From Milan to Portugal: A Smooth, Cost-Effective Move with Volando

A Practical Decision to Avoid Storage Costs

I decided to send about 10 cubic meters of books and personal items from Milan to my parents’ home in Portugal to avoid continuing to pay expensive storage fees. The entire process went smoothly — we quickly coordinated the pickup and delivery dates, and everything unfolded exactly as planned.

The cost of the move was also very competitive. It would have been significantly more expensive for me to rent a van and make the trip myself. In Italy (and much of Europe), you need a special driver’s license to rent a van with a capacity over 10 cubic meters. That would have meant two trips, at least four to five days of travel, and additional fuel and lodging expenses. Choosing a moving company was not just easier — it was the smarter financial choice.

Why I Chose Volando

I used Sirelo to compare multiple moving companies.
I eventually chose Volando because, although it’s a small company, they offered competitive pricing and the owner frequently traveled to the region in Portugal where I needed the items delivered. This allowed him to coordinate my shipment with another load for the return trip to Italy — a win-win for both sides.

I also read positive reviews from previous customers, which gave me additional confidence.
To finalize my decision, I had short phone conversations with Volando and a few other companies to discuss pricing, processes, and timelines. Volando was the clear choice in terms of professionalism, responsiveness, and efficiency.

Moving Day: Communication and Execution

The van arrived 30 minutes later than scheduled, but we had been communicating via WhatsApp, so I was fully informed and the slight delay was no issue.
We began loading the boxes around 9:30 a.m. and finished around noon, taking short breaks. The process was smooth, and the boxes were stacked securely inside the van.

Although my shipment took up about 10 cubic meters, the boxes were heavy, so Volando wisely used a 20 cubic meter van and only filled it halfway — dedicating the entire trip from Italy to Portugal to my move alone.

The van departed for Portugal and arrived two days later, roughly on time (about an hour late), and again we stayed in touch via phone and WhatsApp. The delivery went smoothly, and everything was received in good condition.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Move

• Compare pricing and services across multiple companies.

• Estimate your total volume and weight as accurately as possible. This helps moving companies plan properly and give you accurate quotes up front — avoiding last-minute surprises.

• Get the driver’s contact information if possible. That way, you can receive real-time updates and be informed in case of delays.

• For short-distance or small-volume moves, you might consider doing it yourself. But if you’re moving 10+ cubic meters, 1.5–2 tons of goods, or covering 2,000+ kilometers, hiring a professional mover is essential. It’s not only more efficient, it’s also far cheaper and less stressful than doing it on your own.

For reference, my move included around 6 cubic meters of books and another 4 cubic meters of mountain gear and work tools (not shown in the photos).
All in all, the process was well-organized, affordable, and successful — I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Volando.