Moving to Mallorca: Removal Firms, the Process and Island Know-How

Moving to Mallorca from within the EU is considerably less complicated than many people expect: no customs formalities for household goods, well-established haulage routes and, on the island, a long-standing scene of German-speaking removal firms. Even so, it is the preparation that decides whether the move is relaxed or chaotic. This guide walks through the planning, the choice of firm and the typical island quirks - suitable businesses are listed in the category removal firms in Mallorca.

Full removal, part load or container: the three routes

With a full removal, a lorry travels exclusively for you from Germany to the ferry at Barcelona or Valencia and on to the island - the fastest but most expensive option. A part load shares the loading space with other removals on the same route: considerably cheaper, but with flexible time windows ranging from a few days to several weeks. For small volumes - the contents of a flat, a handful of pieces of furniture - it is almost always the most economical solution. A self-move with a hire van and the ferry only pays off with very few household goods; as soon as furniture is involved, the removal firm works out better.

Recognising the right removal firm

• An established Mallorca route: hauliers with a regular Germany-Mallorca service know the ferries, the access routes and the island logistics - which shows in realistic time windows.
• A survey before the quotation: reputable providers cost the job after an on-site visit or a video walk-through, not on gut feeling over the phone. That is the only way a fixed price holds up.
• Transit insurance: the statutory basic liability of hauliers is calculated by weight and comes nowhere near covering valuable household goods - ask about transit insurance at replacement value.
• A written fixed price: including the ferry, the journey there and back, loading and unloading, any no-parking zones and carrying distances - hidden items are the classic cost trap.
• Handling in your own language: worth its weight in gold for complaints and scheduling; many island hauliers work bilingually.

Island quirks that shape the move

The ferry sets the rhythm for everything: delays in booking or in the weather push delivery back by days - build in a buffer, especially in summer when ferries and removal firms are fully booked. The off-season from October to April is calmer and often cheaper. In old-town locations (Palma, Sóller, Pollença), narrow lanes and no-parking zones are an issue: good firms arrange the permit with the council and bring a furniture hoist where needed. And anyone who only moves into a property later will find storage offered by many providers in warehouses on the island - practical when weeks lie between arrival and moving in.

Take it with you or buy new?

The honest calculation before packing: bulky furniture of middling value quickly costs more as a part load than buying new on the island - all the more so as Mallorca offers everything from furniture stores to joiners for bespoke pieces. Bringing things is worthwhile with quality furniture, heirlooms and anything of personal value; large electrical appliances are unproblematic thanks to identical EU standards, but often not worth the journey at the end of their life. For clearing out before the move - at either end - the businesses in the category house clearance can help.

After arrival: the first steps

The household goods have arrived - and island life begins: the NIE number and registration with the council (empadronamiento) are at the top of the list, followed by electricity and water contracts and an internet connection. For assembling furniture and the small adjustments of the first few weeks - lamps, shelves, curtain rails in Mallorcan walls - help can be found in the category furniture assembly; for everything else, the entire trades directory is available.