Comprehensive FAQs for Irish Removals and Man with a Van Services
Navigating a move in Ireland, whether across Dublin, Athlone, Westmeath, Mullingar, Meath, Tullamore, Offaly, Longford, Leitrim or anywhere nationwide, requires expert guidance. Local Movers, as the specialist moving company, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding logistics, costs (€), vehicle sizes (m³), and required crew to ensure your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
1. Defining Your Service: Man with a Van vs. Full Removals
The first step in planning your relocation is selecting the right level of service. The choice between a Man with a Van (Mwv) and a professional Removal Company impacts cost, labour, and liability.
A: The distinction lies primarily in scale, infrastructure, and liability. A Man with a Van service is typically a flexible, lower-cost option involving 1–2 movers and a small to medium van (e.g., 6m³ to 13m³). It is usually priced hourly, focusing purely on transport and basic loading assistance, and rarely includes comprehensive insurance or dedicated packing.A Professional Removal Company, by contrast, provides a full logistical solution. They use multiple movers and large vehicles (up to 30m³), price the job based on volume/distance, and include comprehensive services like full insurance, packing, furniture disassembly, and secure storage options.
Q: When is a Man with a Van service the right choice for an Irish move?
A: A Man with a Van service is ideal for small, local moves, student relocations, or situations where you only need to transport boxes and bags. It is highly effective for single-item deliveries, such as a large sofa purchased privately, which can cost as little as€50 to €70 within a local area. This option offers maximum flexibility and cost savings, provided you are prepared to handle the majority of the packing and labour yourself.
Q: What additional services do professional removal companies offer?
A: Professional companies offer a suite of value-added services designed to manage the complexity of your move. These typically include professional packing and unpacking services, the provision of specialised packing materials (boxes, tape, and wrapping), and the disassembly and reassembly (D&A) of large furniture items like beds and wardrobes. They also provide flexible,secure self-storage facilities for interim periods and can often arrange for professional tenancy cleaning services for your old and new premises.
2. Comprehensive Irish Pricing Structures (€)
Pricing is determined by volume, distance, crew size, and access. Our pricing is transparent and localized in Euro (€).
A: Man with a Van services are generally charged by the hour, with a typical two-hour minimum applying. The hourly rate depends on the size of the van (cubic metres, m³) and the number of crew members required:
Van Capacity (Approx. m³)
Crew Size (1 Man)
Crew Size (2 Men)
Crew Size (3 Men)
Small Van (6 m³)
€65
€95
€125
Medium Van (10 m³)
€90
€130
€170
Large Van (13 m³)
€115
€165
€205
Q: What are the average fixed costs for long-distance house removals across Ireland (>50 km)?
A: For larger, long-distance moves (over 50 kilometres), fixed price ranges are typically provided based on the property size. The overall average cost for a professional house removal in Ireland falls between €1,465 and €1,700. The base transport costs are shown below, with estimated additional costs for supplementary services like packing:
Number of Bedrooms
Fixed Price Range (Transport Only)
Estimated Additional Costs (Packing/Materials)
Approximate Total Move Cost (Transport + Packing)
1 Bedroom
€450 – €560
€170 – €225
€620 – €785
2 Bedrooms
€505 – €675
€225 – €280
€730 – €955
3 Bedrooms
€900 – €1,010
€280 – €335
€1,180 – €1,345
4 Bedrooms
€1,010 – €1,125
€335 – €450
€1,345 – €1,575
Q: What factors can increase my final removal bill?
A: Several factors can increase the final cost beyond volume and distance. These include moving during peak demand periods (e.g., summer or weekends). Crucially, logistical challenges in urban areas like Dublin often incur specific charges:
Difficult Access: Additional labour time for moving items from apartments without lifts (above ground floor) or if there is a long carry (distance between the van and the entrance).
Dublin Micro-Charges: Specific fees may be added for crossing from the Northside to the Southside, or vice versa, and M50 toll charges, which may add an extra €5 to the final bill.
Q: What is the cost of supplementary services like packing, storage, and furniture disassembly?
A: These services offer significant convenience but are priced separately:
Service Type
Estimated Price Range (€)
Details
Packing Service
€150 – €500
Expert wrapping and boxing of household contents.
Packing Materials
€120 – €150
Supply of specialized boxes, tape, and wrapping for a 4-bedroom house.
Disassembly/Reassembly (D&A)
€280 – €550
Taking down and rebuilding beds, wardrobes, and other large furniture.
Full house cleaning service for tenancy changeovers.
3. Operational Logistics: Van Capacities and Crew Requirements
Choosing the correct van size prevents costly second loads and ensures efficiency.
Q: What size van do I need for my move in Ireland?
A: We match the size of your property to the volume of the van (cubic metres, m³) to ensure a single, efficient load:
Van Designation
Approx. Capacity (m³)
Ideal Move Scenario
Key Feature
Small Van (S)
5.5 m³
Small 1-bed flat (boxes only), single item transport.
Low height (1.96m total); fits most urban underground car parks.
Large Van (L)
10 m³
Average 1–2 bedroom apartment or small house.
Suitable for large furniture and appliances.
Luton Van (XXL)
16.5 m³
Typical 3-bedroom house removal or very large apartment.
Includes a tail-lift, essential for heavy items.
Maximover (3XL)
30 m³
Large 4–5 bedroom house or major office relocation.
The largest capacity vehicle available for domestic moves.
Q: Can a moving company handle specialist items like pianos or large appliances?
A: Yes, professional movers are equipped to handle specialist and unusually heavy items. The transport of items like pianos or large American fridges generally requires a minimum two-man service and the use of specialized vehicles, such as the Luton Van (XXL), which is fitted with a tail-lift and ramps for safe loading. It is essential to declare all specialist items when requesting a quote.
Q: Are there extra charges for difficult access (e.g., apartment blocks without lifts)?
A: Yes, difficult access usually results in additional charges due to increased labour time. This includes moving items above the ground floor in properties without an operational lift. Similarly, a “long carry”—where the van cannot park immediately adjacent to the property—increases the total time and is factored into the final labour cost.
4. Compliance, Insurance, and Safety
Understanding liability and prohibited items protects your possessions and ensures a legal move.
Q: What level of insurance coverage should I expect from Irish removal companies?
A: Reputable Irish removal companies carry mandatory Goods in Transit insurance (covering items during transport) and Public Liability insurance (covering property damage or injury). However, standard carrier liability may only offer coverage of up to approximately€1,270 for your “Own goods”. For high-value domestic moves, we strongly recommend opting for supplementary, dedicated policies, such as ourRemovals and Storage Policy (All-Risks insurance), to ensure your belongings are fully protected throughout the entire process.
Q: What items are strictly prohibited from being moved?
A: For safety, legal, and insurance compliance, movers cannot transport certain prohibited items. These include hazardous materials (flammable gases, explosives, gasoline, corrosive chemicals, and certain cleaning products). Additionally,illegal items, live animals, plants, and perishable goods are not allowed. High-value items, such ascash, gold, silver, or works of art, are typically excluded from standard coverage and should be transported personally.
Q: Are there restrictions on moving alcohol or tobacco into Ireland?
A: For moves originating outside the EU (e.g., the UK), restrictions apply regarding duty and VAT relief. You cannot qualify for relief if you exceed normal duty-free allowances for personal transport, such as 800 cigarettes or 10 litres of spirits. For internal Irish moves, the movement of personal alcohol and tobacco is generally unrestricted, but any transfer of tools used in a trade or commercial goods is subject to tax and licensing requirements.
5. The Essential Irish Moving Checklist & Preparation
Expert movers provide value by guiding you through the critical administrative and practical steps required for a seamless transition.
Q: What are the essential administrative tasks I must complete before moving day?
A: Prioritize closing or transferring household accounts, including gas, electricity, broadband, and television services. It is mandatory to formally redirect your post and update your contact details with relevant financial and governmental agencies, such as the local Citizens Information Centre. If you are a tenant, ensure you review your tenancy agreement regarding the conditions for departure and the fixtures and fittings included in the property.
Q: Should I take meter readings on the day of the move?
A: Yes, this is mandatory. You must take final, documented meter readings (gas, electricity, and water) immediately before vacating the property. We strongly advise taking photographs of the meter readings to serve as incontestable proof of usage levels, preventing future billing disputes with utility providers or the new occupants.
Q: What should I pack in my “Essentials Box” for the first 24 hours in my new home?
A: Your “Essentials Box” should contain items vital for immediate use and comfort, and should travel with you, not the main removal van. Pack all essential medications, critical paperwork (passports, moving contracts, insurance documents), device chargers, basic toiletries, a small first-aid kit, and a small toolkit for immediate assembly needs. Small comforts such as a kettle, tea/coffee supplies, and essential cutlery for the first night are also highly recommended.
