Spoiler: You can’t just line up a bunch of numbers in a spreadsheet and circle the cheapest one. That’s like picking a heart surgeon because they offer a “buy one, get one free” deal. Your move is not an IKEA flat-pack project. It’s your life in boxes – and sometimes boxes of things that cost more than your car.
In this guide, we’re going to talk about:
- What’s hiding inside those moving quotes (spoiler: sometimes… nothing good).
- How to spot the difference between a deal and a disaster.
- Why “fair” doesn’t always mean “equal” when you’re comparing movers.
- And yes, how to make your decision without losing your mind or your Nana’s crystal vase.
Why can’t I just go with the cheapest moving company?
You could. But here’s the emotional cost: cheap movers are like that friend who says, “Sure, I’ll help you move” – then turns up an hour late, hungover, and without a van.
According to a 2024 Consumer Affairs survey, 68% of moving complaints involve hidden charges, damaged items, or no-shows – and most of those complaints came from people who chose the cheapest quote.
Why this matters: A €200 difference on paper can quickly become a €1,000 headache when your “bargain” movers add on:
- €50 per flight of stairs (even though you mentioned your 3rd-floor apartment).
- €30 per extra box (because they suddenly decided their “estimate” only included 15).
- €150 “fuel surcharge” for “unexpected traffic” (on the M50? Really?).
What exactly am I paying for in a moving quote?
When you get a quote from a moving company like Expert Removals, you’re not just paying for bodies to lift boxes. You’re paying for:
| Quote Item | What It Actually Covers | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Labour & Crew Size | Number of movers + hours | How many movers? For how many hours? |
| Vehicle & Fuel | Size of van/truck + fuel | What’s the cubic capacity? Mileage limits? |
| Packing Materials | Boxes, tape, wrapping | Are they included or extra? |
| Insurance & Liability | Damage/theft cover | What’s the coverage amount? Any exclusions? |
| Specialist Handling | Pianos, antiques, art | Any surcharge for heavy/fragile items? |
| Access Issues | Stairs, elevators, parking | Any fees if they need to carry items further? |
| Travel Time | Crew’s commute to job site | Charged from depot or from arrival? |
Pro tip: If a quote just says “House Move – €900” with no breakdown, that’s like ordering the “mystery meat” special at a dodgy café. You deserve to know what’s in it.
How do I compare quotes fairly?
1. Make sure you’re comparing the same job
Moving companies are not psychic (although we’ve been accused of moving so smoothly it looks like magic). If you give one mover a list of 20 items and another mover a vague “We’ve got a few boxes and some furniture,” you’ll get wildly different quotes.
Solution:
Send the exact same inventory list and move details to each company:
- Number of rooms
- Big, heavy, or awkward items
- Access details (stairs, lift, tight doorways)
- Any packing help needed
2. Check what’s included – and what’s lurking in the small print
The emotional side of this? Nobody likes feeling tricked.
Example:
Company A: €1,100 – includes crew, truck, fuel, boxes, packing materials, and full insurance.
Company B: €900 – includes crew and truck… but charges €5 per box, €30 for fuel, €20 per hour overtime, and doesn’t insure glass items.
At the end of the move, Company B’s “cheap” job might cost €1,300.
Stat check: Based on our own data from 612 Dublin moves in 2024, 19% of customers who switched to Expert Removals after a bad first quote experience did so because of hidden extras.
3. Evaluate the mover’s reputation – not just their price
Would you hire a babysitter because they charge less than minimum wage? Exactly.
Look for:
- Google reviews: 4.5★ or higher is your sweet spot.
- Photos & videos of past jobs: Real movers don’t mind showing their work.
- Years in business: Fly-by-night movers vanish faster than a free biscuit at a viewing.
4. Consider speed vs. stress
A bigger, more experienced crew might cost €200 more, but if they finish the job in 5 hours instead of 9, you’ve:
- Saved a full day’s worth of your time.
- Avoided your landlord’s evil eye for blocking the driveway until 8pm.
- Reduced the chance of damage because they weren’t rushing.
Data point: In Dublin, our 4-man crews average 43% faster completion time than 2-man teams on similar jobs.
What red flags should I watch for in a moving quote?
- No written quote – If they only give you a “ballpark figure” over the phone, run.
- Too good to be true pricing – €500 for a 4-bed house move? Either they’re skipping insurance or planning to surprise-bill you.
- No company address or VAT number – Means no accountability.
How do emotions play into choosing a moving company?
Moving is not just logistics. It’s trust. It’s letting strangers carry your bed, your sofa, and the box of embarrassing love letters you forgot to throw out.
When people choose a mover, they’re choosing:
- Security: “Will my stuff arrive in one piece?”
- Control: “Do I know exactly what’s happening and when?”
- Comfort: “Can I hand this over and breathe?”
Our client survey: 72% of customers said peace of mind was more important than the final price when booking Expert Removals.
Quick comparison checklist:
| Criteria | Company A | Company B | Company C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Price (incl. VAT) | |||
| Crew Size / Hours | |||
| Truck Size / Capacity | |||
| Packing Materials Included | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes/No |
| Insurance Coverage Amount | |||
| Extra Charges Listed | |||
| Online Reviews (★) | |||
| Years in Business | |||
| Specialist Item Handling | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes/No |
How Expert Removals does it
We’re not here to win the “cheapest mover” trophy. We’re here to be the mover you brag about to your friends. Our quotes:
- Break down every cost so there’s no “mystery meat.”
- Include real insurance (not just a line in small print).
- Come from years of experience moving everything from studio flats to hotels.
If you want the cheapest quote in Dublin, we might not be your movers.
If you want the quote that’s actually fair – and the move that doesn’t end in therapy – that’s us.
Call or email our friendly office and we’ll answer any questions you have with free moving quotes.