Moving to Ireland from the UK feels familiar, but the logistics are no longer the same as a domestic move. This guide explains how to approach packing and documentation and why working with an experienced removals specialist helps ensure a smooth and compliant relocation.
Relocating from the UK to Ireland often feels straightforward. Short flights, a familiar language and the Common Travel Area mean that moving yourself rarely feels like emigrating in the traditional sense.
Yet when it comes to your belongings, the process is no longer the same as moving from London to Manchester or Edinburgh to Cork was a few years ago when the UK was part of the EU.
Since Brexit, your furniture, personal possessions, car and even your pet cross a customs border. It is still a relatively simple relocation compared to many international moves, but it does require planning, the right documents and support from a removals partner familiar with UK to Ireland shipments.
This guide explains the key differences, what you need to prepare and the role a specialist removals company plays in making the move smooth and compliant.
Many people assume the move to Ireland is logistically identical to relocating within the UK, but that is not the case and moving your belongings now has increased complexity. This is because you are now importing goods into the European Union, which the UK is no longer part of. That means:
For most households, this does not make the relocation difficult, but it does mean that treating the move as domestic can lead to delays, additional charges or unexpected paperwork.
The right removals company will guide you through these requirements so you can focus on settling into your new life.
Most people moving their normal household belongings to Ireland qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief.
This can remove Irish VAT and customs duties on personal goods, provided you meet conditions such as demonstrating that the items are not newly purchased and that you are genuinely relocating.
Evidence required will typically include:
While the process is manageable, it is administrative and your removals partner should assist with the documentation. Shipments arriving without ToR approval in place may still clear customs, but often with delays or charges that could otherwise have been avoided.
In a domestic move, vague labels and mixed-purpose cartons are not unusual. With an international move, clarity matters. Customs officers need to understand what you are bringing in, where it came from and whether it meets the criteria for duty relief.
Professional packing can be helpful because:
Self-packing is possible, but if you choose to do so, expect your removals partner to set requirements around labelling and inventory detail.
Bringing vehicles and pets into Ireland is possible and relatively simple, but both involve specific steps.
A vehicle usually needs to be declared and registered shortly after arrival. Insurance will transition to an Irish provider and, depending on circumstances, you may need to pay Vehicle Registration Tax unless exemptions apply.
Pets will require:
These requirements are not onerous, but they are enforced. Planning early helps avoid stress and ensures smooth entry.
The physical move itself remains relatively simple. Ferry routes are frequent, and door-to-door transport is common. Some removals firms have regular routes which can help keep costs down.
What does differ from many UK domestic moves is the emphasis on access planning and delivery timing.
Urban delivery locations may require timed access or delivery in smaller vehicles. Rural homes, particularly in the west of Ireland, may require shuttle vehicles for narrow lanes. Weather and ferry schedules can also affect the timeline more than on a road-based move within the UK.
A good removals partner will discuss these scenarios with you early so expectations are clear.
With the right guidance, moving to Ireland is still one of the simplest international relocations available to UK residents. The key difference after Brexit is that documentation and customs formalities now sit at the heart of the process.
A specialist relocations provider will:
This structure shifts the move from feeling casual to well-organised, which protects you legally and financially and helps avoid avoidable complications.
Yes. Since Brexit your goods cross a customs border. Your removals partner should prepare export and import declarations supported by a detailed, itemised inventory and evidence of your move to Ireland.
You may qualify for Transfer of Residence relief if you are genuinely relocating and the items were owned and used before the move. Approval is not automatic. You will need supporting documents and aligned timelines to claim relief from Irish VAT and customs duties.
Self-packing is permitted, but professional export packing helps create a compliant numbered inventory and usually enables broader insurance cover. If you self-pack, expect strict labelling and contents detail for customs clearance.
Yes, but vehicles must be declared on arrival and registered in Ireland within set timeframes. Insurance must transition to an Irish policy. Depending on circumstances, taxes or charges may apply unless an exemption is available.
Pets must be microchipped, have up-to-date vaccinations and travel with the correct animal health certification. Arrange documents well in advance and keep originals accessible for checks at the port.
