How much does a move in Spain cost in 2026?
A move in Spain costs between €400 and €800 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, between €550 and €1,000 for 2-3 bedrooms, and between €950 and €2,000 for a large house, if it is within the same city. Inter-provincial moves range from €500 to €2,500, and international moves from €2,500 to €10,000. If you pack yourself, you can save between €100 and €300.
A practical guide with updated price ranges, the factors that most influence the budget, and tips to ensure you don't overpay.
1) 2026 Context
In 2026, moving quotes in Spain continue to be adjusted due to the cost of fuel, packaging materials, and wages. Demand is concentrated on weekends, the end of the month, and the summer season, which puts pressure on prices and availability. If you are flexible with dates, the price drops significantly.
2) Price ranges by type
Local moves (same city/province)
- Studio or 1 bedroom: €400–800
- 2–3 bedrooms: €550–1,000
- High volume / detached house: €950–2,000
Inter-provincial moves
- Small volume: €500–1,500
- Medium volume: €700–2,000
- Long hauls (e.g., Madrid–Barcelona): €800–2,500
International moves
- EU and nearby countries (medium volume): €2,500–6,000
- Long distance / sea freight (high volume): €6,000–10,000
These amounts are indicative and may vary based on access, height, elevators, parking restrictions, packaging, insurance, and dates.
3) How a quote is calculated
Most companies combine these criteria:
- Volume (m³): the basis for calculation. The standard ranges between €35–60 / m³ for local and domestic services. You can calculate the volume of your boxes using our free tool.
- Distance (km): typical surcharge of €0.50–1.00 / km for inter-city and inter-provincial moves.
- Labor hours: crew and time; rates of €40–80 / hour depending on city and availability.
- Access and logistics: apartments without elevators, narrow hallways, long distances to the entrance, need for a crane or permits.
- Professional packing and materials: if the team packs for you, the cost increases — but it saves time and reduces damage.
- Insurance: optional all-risk coverage; useful for valuable or international moves.
4) Common extras (and their cost)
- Professional packing: €100–300 (depending on the number of rooms and fragility).
- Furniture disassembly and assembly: €100–200 (basic); special furniture may require a technician.
- Lifting platform / crane: €100–180 per service.
- Storage unit: €20–40 / m³ per month (discounts for volume and duration).
- Municipal loading/unloading permits: variable by city council and area.
- Packaging materials: boxes, blankets, film, bubble wrap, edge protectors for furniture and pictures.
5) Packing: do it yourself and save €100–300
Professional packing is one of the extras that most increases the cost of a move. If you do it yourself with the right material, you can save between €100 and €300 — which is what the company charges you to do it for you. Before ordering boxes, check what changes the price if you order from a large wholesaler: shipping costs, VAT, and whether there is actual stock.
What you need is simpler than it seems: a moving kit with boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, and a marker. Our kits are already calculated by home size.
What material to use for each item
| What you are packing | Recommended material |
|---|---|
| Books, tools, heavy items | Small boxes (30×30 cm) — never use large boxes for heavy items |
| Clothing, kitchenware, small appliances | Medium boxes (50×40 cm) + tape |
| Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals | Large boxes (60×40 cm) — bulky and light items |
| Tableware, glassware, ceramics | Bubble wrap wrapping piece by piece + kraft paper for filler |
| Pictures, mirrors, TV screens | Cardboard edge protectors on corners + large bubble wrap + reinforced flat box |
If you want more detail on how to pack each type of object, we have a step-by-step guide for packing fragile items. And if you don't know how many boxes you need, here is the calculator.
Moving kits from €19.99: boxes of various sizes + tape + bubble wrap + marker. Everything in one order, at your door in 24h.
6) Tips for saving money without the stress
- Ask for at least 3 quotes and demand detail by line item (m³, km, hours, extras, insurance).
- Be flexible with dates: weekdays, mid-month, and outside of summer are usually much cheaper.
- Reduce volume: donate, sell, or recycle what you don't use. Less m³ = less direct cost.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself with moving boxes labeled by room. Check our guide on how to organize boxes.
- Book in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute surcharges.
- Fixed price in writing with clear conditions regarding access, schedules, and permits.
7) Summary table of prices (indicative)
| Type of move | Estimated range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local · Studio / 1 bedroom | €400–800 | Depending on m³, access, and packing needs |
| Local · 2–3 bedrooms | €550–1,000 | Increases if there is disassembly, a crane, or long distances to the entrance |
| Local · High volume / detached house | €950–2,000 | More staff and vehicles; pre-visit recommended |
| Inter-provincial · Small volume | €500–1,500 | Key: km, tolls, overnight stays |
| Inter-provincial · Medium volume | €700–2,000 | Price improves with flexible dates |
| Popular long hauls (e.g., Madrid–Barcelona) | €800–2,500 | Combines m³ + km + urban access |
| International · EU / nearby | €2,500–6,000 | All-risk insurance recommended |
| International · Long distance / sea freight | €6,000–10,000 | Container, customs, port handling |
Average indicative values for 2026 in Spain. Use these ranges as a guide to compare real quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Can the company provide a quote without a visit?
Some use video or a detailed form to estimate m³. For large homes or complicated access, a visit (or video visit) avoids surprises. If you want to calculate on your own, you can use our volume calculator to get an idea before requesting a quote.
What happens if the volume increases on moving day?
If the contract provides for a range of m³/hours, there may be a recalculation. Agree in writing on what constitutes a substantial change and the price for the excess.
Is it worth hiring professional packing?
If you have fragile items or little time, yes — it reduces damage and speeds up loading. For clothing and books, you can easily self-pack and save €100–300. However, use reinforced moving boxes, not recycled supermarket boxes that fall apart with humidity.
What insurance do I need?
Check the included civil liability and consider all-risk insurance for high-value, international, or storage moves.
How do I prepare the boxes correctly?
Use approved moving boxes that aren't too large so they don't get too heavy. Reinforce the base with tape, label by room and content, and mark as "fragile" when appropriate. For tableware and glass, wrap piece by piece with bubble wrap.
How many boxes do I need for my move?
As a reference: a studio needs 15-20 boxes, a 2-bedroom apartment about 30-35, and a family home 50-60 or more. At TeleCajas, they have moving kits calculated by home size. If you want to calculate in more detail, use our how many boxes you need guide.
Checklist for your move
- Inventory list by room
- Parking permits requested
- Elevator and access confirmed
- Fixed quote and insurance reviewed
- Packaging materials purchased (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Fragile items protected with bubble wrap and edge protectors
- Dates and times with buffer
Do you already have a date? Start with the boxes
Choose your moving kit by home size and reduce breakage, time, and costs. They include boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, and a marker.
Tip: calculate about 10–12 boxes per room. Consult our how many boxes you need guide. If you have pictures or screens, add edge protectors to protect the corners. And if you want to know the total volume of your move, try the volume calculator.
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