As you might expect, settling into a new home or relocating our business to another location can raise our stress levels, because on top of the emotional side, any change naturally creates uncertainty, so knowing how much a move costs can give us some peace of mind.
This is especially true for removals to or from Tenerife, where factors such as insularity, distance and the islands' own tax regime have to be taken into account.
With this in mind, the most practical thing is to seek advice from a specialist company such as Horizont Atlantic a leader in the removals sector in the Canary Islands, with more than 20 years of experience behind it handling all kinds of situations that arise from the exceptional conditions of the islands.
What factors can affect the price of a move
To work out the hourly price of a move, you mainly need to take into account two aspects, distance and volume, on top of the cost of the removal trucks themselves. That said, no two moves are the same, so the price can depend on various factors that come up in each situation.
Distance
As for distance, if the move takes place within the same city there is usually a standard rate, whereas for long road trips an extra charge has to be added depending on the mileage to be covered.
In the case of moves between islands or, for example, to or from Tenerife to the mainland, you have to factor in sea transport by container, as well as air freight if needed.
Volume and spaces
Here we take into account the volume in cubic metres taken up by the items to be transported, in order to gauge the space and the number of removal trucks required.
Another factor that can change the price of the move is the interior space of each property, since in tight spaces, for example, more workers will be needed to handle heavy items.
In addition, it may be necessary to add the fees for requesting a parking reservation from the relevant town council.
Timing and other services
How urgently you want the removal service carried out, or the chosen dates such as weekends, are aspects to bear in mind when working out how much you pay for a move.
Finally, you can add a range of additional services such as packing, especially for delicate items, dismantling and assembling furniture, or temporary storage.
How much a move can cost
Taking into account the different variables that can affect a move, the hourly price can vary somewhat, so to give a rough example, a move in Tenerife can range from between €400 and €1,200.
In any case, the most important thing is to ask for a fixed quote tailored to our needs that guarantees the safety of our belongings at all times.
So, when working out how much a move costs, we need to consider the specific circumstances of our particular case. That way we will have a rough idea of how much we are going to pay for a professional removal service that gives us guarantees and, in a way, lowers our stress levels.
Moving costs to the Canary Islands in 2026: ranges by route
Moves to and from the Canary Islands are calculated differently to a mainland one: transport is by sea in a container (not just by road), there is a customs procedure (DUA) and IGIC instead of VAT, and timings depend on how often ships sail to each island. These are indicative ranges for 2026 by type of service; your specific case is always confirmed with a written quote.
| Type of Canary Islands-related move | Indicative range 2026 |
|---|---|
| Studio or small flat (groupage / shared container) | 1,200 - 2,200 € |
| 2-3 bedroom flat (shared container) | 2,400 - 4,800 € |
| Large flat or house (exclusive 20' container) | 5,000 - 9,500 € |
| Inter-island (between islands), medium flat | 900 - 2,000 € |
| Vehicle transport only, in a container | 800 - 1,500 € |
| International (United Kingdom / Germany → Canary Islands), medium flat | 3,500 - 7,500 € |
Notice: these prices are indicative and for information purposes only, subject to change due to increases in fuel, freight rates, supplies and any other factor affecting the company. They are variable and may change without notice; the final amount is confirmed in writing in the quote.
What moves the price most in the Canary Islands: the volume (m³) and whether you share a container (groupage) or use it exclusively; the destination island (Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with more frequent sailings, work out cheaper than smaller islands such as La Gomera or El Hierro); the floor and accessibility; the season (summer +15-25%); and extra services (full packing, storage, vehicle transport, which involves the IEDMT). Take a look too at the Canary Islands moving routes. Prefer an instant estimate? Use our Canary Islands moving cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of a move
Which factors have the biggest impact on the cost?
In order: distance (short or long), total volume (m³ of load), accessibility (floors with no lift, narrow streets), season (summer +15-25%), type of service (transport only, packing, dismantling), urgency (24-48h with a surcharge) and special items (piano, works of art, vehicles). Volume tends to be the main factor.
How do reputable companies prepare the quote?
Three models: 1) online quote with an approximate calculator (indicative, ±20%), 2) free on-site survey at your home (fixed written quote), 3) video call with a walk-through of the home (in between). For moves to the Canary Islands or long distance, insist on a fixed written quote (not a verbal estimate) to avoid surprises.
What does a standard moving quote include?
Typically: door-to-door transport, basic furniture wrapping (blankets, stretch film), loading and unloading, basic liability insurance. Common extras at an additional cost: full box packing (200-700 €), furniture dismantling/assembly (80-200 €), municipal parking reservation (30-80 €), temporary storage, special item transport, specific certificates.
Is there a way to bring the price down without losing quality?
Yes, several proven techniques: low season (February, November vs July-August: -20%), DIY packing (-200-600 €), decluttering 20-30% of the volume beforehand, a shared move if the volume is small (-25%), booking 4 weeks in advance (better rates), comparing 3 firm quotes. More detail: cheap moving, 15 money-saving techniques.
How much does an average move in Spain cost?
Indicative figures (2026): studio or small flat within the same city 400-800 €, 2-bed flat within the same city 700-1,300 €, move between nearby cities 1,000-2,000 €, move to the Canary Islands 1,700-3,500 €, international move within Europe 2,500-5,000 €, intercontinental move 5,000-12,000 €. These ranges are a reference: your specific move may vary significantly.
How much does a move from the mainland to the Canary Islands cost?
For a medium-sized flat (2-3 bedrooms) in a shared container, the indicative range for 2026 is 2,400 - 4,800 €. It depends on the volume in m³, the destination island, floors without a lift and the season. A fixed written quote is essential, not a verbal estimate.
Why does a move to the Canary Islands go by ship and how long does it take?
The islands have no road link to the mainland, so the bulk of the move travels in a sea container. The typical transit time is 5 to 10 days depending on the island and how often ships sail (Tenerife and Gran Canaria have more frequent departures than the smaller islands).
Do you pay VAT or IGIC on a move to the Canary Islands?
In the Canary Islands VAT does not apply; instead there is IGIC, plus a customs procedure (DUA) when the goods enter the archipelago. A company with experience on this route handles the DUA and the paperwork so you don't get any surprises or have your goods held up at the port.
Is it cheaper to share a container (groupage)?
Yes. If your volume is modest, groupage (sharing a container with other moves) reduces the transport cost by around 20-30% compared with an exclusive container. An exclusive one pays off when you have a lot of volume or need a faster, more controlled timeframe.
