A view of Sydney, Australia after moving overseas

International Removals from the UK to Australia

Moving overseas to Australia? Start your UK to Australia relocation today with 1st Move International. Get a free international removal quote now and discover how easy your move to Australia can be. Find out more here about removals costs from the UK to Australia with 1st Move International. Get all the information here and discover more about our UK wide collection and bespoke packing services, guaranteed weekly shipping with the world’s premier shipping lines and flexible insurance options for a safer move to Australia.

For a seamless international moving service let 1st Move take care of the details, just complete our free online quote form for comprehensive information on our moving services, shipping options and costs. With a moving package tailored just for you, you can rely on our 25 years of experience to get your household goods and personal effects shipped to Australia faster and safer and ensure a stress-free move overseas for you and your family.

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Everything You Need To Know About International Removals To Australia: Moving Costs, Transit Times, Quarantine regulations and fast track customs services.

Find out here about moving to Australia, including how much it costs, how long it takes and answers to other frequently asked questions. Start your journey with 1st Move International today by requesting a free moving quote or continue reading to learn more about our FAST weekly shipping services and unique packing for your household goods and personal effects.

How Much Does it Cost?

How Much Do International Removals to Australia Cost?

Quick Answer

As a guide, the average price of international removals from the UK to Australia in 2024 starts from £674 for a small move (shared container) and from £3,498 for larger moves (full 20ft container). Your final cost will depend on the size of your move and your exact destination in Australia.

See our table below for guideline costs for moving from the UK to Australia based on the size of your move.

Typical International Removals Costs from the UK to Australia 2024

Destination in Australia Small Move in a Shared container 1 bed flat in a Shared Container 3 bed house in a 20ft Container 4 bed house in a 40ft container
Fremantle, WA From £713 From £1687 From £3315 From £4976
Adelaide, SA From £752 From £1755 From £3382 From £5066
Melbourne, VIC From £764 From £1792 From £3413 From £5117
Sydney, NSW From £736 From £1727 From £3346 From £5020
Brisbane, QLD From £771 From £1814 From £3457 From £5198
Darwin NT From £979 From £2272 From £5198 From £6998
Burnie, TAS From £1129 From £2303 From £5254 From £7257
Hobart, TAS From £1194 From £2461 From £5306 From £7312

The above costs should only be used as guide only. Prices shown are port to port freight costs. They do not include UK collection or packing costs (we don't know how much stuff you plan to ship or exactly where you are departing from).

To receive an accurate quote for the total cost involved for your move to Australia simply request a quick quote, talk to our team live or give us a call on +44 117 9828 123.

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What Are My Shipping Options?

Your Shipping Options for Removals to Australia

When shipping your household goods from the UK to Australia, sea freight container shipping is typically the method of choice. Depending on the size of your move, you can either choose a Shared Container or a Full Container service. Continue reading to learn more about these types of services and how to choose the right one for you.

Loading a Shared Container with 1st Move Pallets

Shared Container Shipping to Australia

Shared Container is the most cost-effective and efficient way of shipping your belongings from the UK to Australia. This is the perfect option for "smaller" moves (those shipping anything less than the contents of a 2-3 bed home.) This service allows you to share container space with other customers so that you only pay for the space that you need for your move.

Here at 1st Move International, our improved packing methods allow us to ship your belongings alongside commercial goods. This means we never have to wait for a container to be full before release. Once packed, your shipment will go out on the next available weekly shipment to Australia.

More About Shared Container Shipping
Loading a Full Container with 1st Move Pallets

Full Container Shipping to Australia

Full Container is the ideal solution for larger moves, providing you with the exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft container for your move from the UK to Australia. This service is tailored for those relocating the contents of a 3+ bedroom home, or for anyone needing to transport a large volume of goods. With Full Container shipping, you benefit from the security and control of having an entire container dedicated to your belongings.

Your container can either be loaded at your home (subject to access) or your belongings can be collected, professionally packed and loaded back at one of our facilities.

More About Full Container Shipping
A view of Sydney, Australia after moving overseas

Ready to Start Your Journey? Get Your Free International Removals Quote Today

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Why Choose 1st Move?

Unique Benefits of 1st Move International

Further Benefits

  • 25 years’ experience providing international moving services to Australia
  • Members of the British Association of Removers
  • Members of the British International Freight Association
  • Modern fleet and fully trained packers and movers
  • Fully insured from your UK home to your destination in Australia
  • Your own personal, dedicated move manager
  • Free UK storage up to the next scheduled sailing date
  • Electronic and Fast-Track customs clearance in the UK and Australia
  • Faster weekly sailings to Australia direct from UK ports
  • Track your transatlantic shipment live with 24/7 container tracking
A view of Sydney, Australia after moving overseas
135,000+ Happy Customers
9,240,000+ Cubic Feet Shipped
25+ Years' Experience
Our Unique Packing

How We Pack For Your Move to Australia

After Before
Our Service

Value Added Services For Your Move to Australia

Dedicated Move Manager

Ensuring a smooth and compliant international relocation from the UK to Australia requires expertise in logistics and customs regulations.

You will be appointed a dedicated Move Manager who brings a wealth of experience to the table, acting as your personal guide throughout the entire process of moving your belongings to Australia.

They will provide comprehensive support, from initial planning and secure packing to navigating the intricacies of Australian import customs formalities.

By entrusting your move to Australia with 1st Move you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive safely and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your new life in Australia.

Moving Insurance Cover

Ship your household goods and personal effects to Australia with complete peace of mind knowing that your goods are fully insured during their international journey.

From your door to your new home in Australia we offer comprehensive marine insurance for all moves as part of our relocation services.

Rest assured that our expert packing greatly reduces the risks involved in manhandling of individual items and ensures an exceptionally low claim levels for every move.

Find more details on our moving insurance here.

Customs Clearance Procedures

Navigating UK and Australian customs regulations can be a complex and time-consuming process. 1st Move International, and our agents in Australia are regulated and registered customs brokers.

With our combined expertise we guide you through the export and import customs process to ensure the smoothest of moves both and in Australia.

Faster Customs Clearance

Our palletised shipping systems means your belongings can clear customs quicker. We clear the pallet separately so you will not have to wait for an entire container to be processed by Australian customs.

This can significantly reduce customs clearance times, allowing you to enjoy your new life in Australia, sooner.

Removals from UK to Australia Reviews

Michelle M

Bristol to Bunbury, WA, Australia

From first contact to completion of the job everyone had time to talk through options. I can't think what they could have done better, when my stuff arrived after several weeks at sea I was pleased but not surprised to see no damages. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and if I move again they get the call! 5 Star

Read more Australia moving reviews

Read All of Our International Removals Reviews on Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions

UK to Australia Removals FAQ

It is important to know when the ship will sail from the UK to determine the correct arrival time for your household goods.

We offer weekly sailings direct from the UK to all main ports in Australia. Port to Port shipping time average 45 to 50 days after sailing from the UK before arrival in Australia.

Most movers however need to wait up to 3 months before they can fill their container before they can ship, so although the transit times may be the same the arrival times with 1st Move can be up to 3 months earlier.

At 1st Move we share with commercial exporters, we do not need to wait to fill our containers so we ship out every week. This means faster arrival times so you can settle into your new life without having to wait months while your goods hang around in the UK.

Here are the port to port transit times from London Gateway to Australia:

  • UK to Melbourne takes 45 days
  • UK to Sydney takes 50 days
  • UK to Adelaide takes 48 days
  • UK to Brisbane takes 57 days
  • UK to Fremantle takes 47 days

Check out our weekly sailing schedules. You can find information on upcoming shipments, departure dates and expected transit times on our Australia shipping schedule.

We offer international removals services to all the main Australia arrival ports of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle. Once your belongings have cleared through Australia Border Control, we arrange onward delivery direct to your door wherever you are in Australia.

  • Melbourne, Victoria
    Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria and is situated on the South Eastern coast at the head of Port Phillip Bay
  • Sydney, NSW
    Sydney is the capital City of the state of New South Wales and is located on Australia’s east coast..
  • Brisbane, Queensland
    The port is located on the Brisbane River on Fishermans Island, adjacent to Brisbane airport.
  • Adelaide, South Australia
    The capital city of South Australia, Adelaide is located on the Eastern shores of Gulf st Vincent in the central, southern part of Australia..
  • Fremantle
    The main port of Western Australia, Fremantle is located on the Indian Ocean at the mouth of the Swan River. Part of the Perth metropolitan area Fremantle is one of Australia’s largest ports.

Whatever your destination in Australia, we’ve got you covered.

You can get a quick international removals quote from the UK to Australia on our website. Simply complete the quote form here and click submit. Our move managers will tailor your quote specific to your moving dates, packing requirements, and personal circumstances and will be available throughout the moving process to answer your questions.

Be in control of your move to Australia! This detailed timeline outlines each step of the process, from getting a quote, moving day, packing, and shipping to receiving your belongings in Australia. Plan your move with confidence and get ready for your new life in Australia.

  1. Get a Quote (1 day): Start by obtaining a free online quote from our website or contact our team for a detailed estimate based on your specific needs.
  2. Book Your Move (5 days) : After receiving you moving quote and you are happy to book with us, we can usually arrange collection withing a few days of your preferred moving day and certainly with 5 days after you have received your quotation. You can book your move to Australia online here.
  3. Moving Day (1 day): Once your moving day has been agreed our transport department will be in touch to confirm, they will also contact you a week before to confirm the exact details of your shipment and packing requirements and arrival time on the day. We will call you the day before to confirm that you are ready and again on the morning of moving day to update you with the arrival time of our packers.
  4. Packing and Palletising: (3 to 5 days):
    • For shared container services your furniture personal effects and household goods will be professionally packed, shrink-wrapped, and palletised back at our warehouse. This process normally takes a few days at which time we are ready to ship your goods.
    • For full house moves which need a 20ft or 40ft container we can load directly from your home if you have suitable parking and access for a few days. If you do not have parking or access, we can collect in smaller vehicles and load the container at our warehouse.
  5. Loading to container (1 day): Once we have packed your goods, we are good to go. Immediately! We are the only moving company that offer weekly sailings from the UK to Australia and the only UK moving company who publish our sailing schedules online. Once packed, your shipment will be loaded to a shared container for shipping on the next available vessel sailing from Lonon Gateway port. You can find our up-to-date sailing schedules for Australia here.
  6. Container vessel transit times from the UK to Australia (45 to 57 days) : Here are the port-to-port transit times from the UK to Australia:
    • UK to Melbourne takes 45 days
    • UK to Sydney takes 50 days
    • UK to Adelaide takes 48 days
    • UK to Brisbane takes 57 days
    • UK to Fremantle takes 47 days
  7. Arrival procedures - Customs Clearance and Delivery (5 to 7 days):Our approved customs brokers and redelivery agents in Australia are Conroy Removals. A long-standing and respected agent who we have been working for over 15 years. Conroy Removals were established over 50 years ago and will arrange customs clearance on your behalf.

    Once your personal effects have cleared customs, Conroy’s will agree a suitable date for the delivery of your belongings to your new home.
    (This normally takes between 3 and 7 days)

    They will contact you around 2 weeks before the ship arrives, but please feel free to introduce yourself at any time simply quoting 1st Move International as your carrier. They are looking forward to speaking to you and helping you through customs and redelivery to your home. Contact details are:
    Brisbane Branch & Head Office:
  • Address: 20 Briggs Court Kallangur, QLD 4503, Australia
  • Phone: +61 7 5495 2156
  • AU Freephone: 1800 640 774
    Melbourne Branch:
  • Address: 25 Fowler Road Dandenong, VIC 3175, Australia
  • Phone: +61 3 8541 2000
  • AU Freephone: 1800 640 774
    Perth Branch:
  • Address: 5 Purdy Place Canning Vale, WA 6155, Australia
  • Phone: +61 8 6279 5200
  • AU Freephone: 1800 640 774
    Sydney Branch:
  • Address: 28 Huntingwood Drive Huntingwood, NSW 2148, Australia
  • Phone: +61 2 8787 7800
  • AU Freephone: 1800 640 774
    Townsville Branch:
  • Address: 10 Catalyst Court Mount Saint John, 4818, Australia
  • Phone: +61 7 4774 7999
  • AU Freephone: 1800 640 774

Now you have a clear roadmap for your move to Australia! Ready to get moving? Get a quote for your international move to Australia here.

Australia has strict biosecurity laws to protect its unique environment and banning or limiting the import of almost all food and animal products including;

  • Alcohol & tobacco
  • Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables
  • Plants, grains, seeds, nuts
  • Animals and animal food
  • Soil or items with soil attached

The Australia government provides a full list of these items. Please also see our own restricted items for Australia guide and our Australia Customs Guide for more information.

We require the following documents to ship your personal belongings to Australia:

  • Passport: A copy of the photo page of your passport
  • Visa or Permit: If you do not have an Australia passport, you must hold a valid Visa in order to import your personal belongings.
  • Packing Inventory: A list of all items to be shipped.
  • Customs form B534: Our team will provide you with a blank copy of this form and will be on hand to assist you in completing it correctly.

Please see our detailed customs guide for personal effects shipping to Australia for more information on documents and procedures for shipping personal effects to Australia.

All documents and forms can be securely uploaded via our document transfer page.

Yes, our experienced team provide full assistance with customs clearance and documentation for your move to Australia. Our service includes preparing all the necessary paperwork and ensuring that your shipment complies with all regulations.

Yes. As part of our moving services to Australia we offer packing and shipping services specifically designed for the safe transportation of furniture items.

We can ship any items of furniture from beds, tables, chairs, home office equipment and even pianos. We offer international moving services for all household furniture items including:

  • Bedroom Furniture: Single, double, king and queen Beds (especially high-value or sentimental ones), dressers, chests of drawers, ottomans, wardrobes, and bedside tables.
  • Living Room Furniture: Sofas and armchairs (particularly high-quality or unique pieces) Coffee tables and side tables, Bookshelves, TV stands and entertainment units.
  • Dining Room Furniture: Dining tables and chairs (especially sets)
  • Office Furniture: Desks and office chairs. Bookshelves and display cabinets.

Furniture removal costs to Australia are based on the final size or volume of your move. If you plan on taking furniture to Australia then this will increase your moving and packing costs accordingly.

If you are taking all your furniture from a 3-bed house you will need a 20ft container at an average cost of £7250 to £9750.

If you are taking all your furniture from a 4-bed house you will need a 40ft container at an average cost of £9750 to £1150.

If you are only taking a few items of furniture then you will need a shared container service at an average cost of £1450 to £2450.

To get a tailored moving quote and find out more about the costs, prices and furniture moving services offered by 1st Move, simply fill out our quote form here

Moving furniture from the UK to Australia requires great care and attention to ensure the safest of journeys.

Here at 1st Move International our unique shrink-fast pallet shipping services means we never load loose items of furniture into a container.

Palletised shipping prevents excessive manhandling of furniture items as they are loaded and offloaded by experienced forklift drivers.

This also reduces shipping costs and simply increases the safety and security of shipping furniture to Australia.

All furniture items will be export wrapped for protection before being loaded safely onto pallets with your other items of personal effects.

We take great care to fit goods tightly together utilising all available space in and around your furniture items.

Your furniture is then loaded into the container on its own pallet, offloaded at destination by forklift and will be delivered to your door, intact and on the same pallet that left the UK. Fabulous!

Check out how we pack furniture for your move to Australia here.

Yes, you can take your pet when you move to Australia by using a pet transport service. For details on pet shipping regulations and services, please see our guide on moving to Australia with pets.

Yes, if you are planning to move permanently to Australia you will need a visa before you can enter and move any household goods from the UK. Below is an outline of available visas and the Australian Government provides great advice on visa application requirements here. Have a look at Australia Visa Finder options here.

  • Skilled Work Visa (Sponsored or Nominated): This visa is ideal if you have skills and experience in an occupation listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, and you have an employer willing to sponsor you.
  • Skilled Work Visa (Not Sponsored or Nominated): This option is like the sponsored visa, but it doesn't require employer sponsorship. You'll need to demonstrate your skills and experience align with Australia's workforce needs.
  • Distinguished Talent Visa: This visa targets individuals with exceptional and recognized talent in specific fields.
  • Invest or Business Visa: This visa is for those who want to establish or invest in a business in Australia.
  • Parent, Child, or Family Member Visa: This category covers visas for family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Partner or Spouse Visa: This visa allows you to live in Australia if you're married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Yes! We provide a tracking service for all our international removals. Once your shipment is on its way to Australia, you'll receive a tracking number. This will allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment online using our container tracking tool and stay informed about its estimated arrival time.

The short answer is yes, when you move to Australia it is possible to have your car shipped at the same time, and the good news is they drive on the left-hand side, just like the UK. We can arrange to ship your car inside a container or by specialist Ro Ro , (Roll on Roll off) services from Southampton. You will have to obtain prior permission and apply for Vehicle Import Approval before you can ship your car.

Autoshippers is part of the 1st Move International group of companies, and are one of the largest shippers of private vehicles to Australia They have over 25 years of knowledge and experience and can guide you through the intricacies, paperwork, and customs requirements to safely ship your vehicle. Please visit the Autoshippers Australia car shipping page here for more information on how to ship your car to Australia.

Resources

Useful Australia Information Resources and Guides

Container Shipping Costs UK to Australia

Get the latest information on UK to Australia container shipping costs and container ports.

Shipping Furniture & Personal Effects to Australia

Everything you need to know about shipping furniture & personal effects from the UK to Australia.

Australia Moving Guides

Whether you're looking for basic moving tips, city info, or full visa and immigration guides we've got you covered.

Car Shipping to Australia

We ship cars too. Get more information on our car shipping service.

Australia Container Shipping Schedules

We post up-to-date sailing schedule information and as part of our weekly shipping promise we'll tell you in advance what ship we can get your personal effects on.

Customs Guide for Shipping Personal Effects to Australia

We cover all the legalities of shipping household goods from the UK to Australia.

Australia Customs Quarantine Info

Australian customs are known to be one of the strictest in the world so we've detailed what you can and cannot ship in to the country.

Your Pallets Packed - Posted Live on Facebook

Your life, carefully wrapped, beautifully packed, and protected for the journey ahead.

We are extremely proud of our unique packing process. We are the only international removals company in the UK that uses this tried and tested method to ship your treasured personal possessions overseas.

Visit our Facebook page to find a snapshot of each shipment captured as the final pallet is wrapped.