Moving and Shipping Your Household to Ireland

Updated June 2026

Is it true that more Americans are choosing to call Ireland home? Absolutely! With tens of thousands of expats already residing on the Emerald Isle, the trend is clear. What’s behind the rise in popularity? There are several factors that are driving this trend, including family or ancestral ties, stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes, a well-organized and clean environment, low crime rates, vibrant international cities, a world-class healthcare system, a top-notch educational system, and no need to learn a new language.

But how straightforward is it to make the move? It can be very straightforward, as long as you have done your homework, made a clear decision, and are working with an experienced overseas moving company. SDC International Shipping is one such company that will support you every step of the way, from start to finish.

This guide is for Americans shipping household goods and personal effects from the USA to Ireland, whether you’re moving a full home, partial household, or including specialty items such as vehicles, pianos, or fine art. If you’re moving a vehicle, see the vehicle section below for SDC’s specific policy.

What to Look for in a Top-Tier Door to Door Moving Company to Ireland

When choosing an international shipping company to move your household goods and personal effects to Ireland, there are several key factors to consider.

Expertise and Experience

It is important to work with a company that has the knowledge and experience to handle the complexities of a shipment from the USA to Ireland. SDC International Shipping has been in the business for over 20 years and has the expertise to make your move a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Dedicated Support Team

Shipping household goods to Ireland can be a complex process, but with the right support team, it can be manageable. SDC has a dedicated team that will work with you from start to finish, guiding you through every step of the process and making sure your shipment clears customs in Ireland.

Superior Online Reviews

Online reviews are a valuable tool to help you understand the quality of a company. Look for a company with 4+ star ratings and positive customer feedback.

Visual Survey and Question and Answer Meeting

A thorough visual survey, either virtual or in-person, is critical to accurately estimate the volume of items being shipped and to understand the client’s specific needs. SDC offers this service to ensure that the quotation is based on a clear understanding of the client’s requirements.

Choosing the right international shipping company can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free move to Ireland. With SDC International Shipping, you can be confident that your household goods and personal effects will be handled with care and expertise every step of the way.

Things to Watch Out for When Choosing an International Shipping Company

Are You Working with a Genuine International Shipper?

Unfortunately, there are companies out there who represent themselves as an actual moving company, perhaps even specializing in moves to Ireland. Often this is not the case. They may gain your trust and booking, only to hire a third party for the lowest possible cost to them. Avoid the broker posing as a true international moving company.

Bait and Switch (Low-Ball Quotes)

Beware of the very low quote. The “bait and switch” or “low-ball quote” is a real thing, and you should understand it. SDC has been at this for a long time, and we know that too often the lowest quoted price may ultimately end up as the costliest. It may be a red flag when a shipping company quickly provides a quote, often lower than others, but didn’t take time to understand all the inventory, let alone the client’s needs. Those “surprise” costs add up.

At SDC we strive to thoroughly understand all your needs and expectations. From there, we provide a clear, professional quotation that is as low as our many years of experience, shipping relationships, and efficiencies allow.

Up-Front Deposits

Beware of any company that requires an up-front deposit. A credit card authorization as security is fine, but an actual deposit could be a red flag. SDC International Shipping does not require up-front deposits, nor do we charge a credit card up-front, for 99% or more of our jobs.

Consistently Poor Online Reviews

Just as you should look for a company with outstanding online reviews, the opposite is obviously just as important. Check Yelp and Google to understand what others have to say about the company you are considering.

• See SDC International Shipping Reviews on Yelp
• See SDC International Shipping Google Reviews

Lack of a Professional, Comprehensive Quote

SDC will provide a comprehensive, professional proposal for your shipment to Ireland. This will spell out precisely what service is being quoted (door to door, door to port, port to port, etc.). All elements which are included, as well as any which are not included, will be clearly stated. Be very cautious of any company that does not provide such a proposal.

Top Destinations in Ireland for Expats

Every country has cities with a large expat population. When it comes to Ireland, major destinations include:

• Carlow
• Cavan
• Clare
• Cork
• Donegal
• Dublin
• Fingal
• Galway
• Kerry
• Kildare
• Kilkenny
• Limerick
• Louth
• Sligo
• Tipperary
• Waterford
• Wexford

The SDC Shipping Process to Ireland

SDC International Shipping takes extra time to fully understand our client’s needs. This helps to reduce or eliminate “surprise” charges and other potential troubles. The process, depending on the desired level of service (door to door, door to port, port to door, port to port, air freight, etc.), is handled by SDC from your point of origin all the way to your desired destination. Here is an example of a full household move using ocean shipping, door to door, including full professional packing.

1. Visual Survey: We conduct a visual survey to get to know each other better and for SDC to understand the client’s needs and inventory. This is also an opportunity to answer any questions the client may have. Sometimes a visual survey isn’t possible; in that case, we use pictures or agree on an amount and service. For most door-to-door household goods shipments, a visual survey is an important part of the process.
2. Professional Quotation: After the survey is complete and analyzed, SDC will provide a professional quotation. This quote will clearly explain all elements of the move that are included as well as those which are not.
3. Order for Service: The next step is for your SDC Relocation Specialist to provide an Order for Service. This is the actionable booking document that initiates the shipping process. It will clearly spell out the price and all details, including what is included and what is not.
4. Internal Support and Logistics Team: Once your job is booked, an internal Support Expert for Ireland is assigned. This Specialist will provide constant communication and guidance, request the proper documents, and stay with you from start through finish.
5. Packing, Wrapping, and Pick-Up: Sometimes packing and pick-up happen on the same day. For larger and more complex jobs, professional packing, wrapping, protecting, and prepping could take one to three days before the actual pick-up and loading.
6. Shipping: The next step is to ship your household inventory.
7. Customs: Unless otherwise requested, SDC will clear customs at the destination port of entry. Long before this point, your SDC Specialist will have taken care of all necessary paperwork so that clearing customs at the destination port should go smoothly.
8. Final Delivery: SDC then delivers your household goods to your destination residence or desired delivery location. All furniture is reassembled (if applicable), unwrapped, and placed where you would like it. All boxes are delivered to the room or area of your home that you wish. We then clean up all packaging and depart.

Necessary Documents

SDC’s Logistics and Support Team works with you and helps with the documents necessary to ship your household goods, clear customs, and deliver to your residence in Ireland.

The most detailed document you’ll need for customs clearance in Ireland is the Transfer of Residence Form 1076 (full name: Form C&E 1076: Transfer of Residence from Outside the EU: Application and Declaration for Exemption from Import Charges and Vehicle Registration Tax). You will need to provide:

• Personal details
• Property information about your shipment
• Details about any vehicle you’re importing, if applicable
• A signed declaration of transfer of residence, including a statement that your property was in your possession and used by you at your place of previous normal residence outside Ireland for a minimum period of at least six months prior to taking up residence in Ireland
• A detailed description of the goods you are importing and their value

TOR Form 1076

Transfer of Residence: Tax Relief Information

What Can’t I Ship from the US to Ireland with My Household Goods?

Attempting to ship a prohibited item into Ireland can derail your plans, or worse. Keep in mind that some items are banned outright (such as illegal drugs), while others may only be “restricted” and require prior approval for import. Please consult SDC International Shipping for specific information regarding what can, may, and cannot be shipped as part of your household goods shipment to Ireland.

Irish Revenue Customs Information

FIDI Customs Guide: Ireland

Restricted or Prohibited Items

• Food, specifically meat or meat products, milk, and other dairy products
• Plant products such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other plants
• Protected wild animals or plant species
• Certain species of fauna and flora protected by the CITES convention require a permit, including items such as ivory, tortoise shells, certain hunting trophies, and birds in the parrot family
• Firearms
• Beer, wine, and spirits: limits apply to avoid duty
• Tobacco: limits apply to avoid duty

Packing and Protecting Your Household Goods

Standard Service: SDC International Shipping, by default, will wrap and protect all of your furniture items including desks, sofas, dining tables, credenzas, beds, and similar pieces. All furniture items will be protected in a manner necessary to ensure transit from door to door with complete protection.

Special Enhanced Protection for Delicate and Specialty Items: SDC will always provide the appropriate level of protection for different inventory items. Items such as glass and marble tops, statues, and glass china cabinets will receive enhanced protection for the shipment. Our mandate is to do everything in our power to ensure your items arrive in the exact same condition in which they left.

Packing of Boxes: There are three options when it comes to packing your boxes.

1. Full Professional Packing Service by SDC: The client may elect to have SDC professionally pack all boxes, or only some of them, and create a professional inventory list. This is often helpful with customs at the port of entry in Ireland.
2. Self-Pack: Alternatively, the client may elect to self-pack (or partially self-pack) boxes for the shipment. In this case, it is important to create an inventory list. SDC will help.
3. Hybrid: The client self-packs most boxes but leaves some delicate items to be packed by SDC. For example, the client packs most boxes but would like SDC to pack framed wall art, TVs, and fine china. This is a common arrangement.

Framed Art: SDC can pack framed wall art for clients. Options range from standard wrapping and boxing, up to acid-free wrapping and soft crating, all the way up to full custom hard crates for fine art.

White Glove Service: If needed, SDC’s teams of expert packers and unpackers are happy to provide full white-glove service.

FAQ: Can I pack my personal effects inside drawers or other furniture items with storage space? The answer is no. Do not attempt to use your furniture as storage containers. This may get noticed at the port of entry by customs and could cause a delay and the inspection of all items.

Art, Pianos, Billiard Tables, and Sculptures

When shipping your piano, billiard table, fine art, and other specialty or collectible items, they must be handled properly by an experienced, knowledgeable, and capable shipping and relocation company. If you need to ship a musical instrument, oil painting, pool table, collectible pinball machine, or any other high-value specialty item, our team has the knowledge, experience, skills, and equipment to handle any specialty shipment door to door.

Shipping Your Household Goods to Ireland by Ocean or by Air

Household shipments to destinations outside North America are usually shipped by ocean freight, which is the more economical mode. The downside is that the total transit time is longer. SDC is an expert in both shipping by air and shipping by ocean. Often, a combination of both may be used depending on your timeline and budget.

Shipping Your Car to Ireland

Moving your car from the US to Ireland is something we’ve helped many clients with. SDC ships vehicles to Ireland inside containers together with your household goods. We do not handle vehicle-only shipments and do not offer RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) service. If you are including a vehicle, we plan container selection early, confirm Ireland’s import requirements, and ensure your vehicle and household goods clear customs together. Important note: left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be shipped to and registered for road operation in Ireland.

Required documentation includes:

• Original title
• Bill of sale (if applicable)
• EIN or Passport

More on shipping your car internationally

Shipping Your Motorcycle

Can you ship your motorcycle to Ireland as part of your household goods shipment? Yes, you can. The ownership documents required are similar to those for your automobile. Please consult with an SDC Relocation Specialist for full details.

Pet Relocations

Can you bring your pet when moving to Ireland? Yes, you can. When moving abroad, taking your pet with you is a realistic option. We employ a team of pet experts who take charge of making your pets feel comfortable and safe during transport. There are specific criteria and requirements to import your pet to Ireland, including ensuring all forms, health certificates, and vaccination records are submitted before boarding. Moving to Ireland with pets is reasonably straightforward. Proof of rabies vaccination is required in all cases.

Important note: Your pet must be at least 3 months of age to enter Ireland, because animals under the age of 90 days cannot be vaccinated against rabies.

More on pet relocation with SDC

Maritime Insurance

SDC International Shipping offers both total loss and full coverage insurance options which cover your possessions from door to door. Please contact SDC International Shipping at 877-339-0267 for details.

More on SDC maritime insurance

Healthcare in Ireland for Expats

Ireland has a two-tier health system. Permanent residents can choose to use government-funded public healthcare or pay for private healthcare which operates independently of the state. Many expats are eligible for public healthcare, but it’s important to review all options before making a decision.

The public healthcare system in Ireland has a good reputation for quality care. However, wait times may be longer than what is common in the US, particularly during winter months when clinics and hospitals are busy with common seasonal ailments. Even if you are eligible for public healthcare, services are not completely free in Ireland. Various factors including income, age, and disability status determine what your costs will be.

Prescription Medications

The cost of prescription medications in Ireland is significantly less expensive than in the USA. Prescription medications are available via pharmacies throughout Ireland.

Who is Eligible for Public Healthcare in Ireland?

All persons resident in Ireland are entitled to receive healthcare through the public health care system, which is managed by the Health Service Executive and funded by general taxation and subsidized fees for service. All maternity services and child care up to the age of six years are provided free of charge. Emergency care is provided at a cost for a visit to an Emergency Department if one has not attended a GP first.

The Medical Card, which entitles holders to free hospital care, GP visits, dental services, optical services, aural services, prescription drugs, and medical appliances, is available to those receiving welfare payments, low earners, many retirees, and in certain other cases. Those on slightly higher incomes are eligible for a GP Visit Card which entitles the holder to free general practitioner visits.

Private Healthcare Insurance in Ireland

The majority of Irish citizens, and the vast majority of expats, have private healthcare insurance. Benefits of private health insurance include reduced wait times, availability of private and semi-private hospital accommodations, and specialized medical diagnostics and tests.