Rita, a Vilnius resident, wanted to take her children for a simple walk to the Neris river near "Litexpo". Instead of the familiar path, she found fences and construction barriers set up right on the cycling path. This situation is no longer an exception in Vilnius today – it's becoming everyday reality for anyone living in or planning to move near newly growing neighbourhoods.
In brief:
- Construction near the Neris and in other Vilnius districts can temporarily or permanently block pedestrian, cycling and vehicle routes.
- Before renting or buying property near a construction site, check the municipality's territorial planning documents and visit the location at different times of day.
- Blocked roads on moving day mean a longer route, extra time, and sometimes the need for crane-lift services.
- It's worth contacting your removal company a week in advance so an alternative access route can be planned.
When a new neighbourhood blocks an old road
In early August, 15min reported on a situation where a Vilnius resident with children tried to reach the Neris near the "Litexpo" building, only to find the cycling paths and stairs blocked due to construction of the nearby "Sakai" neighbourhood (source). The developers and the municipality claim the restriction is temporary, but for residents this means real inconvenience right now.
This is not an isolated case. Vilnius is expanding in all directions – new apartment blocks are rising near Lazdynai, around Vingis Park, in Naujininkai, and in Šnipiškės. Each such construction site means temporary or even months-long changes to traffic in the surrounding area.
Construction changes more than just pedestrian routes. Car and lorry access to homes is often relocated, narrowed, or completely closed during renovation or construction. This affects both residents commuting to work and those who, at that time, are trying to bring something in or take something out – for example, moving house.
What to check before renting or buying property near a construction site
In the Vilnius municipality's territorial planning documents system (TPDRIS), you can check for free what construction permits have been issued for a specific plot and how much work is still planned in the area. The search takes about 10–15 minutes but can save weeks of stress.
Before signing a rental or purchase agreement, it's worth visiting the location at least twice – in the morning, during the commute to work, and in the evening, when returning home. Construction machinery often operates on weekdays from 7am to 5pm, while the area may look completely different on weekends.
When talking to a landlord or seller, it's worth asking specific questions:
- How many more months is construction expected to continue nearby?
- Will access to the building be changed, and if so, when?
- Are there known plans to start new construction phases in the neighbourhood in the near future?
Changes to the surroundings of a home – not just construction, but also, for example, tree felling during site clearance – often become a decisive factor for people considering whether it's worth moving to a particular area at all. You can read more about how environmental changes affect the decision to move in a separate article.
How construction can complicate moving day itself
A blocked road doesn't just mean an inconvenience for a walk. On moving day, it becomes a concrete problem: the van has to take a detour, and the movers have to carry furniture over a greater distance than planned.
If it's not known in advance that a standard-sized vehicle cannot reach the building, the estimate may change on site. The most common mistake we see with clients is that they provide the exact address but don't mention that the street in front of the building has been closed for construction for three weeks already. The result – the team arrives, but unloading directly at the entrance is impossible.
When direct access is not possible – for example, construction barriers block the driveway or courtyard – the only realistic solution is often a crane-lift (manipulator crane) service, where furniture is lifted through a balcony or window. This isn't a luxury, but a practical way to avoid hours of carrying items via detour routes.
Practical steps when planning a move to an area under construction or newly built
It's worth contacting your removal company at least a week before moving day and discussing the exact access conditions – not just the address, but also whether there are temporary restrictions near the building. A company that works in the city daily often already knows about specific construction locations.
If it's known that the standard route is blocked, it's worth agreeing on an alternative route with the moving team in advance – where the van will be parked, how far furniture will need to be carried, and whether additional equipment will be needed. This helps avoid surprises and disputes over pricing on site.
It's worth reserving extra time in the estimate – if the minimum order is calculated from 2 hours, but in reality the detour will require 30–40 minutes more, it's better to plan for this in advance rather than explaining on site why the work took longer than planned.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 movers + van | €65/hour (excl. VAT) |
| Additional mover | +€30/hour |
| Minimum order | 2 hours (from €130) |
| Evenings and weekends | ×1.5 of standard rate |
How we help when construction complicates your move
Over more than 9,500 moves, we've repeatedly worked in areas with restricted access – whether that's construction barriers or simply a narrow old-town courtyard. In such cases we use crane-lift services when access is limited – furniture is lifted directly through a balcony or window, bypassing the blocked entrance.
Experience working in complex urban areas allows us to anticipate problems the client might not even notice – for example, that crane equipment won't be able to access the site due to a construction fence, and this needs to be coordinated with the developer in advance.
If your address is near a construction site, it's best to call +370 635 10000 and describe the situation – often within a few minutes we can tell you whether additional equipment will be needed or whether a standard team will suffice. Those wanting an initial estimate can calculate a preliminary price themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Does construction near a home have legal significance when choosing a rental property?
There is no direct legal obligation in Lithuania for landlords to inform tenants about nearby construction, but this is important practical information. Before signing an agreement, check the TPDRIS system to see whether construction permits have been issued for plots in the area.
How much extra time should be allowed for a move if a road is restricted due to construction?
Depending on the length of the detour, it's worth reserving an extra 30–60 minutes on top of the standard estimate. The removal team will be able to give the most accurate time after inspecting the route in advance or at least receiving the address with a description.
When is a crane-lift service actually necessary instead of a standard move?
A crane-lift is needed when direct entry to the building is blocked – due to construction barriers, a narrow courtyard, or a stairwell too small for larger furniture. In such cases, furniture is lifted through a balcony or window using a manipulator crane.
How can I check whether a removal company has experience working in complex areas?
It's worth asking how many similar cases the company has handled and reading reviews about work in locations with limited access. The article how to recognise a reliable removal team describes specific signs worth paying attention to.
Can I find out the exact price in advance if I know access is restricted?
A preliminary price can be obtained by providing the address and situation over the phone or through the calculator, but the final amount depends on the actual distance to the van and whether additional equipment will be needed.
If your address is near a construction site or a new neighbourhood, it's best to discuss the details in advance – order your move online or call and describe the situation. You'll find more useful tips about moving in Vilnius, and if you're moving out of a flat, take a look at our flat removal services.