The cost of removals to Australia will depend on several factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

As a rough guide, expect to pay £1500 – £3500 for an apartment move and £7100 – £9200 for a full household removal to Australia.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and Australian customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs.

We offer a fully comprehensive removals service to Australia, which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service,

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties and port fees payable on arrival in Australia, storage services and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to Australia via a sea freight service. The overseas removals service can be quite complicated, but with United Removals’, our expert teams will make the process as easy and stress free as possible. You can sit back and let us do all the heavy lifting!

Our Australia removals service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) If you require a full-load container (either 20 ft or 40 ft), the shipping container will be delivered to your property and loaded by the packing crew.

6) For shared or part-load containers, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removals van to one of our depots for loading onto the shipping container as groupage.

7) The container will then be sent by sea freight to Australia.

8) On arrival at port (we ship to all major ports in Australia), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

9) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or to storage if required. Our partner, Australian removals service, will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in Australia.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

It does not, however include large items of furniture.

 Items you should avoid importing into Australia

As with any country that you might be thinking of moving to, Australia has its own list of items that are restricted or prohibited that cannot be brought into the country, whether you are simply travelling there or relocating to the country.

Anybody importing anything into Australia must take the appropriate steps to check whether the items in question are restricted or prohibited and then take any necessary action.

Here are some examples of items that are restricted for import into Australia and where pre-approval must be sought:

• Antibiotics, medicines and therapeutic drugs
• Erasers (novelty) that resemble food in scent or appearance
• Some types of cosmetics
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks, ivory etc. (With CITES certificate)
• Firearms, ammunition and accessories
• Knives and daggers (including those for sport)
• Martial art swords or weapons
• Bamboo, wicker or cane items

While technically bringing these items into Australia may be possible, it can cause you a lot of trouble with customs and Australia’s biosecurity, so we advise you not to take them.

The following are examples of prohibited items for import into Australia:

• Seeds, plants and dried floral arrangements, including potpourri
• Original pinecones or any plant matter used for Christmas decorations or wreaths.
• Raw untreated wood or bark
• Food and meats
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks or ivory (Without CITES certificate)

The Government in Australia provides good, detailed guidance on items you can and cannot import into Australia and advice on how to prepare your items for shipping. There are more details on the official DAWR website.

Whilst you should certainly avoid all prohibitive items to avoid problems with customs and quarantine, we would also advise avoiding shipping restricted items as these can hold up the customs clearance process.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to Australia, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. Many people, therefore, use a combination of both air freight and sea freight shipping services.

You can check out our more detailed Australia Removals Guide below, or why not give one of our advisers a call on 01942 557102?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices and arrange a home survey consultation to give you a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to Australia and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in Australia if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are many things.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or Australia?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, and this is something we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in Australia after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

Suppose the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in Australia to ship your belongings to. In that case, we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in Australia whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to Australia. The journey is a lengthy one, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is chance items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers are expertly trained to deal with all the issues that can be encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your personal effects. This includes custom built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates, if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to Australia
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Full inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons, and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The Australian government is incredibly stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues in order to protect their unique environment, and as such, all of your items will need to be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ then these will need to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all of your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removals service is perfect for shipping your furniture to Australia from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in Australia have built-in wardrobes so it might not be worthwhile shipping these.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to Australia from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in Australia. This is something that we can help you with. However, you may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are a returning Australian citizen or a migrant with a permanent visa who has been away from Australia for over 12 months, then there will be no Customs Duties or GST to pay on any household effects that you ship. It is important to check if you meet these criteria. However, other customs-related charges, fees and duties may need to be paid. Antiques, for example, are free of any customs duty; however, there is a 10% GST that will need to be applied.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

If you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.
On arrival in Australia, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from Australian Customs before they are allowed into the country.

In order for your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any Australian Customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in Australia will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to Australia and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

This information is essential as it can help you minimise customs inspection and quarantine fees that Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) and Biosecurity may change.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest service levels.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend a highly flexible Shipment Protection Cover that will provide you with many advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is completing a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value of the belongings you want to cover and whether you have packed them yourself or if they have been packed professionally.

As cars are expensive and people drive on the left side in Australia, it is certainly worth considering shipping your vehicle in a 40 ft container alongside your house contents.

Australia does have strict import criteria for cars so speak to our team to ensure that importing your vehicle is feasible and cost effective.

Some paperwork will be required but we can help you ensure it is all completed correctly, and our agents will take care of customs clearance for you.

There are many exciting places to live in Australia. All offer a sunny climate, beautiful beaches, great job opportunities and a relaxed Aussie lifestyle. People are welcoming of expats and new migrants, so you should find it easy to fit in. You may be tempted to go for Sydney and Melbourne, both of which are good choices, but you’ll also be pleasantly surprised by what other cities and states have to offer too.

Best of all, no matter where you choose to move to, United can help. Our removals service to Australia covers all areas of the UK and can move you to any state or town Downunder!

1. Sydney and New South Wales:

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is still the most popular place for migrants and expats to move to. Famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It offers a vibrant urban lifestyle, stunning beaches, and cultural diversity.

While living costs can be high, job opportunities in various industries and a thriving arts scene make Sydney attractive. Like many locals, you can choose to live in the suburbs or nearby towns and commute into the city for work.

New South Wales also boasts beautiful national parks, charming coastal towns, and the picturesque Blue Mountains. Perfect if you want to avoid the big city bustle but benefit from the amenities and travel connections.

2. Melbourne and Victoria:

Melbourne is renowned for its coffee culture, art galleries, and dynamic sports scene. It offers a rich cultural life, excellent public transportation, and a more temperate climate than other Australian cities, so great if you’re worried about the heat.

Famous for being home to the TV series Neighbours, it remains one of the most popular cities for migrants and with good reason, Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.

Victoria’s diverse landscape includes the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley wine region, and the ski fields of the Victorian Alps. Notable places to look at include Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, but there are many smaller towns such as Shepparton, Echuca, Benalla, Beechworth, Bright, and Daylesford to consider.

3. Brisbane and Queensland:

Queensland, including the capital Brisbane, is known for its warm climate, outdoor lifestyle, and friendly atmosphere. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne while still providing ample job opportunities and a growing arts and culture scene.

Queensland is famous for its natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast beaches, and lush rainforests. In recent years Queensland has become one of the most popular states for Aussies to move to, so it’s no surprise that many migrants looking for sun, sand, and surf are also choosing to set up home here.

If you’re looking for the true Australian beach lifestyle at a quieter pace and more affordable housing, then you will be happy here.

4. Perth and Western Australia:

Perth, located in Western Australia, is known for its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful coastline, and abundant sunshine. It has a strong mining and resources industry, providing various job opportunities.

It has long been popular with migrants and has one of Australia’s largest populations of British expats. Whilst many choose Perth based on sponsored job offers, they end up being pleasantly surprised. Perth and Western Australia have some of the best beaches, are famous for watersports and have a relaxed vibe.

Western Australia has unique landscapes, including the Kimberley region, the Margaret River wine region, and the stunning Ningaloo Reef.

5. Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory:

Canberra, Australia’s capital, offers a high quality of life, excellent job opportunities in the public sector, and a strong education system. It is a modern planned city featuring cultural institutions, green spaces, and a central lake.

Often described as being between a big country town and a city, Canberra has all the necessary amenities and facilities. It also has four distinct seasons, so many migrants welcome the cooler winters!

New South Wales surrounds the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and is a short drive from the coast and the Snowy Mountains.

6. Adelaide and South Australia:

Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, is known for its affordable living, wine regions, and cultural festivals. The city offers a relaxed pace of life, with a Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches. It is therefore the perfect location for migrants wanting the Aussie lifestyle on a smaller budget.

South Australia has natural attractions like Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges, and the Eyre Peninsula. Glenelg and Brighton, to the West of Adelaide, are family-friendly, beachside resorts which are very popular with expats. Golden Grove, to the north, offers green spaces and delightful restaurants.

7. Hobart and Tasmania:

The island of Tasmania may not have all the facilities of Australia’s biggest cities. Still, it more than makes up for it with welcoming locals, a relaxed environment, and incredible beauty. Tasmania doesn’t claim to be suitable for everyone, but those who stay find paradise on Earth.

When you first arrive, you’ll likely choose one of the larger cities, such as Hobart, Launceston or Devonport. Hobart is a lovely city known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. It offers a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living, and easy access to nature. Because of its size, it also has more job opportunities, but you may still wish to consider other areas.

Tasmania is famous for its pristine wilderness, such as Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness.

8. Darwin and the Northern Territory:

Many migrants may be put off moving to Darwin and the Northern Territory dues to its remoteness and crocodiles. However, it has much to offer, especially a warm and welcoming community. The regional migration programme is also less competitive, with more opportunities for skilled migrants in industries like tourism, mining, and traditional occupations such as healthcare and construction. Darwin is characterised by its tropical climate, outdoor lifestyle, and rich Indigenous culture. So not only can the immigration process be more straightforward, but with good wages and low property prices, you can enjoy an excellent standard of living.

The Northern Territory is famous for its natural wonders, including Kakadu National Park, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Litchfield National Park. Whilst you need to be careful of saltwater crocodiles, there are still plenty of safe areas for swimming and watersports.

If you want to relocate to Australia with your pet, such as a cat or dog, then it is essential to ensure that they have a microchip that is readable with an ISO-compatible chip reader.

Your vet can help you with this by checking that your pet already has a chip or implanting one. The microchip will need to be scanned and your pet’s suitability to travel confirmed in writing to form part of your application process.

All pets coming to Australia require a valid import permit and will need to spend a minimum of 10 days in an official post-entry quarantine facility. Before your dog or cat arrives in Australia, it must be granted an import permit.

We recommend using a specialist pet relocation company to help with your pet’s move and transportation.

If you are fortunate, you may be moving on an employer sponsored visa, so your company or recruitment agent will help take care of everything, including the paperwork, for you.

If you are looking for a job yourself, then you will need to do some research and see which skills and roles are in great demand at the moment. Consider your own experience and skills and how these might fit those roles that are in high demand.

Nurses, plumbers and engineers in various fields are amongst some of the most in-demand jobs in Australia at the moment, so those people with the relevant skills and experience should have little difficulty securing a job.

There are several recruitment agencies that specialise in international recruitment. They will have plenty of experience when it comes to finding jobs for those looking to relocate and may even have pre-existing contracts with companies that are already in Australia.
There are also plenty of online job sites that could help you with your search for a role in Australia.

These will give you a good idea of the type of experience being sought; what jobs are in high demand and even the type of salary you might be able to command.

Even if you are moving independently with a permanent Skilled Visa, it is wise to begin your job search well before you arrive Down Under.

You must apply for a visa or be an Australian citizen before you can move and ship your belongings to Australia.

There are several different types of options available when it comes to visas, and these are awarded on a points-based system. As a rough guide, points are awarded to an individual based on age, skill set, experience and English language skills.

A skilled independent visa, for example, requires an individual to be under the age of 45 at the time of application, score a minimum of 65 points, and be listed as one of the eligible occupations.

There are companies that specialise in the types of visas required for relocation, and it is a good idea to have a discussion with them to see where you stand with regard to getting a visa.

If you are aged 18-35, you can apply for a temporary working holiday visa which is valid for three years and quite a simple process.

There are no limits when it comes to the amount of money that can be transferred, and this is something that is best undertaken with the assistance of a foreign currency specialist who will have the expertise required.

This is particularly important if you are transferring large sums, for example, the proceeds from selling your house. Saving on fees, getting your timing right and better exchange rates can mean thousands of extra Australian dollars to help with your new start.

We hope the information we’ve provided here is helpful. We can give further specific advice and assistance over the phone, however. So, if you’re looking to relocate to Australia, why not give our expert team a call? We can help you plan your packing and removal services, all ready for your new life in the sun.