IKEA Second Chances, Proudly Second Best (& Perfect for Expats)

New Country, Empty Flat

When you land in Germany, you quickly realize your flat comes with... a lot of white walls, and nothing else.

Most furnished flats are overpriced or temporary. The housing market in Europe is slowly imploding precisely because so many people are choosing European destinations to start a new life away from home. Thanks to the pandemic, the Work-from-Home (WFH) philosophy is popular. 

Shipping your things isn’t realistic unless you have 6000€ sitting in your account to pay for a container via ship and then wait an extra 6 months for it to arrive. Buying everything new adds up fast, especially if you’re not staying forever or don’t know how long it will be.

A4ord allows expats a more innovative, greener way to furnish their homes. From second-hand deals to donation support when they leave, we help them create a functional home without wasting time or money.

Why Second-Hand Is So German

In Germany, second-hand doesn’t mean second-rate. It’s a way of life. Locals breathe sustainability, repair culture, and conscious consumption.

For expats, second-hand offers the holy trifecta:

• It’s budget-friendly
• It’s fast and flexible
• It’s kinder to the planet

And if you're not sure where you’ll be in a year? All the more reason to avoid €4,000 setups that’ll haunt your next move.

A4ord’s Short-Term, Second-Hand Support Strategy

At A4ord, we help expats avoid the flatpack panic. You don’t need a full dining set and matching shelves on day one. You need a bed, a table, a chair, and a light. We connect you with trusted second-hand assemblers, handlers, and cleaners, which means we arrange the help and support you need and let you enjoy and watch your new humble abode grow.  

Smart, circular, built for real life.

👉 Book your helping hands with A4ord

IKEA’s Circular Buy‑Back Program: For the Budget-Conscious Expat

IKEA Zweite Chance (Second Chance) program lets you sell back gently used IKEA furniture in exchange for store credit. Once accepted, the item is placed in IKEA’s “Re-shop & Re-use” section, offered at reduced prices.

To participate in the Second Chance Plan

• You submit details and photos online for an appraisal
• IKEA provides an estimated value for you to sell
• You deliver the item to the store
• If accepted, you receive a store voucher to spend in the store

Pros

• Accepts used IKEA furniture without a receipt
• Gives up to 30–50% of the original value as a voucher
• Reduces waste and supports circular consumption

Cons

• Only IKEA-branded furniture is eligible
• You must deliver items yourself
• Inventory in the Re-shop section is inconsistent
• No resale or moving help

Compared to second-hand stores, IKEA feels safer but lacks the variety and peer-to-peer flexibility most expats need. Just think about the 10 pieces of luggage, the boxes, and the jet lag. You need help!

Top 4 Second-Hand and Sustainable Options vs. IKEA Second Chance

1. Otto.de – For Reliable Delivery and Returns

Otto.de Second Life Program sells lightly used or returned furniture at 20–50% discounts. It’s not peer-to-peer, but fast and reliable because it’s institutionally backed.

Pros

• Quick delivery and returns
• Large, organized catalog
• Backed by a major retailer

Cons

• Not true second-hand (open-box)
• No resale or circular loop
• Pricier than local peer-to-peer deals

“Normally, it’s a reliable company… All in all, I never had any issues with Otto.” — Reddit user in r/germany

Compared to IKEA, Otto offers more delivery reliability, but no resale support or human connection.

2. Avocadostore – For Eco-Conscious Long-Term Settlers

Avocadostore focuses on sustainable, ethical furniture and home goods. Not second-hand, but very environmentally responsible, because we know expats love reducing, reusing, recycling, and much more to care for our planet.

Pros

• Eco-certified, non-toxic materials
• Ethical, small-batch production
• Stylish and long-lasting

Cons

• Premium pricing
• Not second-hand
• No exit strategy for resale

“Flats seem... There is a second-hand market, but it’s not as ubiquitous.” — Redditor on r/germany

Compared to IKEA, Avocadostore is greener, but far less accessible for short-stay expats.

3. Möbel-Ankauf24 – For Design Lovers on a Budget

Möbel-Ankauf24 specializes in high-end second-hand furniture: gently used, designer, and often delivered to your door, like an upscale marketplace.

Pros

• Designer-grade second-hand pieces
• Delivery available
• Curated, clean listings

Cons

• Higher pricing
• Less variety for basic needs
• Less relevant for quick expat setups

“Used stuff stores that deliver... not as cheap as eBay-Kleinanzeigen, but more reasonable.” — Redditor in r/berlin

Compared to IKEA, Möbel-Ankauf24 wins in style but loses in affordability and accessibility.

4. eBay, Kleinanzeigen & Facebook Marketplace – For the Real Deal Hunters

Germany's most popular second-hand platforms are eBay, Kleinanzeigen, and Facebook Marketplace. These are where you’ll find it all—from sofas to salt lamps—if you're patient.

Pros

• Extremely low prices
• Huge range of options
• Many expats use these to buy and resell

Cons

• Risk of scams, no-shows, and language barriers
• No standard on product quality
• No delivery or resale support

“If you have a car, try to get second-hand furniture from Kleinanzeigen. The deals are absolutely great.” — Redditor in r/germany

Compared to IKEA, this is cheaper and more flexible, but far less organized or predictable.

How We Selected These Alternatives

We chose these second-hand furniture services based on what matters to expats: price, verified user reviews, delivery options, and the ability to support a flexible, often temporary lifestyle in Germany. 

We mainly included services mentioned on Reddit, reviewed on trusted platforms, or appearing in the top results for relevant local search terms. Every option here helps address the real challenges of moving, furnishing, and living abroad without mess, stress, or overspending.

Each provider is evaluated using the A4ord Score, our proprietary 1–4 rating system based on expat relevance, trustworthiness, and service flexibility.

Looking for Second Chances?

Stop stressing over mismatched chairs or €300 flatpack nightmares.
A4ord helps you live smarter with furniture that fits your space, style, and budget.