100% Of Proceeds Help Local Families In Need
Created right here within the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, we saw a unique opportunity to build a sustainable business that benefits both the general public and the core mission of the Furniture Bank. 100% of the proceeds from our services are invested into the core mission of the Furniture Bank to help local families in need. Plus, qualifying furniture will also be donated to families around Columbus.
- Downsize with a Heart is a time-based service with an hourly rate of $250.00 the first hour and $200.00 / hour after that (pro-rated). We offer donation, disposal, and clean-out services.
- We can remove virtually any item from your space, aside from chemicals, pianos, pool tables, and medical equipment.
- For major disposal jobs, an additional disposal fee may apply due to costs associated with using the landfill.
- If you have less than 10 items and are not in a crunch, consider scheduling a furniture pick-up through our regular routes.
Currently, to qualify for any donation pickup or disposal option, you must have at least one essential furniture item that meets our donation standards.
Outdoor Pickups: We accept outdoor pickups for free. Items must be on a front porch or in a garage to qualify.
Inside Pickups: Along with free outdoor pickups, we also accept inside pickups for a $50 fee. Fees must be paid in advance.
Downsizing Services: Large pickups for more than 10 items will be available for pickup through our Downsize with a Heart service.
Disposal Options: We offer disposal options for items that do not meet our donation standards for a nominal fee. A qualifying essential item for donation must be included in the pick-up.
Drop-Off Donations: We accept drop-off donations of both essential and non-essential furniture items Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
These items qualify you for one of our pickup services if they meet our donation standards:
- Mattresses *
- Dressers *
- Kitchen Chairs *
- Refrigerators (Up to 15 years old) *
- Ovens/Stoves (15 years old or newer) *
- Box Springs *
- Kitchen and Dining Tables (no glass tops) *
- Sofas, couches, loveseats and stuffed chairs
- Washers & Dryers (Electric Only) *
We pride ourselves on giving quality furniture to those in need. At the time of a donation, we will inspect items to assure they meet our donation standards. That means:
- No rips, tears, stains, or tape patches in the fabric
- No pet hair or pet stains embedded in the fibers
- No bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, or evidence of mice or other rodents or insects
- No recalled or damaged items
- Appliances must be working, with all parts, and must be clean
- No urine, blood or other health risks
We reserve the right to refuse any item deemed unsuitable for our clients.
Car seats, highchairs or changing tables
Office cubicles
Waterbeds
Dishwashers or other built-in appliances
Liquids
Captain’s beds
Pianos and organs
Trundle/Adjustable beds
Firearms or firearm accessories
Hospital beds, walkers, or medical equipment
Entertainment Centers
Large or metal desks (greater than 4 ft long)
Tube or projection TVs
Metal filing cabinets
Liquids
Universal Workout Machines
Items with rips, stains, excessive pet hair, or evidence of bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, mice, or other rodents and insects.
A socially-minded enterprise of Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, Downsize with a Heart is the only downsizing business in Central Ohio that donates 100% of its proceeds to help local families in need.
Downsize with a Heart offers a full-service solution to a wide variety of downsizing and decluttering needs. Our team has assisted hundreds of clients as they transition into smaller spaces or simply seek to get rid of unwanted belongings.
Our services can help you:
- Donate unneeded furniture, household items, clothing, and more
- Dispose damaged, worn, or non-functional items and trash
- Clean out garages, basements, storage units, and entire houses
- Reveal new, spacious living spaces free of mess & clutter!
National Council on Aging (NCOA),
The NCOA created this Downsizing for Aging in Place Guide to help people considering a smaller home they plan to grow older in. In it, they provide guidance and tips on:
- Choosing the right downsized home for different needs
- Fall prevention and features for a safe environment
- Resources to help people clear out their homes and prepare for the move
Plus, they provide insight into other aspects, like proximity of the home to essential services, social activities, and budget considerations.
Common Questions & Answers
Are you a part of the Furniture Bank?
Yes! Downsize with a Heart is a social enterprise of the Furniture Bank and operates in the same building. We are a Furniture Bank service designed to help our neighbors with larger furniture donations or downsizing needs. With this service, the Furniture Bank can continue running its regular, daily donation pick-up routes for donors with less than 10 items.
The best part? All fees and qualifying furniture collected from Downsize with a Heart jobs come right back to the Furniture Bank, allowing more local families in poverty to receive a furnished, safe home!
Is Downsize with a Heart a free service?
Downsize with a Heart is a time-based service with a nominal hourly fee. This fee helps alleviate the extra time and truck space these larger jobs entail. For major disposal jobs, there is also an additional fee to take your items to the dump. All fees benefit the Furniture Bank’s mission to turn empty houses into furnished homes of hope for local families!
When do I pay for the downsize job?
You do not have to pay a penny before the job is complete! Once we finish your job, we will send you a final invoice based on the time of the job and any disposal fees, as well as an itemized tax receipt for your furniture donations. Then, pay however you like! Checks, cash, credit/debit card are all accepted.
Looking to pay your Downsize with a Heart invoice? Click here!
How quickly can you get to me?
Once you fill out a request form, we will call you or email you within 3 business days. After a few final questions and details finalized, we can usually schedule a job within a week!