We always get asked what a “real” move actually looks like.
Not just rough prices or general advice — but what actually happens on the day, how long it takes, what can go wrong, and what it really costs.
So we said we’d break down a recent 3-bed house move from Dublin to London. Nothing fancy, just a proper, honest look at how it all came together.
If you’re planning something similar, this should give you a good feel for what to expect.
The Job at a Glance
- Property Type: 3-bedroom semi-detached house
- Move: Dublin to London
- Service: Dedicated van + full loading
- Duration: 2 days door-to-door
- Access: Good in Dublin, tight street in London
This was a pretty standard family move — furniture, appliances, plenty of boxes, and of course a few items that were “definitely essential” (we’ve all been there).
Step 1: Pre-Move Survey & Quote
Before anything else, we arranged a quick survey to see exactly what was being moved.
This helps avoid surprises later on — both for us and the customer.
Based on the volume, access, and timeline, we recommended a dedicated service. It’s slightly more expensive than a shared load, but it meant a faster, more direct move.
If you’re trying to figure out costs yourself, we’ve broken that down in more detail here:
Cost of Moving from Dublin to London (2026 Guide).
Step 2: Packing & Preparation
The customer decided to do most of the packing themselves, which is quite common.
We supplied materials and gave a few pointers (like not overloading boxes — sounds obvious, but it happens a lot).
For fragile items, we stepped in and handled those on the day. Things like TVs, mirrors, and anything that could easily get damaged in transit.
Honestly, a bit of prep here makes a massive difference to how smooth the whole move goes.
Step 3: Moving Day in Dublin
We arrived early, got stuck in, and started loading.
Everything was wrapped, protected, and carefully packed into the van to maximise space and minimise movement during transit.
A 3-bed house usually takes a few hours to load properly. There’s always more stuff than people think — especially when you get into attics, sheds, and “that one drawer” in the kitchen.
By early afternoon, we were on the road and heading for the ferry.
Step 4: Transport & Ferry
The Dublin to London route typically involves a ferry crossing followed by a drive through the UK.
Timing is key here — you want everything to line up so there’s no unnecessary waiting around.
In this case, everything went smoothly (which isn’t always guaranteed, but we’ll take it when it happens).
Step 5: Delivery in London
This is where things got a little more “interesting”.
The London property was on a narrow street with limited parking, which meant we had to be careful with access and timing.
We coordinated unloading to keep things moving efficiently and avoid any issues.
Despite the tighter conditions, everything was unloaded and placed exactly where the customer wanted it.
How Long Did It Take?
From start to finish:
- Day 1: Load in Dublin + ferry crossing
- Day 2: Travel + unload in London
So overall, a clean 2-day move.
This is fairly typical for a dedicated Dublin to London service.
What Did It Cost?
For this particular move, the cost fell within the expected range for a 3-bed house.
Rather than throwing out a number that might not apply to your situation, it’s better to understand what drives the cost.
Things like volume, access, timing, and service type all play a role.
We go into that in much more detail in our
Dublin to London cost guide, which is worth a read if you’re budgeting.
What Went Well (And What to Watch Out For)
What went well:
- Good preparation from the customer
- Clear access at the Dublin property
- Well-timed ferry crossing
Things to watch out for:
- London parking and access restrictions
- Underestimating how much you have
- Leaving packing until the last minute
Nothing major here — just the usual things that can slow a move down if you’re not prepared.
Would We Do Anything Differently?
Honestly, this one went pretty smoothly.
If anything, we’d always recommend allowing a bit of extra time for access in London. It’s just one of those places where things can change quickly.
Other than that, it was a solid, straightforward move.
Thinking of Moving from Dublin to London?
If you’re planning a similar move, hopefully this gives you a clearer picture of what’s involved.
Every move is slightly different, but the process is usually pretty similar.
If you want to chat through your own move, you can check out our home page or head over to our contact page to get a quote.
Even if you’re just weighing up options, we’re always happy to help.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s just about having the right plan (and the right people) in place.
And before you know it, you’re unpacking in London wondering why you brought that extra box in the first place
