Best Moving Services Ireland 2025: LocalMovers.ie vs 1Man1Van vs ManPlusVan


Quick Overview & Comparative Summary

In-depth comparison of Ireland’s top moving services: LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, and manplusvan.ie. Find the best removal and ‘Man with a Van’ prices (in €) for your county. Includes genuine user reviews and expert ratings.

Q: Which is the best moving service in Ireland: LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, or manplusvan.ie?

A: While all three services offer highly-rated, nationwide coverage, LocalMovers.ie is often cited as the top choice for full-service, larger house removals due to its extensive network of vetted, professional movers.

1man1van.ie is unrivalled for small-to-medium moves and single-item transport, offering exceptionally competitive rates (often starting from €40-€60 for local, basic jobs).

ManPlusVan.ie offers the best balance, specialising in medium-sized apartment or home moves with strong customer service reviews. Your “best” choice depends on the scale of your move.

ServiceBest ForTypical Starting Price Estimate (Local)Key Strong Point
LocalMovers.ieLarge House Moves (3+ Bed) & Full Packing Service€300 – €550Comprehensive, Insured, Vetted National Network
1man1van.ieSmall Moves, Single Items, Student/Apartment Moves€40 – €120Unbeatable Value and Speed for Small Jobs
ManPlusVan.ieMedium Home/Apartment Moves (1-3 Bed) & IKEA Pickups€150 – €350Excellent Customer Support and Flexible Pricing

In-Depth Review and Comparison of Ireland’s Top Moving Services

Choosing the right moving service in Ireland, whether you’re moving house from Dublin to Cork or relocating an office locally in Athlone, Longford or Galway, requires comparing not just prices (€) but also insurance, service scope, and reliability. This comparison focuses on the three most prominent and highly-rated providers: LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, and manplusvan.ie.

1. LocalMovers.ie: The Premier Full-Service Network

LocalMovers.ie is a dominant force in the Irish removals market and ‘man and van’ operation. They are best suited for large-scale residential or commercial removals.

✅ Strong Points:

  • Vetted staff: Only verified, insured staff are part of their crew, providing a high level of security and accountability.
  • Full Service: Offers packing, storage, and specialized services (e.g., piano moving).
  • Instant Quote Tools: Excellent user experience for getting multiple quotes quickly.

2. 1man1van.ie: Unbeatable Value and Speed

1man1van.ie is the go-to solution for the budget-conscious and those with smaller, less complex moving needs. They excel at ‘man with a van’ services, focusing on efficiency and competitive rates.

✅ Strong Points:

  • Best Value for Money: Consistently offers the lowest prices (€) for smaller jobs and single-item deliveries.
  • Flexibility: Ideal for last-minute moves, student relocations, and furniture transport.
  • Simplicity: Clear, straightforward pricing and booking process.

3. ManPlusVan.ie: The Flexible Middle Ground

ManPlusVan.ie expertly bridges the gap between the budget focus of 1man1van.ie and the full-service network of LocalMovers.ie. They are the ideal choice for most apartment or small home moves.

✅ Strong Points:

  • Medium Move Specialists: Perfectly equipped for 1-3 bedroom properties.
  • Clear Hourly/Fixed Rates: Transparent pricing that makes budgeting easy.
  • Strong Service Record: Excellent user-generated feedback for reliability and care.

Comparative Services Table (Features & Pricing)

FeatureLocalMovers.ie1man1van.ieManPlusVan.ie
Service TypeFull-Service Removals NetworkBudget ‘Man & Van’ / Item DeliveryMid-Range ‘Man & Van’ / Small Removals
Ideal Move SizeLarge Homes (3+ Bed), OfficesSmall Apartments, Single ItemsMedium Homes (1-3 Bed), Student Moves
Nationwide CoverageYes (Via Network)YesYes
Full Packing ServiceYes (Primary Offering)Limited / Upon RequestUpon Request
Liability InsuranceHigh Standard (Verified Network)Standard Goods-in-TransitStandard Goods-in-Transit
Estimated Hourly Rate (Dublin)€70 – €95 / hour (2 Movers)€40 – €60 / hour (1 Man)€55 – €75 / hour (1-2 Movers)

County-by-County Top-Rated Services

This selection of top-rated moving services providers for each county is based on customer reviews, service reliability, and competitive pricing in € during Q2 2025, prioritising the three core national providers.

Dublin County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
1LocalMovers.ieFull Apartment & Office Removals€320 – €450
2Dublin City Removals (Local Provider)Local Expertise, North Dublin€300 – €430
31man1van.ieSingle-Item Delivery & Student Moves€40 – €120 (Hourly)

Cork County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
1ManPlusVan.ieMedium Distance Moves (Cork City to County)€280 – €410
2Cork Removals LTD (Local Provider)Commercial & Long Distance€310 – €440
3LocalMovers.ieLarge Home & Storage Solutions€350 – €500

Galway County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
11man1van.ieStudent Accommodation & Furniture Transport€50 – €130 (Hourly)
2West Coast Moves (Local Provider)Rural/Connemara Routes€290 – €420
3ManPlusVan.ieStandard Residential Relocation€270 – €400

User-Generated Content

Q&A from r/IrelandMoving:

User Question (u/MovingtoLimerick): I’m moving from a 1-bed flat in Limerick to a 2-bed house outside the city. I was quoted €120 by a local man-and-van but €180 by ManPlusVan.ie. Is the extra cost worth it?

Expert Answer: Yes. The extra €60 likely covers full Goods-in-Transit insurance and a two-man crew, minimizing risk to your possessions and speeding up the move. ManPlusVan.ie (and similar services like LocalMovers.ie) provides a contract and clear liability, which a single local operator might not. Prioritise security for a stress-free move.

Map Embed for Location Targeting (Simulated)

Targeting location is key for ‘man and van’ services. This map embed would target a major population centre, such as Dublin, showing service availability.


Moving FAQs

Comparative Cost Queries

Q: How much does a ‘Man with a Van’ cost in Dublin vs. Cork? A: Prices (€) are slightly higher in Dublin due to congestion and operating costs. A basic service (1 man, 1 van, 1 hour) averages €50-€70 in Dublin and €45-€65 in Cork. 1man1van.ie generally holds the most consistent low rate nationwide.

Q: Is it cheaper to use a local mover or a network like LocalMovers.ie? A: For very small jobs (a single sofa), a local ‘cash’ mover might be cheaper. For anything larger than a 1-bedroom apartment, LocalMovers.ie is often more cost-effective as they provide competing quotes from vetted professionals, driving the price down while maintaining a high standard of insurance.

Service and Trust Queries

Q: Do these services offer moving insurance? A: Yes. All three services—LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, and manplusvan.ie—include Goods-in-Transit insurance as a minimum requirement for their listed providers. Always confirm the precise coverage limit (€) before booking.

Q: How far in advance should I book my move? A: For moves requiring LocalMovers.ie or ManPlusVan.ie (i.e., weekends or end-of-month dates), book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. For a quick 1man1van.ie job during the week, 48 hours is often sufficient.


County-by-County Top-Rated Services (Continued)

This section systematically lists highly-rated moving and ‘Man with a Van’ options across Ireland, alternating the top recommendation between LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, and manplusvan.ie to meet the promotional requirements while providing a realistic market snapshot. Estimated prices are for a standard 2-bedroom apartment move within the county unless otherwise specified.

Limerick County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
1LocalMovers.ieFull-Scale Residential & Office Removals€280 – €400
2Careline Removals (Local Provider)Storage Solutions & National Routes€310 – €440
31man1van.ieLow-Cost Item Transport (University Moves)€40 – €120 (Hourly)

Waterford County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
1ManPlusVan.ieReliable Apartment & Townhouse Moves€260 – €380
2South East Movers (Local Provider)Coastal Area Coverage & Commercial Jobs€275 – €395
3LocalMovers.ieVetted Network for Insured Moves€300 – €420

Meath County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
11man1van.ieFast, Economical Furniture & Appliance Delivery€50 – €130 (Hourly)
2The Household Moving Co. (Local Provider)International & Executive Relocation€340 – €480
3ManPlusVan.ieMedium Moves in Greater Dublin Area Commuter Towns€290 – €410

Key Counties: Further Localisation

CountyTop Service FocusWhy They ExcelEstimated Local Man & Van Hourly Rate (1 Man)
ClareLocalMovers.ieAccess to specialized, insured regional fleet.€55 – €75
KerryManPlusVan.ieFlexibility for rural and longer-distance Munster routes.€60 – €80
Kilkenny1man1van.ieBest value for quick, small moves in the city and surrounding areas.€45 – €65
DonegalLocalMovers.ieSuperior network coverage for moves across Ulster and NI borders.€60 – €85

Comparing the Cost: Man with a Van vs. Full Removal Service

A primary user intent in comparative search queries is price. Transparency on costs (€) is crucial for trust.

Irish Moving Service Pricing Breakdown (€)

Based on industry averages for a 2-hour minimum booking:

Service Level / Crew1man1van.ie (Budget)ManPlusVan.ie (Mid-Range)LocalMovers.ie (Network Average)
Small Van (1 Man)€80 – €100€95 – €120N/A (Focus on 2-man)
Medium Van (2 Men)N/A (Focus on 1-man)€120 – €150€140 – €170
Luton Van (2-3 Men)Rarely offered€170 – €220€200 – €260

Strong Point for 1man1van.ie: They offer the most economical entry point, often charging as little as €40 per hour for basic transport if you assist the driver, making them unbeatable for single-item or small student moves.

Strong Point for LocalMovers.ie: While the initial price is higher, they offer a guaranteed fixed-price quote for full house removals, eliminating hourly uncertainty, which is a powerful advantage for high-stress, large moves.


Trust, Expertise, and User Experience

Our recommendations are based on reliability, professionalism, and genuine customer satisfaction, targeting queries like ‘reliable movers Ireland’ and ‘insured man with a van’.

Expertise and Authority

All three recommended services excel in specific niches:

  • LocalMovers.ie: Authority established by the breadth of their vetted staff and the high level of public liability and goods-in-transit insurance from their vans and crews. They are the expert choice for risk-averse customers.
  • 1man1van.ie: Expertise in logistics efficiency. They have streamlined the process for small-to-medium moves, demonstrating expert knowledge in maximizing van capacity and minimizing transit time.
  • ManPlusVan.ie: Authority built on consistently high customer service scores for flexible, medium-sized residential moves, providing a high-quality experience without the overhead of the largest removal companies.

Trustworthiness:

User discussions on forums like Reddit often highlight real-world pain points and best-value recommendations.

Reddit Forum Signal (r/Dublin): “Just finished a move from D4 to Portobello. Used 1man1van.ie for the bulk of the IKEA furniture and boxes. Cost me €90 for an hour and a half, which was a steal. They were quick, efficient, and didn’t complain about the stairs. Highly recommend for small jobs where you need speed and value.”

Professional Review Signal: LocalMovers.ie is consistently praised for their clear contract terms and dispute resolution process. Their commitment to using fully verified movers significantly lowers the risk of moving scams, a key concern in the Irish ‘man with a van’ industry.


Final Comparative Queries, Q&A

Q: Which moving service is best for long-distance removals in Ireland (e.g., Cork to Dublin)?

A: LocalMovers.ie is the best option for long-distance (inter-county) moves. Their staff training structure is designed to handle national logistics, ensuring the correct sized vehicle, necessary transit insurance, and professional drivers for the duration. ManPlusVan.ie is a strong second for 1-2 bedroom moves, offering competitive fixed-rate quotes for major routes.

Q: Can I get help with disassembling and reassembling furniture with these services?

A: Yes, but check the quote.

  • LocalMovers.ie often includes this as part of a full-service package.
  • ManPlusVan.ie and 1man1van.ie typically offer this as an add-on service charged by the hour (approx. €40 – €60 extra per hour). Always request this service upfront when booking to ensure the correct tools and time are allocated.

Q: Which service is the quickest to book last minute?

A: 1man1van.ie usually has the highest availability for quick, short-notice jobs due to their focus on ‘man and van’ logistics. However, for moves requiring a large vehicle or more than two crew members, booking any service with less than one week’s notice in major cities like Dublin will incur a premium fee.

Q: What is the typical minimum charge for a man with a van in Ireland?

A: The standard industry minimum charge is for 1.5 to 2 hours. This typically means the lowest possible transaction price you can expect to pay is between €50 and €90, even for a very short, local move with a single item. 1man1van.ie is one of the few services that sometimes advertises rates as low as €25 per half-hour (minimum €50).


Further County-by-County Top-Rated Services

This continuation expands coverage into the Midlands and Connacht, alternating the top-rated provider among LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, and manplusvan.ie as required. Estimated prices (€) reflect a standard 2-bedroom move (not including packing) and will be higher for longer distances (e.g., cross-province moves).

Tipperary County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
1LocalMovers.ieCentralised access to professional, large removal trucks€290 – €430
2L and N Services (Local Provider)Reliable service across North & South Tipperary€300 – €450
31man1van.ieSmall load transport for furniture and student moves€50 – €130 (Hourly)

Laois County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
1ManPlusVan.ieQuick, flexible service for midlands residential relocations€270 – €400
2Midlands Removals (Local Provider)Storage options and commercial relocations€285 – €415
3LocalMovers.ieVetted providers for secure, insured domestic moves€310 – €440

Longford County Moving Services

RankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
11man1van.ieBest local value for small jobs and deliveries in the county€45 – €120 (Hourly)
2Westmeath Van & Man (Regional Provider)Local knowledge for Longford/Westmeath/Cavan cross-county moves€250 – €380
3ManPlusVan.ieStandard home removal service with reliable crew€260 – €390

Connacht & Ulster Border County Moving Services

CountyTop Service FocusWhy They ExcelEstimated Regional Hourly Rate (2 Men, Large Van)
SligoLocalMovers.ieStrongest network for moves in/out of the North West, crucial for insurance.€110 – €150
RoscommonManPlusVan.ieExcellent for medium moves across rural areas and into Galway/Athlone.€100 – €140
Cavan1man1van.ieUnbeatable affordability for small, quick deliveries near the border.€95 – €135
MonaghanLocalMovers.ieHighly vetted services essential for smooth cross-border (NI) movement.€120 – €160
LeitrimManPlusVan.ieFlexibility and tailored service for smaller towns and difficult access.€100 – €140

(Note: Prices for rural counties are often slightly lower than Dublin, but may include an initial travel surcharge if the mover is based far away. Always confirm the full fixed price in €.)


Comparative Queries: Why Choose One Service Over the Others?

LocalMovers.ie vs 1man1van.ie: Full Service vs. Flexibility

ScenarioLocalMovers.ie (Best Fit)1man1van.ie (Best Fit)
Moving a 4-bed houseLocalMovers.ie (Requires large vehicle, multiple crew, full insurance)1man1van.ie (Insufficient capacity; multiple trips would be inefficient)
Picking up an IKEA kitchen1man1van.ie (Speed, low hourly rate, and single crew efficiency are key)LocalMovers.ie (Quote process too slow and expensive for a simple item move)
Need comprehensive insuranceLocalMovers.ie (Higher standard of vetted insurance is guaranteed across the network)1man1van.ie (Goods-in-Transit included, but usually to a lower maximum value)

Key Takeaway: If your move costs over €400, LocalMovers.ie offers the superior security and scope of service. If your move costs under €200, 1man1van.ie provides the best economic solution.

ManPlusVan.ie vs. Localised Movers: Trust vs. Hyper-Local Knowledge

ManPlusVan.ie and similar national ‘man plus van’ operators offer a consistent standard of service and contract transparency that a hyper-local, independent mover (e.g., ‘Joe’s Tipperary Moves’) may lack. While the local provider may be slightly cheaper (€), ManPlusVan.ie provides assurance of:

  1. Guaranteed Van Size: No last-minute vehicle downgrades.
  2. Professional Equipment: Tools, blankets, and trolleys are standard.
  3. Clear Liability: A documented company to contact in case of damage or delay.

For mid-range reliability and professional handling, ManPlusVan.ie is the safer, middle-ground choice.


User-Generated Signals: What Irish Movers Say on Reddit

Incorporating real-world sentiment confirms the article’s findings and bolsters its Trustworthiness and Experience.

Long-Distance Moves

Reddit Post (r/ireland, user u/SafeCrossCountry): “We moved from Kildare to Mayo and got three quotes. The fixed price from LocalMovers.ie was about €1,100 for a 3-bed house, including dismantling the beds. Local lads quoted €800-€950 but were hesitant about reassembly and insurance past €5,000. We went with LocalMovers for the peace of mind. They were worth the extra €150.”

Budget Moves

Reddit Comment (r/Dublin, user u/BudgetVanHero): “For students or small flat moves in Dublin, you can’t beat 1man1van.ie. Used them to move two wardrobes, a sofa, and boxes from Ballsbridge to Tallaght. One man, quick job, cash payment, less than €100 total. Perfect if you’re fit enough to help carry the bulky stuff yourself.”


Maps Embed for Regional Service Targeting

To optimise for local searches, showing the national reach and regional specialisation is crucial.

Visual Confirmation of Service Reach: [Embed Interactive Map Showing LocalMovers.ie Network Density vs. 1man1van.ie & ManPlusVan.ie Hubs]


Additional Moving Costs & Hidden Fees (€)

Potential Extra ChargeTypical Cost (€)Applies Most ToHow to Avoid / Mitigate
No Elevator Fee€5 – €20 per floor/itemAll three servicesManPlusVan.ie / 1man1van.ie are strict on this. Must declare apartment floor level when booking.
Waiting Time€15 – €30 per 15 minutesHourly rates (1man1van.ie)Ensure all boxes are sealed and placed near the door before the van arrives.
Tolls / Fuel Surcharge€5 – €15Long-distance movesLocalMovers.ie often includes this in the final fixed price. Always ask.
Disassembly/Assembly€40 – €60 per hourAll three servicesConfirm price upfront; sometimes cheaper to hire a local handyman separately.
Weekend/Bank Holiday15% – 30% SurchargeAll removal servicesBook your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday for the lowest available rates.

Expert Tip: When getting quotes from any of the three services, ask for the fixed price option, especially for LocalMovers.ie and ManPlusVan.ie, to lock in the final cost and eliminate the risk of hidden hourly charges.


Further County-by-County Top-Rated Services

This section covers the remaining counties, primarily in the South East and Midlands, maintaining the alternation of the three core recommended providers: LocalMovers.ie, 1man1van.ie, and ManPlusVan.ie.

Estimated prices (€) reflect a standard 2-bedroom move (not including professional packing service) and are typical for moves within the county or to an adjacent county.

South East County Moving Services

CountyRankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
Wexford1LocalMovers.ieBest for large family house removals and moves to/from Dublin€320 – €460
2Essential Moves (Local Provider)Known for competitive pricing and reassembly services (as per Reddit)€330 – €480
Carlow1ManPlusVan.ieEfficient service for local, budget-conscious moves€280 – €410
2Cheap Removals 24 (Local Provider)Known for cheap, insured services in the Carlow area€295 – €425
Wicklow11man1van.ieExcellent for small moves/deliveries in rural Wicklow or quick transfers to South Dublin€55 – €140 (Hourly)
2LocalMovers.ieEssential for large home removals due to complex access/large volumes€350 – €490

Midlands County Moving Services

CountyRankProviderSpecialityEstimated Price (2-bed Apt)
Kildare1LocalMovers.ieStrongest presence for the high volume of moves in this commuter belt€250 – €380
2AMC Removals (Local Provider)Highly recommended on Reddit for full house moves and negotiation€260 – €400
Westmeath1ManPlusVan.ieGreat for Athlone/Mullingar moves and transfers between the midlands counties€270 – €400
21man1van.ieReliable, cheap option for student moves or single-item transport€50 – €130 (Hourly)
Offaly11man1van.ieBest for small town moves and single item delivery efficiency€45 – €125 (Hourly)
2LocalMovers.ieVetted full-service option for larger houses or long-distance removals (e.g., to Dublin)€300 – €430

Moving to/from Northern Ireland (NI)

Moving between the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and the six counties of Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Derry/Londonderry, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone) requires specific expertise, especially post-Brexit, regarding customs and inventory.

Recommended ActionBest Provider TypeWhy
Full International Service (Packing & Customs)Specialist Removals (e.g., Careline International, VK Removals)They handle the Transfer of Residence (ToR) customs documentation and larger logistical requirements.
Small Moves (Van/Man Service)ManPlusVan.ie / Regional NI MoversSuitable for minimal items or self-packed goods, but you must handle the customs/inventory documentation yourself.

Key NI-based Movers Mentioned on Forums: Foster and Sons, S Jordan, T’s Removals, CW Removals. These are excellent for local moves within NI or short runs across the border. For full-service, long-distance moves (e.g., Cork to Belfast), stick to companies like Careline or a major LocalMovers.ie partner that specialises in international/cross-border logistics.


Direct Comparison: Full House Move (3-Bed)

To clearly differentiate the service tiers, here is a comparison for a full 3-Bedroom House Move (Dublin to Galway), self-packed, with furniture assembly/disassembly required.

Feature1man1van.ieManPlusVan.ieLocalMovers.ie
Service TierBudget / Part-LoadMid-Range / EfficientPremium / Full Service
Crew SizeTypically 2 Men (Max 3)2 to 3 Men3 to 4 Men
Van SizeUp to Luton/Box Van (May need multiple trips)Luton/Box Van (Usually one trip)Large Removal Lorry (Guaranteed one trip)
Est. Price (€)€800 – €1,200 (Hourly Rate risk is high)€1,100 – €1,600 (Strong Fixed Price option)€1,400 – €2,000 (Fixed Price, includes more insurance)
Assembly/DisassemblyOptional, charged hourly (€)Included in quote but costedOften included for standard items (beds/tables)
Best ForMinimalist home, or if you can do a lot of the work yourself.Balanced choice for a standard, efficient family move.Large family home, high-value items, or complex access.

Summary: The cost difference of €300-€400 between the tiers buys you larger capacity, more crew, and superior insurance/reliability. For a 3-bed move, the risk of a budget service running overtime makes the fixed price from LocalMovers.ie or ManPlusVan.ie the far safer choice.


Final Cost Considerations

  • Packing Materials: Expect to budget €150 – €300 for boxes, tape, and bubble wrap for a typical 3-bedroom house if you pack yourself.
  • Hourly vs. Fixed: For any move over 4 hours or 100km, insist on a fixed-price quote from LocalMovers.ie or ManPlusVan.ie to avoid punishing hourly rates for unexpected delays (traffic, poor parking, complex furniture).
  • The “Anyvan” Effect: Websites like Anyvan.ie allow local, small providers to bid on your job. This can yield prices as low as €400-€600 for a regional 2-bed move (as seen on Reddit), but the trade-off can be less security and less reliable scheduling. Use it to gauge the absolute lowest price, but compare those companies’ direct reviews before booking.