Let’s be honest – moving abroad sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? Sunny beach. New language. New life. But just before the dream begins, there’s a part no one posts about: the chaos of international shipping.
You know the one – boxes go missing, customs holds everything hostage, and you end up in your new place with a camping chair, a kettle, and zero pants.
But here’s the good news: these horror stories are not inevitable. With the right international movers from Dublin (hello, it’s us – Expert Removals), you can dodge the drama and actually enjoy the process. Shocking, we know.
Let’s walk you through the how, the what, and the “oh dear God, please no” of international removals – so you don’t have to learn it the hard way.
What Goes Wrong with International Moves from Dublin?
Short answer: everything – if you hire the wrong mover or try to go DIY.
Here’s the data:
- According to the International Association of Movers (IAM), 37% of international relocation complaints are about damaged goods.
- Another 28% of complaints involve missed delivery timelines.
- And the real kicker? Customs issues cause delays in 22% of all global relocations.
We call this the “Triplet of Tears”: Breakages, Delays, and Border Drama.
What Should You Look for in an International Moving Company in Dublin?
Let’s strip out the fluff. You don’t need scented boxes or a driver with a six-pack. You need:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Customs Clearance Expertise | Avoid having your belongings held hostage |
| Insurance & Tracking | No blind hope – know where your stuff is |
| International Partners | They’re not just shipping – there’s handover |
| Volume-Based Quotes | Transparent pricing beats “mystery surcharges” |
| Packing for Sea & Air | Irish rain won’t help, but proper wrapping will |
At Expert Removals, we’ve handled over 950+ international relocations from Dublin in the last 5 years. That includes everything from three-bed homes heading to Sydney to antique furniture going to a castle in Provence (yes, really).
Do International Movers in Dublin Pack Everything?
Yes – and if they don’t, run.
Professional movers should pack:
- Clothes (in breathable wardrobe cartons)
- Fragile items (using double-walled, impact-resistant boxes)
- Furniture (disassembled, bubble-wrapped, and corner-guarded)
- Electronics (anti-static foam with labeled wires – no, we’re not animals)
✅ Pro Tip: Ask if your movers use ISPM-15 certified wood for crates. It’s required for international shipping to avoid pest contamination. Most DIY movers don’t even know what it is.
How Much Does an International Move Cost from Dublin?
Here’s a simplified price breakdown:
| Move Type | Avg. Volume | Price Range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment to UK | 250–300 ft³ | €1,300–€2,200 |
| 3-bed home to Europe | 800–1,200 ft³ | €4,500–€7,800 |
| 4-bed to Australia (via sea) | 1,500+ ft³ | €9,500–€14,000 |
Cost Variables:
- Volume of goods (measured in cubic feet)
- Destination distance and port access
- Mode of shipping: Air = fast and expensive; Sea = slow but cheaper
- Packing requirements and special handling
We recommend customers budget 10–15% more than their base quote for unforeseen costs like customs duties, local delivery adjustments, or port fees.
How Long Does International Shipping Take from Ireland?
Let’s not sugarcoat it – it’s not Amazon Prime.
| Destination | By Sea (Est.) | By Air (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 2–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Europe (France, Germany) | 7–14 days | 2–4 days |
| USA & Canada | 4–6 weeks | 4–7 days |
| Australia | 7–10 weeks | 5–10 days |
Sea freight is ideal for larger loads and tighter budgets. Air freight is best if you’re shipping fewer items or need them fast (e.g., documents, IT equipment, or winter coats when moving to Canada in October).
What Are the Most Common Customs Delays and How to Avoid Them?
Ah yes – Customs. The invisible wall between “my stuff is here” and “my stuff is in a dark warehouse in Belgium.”
Top 3 Delay Triggers:
- Incorrect or missing documentation
- Restricted or undeclared items (e.g., alcohol, animal products, batteries)
- Poor labeling and inventory control
Avoid it with:
- A full, itemised inventory in both English and the destination language (if needed)
- Proper customs declaration forms
- Pre-shipping consultation with your mover’s customs liaison team
At Expert Removals, our international coordinator checks all documents twice before the shipment leaves the port. It’s dull, but it works.
What Happens If Items Are Lost or Damaged?
Let’s say the airline loses your heirloom dresser or the sea shipment arrives looking like it went through a blender.
This is where marine insurance matters.
| Insurance Type | Coverage Scope |
|---|---|
| Basic Liability | Up to €2/lb (limited) |
| Full Value Protection | Covers repair/replacement |
| All-Risk Marine Insurance | Best option – full payout |
Over 60% of international moving claims are avoidable with better packing and proper insurance. We use shock-resistant crates and humidity seals to prevent water damage during long voyages. And we document every item with timestamped photos pre-shipment.
Should You Pack Yourself or Let the Movers Do It?
Let’s put it like this: packing a three-bed home for air freight is not the same as packing for a weekend trip to Galway.
DIY packing often leads to:
- Customs issues
- Damaged goods
- No insurance coverage
Unless you enjoy bubble-wrap-induced nervous breakdowns, let the pros handle it.
We provide full-service packing using export-grade materials, reinforced pallets, and specialty boxes for art, musical instruments, and electronics.
What Emotions Do People Experience When Moving Internationally?
This is the part no spreadsheet captures.
Most Common Emotional States During an International Move:
| Stage | Feeling |
|---|---|
| Before the move | Excitement / Overwhelm |
| Packing & logistics | Stress / Panic |
| Saying goodbye | Sadness / Doubt |
| Arrival & setup | Anxiety / Hope |
| Settled & unpacked | Relief / Joy |
Relocating to another country isn’t just about changing addresses. It’s about identity, family, work, memories – and trusting strangers to safely move it all across the planet.
At Expert Removals, we don’t just move your things. We move your life, with empathy and professionalism.
How Can You Choose the Right International Mover in Dublin?
Use this short checklist:
✅ Are they registered with the International Association of Movers?
✅ Do they offer marine insurance?
✅ Can they provide packing and inventory management?
✅ Do they have destination partners for local delivery abroad?
✅ Do they offer a pre-move survey and volume estimation?
If they say, “Don’t worry, it’s all standard,” – worry.
We send a qualified move consultant to assess your volume, access conditions, special items, and timeline needs. No guesswork. No surprises.
What Should You Do Now?
If your browser history includes “How do I ship furniture to New Zealand without losing my mind?” or “Can I bring my dog and sofa to Canada?” – then you’re in the right place.
We’ve helped over 3,200 Irish families, professionals, and retirees move across borders – without meltdowns, missing boxes, or mystery invoices.
📞 Call Expert Removals now
📦 Let us do the heavy lifting – across oceans
✈️ You focus on the adventure ahead
Because international moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Not if you’ve got the right team.