup.

Furniture Bank Network

Now we come to one you’re less likely to have heard. That’s because Furniture Bank Network doesn’t have stores. Instead, they provide free furniture to those in the most need, and those people need to be referred through a social service partner.

So, who needs this furniture? Those who get into the program include the formerly homeless who are getting back on their feet, the unemployed, people with disabilities, immigrants, survivors of domestic abuse, and survivors of disasters.

When you donate, they accept:

• Appliances

• Dishes and kitchenware

• Decor

• Electronics

• Furniture

Kars 4 Kids

This national Jewish nonprofit provides educational support and mentorship for kids, and they get the money by selling old cars. Programs provided include summer camp, after-school programs, mentorships, and more.

Kars 4 Kids will pick up your old car within 24 hours of you contacting them, and often on the same day. They then provide you with a receipt. Oh yes, and you can deduct the Kelley Blue Book value of the vehicle from your taxes.

Once you’ve donated your old stuff and have a nice chunk of money to deduct from your taxes next year, it’s time to find a storage unit for things like your off-season clothes, sports equipment, business inventory, and more. Check our listings to find a facility near you.