Hiring a removal company (mudanza) in Spain and what it costs

Key rules

• Quotes: Get several written quotes, each based on an in-person or video survey of your belongings.
• VAT: Check every quote says whether the 21% IVA is included, so totals are comparable.
• Street permit: Ask your town hall early whether the truck or lift needs a permit, because lead times run from days to weeks.
• Damage: Write any damage on the delivery note at delivery and follow up with a written claim quickly.

Prices, permit lead times and fees are typical market figures and vary by city, so confirm them with removal firms and your town hall.

What a move costs

Price depends mainly on volume (cubic metres), distance, floor, access, lift availability, packing and season. Typical ranges:

• A studio or one-bedroom flat within a city: a few hundred euros.
• A three-bedroom flat locally: about one to two thousand euros.
• Long-distance moves across Spain: noticeably more, rising with distance and volume.

A shared load (groupage) is cheaper than a dedicated truck, but your delivery date is less flexible. Summer and month ends cost more, so book outside them if you can. These are market ranges, not official prices.

Compare quotes properly

Ask for several written quotes, each based on an in-person or video survey. A quote from a phone call alone is easy to dispute later. To compare them fairly, each quote should show:

• An itemised inventory or the volume in cubic metres.
• Both addresses, with floor, lift, parking distance and any access problems.
• Date, time window, crew size and vehicle.
• Packing, dismantling and materials, and whether an external lift is included.
• The total price, and whether it is fixed or based on volume.
• Whether the 21% VAT (IVA) is included or added on top.
• Extras such as waiting time, storage or extra stairs.
• Payment terms (usually a deposit, then the balance on delivery) and cancellation terms.
• The firm's registration and transport authorisation.
• The claims procedure and delivery deadline.

The cheapest quote is often the one that leaves things out. Compare line by line.

Street parking for the truck

Your town hall sets the rules. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia require a permit to reserve street space or to use a truck or lift on the public road. You normally apply through the council's online office or the local police, typically several days to a couple of weeks ahead. The fee depends on the length of the reservation and the number of days, and it is revised yearly. Many removal firms apply for you for a fee. Ask which option the firm offers, and check the current lead time and fee with your town hall.

External lift

You need an external lift (plataforma elevadora) when your building has no lift or a too-small one, the stairs are narrow, or large items such as a piano or safe will not fit in the stairwell. Furniture goes in or out through a balcony or window.

The removal firm normally books it and lists it as a quoted extra. You only arrange it yourself if you hire a separate service. Expect roughly 100 to 300 euros for a few hours, more for large cranes or in cities with permit fees. It often needs the same street permit as the truck.

Insurance and damage

Removal firms are carriers. They are liable for loss or damage to goods in their custody, but the legal limit is a set amount per kilogram unless you declare a higher value. They must hold a transport authorisation and civil liability insurance.

For valuable items, ask about optional all-risk cover for the declared value. It is usually priced as a percentage of that value. Check the limit per kilogram and the deductible in the contract.

If something is damaged:

1. Write it on the delivery note when the goods arrive, before you sign.
2. Send a written claim to the firm quickly. The legal deadlines are short.

Timeline and deadlines

• Get several written quotes after an in-person or video survey: Before you choose a firm

• Request the street parking or lift permit from your town hall, or ask the firm to do it: Several days to a couple of weeks before moving day

• Note any damage on the delivery note: At delivery, before the crew leaves

• Send a written damage claim to the removal firm: Soon after delivery, within the short legal deadline in your contract

Checklist

• Check each quote lists the inventory or volume in cubic metres, addresses with floor, lift and parking access, date, crew and vehicle.

• Confirm the quote shows whether the 21% VAT (IVA) is included, plus the total price and extras such as waiting time, storage or extra stairs.

• Ask which packing, dismantling and external lift services are included.

• Check the payment terms, cancellation terms and the firm's transport authorisation.

• Ask your town hall whether you need a permit to reserve street space, and how far ahead and at what fee.

• Check the insurance cover, the limit per kilogram and the deductible, and decide whether to declare a higher value.

• Write any damage on the delivery note at delivery and claim in writing quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a local removal of a three-bedroom flat cost?

A full three-bedroom flat moved within one city typically costs about 1,000 to 2,000 euros. A studio or one-bedroom flat usually costs a few hundred euros.

Who books the external lift for my move?

The removal firm normally books the external lift and shows it as an extra on your quote.

How far ahead do I need to ask for a street parking permit for the truck?

Ask several days to two weeks ahead, though the exact lead time depends on your town hall. The fee depends on how long and how many days you reserve the space. Removal firms often handle the application for a fee.

What should I do if my furniture is damaged during the move?

Write the damage on the delivery note when the goods arrive, then claim in writing to the removal firm soon after, because the legal deadlines are short. Without a higher declared value, the firm's liability is limited per kilogram.