International Removal Costs

At John Mason International, we understand that every move is unique, and so are the costs associated with it. Ready to make a move?

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International Removal Costs

At John Mason International, we understand that every move is unique, and so are the costs associated with it.
Ready to make a move? Instant Quote

Understanding International Removal Costs

So you’re thinking of moving abroad, or indeed you’ve made your decision, and now you need to know how much it will cost for overseas removals of your belongings by land, sea or air to your new home.

International removal costs can vary greatly, depending on several factors. It’s not just about moving your belongings from point A to point B. It involves careful planning, packing, transportation, and sometimes storage. At John Mason International, we provide a comprehensive service that covers all these aspects.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of the costs involved, so there are no surprises. We believe in transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your move.

Average International Removal Costs and Times from the UK

Destination 20ft 40ft Sole Use Container Groupage / Shared Container
Australia:

Adelaide

Brisbane

Perth

Sydney

 

£7,000

£7,000

£7,000

£7,000

 

£10,500

£10,500

£10,500

£10,500

8-16 weeks Perth / Sydney / Melbourne /Brisbane: 12-16 weeks

Adelaide: 16-22 weeks

New Zealand:

Auckland

Christchurch

 

£7,500

£7,500

 

£10,500

£10,500

8-16 weeks Auckland: 12-20weeks

Christchurch: 16-20 weeks

USA:

New York

LA

 

£9,000

£9,500

 

£12,500

£12,000

East Coast: 4-13 weeks

West Coast: 6-14 weeks

East Coast: 10-20 weeks

West Coast: 12-20 weeks

South Africa:

Cape Town

Durban

Johannesburg

 

£4,960

£4,960

£4,950

 

£7,780

£7,770

£7,900

Cape Town: 6-12 weeks

Durban: 6-12 weeks

Cape Town: 18-20 weeks

Durban: 16-18 weeks

Middle East:

Dubai

 

£4,500

 

£5,500

7-10 weeks Dubai: 10-16 weeks

Qatar / Oman / Bahrain: 12-16 weeks

Canada:

Toronto

Vancouver

 

£8,000

£8,450

 

£10,000

£10,670

Toronto: 6-12 weeks

Vancouver: 6-10 weeks

Toronto: 12-16 weeks

Vancouver: 16-20 weeks

Singapore £7,000 £8,900 8-10 weeks 16-20 weeks
Hong Kong £4,750 87,390 8-10 weeks 16-20 weeks

These prices are rough estimates and will change depending on the volume and type of goods you want to include in your overseas removal.

The time it takes for international removals to each of these destinations will also vary, and these are only approximate estimates.

International Removal Quotes

Removal costs vary depending on the time of year and how many ships are making the trip at that particular time, as well as other factors. They also vary on the cubic volume and type of goods you are shipping.

To get a quick quote, you can use our instant quote tool – the accuracy relies on you knowing exactly what you are taking.

For a more accurate overseas removals quote, you can use our video quote tool – all you need is a video enabled mobile phone and one of our representatives will guide you through the whole international removals process. This option negates the need for one of our representatives to visit your house in person prior to the move, saving you time and money.

Calculate Your Moving Costs

Factors affecting International Removal Prices

When planning an international move, it’s important to understand the various factors that can influence the overall cost. Here are some key factors:

Volume of Goods: The more items you have to move, the higher the cost. This is because more items require more packing materials, larger shipping containers, and more labour to pack and unpack.

Distance: The further you’re moving, the higher the cost. Longer distances mean higher fuel costs and more wear and tear on vehicles.

Destination Country: Some countries have higher import taxes or stricter customs regulations, which can add to the cost of moving.

Type of Transport: Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea freight. The choice between the two often depends on your budget and timeline.

Packing Services: If you choose to have your items professionally packed and unpacked, this will be an additional cost.

Insurance: Protecting your belongings with moving insurance is crucial. The cost will depend on the value of your items.

Storage: If you need to store your items before, during, or after your move, this will also add to your costs.

Understanding Quarantine Inspection Charges: AQIS and MPI

Our quotation excludes all quarantine examination fees and any associated costs which are normally payable. For Australia and New Zealand, we do offer the opportunity to pre-pay this charge, giving you one less thing to worry about upon your arrival.

AQIS – Australian Department of Agriculture Inspection

All items that arrive into Australia will be subject to a quarantine inspection by the Australian Department of Agriculture (sometimes referred to as AQIS inspection) prior to release for delivery. The fee quoted consists of the charge from the Australian Department of Agriculture for the inspection and the charge for our agent to prepare all documentation, identify items of concern, unload and reload the consignment and reseal items which have been opened for inspection.

If the inspectors find anything that needs either quarantining or disposing of, there will be an additional charge levied in Australia that is not covered by the initial inspection fee.

MPI – Ministry for Primary Industries

Our prices exclude all Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) quarantine inspection charges and any associated costs relating to the MPI inspection, including our agent’s costs for making all arrangements with MPI including the locating of items for inspection in your shipment, attendance by accredited personnel, unpacking / repacking after inspection and obtaining final release documents. This is also payable up front if you prefer.

*All prices are dependant on location, exact type and volume of goods being shipped and shipping destination

Explore Our Other International Moving Services

Relocation Services
Storage Services
Planning

Helpful Guides & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to ship my belongings – by land, sea or air?

To mainland Europe such as France, Germany and Italy they’ll probably go by land once over the Channel in a normal delivery method by truck. Otherwise, when travelling further afield outside of Europe (including ports in Greece and Cyprus) overseas removals will require a sea shipping container.

Should I choose air freight or sea freight?

It’s obviously certainly quicker by Air, and removals overseas by air freight can be relatively cost-efficient if you don’t need too much transported.

However, if time isn’t an issue, as it can take several weeks by sea, then container ship freight transportation is certainly the most cost-effective and best way to ship goods and removals abroad. This is especially the case if you have a large amount of goods and belongings like furniture, bikes or even cars to transport overseas.

What can you fit in a 20-foot container?

A 20-foot container will roughly hold the contents of a 3-bedroom house. So expect it to fit in a few beds, sofa and the extras.

What can you fit in a 40-foot container?

If you have a bigger house (more than 3 bedrooms), plus require more room for extras such as bikes or even cars, then you’ll probably need a bigger container – and a 40-foot container is probably best to start with.

Our Accreditations

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.
Guides

Storage Packing Guide

7 March 2024

Guides

Master Guide to Moving to New Zealand

7 March 2024

Guides

How to Prepare Outdoor Items

7 March 2024

Guides

What Can’t I Take Into Singapore?

7 March 2024

Guides

Moving to Manama

6 March 2024

USA

Types of Visas for the USA

6 March 2024

Some of our Customer Reviews

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.

Yorkshire, UK to Sydney, Australia - March 2023

Read more independent reviews about us on TrustPilot
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