Moving house can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you have a great deal of belongings to transfer from one home to another and you do not know where to begin.
Whether you need to arrange a removal in Tenerife and already live on the island, or you are moving from another Canary Island or from the Spanish mainland, these tips for an organised move are not to be missed.
Tips for a clean and organised move
We know that moving, especially over long distances, is not cheap. For this reason, it is important to make the most of the space in the removal company's lorry you hire, since, logically, this is not something you can manage without the help of professionals.
If you follow these moving tips, we guarantee that everything will be much simpler and you will have nothing to worry about. Take note!
Declutter before you pack anything
Before packing all your belongings, it is essential to sort through everything you will not need. We recommend donating any items you no longer use but that still have life left in them. This will make your move easier and more cost-effective. It is one of the key steps for a successful removal in Tenerife.
Pack in order and label each box
If you want to learn how to prepare a move properly, this step is non-negotiable. When packing all your belongings, do it in an orderly fashion, room by room, and note some of the contents on the outside of each box. Additionally, the best approach is to pack items from the rooms you use least first.
Use bin bags for soft items
A great way to save space is to pack soft items into bin bags such as clothing, duvets, pillows and cuddly toys. Just remember to seal them with tape and label each bag so the contents are clearly identified.
Keep all your documents in a separate box
Important documents, such as property deeds or insurance paperwork, should be kept safe and protected in a separate box so they do not get lost and remain easily accessible. If you are worried about losing them, scan them and save digital copies to your computer or email account.
Clean your new home before you move in completely
To keep stress to a minimum, we recommend giving your new home a thorough clean before all your boxes and furniture arrive. With the house still empty, you will also find it easier to take measurements for any appliances, rugs or other items you need to purchase.
Do not pack the items you use every day
This final point on how to carry out a move correctly is equally essential. Remember to set aside everyday items such as mobile phone chargers, laptops, toothbrushes and shampoo. These daily essentials are best kept out of boxes in most cases, as you will need them right up until moving day and immediately after.
In short, by following these tips for an organised move, we guarantee the process will be far quicker and simpler. That said, it is highly advisable to hire professional services such as those provided by Horizont Atlantic, whether you are moving between islands, from the mainland to the Canary Islands or the other way around — this way you can rest assured that your move will be a complete success.
Frequently asked questions about organised removals in Tenerife
How long does a removal within Tenerife take?
Studio or small flat: 4–6 hours. Two-bedroom flat: 6–9 hours (a full day). Large home with 3–4 bedrooms: 8–12 hours or 2 days depending on volume and access difficulties. Long-distance moves within the island (north–south, approx. 70 km via TF-1) add 1–2 hours of transit time. If there are floors without a lift or complicated access points, multiply the estimated times accordingly.
How do you plan a move so that it is quick and organised?
Winning strategy: 3–4 weeks before moving day, begin packing rooms you use least (storage room, pantry), discard what you no longer need (sell or donate), label boxes by destination room using a colour-coding system, prepare a “first night” box, and hire a professional company for transport and loading/unloading. Advance organisation is the single biggest factor in speeding up the operation.
What are the most common problems with removals within Tenerife?
Narrow streets in historic town centres (La Laguna old quarter, Garachico, La Orotava, Icod), heavy traffic on the TF-5 northern motorway and TF-1 southern motorway during peak hours, summer calima (dust haze) that leaves furniture dirty during transport, old buildings without lifts in traditional coastal towns, and lack of parking near the entrance (requiring a municipal parking suspension permit).
Is it better to hire a professional company or move with friends?
Calculate the real cost: van hire 60–90 €/day + fuel 30 € + food for friends 50 € + several people's holiday time + RISK of breakage with no insurance cover + possible injury = the total is usually similar to a professional service, but with a worse outcome. For a full removal always go professional; for a single piece of furniture friends may suffice.
What about removals between the north and south of Tenerife — does anything change?
Yes, there are specific considerations due to the different microclimates. If you are moving from the north (cooler and more humid) to the south (warmer and drier), protect items that are sensitive to moisture and temperature changes. If moving from south to north, take precautions against condensation in electronic equipment. The distance is 80–100 km via TF-1, a journey of 1–1.5 hours without traffic. A complete north–south or south–north removal costs 700–1,300 € depending on volume. For more detail: removal to the north of Tenerife.
