If you’re planning a move from Dublin to New York, one of the first questions you probably have is simple — how much is this actually going to cost?
And honestly, it’s a fair question. Moving to the United States isn’t like moving from Dublin to Cork or even Dublin to London. There are containers, shipping schedules, customs paperwork, insurance, packing rules… and a few things most people don’t even realise until they’re already in the middle of it.
The good news? Once you understand what’s involved, it’s actually much more straightforward than people think.
This guide breaks down realistic costs, what affects the price, and how to keep things manageable when moving from Dublin to New York.
Average Cost of Moving from Dublin to New York
Most moves from Dublin to New York fall into one of three categories:
Small Move (Boxes / Partial Shipment)
Typically suits:
- Apartment moves
- Students relocating
- A few rooms of furniture
- Sending belongings ahead
Estimated cost:
€1,500 – €4,000*
This is usually done as shared container shipping, where your items travel alongside other customers heading to the USA.
It’s the most affordable option, but it does take slightly longer.
1–2 Bedroom Home Move
Typically suits:
- Apartments
- Small houses
- Couples relocating
- Work relocations
Estimated cost:
€5,000 – €10,000*
This may be:
- Shared container
- Dedicated pallet space
- Small container shipment
It really depends on volume and timing.
3–4 Bedroom House Move
Typically suits:
- Family relocations
- Full house moves
- Long-term relocation to USA
Estimated cost:
€10,000 – €16,000+*
This usually involves:
- 20ft or 40ft shipping container
- Professional export packing
- Customs documentation
- Delivery in New York
This is the most common type of move for families relocating to New York.
What Affects the Cost Most
There are a few big factors that influence the final price.
1. How Much You’re Moving
This is the biggest one.
A one-bedroom apartment might take:
- 20–30 boxes
- Some small furniture
- No container needed
Whereas a family home might require:
- Full container
- Multiple packing days
- More labour
Even reducing volume slightly can make a noticeable difference.
2. Shared Container vs Full Container
Shared container:
- Cheaper
- Slightly longer transit
- Ideal for smaller moves
Full container:
- Faster
- More flexible delivery
- Best for full house moves
A lot of people assume they need a full container — but often they don’t.
3. Packing Requirements for USA Shipping
When shipping to the United States, packing needs to meet export standards.
- Professional wrapping
- Furniture protection
- Inventory lists
- Export-grade boxes
- Customs documentation
This protects your items and avoids delays at US customs.
4. Delivery Location in New York
This can affect cost more than people realise.
- Manhattan apartment delivery
- Walk-up buildings
- Limited parking
- Elevator bookings
These logistics sometimes require:
- Shuttle trucks
- Extra handling
- Timed deliveries
Suburban deliveries are usually more straightforward.
How Long Does It Take to Move from Dublin to New York?
Most Dublin to New York moves take:
3 to 6 weeks door to door
Typical breakdown:
- Packing in Dublin: 1 day
- Container departure: 3–7 days
- Sea transit: 10–18 days
- US customs clearance: 3–7 days
- Delivery in New York: 1–3 days
What’s Usually Included in the Price
A professional Dublin to New York move typically includes:
- Home survey (video or in-person)
- Export packing in Dublin
- Collection from your home
- Shipping to New York
- Customs documentation
- Container handling
- Delivery to your new address
- Unloading
If you’re planning a full relocation, it’s worth looking at our International Relocations service which covers packing, shipping, customs and delivery from door to door.
Do I Need to Pay Customs When Moving to New York?
In most cases, no customs duty is charged when you’re moving personal household goods.
But you typically must:
- Be relocating (not just shipping items)
- Own the items
- Be using them personally
- Complete customs paperwork
Your removal company usually helps guide you through this.
Tips to Reduce the Cost
Move Only What You Need
Shipping large furniture isn’t always necessary. Some people choose to:
- Ship sentimental items
- Sell bulky furniture
- Buy again in New York
This can reduce costs significantly.
Book Early
International container space fills quickly, especially:
- Summer months
- End of year
- Corporate relocation periods
Booking early gives more flexibility.
Be Flexible With Delivery
If you can accept a slightly wider delivery window, shared shipping becomes much more affordable.
Moving from Dublin to New York Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
It sounds like a huge move — and it is — but once it’s organised properly, it’s actually very manageable.
Most people are surprised by:
- How smooth container shipping is
- How organised customs clearance can be
- How quickly everything arrives
If you’re already planning your move, you can also read more about our Moving House service which covers packing, transport and full relocation support or our dedicated page – Moving to the US
Planning a Move from Dublin to New York?
If you’re considering relocating to New York, getting an early quote helps you understand:
- Timeline
- Container size
- Packing requirements
- Delivery options
Every move is slightly different, so having a quick conversation makes things clearer.
You don’t need to have everything finalised — even a rough idea is enough to start.
* Note – Prices can fluctuate a lot depending on global events.
