TL:DR (7 bullets)
- International removals to Austria made effortless with live GPS tracking, careful handling, and reliable door‑to‑door ETAs.
- Pick your rhythm and budget: smart‑saving part load or priority direct van with one crew and a tight arrival window.
- Right size every move from 5 m³ to 90 m³ so you never pay for empty space; shuttle vans glide through narrow streets and courtyards.
- Cut the cost of removals to Austria with off‑peak pick ups, flexible delivery windows, clear access photos, and self pack on non‑fragiles.
- Customs and paperwork stay simple: a valued inventory, proof of residence, and quick checks on restricted items via oesterreich.gv.at and BMF Customs.
- Add premium touches when it matters: Packing Services, White Glove placement, secure Storage, office moves, student sets, and last‑minute rescues.
- Begin with instant guidance, pricing, and city notes: Removals to Austria and Moving to Vienna Austria.
Introduction
International removals to Austria should feel calm and precise. Whether you are relocating a full family home or sending a curated set of heirlooms for a fresh start in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Linz, or Innsbruck, the journey deserves clarity. Timelines should be predictable. Every piece should be protected. Your nerves should stay steady.
With VANonsite, every mile is visible through live GPS, every doorway is protected before a single box moves, and your ETA is managed like a promise. You choose speed or savings without sacrificing care. Go part load for value on flexible dates or choose a direct van for a tight window and a single chain of custody from collection to placement.
Because cities have rules, we handle the details that trip people up. Permits, loading bays, quiet hours, concierge windows, service lifts, and even motorway vignettes are checked and booked in advance. So delivery day feels controlled, courteous, and quick.
Early internal links to guide readers:
- Primary route: Removals to Austria
- City spotlight: Moving to Vienna Austria
- Reverse route: Moving from Austria to UK
- From overseas: Moving to Austria from US
- Smaller shipments: Small Removals to Austria
- Furniture focus: Furniture Removals to Austria
Service models: direct van vs part load
Choosing a service model is choosing your experience. Do you want the fastest lane with a single chain of custody, or the smartest savings by sharing space on a scheduled route?
Core comparison
| Model | Best for | Typical volume | ETA window | Price profile | Handling notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part load (groupage) | Value seekers, flexible windows | 2–15 m³ | Planned multi day | Lowest | Consolidated line haul, shared vehicle |
| Split load | Balance of speed and savings | 10–25 m³ | Narrower multi day | Mid | Shared trunk + dedicated last mile |
| Direct van | Fragile, high value, tight ETAs | 5–30 m³ | 1–3 days typical | Highest | One crew, one plan, precise handovers |
Pros and trade‑offs at a glance
| Option | Speed | Price | Predictability | Handling chain | Green routing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part load | ●● | ●●●● | ●● | Shared | ●●●● |
| Split load | ●●● | ●●● | ●●● | Mixed | ●●● |
| Direct van | ●●●● | ● | ●●●● | Single crew | ●● |
Where each shines
- Part load: budget wins, dates flexible, robust packing. Ideal for students or compact sets.
- Split load: predictable last mile when keys or lifts have windows.
- Direct van: speed, tight ETAs, designer or fragile pieces, single handling chain.
Cut‑off & slot mechanics
- Part loads run on fixed trunk departures. Consolidation cut‑offs are usually a few days before wheels up.
- Split loads secure a dedicated final leg. Great when you must hit a building lift window.
- Direct vans run to your clock. We lock a narrow ETA after access checks and ferry confirmation.
Risk and liability snapshot
- One handling chain reduces touch points. Direct van keeps the same crew from door to door.
- Part loads rely on pro grade wrapping, crating for glass, and palletisation where helpful.
- Optional insurance tiers are available across models. High value items benefit from condition photos.
Example timelines under normal road conditions
| Origin → Destination | Part load window | Direct van window |
|---|---|---|
| London → Vienna | 3–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Manchester → Salzburg | 4–8 days | 2–3 days |
| Bristol → Graz | 4–9 days | 2–3 days |
| Glasgow → Innsbruck | 5–9 days | 2–3 days |
| Newcastle → Linz | 4–8 days | 2–3 days |
We confirm your slot in writing after permits, ferries, and access checks.
Decision helper
Ask yourself:
- Do you value speed or savings more right now?
- Are there key handovers, concierge windows, or lift bookings we must hit?
- Do you have art or glass that benefits from a single, named crew?
- Is your access tight enough to justify a shuttle van for the last metres?
Micro case studies
- 8 m³ London → Vienna: part load with flexible window, best price, zero compromise on protection.
- 18 m³ Birmingham → Salzburg: split load with timed last mile aligned to key handover.
- 12 m³ Edinburgh → Graz: direct van, White Glove placement, condition photos upon delivery.
Vehicle sizes and classic loads (house removals to austria)
Right sizing protects both your furniture and your budget. Too small and you risk overflows. Too big and you pay for air.
VANonsite fleet: Moving Basic 5 m³, Moving Medium 10 m³, Moving Premium 15 m³, Moving Premium Plus 30 m³, Moving Full House XXL 90 m³.
| Vehicle | Volume | Max payload | Best for | Typical items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | Student room, micro move | 20–30 boxes, small TV, chair |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | Studio or compact 1 bed | Sofa, bed frame, wardrobe, 40–60 boxes |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1,000 kg | 1–2 bed apartment | Sofa, dining set, bed + wardrobe, appliances |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3,500 kg | 2–3 bed home | Wardrobes, boxed kitchen, bikes, white goods |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20,000 kg | Whole‑home international removals | Piano, outdoor sets, bulk storage, staged drops |
Quick volume cues
- Studio 8–12 m³, 1 bed 12–18 m³, 2 bed 18–28 m³, 3 bed 28–40 m³.
- Ten standard boxes ≈ 0.8–0.9 m³. Sofas 1.5–2.5 m³. Beds 1.2–1.8 m³ disassembled.
Doorways and lifts cheat sheet
| Feature | Comfortable minimum |
|---|---|
| Doorway width | 80 cm |
| Lift door opening | 80 cm |
| Lift cabin depth × width | 200 cm × 100 cm |
| Stair turn internal clearance | 90 cm |
What fits where
| Room set | Typical m³ | Vehicle suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalist studio set | 8–12 | Moving Medium 10 m³ |
| 1‑bed furniture only | 12–18 | Moving Premium 15 m³ |
| 2‑bed core furniture | 18–28 | Premium or Premium Plus |
| 3‑bed family furniture, no appliances | 28–35 | Moving Premium Plus |
| Whole home with outdoor set and piano | 35–45+ | Full House XXL 90 m³ |
Shuttle van logic
- Arch clearance ≤ 2.3 m or courtyard width ≤ 2.6 m triggers a shuttle van for the last metres.
- Pedestrian zones with short service windows. Pre stage with shuttle, then roll in precisely.
- Historic stairwells and tight turns. Reduce carry distances and risk with a smaller shuttle.
Pro packing prompts for better m³
- Flat pack where safe and label hardware. Bag bolts and tape to the item.
- Use picture cartons for glass and mirrors. Keep glass upright with edge padding.
- Protect floors and doors first. A calm load plan prevents rework and keeps volume on target.
Five quick examples
- 5–8 m³ student set → 10 m³ van for speed and headroom.
- 12–15 m³ 1–2 bed → 15 m³ van with lift booking and door guards.
- 20–24 m³ family core → 30 m³ van with stair protection and timed slot.
- 30–35 m³ 3‑bed home → 30 m³ van + shuttle for old town access.
- 40–45 m³ whole home → 90 m³ truck with staged delivery and storage option.
Pricing that makes sense (cost of removals to austria)
Transparent quotes protect your budget. Your price reflects volume, distance, access, services, and season.
Budget drivers
| Component | What moves the needle | How to save |
|---|---|---|
| Volume and payload | Box count, wardrobes, appliances | Declutter, flat pack where safe, donate duplicates |
| Access | Stairs, long carries, no lift | Book lifts, request loading bays, share access photos |
| Routing and timing | Ferries, tolls, peak seasons | Off peak pickups, flexible delivery window |
| Services | Packing, crating, assembly, White Glove | Self pack non fragiles, let pros handle glass and art |
| Permits and fees | Parking suspensions, LEZ, vignettes | Ask us to arrange early and bundle with your booking |
| Storage | Key delays, phased moves | Short term Storage with staged drops |
Good / Better / Best
- Good: self pack, door to room placement.
- Better: partial pack for fragile rooms, basic assembly.
- Best: full pack, White Glove, timed arrivals, condition reports.
Guide price scenarios
Indicative ranges only. Exact quotes depend on addresses, access, volume, and dates.
| Scenario | Model | Volume | Guide range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–8 m³ UK → Vienna | Part load | 5–8 | mid hundreds to low thousands EUR |
| 10–15 m³ UK → Salzburg | Part load | 10–15 | high hundreds to low thousands EUR |
| 12–15 m³ fragile lounge + art to Graz | Direct van | 12–15 | low thousands EUR |
| 25–30 m³ family set with staged delivery | Split load | 25–30 | low to mid thousands EUR |
*Not binding. We confirm tailored options in writing.
Customs, paperwork, and official links
Getting customs right turns a complicated border into a simple checkpoint. Here is a practical, human guide that keeps you compliant without drowning you in jargon.
Fast rules by origin
| Origin scenario | Customs declaration | Typical relief path | What to prep first |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU → Austria | Usually not needed | N/A for personal effects | Keep an inventory for insurance |
| UK → Austria | Yes | Transfer of Residence for used goods | Valued inventory, proof you are relocating, transport docs |
| Non‑EU (e.g., US) → Austria | Yes | Transfer of Residence for used goods | Inventory, residence proofs, power of attorney for your mover |
Relief for personal household goods usually applies when items are used, form part of your household, are imported within a reasonable window of your arrival, and are not sold shortly after import. Always verify details on official portals.
Official portals
- Austria government: oesterreich.gv.at
- EU overview for citizens: EU Your Europe
- Austrian Customs (Zoll): BMF – Customs
Step by step to a clean clearance
- Build a valued inventory that matches box numbers and furniture pieces. Add make and model for appliances and simple photos for high value items.
- Gather proofs of residence: previous address, new Austrian address, and your transport booking confirmation.
- Prepare declarations. Your mover compiles the customs pack and can act under a simple power of attorney where allowed.
- Travel with essentials: passports, residence evidence, jewellery, cash, and medications stay with you.
- On arrival, answer any customs queries quickly and keep stamped paperwork with your records.
Documents you usually need
- Passport and, where relevant, Austrian residence evidence
- Detailed valued inventory matched to box numbers and photos for high value items
- Proof of previous residence and new Austrian address
- Transport documents and any permits for restricted materials, for example CITES wood
Prohibited and restricted highlights
- Meat, dairy, and foods of animal origin
- Plants, seeds, and soil
- Certain woods and items covered by CITES
- Weapons and fireworks
- Medicines beyond personal use
- Cultural property and endangered species materials
Always verify the latest lists and exceptions on oesterreich.gv.at and BMF Customs before packing.
Vehicles and pets
- Vehicles: importing a car has extra steps and may involve national taxes and registration rules. Start with oesterreich.gv.at and BMF Customs for the current process.
- Pets: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and the correct passport or certificate are essential. See AGES for public health guidance.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Missing or vague inventory values
- Packing restricted items by accident
- No proof of residence change
- Forgetting to book parking suspensions and lift slots
Simple inventory template
- Box 1: Kitchen, plates and cups, 12 kg, value
- Box 2: Books, living room, 18 kg, value
- Item: Sofa, 3 seat, fabric, value
- Item: TV, brand, model, serial, value
Keep it consistent. The goal is clarity, not poetry.
Packing and protection
Your furniture deserves museum grade care. Smart materials and method turn chaos into flow. Here is a precise plan that saves time and prevents damage.
Essentials kit
- Double walled cartons in three sizes, wardrobe boxes, picture cartons
- Foam sheets, bubble wrap, kraft paper, mattress and sofa covers
- Floor and door guards, corner protectors, heavy duty tape, fragile labels
Golden rules
- Heavy in small boxes, light in large. Cap box weight around 20 kg.
- Fill voids so nothing rattles. Cushion edges and corners.
- Label two sides and the top with room, priority, and contents.
- Photograph high value items and note serials before sealing.
- Keep passports, jewellery, cash, and meds with you.
Advanced protection by item
| Item | Protection method | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|
| Glass and mirrors | Picture cartons, edge guards, upright only | Mark arrows and write UPRIGHT on two sides |
| TVs and monitors | Original box if possible, foam corners, no tape | Note serials and remote location |
| Sofas and armchairs | Blanket wrap plus breathable cover | Avoid plastic only to prevent condensation |
| Mattresses | Heavy cover with zip | Keep dry and load last for quick setup |
| Tables and wardrobes | Disassemble, bag hardware, protect corners | Tape hardware bag to the underside |
| Appliances | Drain and dry, secure drums, protect hoses | Keep manuals and plugs in a zip bag |
| Artwork and antiques | Soft wrap, corner guards, custom crate if needed | Photo condition before and after |
Room by room choreography
- Start with storage areas and low use rooms. Then books and decor. Save daily use kitchen and bedding for last.
- Build a first night box: bedding, towels, basic cookware, chargers, toiletries, and a change of clothes.
Do not pack list
- Fuel, paints, solvents, aerosols, fireworks, ammunition, perishable foods
- Cash, passports, jewellery, medical documents
Follow Austrian restrictions listed in Customs above.
White Glove and Packing Services
If time is tight or pieces are precious, add Packing Services and White Glove Delivery. You get two person placement, floor protection, condition notes, and debris removal.
City delivery realities in Austria
Inner cities use short term parking zones, quiet hour rules, and service lift etiquette. A precise access plan keeps neighbours happy and timelines tight.
Access planning table
| Constraint | Our plan |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian zones | Early slot, permit request, shuttle van for the last metres |
| No lift, high floor | Extra crew, stair guards, timed breaks |
| Limited bays | Permit or suspension, clear trolley route |
| Courtyard gates | Measure width, shuttle if the truck cannot enter |
| Winter conditions | Snow mats, tyre chains where required, earlier slots |
| Low clearance or LEZ | Use shuttle van, confirm vehicle compliance |
| Sunday or holiday limits | Pre book allowed windows, avoid quiet hours |
| Historic old town streets | Shuttle van and smaller dollies, protect common areas first |
Quiet hours and building etiquette
- Ask the Hausverwaltung or concierge for quiet hours and delivery windows. Many buildings restrict early morning, midday, and late evening noise.
- Protect floors, doors, and lifts before moving anything. Use runners, corner guards, and lift pads.
- Reserve the service lift where available and prioritise large items first.
Permit playbook
- Share the full address, floor, lift size, and photos of access points.
- We check if a parking suspension or loading bay booking is needed and apply early.
- We provide signage templates, place signs on the day, and keep a fallback bay.
- For pedestrian or restricted zones, we stage with a shuttle van and roll in precisely.
Two plan parking strategy
- Plan A: reserved bay directly by the entrance for the shortest carry distance.
- Plan B: legal nearby bay with a mapped trolley route if Plan A is blocked.
Lift bookings and concierge windows
- Share lift measurements, booking confirmations, and concierge hours so we can sync crew arrival and load plan.
Weather and season readiness
- Winter requires cleared walkways, earlier slots, and protective covers. We carry snow mats and use tyre chains when local rules require them.
Shuttle van triggers
- Narrow lanes, low arches, old town access, or timed pedestrian windows are classic shuttle scenarios. The smaller van covers the final metres while the main vehicle waits legally.
Access photos checklist
- Street and bay near the entrance
- Gate or arch width and height
- Stair turns and hallway widths
- Lift door opening and cabin size
- Courtyard layout and surface
Official links
- Vienna parking rules: wien.gv.at Parkpickerl
- Motorway vignette: ASFINAG
14‑day timeline
| Window | Outputs | Proofs to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Days 14–10 | Booking, survey, volume confirmed | Photos or video, access notes, floor numbers, lift sizes |
| Days 9–6 | Materials in, fragile plan agreed | Draft inventory with values |
| Days 5–3 | Permits, lift bookings, disassembly | Permit requests, lift confirmations, parking plan |
| Days 2–1 | Essentials kit and final checks | Printed inventory, keys, crew contacts |
| Moving day | Load, GPS link, delivery by room | Signed job sheet, condition notes |
| 24–72 hours after | Anmeldung and settling in where relevant | Meldezettel |
Day by day quick plan
- Day 14: choose part load or direct van. Share exact addresses, floor numbers, lift sizes, doorway widths.
- Day 13: declutter and donate. Measure the tightest stair turn and lift cabin. Send photos or a short video walkthrough.
- Day 12: photograph high value pieces and note serial numbers. List sofa, wardrobe, and table dimensions.
- Day 11: order packing materials. Ask building management about quiet hours and service lift booking.
- Day 10: confirm booking and provisional delivery window. Request loading bay or parking suspension if needed.
- Day 9: pack books, linens, and low use items. Colour code boxes and label two sides and the top.
- Day 8: pack decor, frames, and kitchenware. Keep passports and valuables separate.
- Day 7: disassemble easy items. Bag and label screws and fittings.
- Day 6: finalise fragile plan and insurance cover. Tell us about pets or concierge rules.
- Day 5: defrost and clean fridge and freezer. Drain washing machine drum.
- Day 4: reserve the service lift and send confirmations. Print parking permits or suspension notices.
- Day 3: finish non essentials. Build a room map and delivery priority list.
- Day 2: stage boxes by room near the exit route. Prepare the first night box.
- Day 1: final walkthrough with the crew lead by phone. Photograph delicate pieces. Keep keys and access fobs ready.
Moving day run of show
- Before arrival: clear hallways, reserve lift, keep pets in one room.
- Loading: floor and door protection down, box count confirmed, valuables stay with you.
- On the road: track the live GPS link and keep your phone on for quick updates.
- Delivery: guide room by room placement, assemble beds first, then table and lamps.
- Sign off: review condition notes and confirm any reassembly.
After delivery checklist
- Complete Anmeldung with the Meldezettel within the local time frame.
- If in Vienna, review parking rules and Parkpickerl options at wien.gv.at.
- For motorway use, buy or confirm your vignette on ASFINAG.
- Register utilities, internet, and waste collection. Photograph furniture in place for your records.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
What is the difference between international removals and domestic moves? International routes add customs paperwork, ferry or tunnel scheduling, and city permits on both ends. Planning and documentation matter more, but the flow can be just as smooth.
Are house removals to Austria expensive? Costs scale with m³, distance, access, and service level. Part loads keep prices lean; direct vans prioritise speed and single crew handling.
Can you move just furniture or single items? Yes. See Furniture Removals to Austria and Small Removals to Austria.
How do I reduce the cost of removals to Austria? Be flexible on dates, declutter, self pack non fragiles, book lifts and bays early, and share access photos so we can right size the crew and vehicle.
What documents are required when moving from outside the EU? A valued inventory, proof of previous residence and your new Austrian address, transport documents, and any required permits. Use official information at oesterreich.gv.at, EU Your Europe, and BMF Customs.
How quickly can a direct van deliver to Vienna? Many UK to Vienna lanes deliver within 1–2 days under normal road conditions. We confirm timing in writing.
How much would it cost to move to Austria? Expect prices to reflect volume, service model, access, and dates. As a rule of thumb, compact part loads of 5–8 m³ often land in the mid hundreds to low thousands EUR, while direct vans for 12–15 m³ sit in the low thousands EUR. A family move of 25–30 m³ with staged delivery typically reaches the low to mid thousands EUR. Packing, crating, permits, long carries, or storage add on. Share addresses and a quick video walk‑through and we will produce a precise two‑option quote. Start here: Removals to Austria.
What is prohibited to bring into Austria? Household moves must still respect import rules. Avoid meat and dairy products, plants, seeds and soil, fireworks, weapons, medicines beyond personal use, cultural property, and CITES‑listed materials without permits. Always check the latest lists and exemptions on oesterreich.gv.at and BMF Customs before packing.
How to legally move to Austria? First, identify your status. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enjoy freedom of movement but must register their address after arrival with the local authority using the Meldezettel; see oesterreich.gv.at. Non‑EU citizens generally need a visa or residence permit in advance, for example a work‑based Red‑White‑Red Card, family reunion, student permit, or other category. Official pathways and checklists are on migration.gv.at and oesterreich.gv.at. After entry, register your address, arrange health insurance, and keep your documents consistent with your customs inventory.
Is moving to Austria a good idea? For many, yes. Austria blends safety, clean cities, generous green space, and efficient public transport with strong healthcare and schools. Vienna repeatedly ranks among the world’s most liveable cities. Weigh that against higher housing costs in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, winter conditions in alpine regions, and German language expectations in many roles. If those trade‑offs work for you, the lifestyle dividend is real.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Austria? Costs vary by district and neighbourhood. Broadly, Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt, Wels, Villach, and towns across Burgenland and Styria tend to be more affordable than central Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck. Commuter belts on S‑Bahn lines can cut rent while keeping access to city jobs. Always compare current rents and utilities for your exact postcode.
Can I live in Austria permanently? Yes. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can acquire permanent residence rights after long‑term lawful residence. Non‑EU citizens can progress from temporary permits to long‑term residence, typically after five years of continuous legal stay, subject to integration and income requirements. See official guidance on oesterreich.gv.at and residence categories at migration.gv.at for the latest criteria.
Why choose VANonsite
- Live GPS tracking on every load with a shareable link and accurate, proactive ETAs.
- One named move coordinator from quote to placement, available seven days a week.
- Deep Austria city know‑how: Parkpickerl, quiet hours, service lifts, LEZ compliance, and old‑town shuttle tactics.
- Right‑sized fleet from 5 m³ to 90 m³, plus shuttle vans for courtyards and pedestrian zones; careful piano and stair carries.
- White Glove crews for art, glass, and designer furniture with item photos and condition notes on request.
- Transparent two‑option quotes in writing. No hidden fees. Parking permits and access plans handled up front.
- Insurance guidance to match your inventory, with simple documentation and proof‑of‑condition photos for high‑value pieces.
- Carbon‑smart routing: part‑load consolidation where sensible without compromising care.
Service → You get
| Service | You get |
|---|---|
| Part load | Lowest price, flexible window, consolidated line haul, live GPS updates |
| Split load | Shared trunk route with a dedicated last mile for a tighter delivery slot |
| Direct van | Fastest door to door, named crew, tight ETA, one handling chain |
| Packing Service | Pro materials, fragile‑first method, labelled inventory |
| White Glove Delivery | Room placement, shoe covers, debris removal, condition checks |
| Storage | Secure short‑term storage with photo inventory and staged redelivery |
| Office Removals | Lift bookings, IT‑safe packing, weekend or after‑hours delivery |
| Student Removals | Budget‑friendly part loads, flexible dates, lightweight kits |
| Furniture Removals | Single items to full suites, blanket wrap, custom crating when required |
| Last Minute Moving | Rapid scheduling, direct van priority, agile crew allocation |
Guarantees and safeguards
- Written ETA window after permits and access checks.
- Condition notes for high‑value items upon collection and placement.
- Replacement‑cost cover options matched to your inventory and route.
- No hand‑offs on direct vans. One crew, one plan, one chain of custody.
- Plan A/Plan B parking strategy with signage templates where allowed.
- Severe weather contingency with earlier slots and protective kit.
Next steps
- Compare routes and request your two‑option quote: Removals to Austria
- Planning Vienna specifically? Read Moving to Vienna Austria
- Looking ahead to a return route? Save Moving from Austria to UK
- Coming from overseas? See Moving to Austria from US
- Smaller shipments only? Small Removals to Austria
- Furniture only? Furniture Removals to Austria
Ready when you are
Share two addresses, rough volume, and access photos. We will send a precise, written plan with a savings option and a speed option so you can choose with confidence.
