Understanding International Removal Costs
So, you’re thinking of moving abroad – but how much will it cost to transport your belongings to your new home by land, sea, or air?
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 international moving services that covers all these aspects.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of the international removal costs involved, so there are no surprises. We believe in transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs prices associated with your move.
Average International Removals Prices and Timescales
We have outlined the average international removal prices and timescales from the UK.
Please note that international removal costs will change depending on different factors, including the volume and type of goods being shipped. The figures below are estimates.
| Destination | 20ft | 40ft | Sole Use Container | Groupage / Shared Container |
| Australia: |
£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: |
£7,500 £7,500 |
£10,500 £10,500 |
8-16 weeks | Auckland: 12-20weeks
Christchurch: 16-20 weeks |
| USA: |
£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:
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: |
£4,500 |
£5,500 |
7-10 weeks | Dubai: 10-16 weeks
Qatar / Oman / Bahrain: 12-16 weeks |
| Canada: |
£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 |
International Removal Quotes
International 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. Prices also vary on the cubic volume and type of goods you are shipping.
Use our instant quote tool to get a quick quote today. The more specific you can be about what you are taking with you, the more accurate the quote will be.
Alternatively, you can use our video quote tool for a bespoke indication of the international removal prices associated with your move. – 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.
Factors Affecting International Removal Prices
When planning an overseas move it’s important to understand the various factors that can influence the overall cost of international removals. Here are some key factors:
Volume of Goods
The more items you have to move, the higher the removal 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 of international removals. 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 increase the price of international removals. Find out more with our customs guides.
Our expansive global network means we can help you with international removals all over the world.
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
Specialist packing services allow you to have your items professionally packed and unpacked by removal experts at an additional cost.
Insurance
Protecting your belongings with international removals insurance is crucial. The cost will depend on the value of your items.
Storage
You might need to store your items before, during, or after your move. Using international storage services can help you securely store a range of household items, but this will add to your international removal 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. This includes our agent’s costs for making all arrangements with MPI such as 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 upfront if you prefer.
*All prices are dependent on location, exact type and volume of goods being shipped, and shipping destination.
Explore Our Other International Moving Services
Helpful Guides & Resources
Explore our helpful range of guides and resources, including:
- Costs of Shipping Containers to New Zealand from the UK
- Do I really need insurance when shipping my goods?
- A Guide to Comparing International Removal Quotes Fairly
- How Groupage Shipments Can Help Reduce Your Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A 20-foot container will roughly hold the contents of a 3-bedroom house. So expect it to fit in a few beds, a sofa, and some extras.
If you have a larger house with more than 3 bedrooms, you will likely need a bigger container. A 40-foot container is a good place to start and will allow you to ship the contents of your house as well as some extras, such as bikes or even cars.
Removals by air freight is quicker than sea freight, though it is typically more expensive. However, if you are not transporting too much, air freight can still be relatively cost-effective.
If you are not rushed for time, sea freight is the most cost-effective option for shipping goods overseas. This is particularly true if you are shipping large quantities of goods abroad.
Ultimately, deciding whether you use air freight or sea freight for international removals will depend on a range of factors, such as your budget, time constraints, and type and volume of goods being transported.
To mainland Europe such as France, Germany, and Italy, your belongings will likely be transported by land once over the Channel in a delivery truck.
Otherwise, overseas removals will require a sea shipping container when being transported further afield. This includes ports in Greece and Cyprus.
