Complete Moving Guide for Ireland

Start your moving journey with these essential preparations:

• Create a moving binder or digital folder for all documents
• Start decluttering - sort items into keep, donate, sell, discard
• Research moving companies and get at least 3 quotes
• Inventory your belongings - room by room assessment
• Measure doorways and furniture to ensure everything fits
• Check moving insurance options and requirements

Early planning reduces stress and helps you stay organized throughout the process.

Time to start the practical preparations:

• Book your moving company and confirm all details
• Order packing supplies - boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers
• Start packing non-essential items (off-season clothes, books, decor)
• Notify utility companies of your move date
• Arrange mail forwarding with An Post
• Schedule time off work for moving day
• Research new area - schools, doctors, amenities

Final preparations and confirmations:

• Confirm moving company booking and arrival time
• Pack most of your belongings - leave essentials for last
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator
• Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
• Return borrowed items and collect loaned items
• Cancel or transfer subscriptions and memberships
• Clean your current home as you pack each room

Gather these supplies before you start packing:

• Boxes: Various sizes - small, medium, large, wardrobe boxes
• Packing tape: High-quality heavy-duty tape
• Bubble wrap: For fragile items
• Packing paper: For wrapping and cushioning
• Markers: Permanent markers for labeling
• Box cutter: For unpacking (pack separately!)
• Furniture blankets: For protection
• Mattress covers: Waterproof covers for mattresses
• Plastic wrap: For securing drawers and doors

Tip: Save money by collecting free boxes from local supermarkets or asking friends.

Follow this systematic approach for efficient packing:

• Storage areas first: Attic, basement, garage
• Guest rooms and spare rooms
• Living and dining rooms (except frequently used items)
• Kitchen: Pack non-essential dishes and appliances
• Bedrooms: Off-season clothes first
• Bathrooms: Last to pack, first to unpack
• Essentials box: Pack separately for first night

Label every box with room destination and contents list.

Special care for delicate items:

• Dishes: Wrap individually, pack vertically in dish packs
• Glasses: Wrap stems carefully, use dividers
• Electronics: Use original packaging if possible
• Artwork: Use picture boxes with corner protectors
• Mirrors: Special mirror boxes with cardboard corners
• Lamps: Remove shades, wrap separately
• Plants: Transport in car, not moving truck

Mark all fragile boxes clearly with "FRAGILE" on multiple sides.

Start your moving day right:

• Early start: Wake up early, eat a substantial breakfast
• Final checks: Walk through each room for forgotten items
• Mover preparation: Clear pathways, remove obstacles
• Important documents: Keep moving contract, ID, cash easily accessible
• Essentials bag: Keep separate with medications, chargers, snacks
• Children/pets: Arrange care for the day
• Parking: Reserve parking spaces for moving truck

Efficient coordination with movers:

• Point person: Designate one person to direct movers
• Inventory check: Check off items as they're loaded
• Special instructions: Point out fragile items and special handling needs
• Loading order: Heavy items first, fragile items last (to be unloaded first)
• Vehicle preparation: Load your car with essentials and valuables
• Final walkthrough: Check all rooms, closets, cabinets before leaving
• Key handover: Arrange key exchange if needed

Smooth arrival and setup:

• Arrive first: Get to new home before moving truck
• Initial inspection: Check property condition, take photos if needed
• Room direction: Guide movers to correct rooms with labeled boxes
• Unloading order: Essentials and fragile items first
• Furniture placement: Direct placement to avoid moving later
• Utility check: Ensure electricity, water, heating are working
• Mover payment: Have payment ready, check everything before signing off

Essential tasks for your first week:

• Unpack essentials first: Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom
• Change locks: For security, rekey or replace locks
• Register with local services: Doctor, dentist, vet if needed
• Update address: Complete all address change notifications
• Child/pet safety: Childproof if needed, secure garden
• Meet neighbors: Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors
• Explore area: Locate essential services nearby
• Deep clean: Clean before fully unpacking if possible

Important paperwork and notifications:

• Government agencies: Revenue, social welfare, driving license
• Financial institutions: Bank, credit cards, loans
• Insurance companies: Home, car, health, life insurance
• Utilities: Final readings at old property, setup at new
• Medical: GP transfer, prescription updates
• Schools: If applicable, register children
• Subscriptions: Magazines, online services, memberships
• Voter registration: Update electoral register