Over time, we all accumulate items we no longer need—whether it’s clothes we no longer wear, books we’ve already read, or furniture that doesn’t fit our current home. However, every country has different options, offers, and regulations when it comes to dealing with old belongings. So, If you’re looking for ways to declutter and either sell or donate your items in Germany, this guide will walk you through all the best options.
The Joy of Decluttering
Decluttering isn’t just about making more physical space. It’s about creating mental space too. Studies show that a cluttered environment can cause stress, make it harder to focus, and even impact your sleep. Keeping things tidy and organized can make your home feel like a sanctuary.
By letting go of items you no longer need, you’ll find you have more room to breathe, more mental clarity, and more space to enjoy the things that truly matter.
Like Marie Kondo likes to say: Does it spark joy? Keep those things that do!
Now that you’re motivated to declutter, let’s talk about where to sell or donate your items.
Flea Markets in Berlin: Mauerpark and Beyond
If you’ve ever visited a Berlin flea market on a Sunday, you know how vibrant and bustling they can be. For expats in Berlin, selling at flea markets can be a fun and profitable way to get rid of items while connecting with the local community.
Mauerpark Flea Market
Mauerpark Flea Market is one of the most famous and lively flea markets in Berlin. Located in Prenzlauer Berg, it draws a huge crowd of locals, tourists, and treasure hunters every Sunday. As someone who has sold there multiple times, I can tell you it’s a great spot for unloading clothes, household goods, electronics, and books. I’d recommend grabbing 1-2 friends and turning the chore into a shared adventure. This way, less busy times at the stall won’t get boring and you’re able to split the flea market fee.
Here’s a quick guide on how to sell at Mauerpark:
- How to Get a Stall: You can reserve a stall in advance by going to the white booth (see photo) at the entrance of Mauerpark flea market on a Sunday before 2pm and register in person. I suggest booking your stall at least 2-3 weeks in advance—during summer time even earlier due to the high demand.
- What Sells Best: Clothes (especially vintage), unique home items, and electronics do particularly well here. Be ready to negotiate; people love a good bargain.
- Tips for Success: Set up your stall neatly, price your items reasonably, and engage with potential buyers. Bring snacks and drinks—Sundays can get long and food at the flea market food booths can get expensive! You can find more tips and checklists for successfully selling at flea markets in my blog post “Turn Your Clutter Into Cash.”
While Mauerpark is a top choice, other popular markets in Berlin like Boxhagener Platz Flea Market or the Nowkoelln Flowmarkt are also excellent spots for selling. If you’re outside of Berlin, Germany’s big cities like Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne also have thriving flea markets worth exploring.
Online Platforms for Selling in Germany
For those who prefer not to spend a whole Sunday standing at a market, there are plenty of online platforms that make selling second-hand items easy. Whether you’re in Berlin or anywhere else in Germany, here’s where to start:
Vinted
As an avid user of Vinted, I can confirm it’s one of the best platforms for selling second-hand clothes in Germany. It’s especially popular for casual and mid-range fashion brands. Setting up a profile and listing items is quick, and the app is intuitive.
- What Works Best: Name-brand clothes tend to sell quicker, but anything in good condition has a chance.
- Pro Tips: Use good-quality photos, write clear descriptions, and be prepared to handle shipping (Vinted has a built-in shipping system that makes this super easy). You can find more info about different postal services in Germany in this blog post.
Kleinanzeigen
For furniture, electronics, and household items, Kleinanzeigen is a go-to platform. It’s Germany’s version of Craigslist and offers a local marketplace where you can list pretty much anything. If you’re looking to sell larger items like furniture, it’s especially useful because buyers often come to pick things up directly from you. However, they recently also vamped up their direct selling and shipping features.
- What Works Best: Furniture, electronics, and household appliances do particularly well on Kleinanzeigen. You can sell pretty much anything!
- Pro Tips: Be descriptive in your listings, and take multiple photos. Don’t be afraid to list items for free if you’re looking to get rid of things quickly—there’s a thriving “free” section on Kleinanzeigen.
Momox
If you have books, CDs, DVDs, or fashion items from known brands, Momox is a great way to sell. The platform is designed to buy your items directly, so there’s no haggling with buyers or waiting for someone to purchase your stuff.
- What Works Best: Popular books, CDs, and recognizable fashion brands.
- Pro Tips: Simply enter the barcode of the items you want to sell into the app, and you’ll get an instant offer. Momox provides prepaid labels for shipping, making the process even easier. (Note: a minimum sale amount needs to be reached for free labels)
Sold your old stuff and need to ship it now? Check out my guide to using a DHL Packstation for hassle-free 24/7 package drop-off.
Free and Unpaid Options for Giving Away
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to make money—it’s simply to free up space. If that’s the case, there are several ways to give away or dispose of items in Berlin (and Germany in general) that are both convenient and eco-friendly.
Facebook Groups
Although fewer young people may be active on Facebook, there are still plenty of local groups where you can give away items for free. Neighborhood groups and “Free Your Stuff” groups are perfect for getting rid of items quickly without the need for a sale. Simply post a photo, and someone is likely to swing by to pick it up.
Sperrmüll
For large items like broken furniture or appliances, you can contact your local county council to arrange for your bulky trash (dt. Sperrmüll) to be picked up directly from your curb on designated days. This service is especially helpful if you’re moving or doing a big clean-out. If you’re in Berlin, this service is unfortunately not free. You either have to pay a fee to get it picked up or bring it to a BSR Recyclinghof near you.
Second-Hand Shops and Donation Centers
Berlin, and many other cities across Germany, have a wealth of second-hand shops and donation centers that accept clothes, electronics, furniture, and household items. For everyone looking to declutter without throwing things away, these shops are a sustainable way to give your items a second life.
- Where to Donate: Organizations like Berliner Stadtmission, Oxfam, and Humana are always in need of second-hand clothes, books, and household goods. In other cities, similar charities and second-hand stores are eager for donations as well.
Conclusion
Decluttering your home has immense benefits, from reducing stress to making your living space more functional and peaceful. Whether you sell and donate your items at a lively Berlin flea market, list them online, or donate them for free, Germany offers plenty of options to get your stuff into the hands of people who need it. So take a deep breath, start decluttering, and enjoy the feeling of a lighter, more organized home!
When was the last time you decluttered?
Interested in more things related to life in Germany? Learn more about the Bottle Return System, the German Postal System, The Best Season to Visit Berlin, and How to Use a Packstation.
Are you traveling to or from Germany?
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