Best Removal Companies in Belfast

How do I choose a removal company in Belfast?

When you compare removal quotes in Belfast, it's important to start by reviewing feedback from past customers. Look for companies with strong reputations and plenty of positive testimonials from movers who have relocated within or from the city. Many Belfast-based movers will have local experience navigating busy areas such as the Ormeau Road or the narrow streets around the Cathedral Quarter, which can be a real asset on moving day.

See if they offer a home survey before the move (in-person or virtual). This allows them to evaluate the size and type of items you’re moving, including if your property has difficult access, like a terraced house on a steep street in Stranmillis. A proper survey helps them provide a more accurate quote and prepare appropriately.

Always confirm the insurance coverage offered by the removal company. Understand what is included and what may cost extra. It’s also wise to check their policies on delays, especially considering unpredictable weather in Northern Ireland or ferry delays if you're moving across the Irish Sea. Be sure to clarify their payment terms as well.

The firm you choose should be vetted by the Ombudsman. All removal firms featured on reallymoving are fully vetted, giving you peace of mind. You can compare up to 6 free quotes from removal companies based in and around Belfast, including Lisburn, Holywood, and Newtownabbey, ensuring you find the right match for your needs.

How do Belfast removal companies work?

Your chosen Belfast removal company will handle transporting your belongings from your current property to your new home in Belfast or the surrounding areas, including towns like Holywood, Lisburn, or Bangor. This includes everything from boxed household items to furniture. Many companies in Belfast also offer packing services, which can be especially helpful if you have large or fragile items, such as mirrors, antique furniture, or musical instruments.

Bear in mind that the only thing removal companies will avoid taking from property to property is anything dangerous. This includes items that are corrosive, flammable, explosive, poisonous, or radioactive. If you’re unsure whether certain items are permitted, it’s best to check in advance with your removal company to ensure there are no surprises on moving day.

The length of time a removals company takes to move your belongings is dependent on the number of rooms and items they have to move. If a property has 2 bedrooms, a removals company can take 6-7 hours to complete a job. If a home has 4+ rooms, the removal can take 10-12 hours or more. This estimate may also vary based on traffic patterns (e.g. rush hour near the M1 or A55), parking access, or if you’re moving into a city centre apartment with stairs or lifts.

Some firms may also offer disassembly and reassembly services for items like beds, wardrobes, and larger furniture. Be sure to request this ahead of time so the team arrives prepared.

Some removal companies offer storage options, either directly or through partnered storage providers in the Belfast area. This is particularly useful if there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, or if you’re downsizing. When requesting quotes through reallymoving, be sure to highlight if you’ll need storage.

What is included in the cost of removals?

The cost of removals in Belfast can vary based on how you approach your move, whether you're opting for a DIY move, hiring a man with a van, or booking a professional removals team.

Based on national data from reallymoving from February 2025, here’s a breakdown of the average removal costs by property size, which also applies to Belfast:

• The average moving cost of a 1 bedroom house is £485
• The average moving cost of a 2 bedroom house is £626
• The average moving cost of a 3 bedroom house is £939
• The average removals cost of a 4 bedroom house is £1,310
• The average removals cost for a 5 bedroom house is £1,745

The price you pay will also depend on your property size, the distance you're moving, and the services required.

Moving services will typically include; loading and unloading, transportation, basic furniture handling, and basic insurance coverage.

Additional costs may include:

• Packing costs, e.g. materials, packing services, and unpacking services
• Specialised services, e.g. fragile packing, dismantling and re-assembly, and specialised equipment for pianos/antiques
• Third-party services, e.g. removal and plumbing of appliances or carpet/curtain removal
• Storage costs
• Removals insurance costs

Some firms may also include a pre-move survey and provide protective blankets and straps to keep your items safe, especially important when navigating cobbled streets or narrow staircases common in older Belfast homes.

Mid-weekdays, especially Tuesdays, are often cheaper, as demand is lower. While this can vary, it’s worth asking your moving company if discounts apply for quieter days.

It’s best to book your move 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure availability. You might also save by moving outside peak seasons, avoiding the summer months and university move-in periods in Belfast. Booking early improves your chances of getting the best price and your preferred moving date, crucial if you're planning a move near Twelfth of July parades or Belfast Pride, when some city routes can be busier or disrupted.

Is it worth using a removals company in Belfast?

Using a removals company in Belfast is worth it, especially if you're moving house within the city or relocating to or from surrounding areas like Newtownabbey, Dundonald, or Bangor. Whether you’re navigating tight city centre streets or dealing with parking restrictions in areas like the Lisburn Road or Stranmillis, a professional team can handle the logistics with ease.

If you have large, valuable, or fragile items, a Belfast removals company can ensure they are safely packed and transported. From antique furniture to upright pianos, local movers are familiar with handling delicate items, often using specialist equipment. Their experience helps minimise damage, not just to your belongings, but also to the property itself, such as narrow doorways or staircases common in older Belfast homes.

Reputable removals firms in Belfast offer insurance coverage for your possessions during transit. This offers extra reassurance in the rare case that items are damaged, lost, or delayed during the move.

Home removal companies work under a governing body called the British Association of Removers (BAR). BAR membership ensures that the company meets strict industry standards for safety, professionalism, and customer service, offering you an added layer of confidence when choosing a provider in Belfast.

Hiring a removals team will save you significant time and effort. Rather than spending your energy on lifting boxes or borrowing a van, you can focus on other important tasks, such as notifying utilities, updating your address, or helping children and pets adjust to the move. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with the added complexity of moving during busy local events or Belfast’s peak traffic times.