How to buy a sofa on Kleinanzeigen with no car (Berlin version)
Spoiler: It's doable, but you need a plan. Here's how I finally figured it out after three failed attempts.
Table of Contents
We all know this problem
You're scrolling through Kleinanzeigen, you see the perfect sofa in Spandau for 80€, and then... Reality check: You live in Neukölln, you don't have a car, and the seller writes "Selbstabholung only."
I went through this three times before I figured out what actually works. Here's my system.
Step 1: Realistic searching (saves you nerves)
Before you even start:
Set filters:
- Narrow down postal code to max 10-15km radius
- Filter for "Versand möglich" or "delivery for extra fee"
- Or accept that you'll need help
My tip: Don't search for the PERFECT sofa. Search for a good sofa in your neighborhood. The 90€ sofa around the corner beats the 60€ dream sofa in Reinickendorf.
Step 2: Ask the seller (before viewing!)
I once viewed a sofa, said yes, and THEN realized it wouldn't fit through the hallway. Learn from my mistakes.
Ask directly in the first message:
- Sofa dimensions (length, depth, height)
- How heavy is it roughly? (A 2-seater is easy, a corner sofa with sleeping function is murder)
- Will it fit through a normal Berlin Altbau hallway? (Spoiler: Often not)
- Does it need to be disassembled?
Step 3: Organize transport
Okay, you want it. Now it gets real.
Option A: Friends with a car
Cost: 20€ for beer + pizza + eternal gratitude Reality: Your friends either don't have a car, or they've already helped move 5 times this year and they're done.
Option B: BVG + carrying skills
Cost: 0€ (just BVG ticket) Reality: Haha, no. I tried it once with an armchair. The bus driver just looked at me and shook his head.
Option C: Rent a van
Cost: 40-80€ + fuel + deposit Reality:
- Need driver's license (duh)
- Deposit 500-1000€ blocked on your card for 2 weeks
- You have to drive and park (Berlin parking = nightmare)
- Plus: You still need someone to carry
Option D: Service like BringEasy
Cost: 25-50€ depending on distance Reality: Driver comes, carries, done. You drink coffee.
Step 4: The move itself
Regardless of option - some survival tips:
Packing material:
- Blankets for protection (old bedsheets work)
- If sofa needs disassembly: Bring tools
- Take photos before transport (in case of damage later)
Timing:
- Saturday morning is ideal (seller is home, streets not too busy)
- NOT Sunday during quiet hours (10am-10pm furniture transport in stairwell is not allowed per house rules... but mostly ignored)
Tips:
- If you hire a driver/helper and they carry up 3 floors with no elevator? 5-10€ tip is appropriate.
My honest conclusion
I've tried all options:
- Bothering friends: Works 1-2 times, then you're that person
- Carrying yourself: Only if you're masochistically inclined
- Van rental: Worth it if you're getting multiple items or moving anyway
- Using a service: For single large items? Absolutely worth it.
These days I check the delivery option before I even look at a sofa. Just saves so much stress.
TL;DR
- Search within 10km radius
- Ask for dimensions BEFORE you go there
- Decide realistically: Can you really do this yourself?
- If not: Service like BringEasy costs 25-50€ and saves you 3 hours of stress + a friendship
And if the seller offers "shipping for extra fee"? Say yes. Always.
Written by someone who spent too many Saturdays doing van Tetris in Kreuzberg.