Moving Van Dublin. Moving to a new pad in Dublin – it’s a daunting task, right? I mean, choosing the perfect moving van is a total headache. You don’t want one that’s too tiny, or you’ll be stuck making trip after trip after trip… what a nightmare. On the other hand, if it’s too massive, you’ll end up shelling out for space you won’t even use – doesn’t exactly sound like a great way to save cash.
So, whether you’re ditching a teeny studio apartment or uprooting the whole family from a 4-bedroom house, this guide is here to give you the lowdown on moving van hire in Dublin – everything you need to know, all in one place.
What Size Moving Van Do You Need ?
The van size you need depends on several factors:
- How many rooms you’re moving
- The type of furniture and bulky items
- Whether you’re moving personal belongings or an entire office
Medium Van
Best for: One-bedroom apartments
- Perfect for a tiny pad, you know, a 1, 2 bed apartment, it’s got all the furniture you need to make it feel like home.
- Perfect for sofas, beds, you know, all that hefty furniture, plus wardrobes, and let’s not forget appliances too.
- Most popular choice for Dublin moves
Large Van (Long Wheelbase)
Best for: 2 or 3 bedroom homes
- No problem tackling clunky furniture, huge appliances – you name it – and a bunch of boxes all at once, in a single trip.
Luton Box Van
Best for: House and office relocations
- Designed for 3–4 bed homes or full office moves
- High roof and tail lift make loading heavy furniture easy
Self-Drive vs. Man with a Van: Which is Right for You ?
| Self-Drive Van Hire | Man with a Van Service | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Just the van. You drive. | Van + driver. You don’t lift a finger (except to pack). |
| Best for | DIY moves, multiple trips, when you’re comfortable driving | Single moves, awkward items, no driving stress |
| Cost | Base rate + fuel + insurance + deposit | All-inclusive quote |
| Flexibility | You control the timing | You work around their schedule |
Self-drive hire gives you freedom and control, while a man with a van takes the stress out of driving and parking. Both have their place—it just depends on your job and comfort level.
If you’d rather skip the driving altogether, Vans To Move Dublin offers a straightforward van and driver service for small moves across the city.
Hourly vs. Daily Moving Van Hire
One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to hire by the hour or by the day. The answer depends entirely on how long you need the van.
Choose Hourly Hire If…
- You only need the van for local jobs
- You’re doing a single delivery or picking up bulky items
- You can complete the task in one short trip
Pros:
- You’re only charged for the time that actually gets used – pretty straightforward, right?
- Perfect for dashing out on chores, or when you need something dropped off in a hurry, like same-day deliveries.
- Usually cheaper for jobs
Cons:
- Mileage limits are often tighter
- Rushed schedule—you’re watching the clock
Choose Daily Hire If…
- Your job takes several hours or involves multiple stops
- You’re doing a full apartment move, even a small one
- Loading and unloading take time—you don’t want to rush
- You’re moving across the city or beyond
Pros:
- One flat price for the whole day—no clock-watching
- Better value for longer jobs
- More mileage included
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The base rate is rarely the final price. Be aware of:
- Insurance: Damage waiver and excess protection can add €25–€45 per day
- Fuel: Most companies supply a full tank and expect it returned full
- Mileage overages: Standard allowance is 200–250km per day; excess charges around 12–18¢ per km
- Deposit/hold: A credit card hold of €500–€2,700 is common
- One-way fees: Dropping off at a different location costs extra
The Insurance Trap (Read This!)
Many renters get caught out by insurance:
- Many online booking platforms quote a cheap rate without insurance included
- At the pickup counter, you’ll be told you need to pay extra for coverage
- If you decline their insurance, you may face a €5,000–€6,000 deposit hold
Pro tip: Always check what’s included in the quoted price before booking. If insurance isn’t mentioned, assume it’s not included and budget an extra €40–€50 per day.
How Early Should You Book?
Most people in Ireland should book a moving van 1–3 weeks in advance. For moves in busier areas like Dublin, 2–4 weeks is even better—especially during peak months.
Peak Times to Book Early
- End of the month
- Summer months
- College move-in/out seasons
- Student moves
What Makes a Good Moving Van Service?
So you’re on the hunt for a reliable ride – whether that’s hiring some dude with a van or taking the reins yourself, there are a few key things to keep an eye out for.
1. Online Reviews and Customer Feedback
Look up independent reviews on sites like Google Reviews – what you’re looking for is consistent feedback on things like punctuality, professionalism, and communication. And don’t forget to see how they handle fragile or super valuable items, that’s kinda crucial, right?
Real customer feedback shows what matters:
They showed up right on time – super punctual. And the movers? Friendly as can be, handled my stuff like it was their own – which, let’s be real, is exactly what you want when you’re believe someone with your belongings. The mini truck was perfect, just the right size for all my junk… I mean, treasures. Pricing was fair, transparent – no weird surprises or hidden fees, which is always a nice bonus.
“They had all the right equipment and moved things really from A to B… had all the proper equipment to winch it up and safely down a ramp into the truck. They had all the coverings and safety things to ensure it arrived perfectly.”
2. Careful Handling of Belongings
Professional movers use proper equipment to protect your items:
- Special moving blankets
- Moving trolleys
- Straps to secure belongings
- Ramps for heavy items
Note: Van hire is not available at Enterprise’s airport branches, but most other Dublin branches offer it.
Moving Van Dublin: Which Option Is Right for You?
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Collecting a few boxes from IKEA | Hourly self-drive van hire |
| Moving a studio apartment | Daily self-drive van hire |
| Moving and you hate driving in Dublin traffic | Man with a van service |
| Moving a 2-bedroom house with large furniture | Daily self-drive van hire (large van or Luton) |
| Office relocation with IT equipment | Book 3–5 weeks in advance |
| Moving during summer or end of month | Book 2–4 weeks early |
Final Thoughts
- Choose the right van size for your belongings
- Decide between hourly and daily hire based on your job duration
- Book in advance—1–3 weeks for most moves, 2–4 weeks during peak seasons
- Get a written, transparent quote that includes all costs
- Check reviews and ask the right questions before booking
Be honest about the job, read the terms, budget for extras, and choose a company with transparent pricing. A good moving van service doesn’t just shift your boxes—they take the stress out of your Dublin move.
Contact Us
Visit us: Swans Nest Ave, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, Ireland
Call us: +353 89 262 8868
Email us: vanstomovedublin@gmail.com


