If you’re planning a move to Australia or looking for detailed information about moving from the UK to Australia, you’re in the right place!
Here, you’ll find all the essential information about the international moving process. We provide estimates for your relocation costs and answers to common questions like: what can you bring with you? how long does it usually take to move to Australia? and what size container do you need?
Whether you’re heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, or even further to places like Darwin and Alice Springs, know that you’ve found the best experts to assist with your home move.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your unique requirements, and let us expertly guide you through the process of moving from the UK to Australia, ensuring a seamless and confident transition.
Why choose John Mason for your Australia removal
Choose John Mason for your Australia removal due to our decades of expertise, comprehensive services, cost-effective options, professional team, and track record of customer satisfaction. We customize solutions to your unique needs, ensuring a seamless, stress-free move, and offer peace of mind knowing your belongings are in the hands of trusted professionals with a global network to support you every step of the way.
What Our International Removals to Australia Service Includes
Pre-move survey and consultation
Comprehensive inventory list
Door-to-door shipment tracking
Professional packing and unpacking service
Customs clearance assistance
Delivery and placement of items in your new home
Optional Extras:
Specialized crating for fragile or high-value items
Short-term or long-term storage solutions
Comprehensive insurance options
Vehicle shipping
Pet relocation services
Handyman services for furniture assembly/disassembly
Specialty packing materials for sensitive electronics or artwork
What shipping options do you need for your move to Australia?
Before making the decision to relocate to Australia, it’s essential to explore your shipping choices and understand the associated expenses. Given the considerable distance of approximately 9,500 kilometres between the UK and Australia, road and rail freight are not practical options. You have four main shipping alternatives to consider:
Ocean Freight
Air Freight
Part-Load
Full Container Load
For most individuals shipping furniture overseas, a combination of sea and air freight is the preferred choice. However, the part-load option is particularly beneficial for those with a smaller quantity of goods to transport. Your selection will depend on your budget and the number of items you intend to ship.
When shipping to Australia, it’s crucial to take customs clearance into account, as well as the specific regulations regarding what can and cannot be shipped legally. Failure to adhere to the correct shipping protocols can impact the delivery timeline for your belongings.
How long does it take to move my belongings to Australia from UK
The duration for moving belongings from the UK to Australia can vary based on several factors. Shipping times for sea freight, which is the most common method for such long-distance moves, typically range from 6 to 12 weeks. However, additional time should be considered for factors like customs clearance, transportation within Australia, and any unforeseen delays.
How much does international removals from the UK to Australia cost? Shipping costs to Australia
For a three-bedroom home’s worth of belongings, opting for a sole-use container via sea freight could cost between £4,000 to £6,000. This economical choice, though longer, takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks on the water and 8-16 weeks door to door. Consider the Groupage service, a shared container option, which can be more cost-effective (starting from £100), but flexibility is key, with shipping durations ranging from 12-16 weeks for certain areas. If time is of the essence, air freight offers speed but comes at a higher cost, ranging from £8,000 to £16,000, with a quicker shipping duration of 1 to 3 weeks, contingent on logistical factors.
Sole use container: On average, moving a three-bedroom home’s worth of belongings from the UK to Australia via sea freight may cost between £4,000 to £6,000. This is generally the most economical choice for larger moves but takes longer. Approximately Expect anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks on the water, depending on the port of arrival and various customs procedures. Door to door you are looking at 8-16 weeks.
Groupage: Our Groupage service sometimes referred to as Shared container services is where your belongings are grouped with others to fill a container. This option can be cheaper but requires a flexible moving schedule. Approximately Expect anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks on the water, depending on the port of arrival and various customs procedures. Door to door you are looking at the following for certain areas. Perth / Sydney / Melbourne /Brisbane: 12-16 weeks. Adelaide: 16-22 weeks. Price can range from £100 upwards depending on what volume you are looking to ship.
Air Freight: Air freight is considerably faster but also more expensive. The same move could cost upwards of Approximately £8,000 to £16,000 via air freight, depending on the volume and weight of your items. Air Freight: Generally, 1 to 3 weeks, depending on airport, customs clearance, and other logistical factors.
What Documents do I need?
When moving to Australia, you’ll typically need essential documents such as a valid passport, visa, and proof of funds to support yourself. Depending on your situation, you may also require medical and character certificates, proof of health insurance, educational qualifications if applicable, and a driver’s license. It’s crucial to check the specific visa requirements and additional documents with the Australian government or your immigration consultant to ensure a smooth transition. Read our full moving to Australia guidefor more information.
Packing services for your Australia Move
Ease the stress of your move to Australia with our comprehensive packing services, ensuring your belongings are handled with care and arrive Down Under in pristine condition.
Want to ship your car to Australia?
If you would like to ship your car to Australia, we can include the cost as part of your quotation. You can either ship your car within your own exclusive use container or as part of our shared container service. Simply tell us the car make and model so that we can work out the volume to be included as part of the shipping. See more information on car shipping to Australia.
Moving with your pets to Australia
Only cats and dogs can be imported to Australia. This is done under strict conditions designed to manage biosecurity risks. Generally, all we need is between one and six weeks’ notice (depending upon the nature and destination of your move) and we’ll arrange everything needed for your pet′s travel plan. Our pet relocation team are all animal lovers, and treat customers’ pets as if they are their own. Read more about moving a pet to a different county.
Please note that regulations can change on a regular basis so please contact us if you require further information regarding your move to Australia. A full Customs Guide to Australia is available upon request.
Yes, a British citizen can move to Australia. Moving to Australia from the UK is possible through various visa programs, such as skilled migration, family sponsorship, or working holiday visas. It is important to research and understand the specific visa requirements and immigration processes involved in moving to Australia.
Yes, it is possible to move to Australia without a job. Australia offers various visa options that allow individuals to immigrate for purposes other than employment, such as for study, uniting with family, or starting a business. However, it’s important to note that moving to Australia without a job can present challenges, as having a job offer or relevant skills can greatly enhance your chances of obtaining a visa and finding employment once you arrive. You can find out more information using our free Australian visa assessment.
The cost of living can vary depending on individual circumstances and factors such as location, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences. However, as a general observation, the cost of living in Australia tends to be higher than in the UK. Expenses such as housing, and groceries are often more expensive in Australia. Keep in mind that moving to Australia from the UK involves various expenses, including visa fees, shipping costs, and potentially higher taxes. We recommend doing your research on the area you want to move to, or you can get an Australia removals instant quote from John mason.
Getting a visa for Australia, the legal process of moving to Australia, and financial considerations including currency exchange, tax planning, and mortgages. Download Australia buying guide.
As one of the leading providers of overseas removals and relocation services on a national and international scale, we pride ourselves on offering a professional and friendly service. We have been recognised as one of the leading international moving companies and are proud of our credentials and the quality standard they represent. In 2023, we became the most trusted moving company in the UK.
The packers were careful, quick and courteous. I highly recommend this company and would definitely use them again! Efficient, polite, punctual: could not ask for more.
Hertfordshire, UK to Virginia, USA - March 2023
From start with Michelle to finish with Gill the level of service was excellent. John Mason and its international partners handled my move from Devon to Australia seemingly effortlessly. I couldn't ask for better.
Devon, UK to Perth, Australia –April 2023
Absolutely one of the best movers I have worked with. Pleasant helpful admin staff and the delivery drivers were absolute angels sorting and moving the boxes where I asked them to. Arrived exactly when they said it would.