Moving Cost Estimator

A local two-bedroom move starts at 650 here for full-service movers and 140 for a self-hire van, before distance, stairs, packing, storage and insurance. Enter your move and the estimator returns a range rather than a figure — the total either side by twenty per cent — and prices the same move done three different ways.

1 Move Details

Type and distance of your move.

2 Home Size & Access

Size and floor access details.

3 Special Items & Storage

Anything that adds complexity or cost.

How the estimate is built

A base figure by home size is adjusted by distance, access and extras. Full-service movers start at 300 for a studio, 450 for one bedroom, 650 for two, 900 for three and 1,300 for four; a self-hire van starts at 80, 100, 140, 180 and 250. Distance leaves the figure alone up to 50 kilometres and then adds half a per cent for each kilometre beyond it; a regional move multiplies whatever that came to by a further 1.3, while an international one throws the distance factor away and multiplies by a flat three. Stairs are charged only when there is no lift: 10 per cent for the first floor, 20 for the second, 35 for the third, applied at both ends and added together.

Professional packing is 40 per cent of the adjusted labour cost; packing it yourself is a materials figure of 30 to 100 by home size. Special items are flat: a hot tub 400, a pool table 300, a piano 250, a safe 200, a motorbike 150, art 100. Storage is a weekly rate by home size, 40 to 130. Insurance is five per cent of the labour cost for a full-service move and a flat 30 otherwise. The hybrid option prices the labour at 60 per cent of full service and keeps everything else. The headline is deliberately a range rather than a figure — the total multiplied by 0.8 and by 1.2 — because a single number would claim a precision no estimator has without seeing the house.

Every figure above is ours. They are round working numbers in the region that removal firms quote in Western Europe, they are not a survey and not a quote, and the one thing they are reliably good for is the comparison the page is built around: what the same move costs done yourself, done for you, and split between the two. The duration figures — three hours for a studio up to ten for a four-bedroom, doubled for a DIY move — are the same kind of estimate.

Every figure above was read out of the code that runs on this page. Where a number is our own judgement rather than a published one, the note says so and cites nothing. Method last checked 21 August 2026.

What actually drives the cost of a move

Most people underestimate moving costs by 30-50%. The quote from the moving company is just the starting point — packing materials, cleaning deposits, utility transfers, and dozens of small expenses add up quickly. A €600 move can easily become €1,200 when you count everything.

The biggest cost variable is access. A ground-floor flat with parking outside the door is straightforward. A third-floor flat with no lift and street parking only adds significant time and labour costs — sometimes doubling the professional mover quote.

Special items also drive costs up dramatically. A piano, hot tub, or large safe requires specialist handling, equipment, and insurance. If you have these items, always disclose them upfront to avoid surprise charges on moving day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a local move typically cost?

A local move (same city) for a 2-3 bedroom home typically costs €400-1,200 for professional movers. A self-hire van costs €80-200 plus fuel and your time. Costs increase significantly for higher floors without lift access.

What hidden costs should I budget for?

Common hidden costs include: parking permits for the moving truck (€20-50), cleaning the old property (€100-300), utility reconnection fees (€50-150), mail redirection (€20-50), and a tip for movers (€20-50 per person). The calculator includes all of these.

Is it cheaper to do it myself?

DIY moves save 40-60% on costs but take 2-3x longer and carry higher risk of damage and injury. The calculator compares both options side by side so you can decide if the savings are worth the effort.

Do I need moving insurance?

Basic cover is included with most moving companies but typically caps at a low amount per item. For high-value items, consider separate transit insurance. The calculator includes basic insurance in professional mover estimates.

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