Removals to Australia from the UK
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Moving to Australia means a container, around 8–16 weeks at sea and some of the strictest biosecurity rules anywhere. Here is what removals to Australia cost, how long they take, and what to clean or leave behind.
Last updated: October 2026 · 4 min read
Written and fact-checked by the Removly editorial team · How we research prices
How much do removals to Australia cost?
A sole-use 20ft container from the UK starts from about £4,800 to an Australian port, and a 40ft from about £7,600. Those are port prices from published 2026 guides — destination charges, customs handling and delivery to your door come on top, and full door-to-door quotes can be much higher.
Source: published 2026 price guides from UK international movers (ShipIt, PSS Removals) (2026) — prices to the arrival port; vary by port
Smaller moves usually share a container and pay for the space they use, which is the cheapest way to go. The port matters too: Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane all price differently. A video survey gets you a fixed, door-to-door figure.
How do removals to Australia work?
Nearly every household goes by sea. Door to door takes about 8–16 weeks, and a shared container can take longer while it waits to fill. Shipments land at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle for Perth, or Adelaide.
With that much time at sea, plan for the gap. Pack a few weeks of essentials to fly with you, and consider storage in the UK for anything that can follow later. Everything in the container needs export wrapping — it will be handled several times on the way.
What is form B534, and do you pay duty?
Goods shipped separately from you are declared to Australian Border Force on form B534, the Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Your mover's agent usually lodges it with you.
The key rule is twelve months. Things you have owned and used overseas for a year or more are generally duty-free. Anything newer must be declared and may attract duty and taxes — so that new sofa bought for the move is worth a second thought.
Your goods can arrive before or after you. Expect to show proof of the move, such as a ticket, a job contract or a university offer.
Source: Australian Border Force (form B534) (2026)
What do Australian biosecurity rules mean for your things?
This is where moves to Australia go wrong. Form B534 asks you to declare food, plant and animal products, furniture made of wood, cane or bamboo, and anything carrying soil, along with alcohol, tobacco and medicines.
- Scrub garden tools, bikes, shoes, boots and outdoor furniture free of soil.
- Leave food, plants and seeds behind.
- List wicker, cane, bamboo and untreated wood on the inventory.
If inspectors find a problem, they can order cleaning or fumigation, and the owner pays. A clean shed now is cheaper than treatment in Sydney.
How do you choose a removal company for Australia?
Ask who handles the Australian end, and whether the price is to the port or to your door. FIDI's FAIM is the independently audited quality standard in international moving; BAR Overseas and IAM membership show experience, but are not the same audit.
Then compare like for like — container or shared, port, packing, insurance and destination charges. Our international removals page has the questions to ask, and removals to Dubai covers the other big long-haul route from the UK.
Removals to Australia: FAQs
How much does it cost to ship furniture to Australia from the UK?
A sole-use 20ft container starts from about £4,800 and a 40ft from about £7,600, to the arrival port, based on published 2026 price guides. Destination charges and delivery to your door are extra, and full door-to-door quotes can be much higher. A survey gives the real number.
How long does it take to ship household goods to Australia?
About 8–16 weeks door to door by sea, depending on the port and whether you share a container. Shared containers can take longer because they wait to fill. Air freight is far quicker for a few essentials.
Do I pay duty on my furniture when moving to Australia?
Generally not on goods you have owned and used overseas for 12 months or more. Anything owned for less than that must be declared on form B534 and may attract duty and taxes, according to Australian Border Force.
Can my belongings arrive in Australia before I do?
Yes. Shipments can arrive before or after you, but you may need proof that you are moving — a ticket, a job contract or a university offer. Tell your mover your dates so the paperwork matches.
Which items cause problems with Australian biosecurity?
Anything with soil on it, wooden, cane or bamboo furniture, food, and plant or animal products. Clean garden tools, bikes and shoes before packing; inspection can lead to cleaning or fumigation, and the owner pays for it.