Moving to Ireland is exciting, but figuring out what to do with everything you own can be a little overwhelming. Should you ship your furniture? Will your American appliances work? And what about all the belongings you’ve collected over the years?
The good news is that you don’t have to start over when you move overseas. Many of your household belongings can make the trip with you. The key is understanding what will work in your new Irish home, what needs a little extra planning, and what makes sense to bring.
Here are a few things to consider before packing for your move from the US to Ireland.
Will Your American Furniture Fit in an Irish Home?
One of the first things to think about is the size and layout of your new home.
Homes in Ireland come in all shapes and sizes, from modern apartments in Dublin to suburban houses in Cork and Galway and older cottages in the countryside. Depending on where you’re moving, you may find that room dimensions, stairways, and doorways are different from what you’re used to in the US.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your furniture. It just means taking a few measurements before you ship is a good idea.
For example, a large sectional sofa might fit comfortably in a newer suburban home but be difficult to maneuver through a narrow hallway in an older Dublin townhouse.
Before deciding what to bring:
- Measure larger pieces of furniture, including sofas, beds, and dining tables.
- Check room dimensions and access points if you’ve already secured housing.
- Consider whether your new home is furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished.
- Think about which pieces you’d prefer to keep rather than replace after arriving.
If you’re moving into an unfurnished home, bringing your existing furniture can make settling in much easier. You won’t have to spend your first few weeks shopping for everything you need.
What About American Appliances and Electronics?
This is one area where moving to Ireland requires a little more thought.
Ireland uses a 230-volt, 50Hz electrical system with Type G outlets, the same three-pronged plug style used in the United Kingdom. Most American homes use 120-volt electricity.
That difference matters because not every appliance designed for the US electrical system will work safely in Ireland.
Many laptops, phone chargers, and other modern electronics support both voltage systems. Check the label or power adapter for an input range such as 100–240V.
Other appliances, particularly those with heating elements or motors, may require a suitable voltage converter or may not be practical to use overseas.
Before packing your electronics:
- Check the voltage and frequency requirements on each device.
- Remember that a plug adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage.
- Consider purchasing Ireland-compatible versions of appliances that aren’t designed for 230V power.
- Keep chargers and electronics you’ll need immediately in your carry-on luggage.
You don’t necessarily need to replace all your electronics. Just check compatibility before including them in your household goods shipment.
Should You Bring Your Bed and Mattress?
If you love your mattress, you might be wondering whether it’s worth bringing it to Ireland.
You certainly can, but there’s something worth knowing: Irish and American bed sizes aren’t always the same.
For example, a standard US queen mattress measures approximately 60 by 80 inches, while an Irish king mattress is typically 150 by 200 centimeters (59 by 78.7 inches). They’re close in size, but not identical.
This can make finding properly fitted sheets, bed frames, or replacement mattresses a little more complicated.
If you plan to ship your American bed, consider bringing the frame, mattress, and bedding together. That way, you won’t need to worry about finding matching sizes immediately after arriving.
For a comfortable bed that you already own and enjoy, shipping it may be preferable to replacing everything overseas.
Clothing: Pack for Ireland’s Weather, Not Just the Temperature
Ireland’s climate may take some getting used to, especially if you’re moving from a warmer or drier part of the United States.
Winters are generally milder than those in many northern US states, but the combination of rain, wind, and damp conditions can make the weather feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
You probably won’t need an entirely new wardrobe, but a few practical items are worth keeping close.
A waterproof jacket, comfortable water-resistant shoes, and clothing you can layer will come in handy throughout the year.
And don’t pack away all your warmer clothes just because you’re moving somewhere with relatively mild winters. Ireland’s weather can change quickly, and a chilly, windy afternoon is a good reminder that temperature isn’t everything.
Keep enough seasonally appropriate clothing with you to get through the first several weeks, especially if your household shipment is arriving after you do.
Can You Bring Your Car to Ireland?
Yes, importing a vehicle from the United States to Ireland is easy, and you can ship it along with your household goods.
If you’re permanently relocating, you may qualify for certain vehicle tax reliefs under Ireland’s Transfer of Residence rules, depending on your circumstances.
For anyone who wants to keep a familiar vehicle, particularly one they already own and enjoy driving, international vehicle shipping is an option worth exploring.
Don’t Forget About Ireland’s Customs Requirements
When moving your household goods from the US to Ireland, your belongings must clear Irish customs.
Ireland offers a program known as Transfer of Residence relief, which may allow qualifying individuals relocating from outside the European Union to import used personal belongings and household goods without paying customs duty or VAT.
Generally, eligibility includes having lived outside the EU for at least 12 continuous months and having owned and used the belongings for at least six months before relocating. Other conditions also apply.
You’ll need documentation supporting your move and information about the belongings you’re importing. Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners recommend submitting the appropriate Transfer of Residence application and supporting documents approximately two weeks before your goods arrive.
It’s also important to distinguish between your existing household belongings and newly purchased items. New purchases may not qualify for the same relief.
For the latest requirements, visit the Irish Revenue Commissioners’ Transfer of Residence guidance.
Planning for customs early can help you avoid unnecessary complications when your shipment arrives.
What Should You Keep With You Instead of Shipping?
Even if you’re shipping most of your household belongings, there are some things you’ll want to have available as soon as you arrive in Ireland.
Your passport, immigration documents, prescription medications, financial records, and other important paperwork should travel with you rather than being packed into your household shipment.
It’s also a good idea to bring enough clothing, toiletries, and personal essentials to get settled while waiting for your belongings.
Think about what you’d need if you were living in your new home for a few weeks without the rest of your furniture.
You don’t need to pack everything into your suitcases, but having the essentials on hand will make those first days more comfortable.
You Don’t Have to Leave Everything Behind
Moving to another country doesn’t mean you have to give up the belongings that make a house feel like home.
Your favorite furniture, family heirlooms, artwork, books, and other personal possessions can all be part of your new life in Ireland.
The important thing is planning around your destination. Understanding your home’s layout, Ireland’s electrical standards, and the customs process will help you make decisions about what to bring.
If you’re preparing for an international relocation, Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you plan the transportation of your household belongings. With decades of international moving experience, our team understands the logistics involved in getting your possessions from the United States to destinations throughout Ireland.
Learn more about our international moving services to Ireland, or request a free moving quote to start planning your move.
