The computational modelling of localization of deformation in cohesive-frictional materials must be carried out in a proper, accurate and efficient manner. A proper solution can be obtained by using an enriched material description such as a non-local damage model or Perzyna's viscoplasticity model. However, still a large number of finite elements is needed for an accurate description of the localization zone. To improve efficiency, mesh adaption is applied here by means of the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) technique. The ALE technique must typically be applied in combination with an enriched material model. Otherwise, the use of a standard model gives a zero-width solution of the localization zone and therefore remeshing results in a continuing decrease of finite element size. Implementation of this method requires the addition of convective forces in the equations of motion, transport of the state variables and the formulation of a remeshing strategy. The remeshing strategy heavily determines the success of the ALE method. Three examples of wave propagation have been treated and it is shown that a suitable remeshing strategy in combination with an enriched material model leads to proper, accurate and efficient analyses of the localization process.