The sheer distance from the UK means shipping furniture to Australia is expensive and can take a long time – up to around 12 weeks is fairly standard.
When
moving to Australia, taking both cost and speed into account, it’s worth carefully considering what you need to ship and what might be best bought new or second-hand after you arrive.
International removal costs
If you engage a
reputable international removals company, base shipping costs will be transparent and generally calculated on the cubic volume of goods that need to be shipped and where in Australia you are shipping your belongings to.
The cost of shipping furniture from the UK to Australia will vary between firms and depending upon any special requirements.
This can start at around £800 for a small shipment in a shared container and can range from around £3,000 to £5,000 to ship the contents of an average 2-3 bedroom family home.
Additional costs
When choosing an international removal company for your move to Australia, it is important to be aware of any additional costs and expenses that may be incurred.
Additional fees may apply over and above any moving quote you receive – for example any applicable custom fees or duties or import taxes.
Additional services you may want to pay for include:
Australian import restrictions
Australia has extremely strict border and custom controls with regards to certain materials.
Some natural fibres, such as bark and straw based goods, cannot be brought into the country, and quarantine inspectors may require other items to be fumigated or treated to prevent the risk of introducing exotic pests and diseases – this will result in additional charges so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with Australian import restrictions beforehand.
International removals insurance
If you do decide to ship your valuable belongings if you relocate to Australia, it’s important to ensure that they are sufficiently protected against loss or damage in transit.
Some removal companies may have liability cover as standard, but this is often limited and is unlikely to cover the cost of your belongings.
Marine shipping insurance
It’s usually recommended that you take out a marine shipping insurance policy – and in fact some companies require you to take out such a policy as a condition of contract.
International removals insurance costs
As with any other type of insurance, prices can vary between insurers and depend on the level of cover you decide to take – some may offer limited cover against loss only, while others provide more comprehensive cover for loss, theft, or damage.
Premiums are usually based on a percentage of the total value of the insured items (typically between 1 per cent and 5 per cent) and policies may be arranged either through the removals firm, via a third-party broker or directly with an insurer.
Choosing an international removals company
In common with any decision about which provider to go with, it’s important to
compare removals companies not only on price but also on standards of service.
Pay attention to what is included in the price and look online for reviews and testimonials from previous customers.
We also recommend using a company that is registered with an established trade association and follows standards.
Shipping furniture to Australia FAQs
How much does it cost to ship furniture to Australia?
The cost of shipping furniture to Australia can vary depending on how many items you are shipping, what part of Australia you are moving to, and if you require any additional services.
The average cost of shipping furniture to Australia ranges from around £6000-£8000 without insurance.
How do I move my belongings to Australia?
There are different options for moving your personal belongings to Australia, but sea freight is the cheapest way to import items to Australia.
Your items will be transported in shipping containers and depending on what service you pay for this can be a door-to-door service.
This process usually takes around 12 weeks so it is important to organise things in advance to make sure your belongings arrive when you do in Australia.
Can you ship wooden furniture to Australia?
You can ship certain types of wooden furniture, but they must comply with the Australian import standards.
Wooden furniture must be clean, free of bark, insects, soil, and contaminants. Items must be declared and will be treated to make sure they are free from biosecurity risks.