Let’s start with the blunt truth: yes, many moving companies do have hidden fees… but we don’t.
Not the “surprise!” kind. Not the “Oops, did we forget to mention that carrying your sofa up three flights of stairs costs as much as a small car?” kind.
At Expert Removals, our quotes are the all-inclusive, no-sneaky-surprises, what-you-see-is-what-you-pay kind.
So, why are we even talking about hidden fees? Because if you’re Googling “Are there any hidden fees when using a moving company?“ it’s not just curiosity – it’s anxiety. You’ve probably heard horror stories of customers being lured in by a low price, then ambushed on moving day with mysterious add-ons.
Let’s unpack it (pun very much intended).
What Counts as a “Hidden Fee” in the Moving World?
A hidden fee is any extra charge you weren’t clearly told about before booking. Moving companies sometimes hide these behind vague wording like “additional service charges” or “access fees.”
Here are some real examples from the industry:
| Hidden Fee Type | What It Actually Means | Average Industry Charge (Ireland) |
|---|---|---|
| Stair Carry Fee | Charged for carrying items up/down stairs | €50–€150 per floor |
| Long Carry Fee | If the truck can’t park close to your home | €40–€100 |
| Fuel Surcharge | An “extra” for petrol/diesel | €30–€80 |
| Assembly/Disassembly Fee | For taking apart beds, wardrobes, etc. | €40–€120 per item |
| Last-Minute Rescheduling Fee | Moving the date late in the game | €50–€200 |
| Packing Materials Markup | Inflated box and tape prices | 20–50% above retail |
Expert Removals translation: We tell you upfront if there’s a cost. If we pack your bed, it’s on the quote. If there’s a toll, it’s on the quote. We’d rather be overly honest than have you thinking, “Wow… they’re that kind of movers.”
Why Do Moving Companies Have Hidden Fees in the First Place?
Three reasons:
- The Bait-and-Switch Tactic – Show a low base rate to beat competitors in ads, then load the bill with extras.
- Lack of Process – They haven’t nailed down their pricing model, so they wing it on moving day.
- Unprofessional – They can, so they do.
According to a 2024 Irish Consumer Survey, 27% of moving customers said their final bill was 15–40% higher than their original quote.
That’s not “Oops, forgot to tell you.” That’s “We planned to tell you… after we’d already moved your stuff.”
But If Expert Removals Doesn’t Have Hidden Fees… How Do You Price a Move?
Our process is painfully transparent – in the best way:
- We ask you everything upfront – House type, access, stairs, furniture list, special items (pianos, fish tanks, priceless Fabergé eggs… you get the idea).
- We assess volume – Using cubic feet or cubic metres, so we know the van size and manpower needed.
- We factor in distance and time – From A to B, with realistic loading/unloading times.
- We include all extras in the quote – If you want packing, storage, or disposal, it’s itemised before you book.
Result: Your quote is 100% aligned with the final invoice. Unless you decide to add 5 extra beds on moving day (hey, it happens), the price doesn’t change.
“But Aren’t There Situations Where Prices Change on the Day?”
Sure. But those aren’t hidden fees – they’re new services you’ve added:
- You suddenly ask us to pack the entire kitchen we thought was already boxed.
- You “forgot” to mention the 200kg solid oak dining table in the garden shed.
- Your new house is on a narrow country lane, so we need a smaller van shuttle service.
We don’t pull those scenarios from thin air – about 1 in 6 moves involve last-minute changes. But we always agree any extra cost with you before we lift a finger.
How to Spot a Moving Company That Will Charge Hidden Fees
Think of this like spotting a bad Tinder date before you waste a Friday night:
- Vague quotes – “From €X” without detail.
- Reluctance to visit or assess your property – They guess instead of measure.
- No mention of access issues – If they never ask about parking, stairs, or lifts, they’re saving that conversation for the invoice.
- Super-low prices – If it looks too good to be true, it’s probably a ‘€300 move’ that magically becomes €500.
The Emotional Cost of Hidden Fees (a.k.a. Why They’re Worse Than the Money)
Moving is already one of life’s top 5 most stressful events – up there with job loss and divorce. Add surprise charges, and you’re not just losing money – you’re losing trust, patience, and maybe a little faith in humanity.
We’ve moved enough people to know that peace of mind is as valuable as bubble wrap. You want to know your movers will turn up, do the job right, and not pull the old “Sorry, it’s €80 more because the weather’s bad” stunt.
How Much Do Hidden Fees Really Add to a Move?
Based on industry averages:
| Base Quote | Hidden Fees Added | Final Bill | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| €500 | €75 | €575 | +15% |
| €700 | €140 | €840 | +20% |
| €1,000 | €250 | €1,250 | +25% |
Over a third of customers who got hidden fees said they’d never use that company again, and over half told friends/family not to book with them.
Reputation matters – which is why we are always get recommended by customers.
Why Expert Removals Takes the No-Hidden-Fees Stand
Because we’d rather have:
- Repeat business – Customers who move with us once and call us again when they upgrade from a 2-bed to a 4-bed.
- Referrals – Your cousin, neighbour, and workmate all moving because you raved about us.
- Reviews that sell for us – “They were on time, careful with my stuff, and the price was exactly as quoted.”
Our brand is built on trust. And trust doesn’t survive hidden charges.
Quick Checklist: Questions to Ask Any Moving Company Before Booking
- Is the quote fixed or estimated?
- Does it include VAT?
- Are packing materials included?
- Is there a stair, long carry, or fuel charge?
- What happens if I reschedule?
- Does it cover disassembly and reassembly?
If they squirm or avoid answering… run. Or, you know, just call us.
The Bottom Line
Yes, some moving companies still sneak in hidden fees. But Expert Removals doesn’t. Our pricing is as clear as a perfectly labelled moving box, and our goal is to make your move stress-free, transparent, and maybe even (dare we say) enjoyable.
Because when you’re already juggling packing tape, utility changes, and deciding whether you really need that breadmaker you used once in 2018, the last thing you need is a surprise charge for the privilege of carrying your couch up the stairs.
Next Step:
Want a quote that’s exactly what you’ll pay? Call us, email us, or send us a WhatsApp photo of your living room – we’ll give you a clear, fixed price before you can say “Where’s the packing tape?”.