What We Accept
Updated November 2021
Click on the categories below to see the list of items we can and cannot accept.
If on a mobile device, scroll past the categories to see the list for the category you selected.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 UPDATE | New Life is accepting twin mattresses and box springs again.
Size & Weight
People transitioning from homelessness often have very little other than their clothes. Although we attempt to provide them with choices of basic items, we can only accept furniture that will fit in a small apartment and can be carried up a narrow staircase.
Condition
To treat our clients with dignity and respect, we cannot accept items that are stained, worn out, torn, scratched, damaged by pets, chipped, broken, or missing parts. We do not have the resources to repair or refinish furniture, while disposing of items comes at a cost that takes away from our ability to serve clients.
Right of Refusal
As a rule of thumb, if you would not give it to a family member or friend, it is not suitable for a client. We will inspect items before accepting and reserve the right to refuse anything inappropriate or in poor condition for our clients.
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Furniture
Furniture
We can accept:
- Twin, Full, and Queen Size Mattresses & Box Springs
- Twin, Full, and Queen Size Metal Harvard Adjustable Bed Frames
- Dressers | 6’ width maximum
- Couches & Sectionals | 7’ width, 2 sections maximum
- Ottomans
- TV Stands | no entertainment centers designed for box TVs
- Upholstered Chairs & Recliners
- Rockers & Gliders
- Coffee & Side Tables | no glass tops
- Dining Tables | 5’ length max at its shortest/excluding table leaves
- Counter/Bar Stools
- Sets of Dining Chairs | 2+ minimum
- Desk Chairs
- Bookcases | 6’ height maximum
- Small Cabinets | no metal or filing cabinets
- Small Desks | 4’ width maximum
- Standing Coat Racks
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- King Size Mattresses, Box Springs, & Bed Frames
- Bunk, Loft, Platform, & Motorized/Sleep Number Beds
- Futons & Air Mattresses
- Headboards & Footboards
- Wooden Bed Frames
- Infant/Children’s Furniture | e.g. cribs, high chairs, children’s tables & chairs, etc.
- Vanities
- Wardrobes
- Sleeper Sofas
- Recliner Sofas
- Beanbags
- Display Cabinets & Hutches
- Drafting Tables
- File Cabinets & Other Office Furniture
- Metal Cabinets
- Wall-mounted Cabinets, Shelves, & Hooks
- Outdoor/Patio Furniture
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Kitchen Items
Kitchen Items
We can accept:
- Microwavable Plates, Bowls, Mugs, & Serveware | no metal, silver/silver-plate, plastic, fine china, or logos
- Glass Drinking Cups | no logos
- Silverware & Knives
- Pots & Pans
- Cooking & Baking Utensils
- Bakeware
- Mixing Bowls | no plastic
- Small Kitchen Organization | e.g. drawer organizers, canisters, glass food storage, etc.
- Countertop Paper Towel Holders
- Dish Drying Racks | no plastic
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- Fine china
- Stemware, Barware, Wine Racks
- Plastic Food Storage | e.g. Tupperware
- Punch Bowls & Dispensers
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Linens
Linens
We can accept:
- Twin, Twin XL, Full, & Queen Size Sheets, Pillowcases, Blankets, & Comforters
- Throw Blankets
- Bath, Hand, & Face Towels
- Kitchen & Dish Towels
- NEW Shower Curtains & Liners
- Placemats & Pot Holders
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- King Size Sheets, Pillowcases, Blankets, & Comforters
- Crib Bedding
- Bed Pillows
- Pillow Shams
- Bed Skirts
- Mattress Toppers & Covers
- Duvet Covers
- Electric Blankets
- Beach Towels
- Curtains
- Tablecloths
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Small Appliances & Electronics
Small Appliances & Electronics
We can accept:
- Blenders
- Food Processors
- Coffee Makers
- Electric Frying Pans
- Toasters
- Toaster Ovens
- Countertop Microwaves
- Hand Mixers
- Slow Cookers
- Electronic Pressure Cookers
- Electric Grills/Presses | e.g. George Foreman grills
- Electric Kettles
- Fans
- Irons
- Lamps
- Bagless Vacuum Cleaners (no robots)
- Small Alarm, Radio, & Wall Clocks
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- Air Fryers
- Bread Machines
- Ice Cream Makers
- Pasta Machines
- Deep Fryers
- Popcorn Poppers
- Fondue Pots
- Warming Trays
- Catering Equipment
- Coffee Urns
- Single Cup & Specialty Coffee Makers | e.g. Keurig’s, cold brew machines
- Built-in Microwaves
- Large Appliances | e.g. ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, etc.
- Dehumidifiers & Humidifiers
- Space Heaters
- Air Conditioners
- Air Purifiers
- Steam Mops
- Sewing Machines
- Lightbulbs
- Personal Care Appliances
- TV Equipment | e.g. TVs, DVD/Blu-Ray players, etc.
- Radio Equipment | e.g. speakers, radios, etc.
- Computer Equipment | e.g. computers, tablets, printers, modems, etc.
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Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
We can accept:
- Mirrors & Framed Wall Art | 3’ x 2’ maximum, must be lightweight enough to be hung with adhesive strips
- Laundry Baskets & Hampers
- Rugs | 6’ wide maximum when rolled up, can be longer lengthwise
- Ironing Boards
- Fabric/Plastic Storage Bins
- Small Trash Bins
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- Vases
- Candles & Candlesticks
- Decorative Objects | e.g. plants, statues, etc.
- Dresser/Large Mirrors
- Heavy Wall Art | too heavy to be hung with adhesive strips
- Holiday Decor
- Fireplace Tools
- Brooms, Brushes, & Dustpans
- Mops
- Dusters
- Rug Pads & Remnants
- Curtain Rods
- Hangers
- CD/Record/Tape Racks
- Musical Instruments
- Pet Supplies
- Medical Equipment
- Exercise, Sports, & Outdoor Equipment
- Automobile Equipment
- Suitcases
- Strollers, Car Seats, & Other Infant/Children’s Equipment
- Toys
- Building Materials, Lighting Fixtures, & Plumbing Fixtures
- Food
- Clothes