Moving out of Helsinki? What to do with your furniture

Moving out of your student flat in Helsinki? Large-item pickup costs money, and so does dropping sofas and armchairs at a Sortti station, so giving things that still work away free is often the cheapest and quickest way out. Below is what HSY and the university themselves say, with the source next to every rule.

Please note: this guide is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. yeybu is not part of, or affiliated with, the city or the organisations named here. Fees, fines, opening hours and rules are set by them and can change at any time; the official page always prevails. No rights can be derived from this page.

When students move in Helsinki

  • At the University of Helsinki the 4th teaching period of 2026-2027 runs from 15 March to 9 May 2027, followed by an examination and study week from 10 to 16 May 2027. (University of Helsinki - academic year and teaching periods, 2026-10-07)
  • The 2nd teaching period ends on 13 December 2026, with an examination and study week from 14 to 20 December 2026. (University of Helsinki - academic year and teaching periods, 2026-10-07)

Many flats come free at the end of a term; start sorting out what to give away a few weeks before.

Give it away free

What still works can make someone else happy. On yeybu you can see what is being given away free in Helsinki, and post something yourself for free.

The Sortti stations

  • The Sortti stations in the Helsinki region are Kivikko, Konala, Jorvas, Ruskeasanta and Ämmässuo. (HSY - Sortti stations, 2026-10-07)
  • Sortti stations are open Monday to Friday 7:00-21:00. At weekends you can use Kivikko on Saturdays 11:00-18:00, and Konala and Ruskeasanta on Saturdays and Sundays 11:00-18:00. (HSY - Sortti stations, 2026-10-07)
  • Several types of waste are accepted at the Sortti stations free of charge. (HSY - Sortti stations, 2026-10-07)
  • Armchairs, box-spring mattresses and sofas are charged by volume. Cash is not accepted; you pay by card or in advance in the eSortti.fi service. (HSY - waste management price list 2026, 2026-10-07)

Pickup and reuse

  • Sortti pickup is HSY's paid collection service for large items, for private individuals and housing companies in the Helsinki region and Kirkkonummi. You can choose a day pickup (8:00-16:00) or an evening pickup (16:00-20:00). (HSY - Sortti pickup for large items, 2026-10-07)
  • A pickup costs €70.00-140.00 (including 25.5% VAT) and covers at most nine items. (HSY - waste management price list 2026, 2026-10-07)
  • Intact furniture in good condition is collected by, among others, the Recycling Centre (Kierrätyskeskus) and charities. (HSY - furniture, 2026-10-07)

Free in Helsinki right now

  • Elfa/jonaxel laatikosto x 2
  • Vaatekaappi
  • Messinkisiä verhotankoja, nuppeja ja pidikkeitä
  • Annetaan pöytälampun jalka
  • Samsung kaappipakastin valkoinen
  • Retrosänky valolla
  • Tikkkurila nova seinämaali pirtelö värillä
  • Ikean kirjahylly

Everything being given away free in Helsinki

Timeline

  1. 4 weeks before you move: decide what you take, what you give away and what has to go.
  2. 3 weeks before: post what you give away free online, with photos, sizes and when it can be collected.
  3. 2 weeks before: intact furniture to the Recycling Centre or a charity.
  4. The week before: take the rest to a Sortti station - sofas and armchairs are charged by volume.

Frequently asked questions

What does large-item pickup cost?

Sortti pickup costs €70.00-140.00 (including 25.5% VAT) and covers at most nine items.

Can I take a sofa to a Sortti station free of charge?

No. Armchairs, box-spring mattresses and sofas are charged by volume.

Who collects furniture that is still intact?

Among others the Recycling Centre and charities - or give it away free to someone nearby.

Every rule above comes from the official source named next to it and was checked on the date shown. Rules can change: if in doubt, check the source.