Introduction
Moving to Denmark from Ireland should feel exciting, not exhausting. With a sharp checklist, trusted movers, and real time GPS tracking, your leap becomes a smooth, confident stride. VANonsite keeps it simple: right sized vans, careful packing, punctual crews, and clear pricing from quote to delivery.
TL;DR
- EU to EU move: personal household goods usually travel duty free; check SKAT for edge cases.
- Sort documents early: Life in Denmark for CPR and address, SIRI for non EU permits, MitID for banks, SKAT for tax.
- Choose the right vehicle: from 5 m³ to 90 m³; share an inventory for precise sizing.
- Route smart: Rosslare to France to Denmark avoids UK transit; Ireland to UK to Denmark offers more sailings.
- Pack like a pro: double wall boxes, labels on two sides, Day 1 essentials box; add Packing Service or White Glove for valuables.
- Moving day game plan: secure parking and elevators, load big items first, sign inventory, track the van live.
- After arrival: register CPR, set up tax and healthcare, sort banking; book storage or staggered delivery if keys are delayed.
Why Ireland to Denmark moves are simpler than you think
Both countries sit in the EU single market. Household goods for personal use usually travel duty free under EU rules. Roads are excellent, ports are efficient, and Danish buildings follow clear access guidelines. Put simply, fewer moving parts mean fewer delays and smoother handovers.
You benefit from:
- One market rules for most personal effects, so no customs formalities for typical household goods within the EU.
- Frequent, reliable ferries and motorway links, whether you route via the UK or sail direct to France and drive up.
- Professional buildings with elevator booking systems, quiet hours, and defined loading bays that keep moves orderly.
- Crews trained for compact city streets, heritage stairwells, courtyards, and tight turns.
- Live GPS tracking on every VANonsite load so you always know where your belongings are.
When might it be trickier?
- Historic stairwells, long carries from street to door, or no lift buildings above the second floor.
- City events that restrict access windows.
- Winter weather requiring extra padding and careful timing.
Share these details early and we will plan the right vehicle, crew, and timing to keep everything calm.
Pro tip: If your keys are delayed, combine short term Storage with phased delivery to avoid rush fees and stress. Book your slot here: Removals to Denmark.
Documents and registrations you actually need
For EU citizens, the process is straightforward. A few timely steps keep everything crisp and compliant.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen (including Irish):
- Register your address and CPR via the Life in Denmark portal and your local Borgerservice: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/
- Set up your tax card with SKAT so payroll runs correctly: https://www.skat.dk/
- Obtain MitID for banking and public services once you have your CPR: https://www.mitid.dk/
If you are a non EU citizen:
- Secure the right permit with SIRI (work, study, family, self employed) before relocating: https://nyidanmark.dk/
- After arrival, complete CPR and tax steps via Life in Denmark and SKAT.
Irish side, useful links when leaving:
- Revenue change of address, tax residence, and PAYE matters: https://www.revenue.ie/
- NDLS for driving licence updates if applicable: https://www.ndls.ie/
- Citizens Information practical guides for moving abroad: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/
Time saving checklist
- Keep digital copies of tenancy or purchase agreements, job or study letters, and travel documents.
- Save confirmations from Life in Denmark, SKAT, and MitID in one folder.
- If you are non EU, include your SIRI approval and passport copies.
Keep digital copies of tenancy agreements, job offer or study letter, and travel documents. If you are non EU, get the correct permit through SIRI before you move.
What you can and cannot bring from Ireland
Moving household goods within the EU is typically duty free for personal use. Still, know the exceptions and plan smart so everything arrives safely.
Allowances and controls
- Alcohol and tobacco have personal allowances. Check SKAT for current guidance and quantities: https://www.skat.dk/
- Food and animal products for personal use are usually fine within the EU. Large quantities or specialty items can trigger limits. When in doubt, keep receipts and pack sealed.
- Plants, soil, seeds can face restrictions to protect biosecurity. Verify before shipping garden items and clean tools and pots.
Hazardous or sensitive items
- Lithium batteries and e bikes: remove detachable batteries and pack terminals safely. Tell us in advance so we can advise on compliant transport.
- Pressurised containers: aerosols, gas cylinders, paint, varnish, fuels, and solvents require special handling or cannot travel in household shipments. Share a list and we will suggest safe alternatives.
- Cleaning chemicals: avoid mixed liquids. Use sealed original containers only and bag them to prevent leaks.
- Medications: carry in original packaging with prescriptions where applicable. Keep controlled medicines with you.
- Valuables and documents: passports, jewelry, cash, bonds, and irreplaceable papers travel with you, not in the van.
Vehicles and bikes
- If you are importing a car to Denmark, review registration, taxes, and timing on SKAT: https://www.skat.dk/. You will need proof of ownership, ID, and Danish address once you register.
- For bikes and e bikes, remove loose accessories and pack chargers separately.
Simple packing win
- Create a small box labeled Open First with a kettle, cups, bedding, toiletries, basic tools, and chargers. It turns your first night into a soft landing.
Route options and realistic timelines
Ireland to Denmark routes usually combine a ferry and efficient motorway links. Pick the path that fits your schedule and paperwork comfort.
1) Ireland to UK to Denmark
- Ferry from Dublin or Rosslare to the UK, then drive via Dover to Calais, across France, Belgium, Germany to Denmark.
- Pros: frequent sailings, flexible departure times, many service options.
- Considerations: UK transit requires valid travel documents. Check your ferry operator’s rules before booking. Allow buffer time for port traffic.
2) Ireland to France (direct ferry) to Denmark
- Rosslare to Cherbourg or Le Havre, then motorway via A28, A1, A2 through France, Belgium, Germany to Denmark.
- Pros: avoids UK transit, fewer border checks, predictable motorway driving.
- Considerations: longer sea time. Book cabins for overnight sailings for better rest.
Typical transit windows
- Dublin to Copenhagen: 2 to 3 days door to door
- Cork to Aarhus: 2 to 3 days
- Galway to Odense: about 2 to 3 days
Times assume legal driver hours and normal weather. Winter or special access needs may add time.
Sample itineraries that work
| Day | UK route example | France route example |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Load in Ireland. Evening ferry Dublin or Rosslare to UK. | Load in Ireland. Overnight ferry Rosslare to Cherbourg. |
| Day 1 | Drive UK to Dover. Ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais. Overnight in northern France. | Drive Cherbourg to northern France or Belgium. Overnight stop. |
| Day 2 | Calais to Denmark via Germany. Deliver in Copenhagen or Sjælland. | Belgium to Denmark via Germany. Deliver in Copenhagen or Sjælland. |
Coachmaker tips
- Book ferries early in summer and around holidays.
- Share port choices and sailing times with us. We will sync the crew plan so load and delivery align perfectly.
- Choose secure hotels with truck or van parking for overnight stops if you self drive any leg.
Van sizes that fit your home
Right size saves money and time. Our fleet covers minimalist studios to full family homes.
| VANonsite vehicle | Approx. volume | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | Student essentials, light moves |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | One bedroom flats, compact furniture |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1000 kg | Two bedrooms or bulkier items |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3500 kg | Three to four bedrooms, light office moves |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20000 kg | Full house moves, large offices |
Fast chooser
- Studio or student room with 20 to 30 boxes: Moving Basic or Moving Medium
- One bedroom with sofa and wardrobe: Moving Medium
- Two bedrooms or solid wood pieces: Moving Premium
- Three to four bedrooms or mixed furniture plus appliances: Moving Premium Plus
- Full family home and garden gear: Moving Full House XXL
Measure once, move once
- List your biggest items and measure in meters. Multiply length × width × height for each to get m³. Add 10 to 15 percent for padding and odd shapes.
- Typical box volumes for quick math: small 45 × 35 × 35 cm ≈ 0.055 m³, medium 55 × 35 × 35 cm ≈ 0.067 m³, large 60 × 40 × 40 cm ≈ 0.096 m³.
- A compact 45 m² city flat with 25 boxes often totals 9 to 12 m³. A 70 m² two bedroom with wardrobes and dining set can reach 14 to 18 m³.
Access checklist that affects sizing
- Stair width and turns, elevator size and booking window, door and hallway clearances, courtyard height limits, loading bay distance to entrance.
- If access is tight, two smaller trips can protect walls and save time compared with one oversized truck.
Protection and loading order
- Sofas, wardrobes, and appliances first, then medium boxes, then light and fragile last.
- Use blankets, straps, and corner protectors. Tape hardware in labeled bags to the matching item.
Not sure what you need? Send a quick inventory and photos. We will size it precisely and prevent costly over or under booking.
What it costs from Ireland to Denmark
Your price reflects five levers: distance, volume, access, packing, timing. We combine these into one transparent quote so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Included in a VANonsite quote
- Professional crew and right sized vehicle
- Fuel, mileage and pre approved tolls
- Basic goods in transit insurance and protective blankets
- Live GPS tracking of your load
Add if needed
- Full or partial Packing Service with materials
- Disassembly and reassembly
- White Glove Delivery for art and antiques
- Storage with flexible redelivery
- Parking permits billed at cost
What influences price the most
- Floors without elevator or long carry distances over 20 to 30 meters
- Bulky pieces that require extra crew or a hoist
- Tight delivery windows or evening service requests
- Ferry choice and cabin bookings on overnight routes
Scenario planner
| Move type | Distance guide | Volume guide | Best van | Time window | Smart tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student room | 300 to 1,200 km | 5 to 10 m³ | Moving Basic or Medium | 2 days | Pack tight, avoid oversized boxes |
| One bedroom | 300 to 1,200 km | 10 to 15 m³ | Moving Medium | 2 to 3 days | Reserve elevator and parking early |
| Two bedrooms | 300 to 1,200 km | 15 to 18 m³ | Moving Premium | 2 to 3 days | Disassemble wardrobes and beds beforehand |
| Family home | 300 to 1,200 km | 25 to 35 m³ | Moving Premium Plus | 3 days | Consider split delivery or short term storage |
| Full house with garden | 300 to 1,200 km | 60 to 90 m³ | Full House XXL | 3 to 4 days | Share photos of access points and garden gear |
Avoidable fees checklist
- No elevator booked when required
- No parking permit in controlled zones
- Unpacked loose items on moving day
- Late key handover beyond the agreed window
Get an exact quote in one go
- Inventory list with rough sizes, photos of bulky items, floor numbers, elevator details, parking notes, and your preferred ferry route.
Packing that protects and speeds things up
Great packing is compound interest. It pays off all day. Use this section to build momentum and protect every item from door to door.
Essentials
- Double wall boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, stretch film, furniture blankets
- Tape gun, fragile stickers, waterproof marker
- Zip bags for screws and fittings, cable ties, painter’s tape for temporary door fixes
- Corner protectors for mirrors and frames, mattress covers, sofa covers
- Shoe boxes or cloth bags to keep pairs together
Materials calculator
| Home size | Typical box count | Bubble wrap | Tape rolls | Wardrobe boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student room or studio | 15 to 25 | 10 to 20 m | 3 to 4 | 1 |
| One bedroom | 25 to 40 | 20 to 40 m | 4 to 6 | 2 |
| Two bedrooms | 40 to 60 | 40 to 70 m | 6 to 9 | 3 |
| Three bedrooms | 60 to 90 | 70 to 120 m | 9 to 12 | 4 to 5 |
Best practices
- Pack room by room and label two sides with room and contents.
- Wrap plates vertically and pad gaps with paper or towels.
- Place heaviest boxes at the bottom. Split books into several small boxes.
- Photograph cable setups before you unplug and place cables in labeled bags.
- Create a Day 1 box with bedding, toiletries, kettle, and chargers.
- Use the towel rule for glass and ceramics – one soft layer around every fragile piece.
- Remove lamp shades and bulbs and box them separately.
- Tape hardware to furniture in a small bag or place in a labeled jar.
- Keep cleaning supplies together and bag liquids to prevent leaks.
- Do a shake test for fragile boxes. If you hear movement, add padding.
Labeling that speeds unloading
- Color code by room and number each box. Example: Blue 07 Kitchen, pots and pans.
- Add a small priority tag such as Open First or Seasonal.
- Keep a simple inventory list that maps numbers to contents. It saves time at delivery.
Furniture prep
- Wardrobes: empty, remove shelves, tape doors shut with painter’s tape, not duct tape.
- Beds: remove bedding, bag fixings, photograph the slat direction for fast rebuild.
- Sofas and chairs: remove legs where possible and protect corners with foam.
- Appliances: defrost freezers 24 hours before, drain washing machines, secure drums with transit bolts.
Do not pack list
- Passports, cash, jewelry, original deeds, essential medications – carry these with you.
- Pressurised containers, fuels, and loose lithium batteries – ask us for safe alternatives.
Sustainability wins
- Reuse cartons from local marketplaces and return or recycle them after the move.
- Choose paper based padding where possible.
- Right size the van to cut extra trips and emissions.
Add our Packing Service if time is tight. Use White Glove Delivery for art, instruments, and antiques that deserve delicate handling.
Moving day playbook
Moving day rewards crisp choreography. Follow this simple schedule to keep stress low and momentum high.
24 hours before
- Confirm crew arrival window and driver contact.
- Print or save parking and elevator permits for both addresses.
- Finish the fridge, defrost freezers, and air them dry.
- Set aside a valuables kit with passports, keys, contracts, medications, and chargers.
Morning of the move
- Clear hallways and protect floors with runners or blankets.
- Reserve a quiet room for kids and pets so the loading zone stays safe.
- Walk the crew through access, elevator rules, and fragile priorities.
During loading
- Load big items first, then medium boxes, then light and fragile last.
- Keep a small toolkit, tape, and zip bags handy for screws and brackets.
- Take meter readings and a quick set of exit photos before you lock up.
En route
- Use the live GPS link to follow progress in real time.
- Share the tracking link with anyone receiving at the destination.
Delivery and handover
- Ensure destination parking is free and elevator is booked if needed.
- Direct items by room to reduce re handling.
- Assemble beds first for a restful first night.
- Sign the inventory and note any issues immediately so we can resolve them fast.
After you arrive in Denmark
Within the first days, handle the basics. Keep confirmations in one digital folder so every step is quick to show and easy to update.
- Register your address and CPR via Life in Denmark: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/
- Tax card with SKAT so your employer can pay you correctly: https://www.skat.dk/
- Healthcare registration and choosing your GP on Sundhed.dk after CPR: https://www.sundhed.dk/
- MitID for banks and public services: https://www.mitid.dk/
- Digital Post (e‑Boks) so you receive official letters online: https://www.eboks.com/danmark/en
- NemKonto to link your bank account for public payments: https://www.nemkonto.dk/
Timeline at a glance
- Days 1 to 3: CPR and address, order your health card, activate Digital Post, book GP.
- Days 3 to 7: Apply for your tax card, open a bank account, set NemKonto, mobile and internet.
- Weeks 2 to 4: School or daycare, vehicle matters with SKAT if applicable, home and liability insurance.
Why VANonsite is the stress free choice
Because you want speed without chaos and care without drama. We blend precision planning with friendly, proactive communication.
- Rapid booking, including Last Minute Moving for urgent timelines
- GPS tracking on every load with a shareable link for family or building managers
- Transparent, written quotes with clear line items and no hidden fees
- Dedicated move coordinator who stays with you from booking to handover
- Services for every scenario: Furniture Removals, Home Removals, Packing Service, White Glove Delivery, Office Removals, Storage, Student Removals
- Friendly, insured crews, clean right sized fleet, photo handover on request
Ready to roll? Book here: Removals to Denmark
FAQ
Do I need customs clearance when moving from Ireland?
Household goods for personal use are typically duty free within the EU. Always check SKAT for edge cases: https://www.skat.dk/
Can you move my car, bike, or piano?
Yes. Tell us sizes and we will plan safe loading and route access.
How fast can you book a last minute slot?
Often within days, sometimes the next day when capacity allows.
Can I store items in transit?
Yes. We can hold your goods and deliver when your keys are ready.
Can I track my belongings?
Yes. Every VANonsite load is GPS tracked with updates you can share.
Can I move to Denmark from Ireland?
Yes. As an EU citizen you can relocate under free movement. If your stay will exceed three months, you generally register your right of residence and your address in Denmark. Start with Life in Denmark for CPR and municipal steps: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/. Many EU citizens must also obtain an EU residence document with SIRI depending on stay and status; check your exact case here: https://nyidanmark.dk/.
Is it difficult to move to Denmark?
It is manageable with planning. The key tasks are securing housing, registering CPR and tax, and arranging practical access like parking and elevators. For non‑EU family members or special cases, permits are handled by SIRI: https://nyidanmark.dk/. We handle the logistics end to end and provide live GPS so the transport piece stays simple.
Can I work in Denmark with an Irish passport?
Yes. Irish citizens can live and work in Denmark without a work permit. If staying longer than three months, register your residence and address, obtain CPR, and get your tax card with SKAT so your employer can pay you correctly: https://www.skat.dk/. Job search resources: Work in Denmark (official): https://www.workindenmark.dk/.
Can an EU citizen move to Denmark?
Yes. EU and EEA citizens can move under free movement. Stays up to three months usually require no registration. For longer stays you typically document one of the grounds such as employment, self‑employment, studies, or self‑sufficiency and then register your address and CPR. See SIRI for EU residence documents and Life in Denmark for CPR: https://nyidanmark.dk/ • https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/.
Can I get a job in Denmark if I only speak English?
Often yes, especially in tech, engineering, research, pharmaceuticals, design, and international companies in Copenhagen and Aarhus. Many workplaces operate in English. Roles in healthcare, education, public administration, and many retail or service jobs usually require Danish. Start with postings on Work in Denmark and plan to learn Danish for broader options.
Is there an Irish community in Denmark?
Yes, particularly around Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. You will find social groups, GAA clubs, and cultural events including St Patrick’s celebrations. For notices and support, check the Embassy of Ireland in Denmark and local community boards. Embassy information: https://www.dfa.ie/.
Summary
Moving to Denmark from Ireland is straightforward when you follow a clear plan. Start with the essentials: use Life in Denmark for CPR and address registration, SIRI for any non EU permits, SKAT for your tax card, and MitID for banking and public services. Pack with purpose using sturdy boxes, labels on two sides, and a Day 1 box so your first evening is easy. Choose a right sized van from 5 to 90 m³ based on a simple inventory and photos. Pick the route that fits your schedule: frequent sailings via the UK or a direct Rosslare to France ferry for fewer borders. On moving day secure parking and elevators, load big items first, sign the inventory, and follow your shipment in real time with GPS. After arrival finish the setup with CPR, Digital Post, NemKonto, healthcare, and your tax card.
VANonsite ties it all together with punctual crews, protective materials, clean vehicles, and transparent pricing. Add Packing Service, Storage, or White Glove when you need extra care, then relax while a dedicated coordinator keeps everything on track from quote to handover.
Next steps
- Share your inventory for precise van sizing and a firm quote.
- Lock in your dates and ferry route; we will sync the crew and delivery.
- Book now: Removals to Denmark
