Getting ready to embark on your Aussie adventure is a big change. But worry not – planning your move to Australia from the UK doesn’t have to be a headache! We’re here to help simplify the process, so you can focus on the excitement that awaits. Our guide has all the tips, tricks, and insider info you need to set you on the path to a smooth and cost-effective move Down Under.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
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How Much to Budget For A Move to Australia?
Moving to the Land Down Under from the UK can be a bit heavy on the wallet, but with so much distance to cover, you probably expected as much. On average, a move to Australia is estimated at around £2500.
Here’s the ballpark for moving your belongings to Australia by shipping container, alongside some average charges for add-on services:
| Size of House | Shipping Container | Other Removals Charges |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or 3 bedrooms | £1,200 to £1,300 (20 feet) | £500 |
| 4 or 5 bedrooms | £1,600 to £3,300 (20 feet) | £750 |
| 6 or more bedrooms | £1,900 to £4,000 (40 feet) | £900 |
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Breaking Down the Cost of Your Move to Australia
Here’s the good news: we’re here to shed light on what determines your removal expenses to Australia, and how you can ensure you get the best deal and value for money. So, let’s dive into the core factors on which international removal companies tend to base the shipping rates in their quotes:
1. Transport from the UK to Australia
For a distance of over 9,000 miles, air transportation is the fastest and most convenient when moving to Australia from the UK. Having said that, you can opt for the cheaper option and have your belongings shipped to the antipodes via sea freight in a 20- or 40-foot container. In this case, the removal company takes care of the loading and transportation to the port of departure, before sealing your belongings in a container to ship to Australia.
1.1 What’s the Wait for Sea Freight vs Airfreight?
Flying your stuff over by plane takes only a few days, while the sea route for shipping your belongings to Australia is typically around 6-8 weeks. It’s important to keep in mind that upon arrival, you should account for an additional 2 weeks for customs formalities and quarantine before your items are released. That goes for both, sea and air transport.
2. Add-on Relocation Services
Moving to Australia can be a real game-changer, and let’s face it, you might be feeling a bit lost in the process. But hey, that’s where international moving companies come to the rescue! In addition to collecting and shipping your personal belongings from the UK, most international movers provide add-on moving services.
Now, while the fees for these extras can vary depending on the moving company, let’s dive into the approximate costs and the nitty-gritty of the handiest relocation services:
2.1. Popular Services for UK-AU Moves
| Type of service | Service description | Cost estimates |
|---|---|---|
| Packing services | Removal specialists will provide professional packing services for all your belongings | £150 – £400 |
| Disassembly and reassembly | If you need help disassembling and reassembling your furniture before and after the move, such services are available. | £125 |
| Cleaninig services | If you need someone to clean your old and new house, removal specialists can help. | £15 per hour |
| Storage services | If you need a place to store your items before moving into your new house, storage services are available. | £30 per week |
| Handyman services | Expert dismantles and installation of lighting and electrical fixtures, appliances, etc. | £50 per hour |
| Piano removal | Provides safe removal with specialist equipment and special care. | £120 – £480 |
2.2. Packing Service
International movers offer a full packing service or a partial one just for your sensitive and fragile items. You’ll enjoy knowing your items are wrapped and packed by experts using high-quality protective materials to keep everything secure for the journey. And, the moving company takes responsibility in the case of any potential damages during the process.
2.3. Cleaning Service
Cleaning can be a real hassle, especially when you’re juggling a packed schedule. But don’t worry, you don’t have to handle this task solo! Most moving companies can hook you up with professional cleaning services to get your old place up to par on moveout and make your new home spotless for your arrival.
2.4. Storage Solution at Destination
When you touch down in Australia, you might find yourself in a spot where you need some temporary storage for your items or furniture – especially if you haven’t yet locked in a permanent place to stay. In this case, ask for a complete international moving quote to explore all your storage options.
2.5. Administrative Tasks for Moving to Australia
International removals over a long distance usually demand extra bureaucracy and administrative tasks. Most global relocation firms can support you when it comes to things like tackling customs, official paperwork or dealing with authorities. Plus, many even offer expat support to help you feel right at home in your new location.
2.6. International Insurance Coverage
Finally, most professional removal companies provide an insurance policy that covers your belongings while they are being handled and in transit. The price of international moving insurance usually adds up to about 1 to 3% of your total moving expenses. It’s a safeguard that your regular home insurance policy may not offer.
Sea- and Airfreight Hacks to Cut Costs
Whether you’re going for sea or air shipping for your Australian relocation, there are ways to reduce costs with both of them if you just know how. We’re here to show you various strategies that can help you lower those UK-AU shipping costs and make your move easier on the wallet. Let’s get right to it:
1. Sea Freight
Let’s start with the ins and outs of sea freight – what are the conditions, and how can you make it more cost-effective?
• Group Container
There are two different sizes for a shipping container (20- or 40-ft). But you can also opt for the grouping solution. If your volume to be transported is less than 33 m3 for example, you can save money by sharing a container space with another one of your removal company’s clients.
A group move does require you to have more flexibility for your move date, as your remover will likely only send the container on its way once it’s full. Delivery times can, therefore, be longer – on average up to two months total.
2. Airfreight
If you’re in a rush, going for airfreight to Australia is an option, but it can be pricey. So, our advice is that it’s best to air-ship small quantities (less than 10 boxes) with essential items or your immediate on-site business supplies.
Here are some smart do’s and don’ts to trim expenses with airfreight:
• Deposit + Delivery or Collection
Depending on your schedule and needs, you have several options to cut costs on the first and last leg of your shipment’s journey:
- Airport Drop-off and Pick-up: You can take on transport of your belongings to your new home in Australia yourself. This solution is cheaper, of course, though keep in mind that Australia is a large country and it may require several days to get your items to the final address.
- Deposit and Delivery: Your removal company picks up your belongings from you in the UK and arranges for at-home delivery in Australia via a partner carrier. This service is simpler and saves you time, but also more expensive.
• Can You Fly Over Your Stuff As Excess Baggage?
Maybe you’ve thought about bringing some of your stuff with you on the plane as excess baggage – though, it’s not a very cost-effective choice. Airlines tend to charge hefty fees for excess baggage, especially once you go beyond the first 5 kilos.
What Should You Take With You When Moving to Australia?
One of the most essential things to remember when planning a move to a far-off country, is that you can’t bring everything with you. Some items may just not be worth the extra cost as volume increases. To help you evaluate what to bring, think about the amount of space you’ve got available in your shipping container, and avoid overcrowding to prevent damage.
Consider Customs Restrictions
When it comes to imports, Australia has some particularly restrictive customs regulations, for reasons like to protect its people. The Indigenous Australian communities have lower immunity and are consequently more susceptible to outside influences and newly introduced strains that could be brought in.
For example, no soil on your shoes or clothes is allowed, and there’s and restrictions on food imports, etc. Find a non-exhaustive list of these regulations on the Australian government website.
7 Tips to a Hassle-free Move to Australia
Let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know to be well-prepared for your Oz adventure:
1. Get Your Quotes Early and Compare
Each relocation firm offers different services, pricing, and specialisations, so it’s essential to cast a wide net and explore your options. And, remember to get those moving quotes early! It gives you room to score the best deal for your move to Australia. Planning ahead really does pay off!
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2. Save Important Documents
Keep valuable documents on you rather than having them shipped across. You may need things like marriage certificates or birth certificates to prove your identity and status in Australia as well as your passport, so make sure these don’t follow on after your arrival. If possible, make a digital copy before leaving on a hard drive and a hard copy to keep in your luggage.
3. Australian Visa & Immigration
Working and living in Australia means that you need to have a valid residence permit or visa for you and your family beforehand. Tourist visas are limited to short-term visits only and are not acceptable to the Australian authorities if you intend to remain permanently.
Find the entry conditions on the website of the UK Embassy in Australia.
4. Purchasing Power in Australia
Factor in your living expenses before heading Down Under. Everyday goods and rental prices in Australia tend to be higher, on average, than in the UK. Be prepared to spend more on services, too. Having said that, average salaries in Australia are generally higher as well, which can balance the equation if you have a job lined up.
5. Finding Accommodation
Finding a place to live in Australia when you’re still in the UK can be a bit tricky. Luckily, there are many relocation agencies that can help you find accommodation that suits your needs. And if you are transferred Down Under by your employer, they might even set you up with a temporary place for the first few months and support you with getting settled in.
6. The Australian School System
When it comes to educating your children in Australia, it’s important to do your research. Now, the rules can vary some depending on which Aussie state you’re in, but here’s the deal: if you’re moving here on certain types of visas, you may need to pay towards your kids’ education. Yep, this even applies to toddlers who are heading to kindergarten.
7. Voltage Difference
Australia uses a different voltage than the UK for larger household appliances and TV-Hifi equipment, which may damage your devices. Only bring electronic devices and small household appliances with you to Oz, that are compatible with the voltage (220-240V) and frequency (50Hz) here.
8. Finding the Best International Removalist
Bringing in the pros for your UK-to-Australia journey is like adding extra hours to your day. And our online quotes service makes finding the ideal international mover for your Oz relocation really easy for you. Just pick the offer that suits your preferences and service requirements, ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
