Your Comprehensive International Removal Cost Guide
The prospect of moving overseas – whether it be to Europe, America, Asia or elsewhere – could be pretty exciting. After all, there’s nothing like starting fresh somewhere you’ve never been to – or if you have, it could be a place you’ve only ever visited as a tourist or guest. Also, getting to know a different country, discovering new ways of living (culture) and meeting new people are adventures in and of themselves.
However, whether you’re relocating internationally for work, education or another reason temporarily or permanently, alone or with your family, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with international removals prices.
While the last few months before your international move from Australia would probably be spent on packing, finalising logistical arrangements and a lot of paperwork, you need to prepare for the cost of moving abroad first.
After all, you would want to keep your stress to a minimum during this very busy period. One way of doing this is by staying on top of shipping costs when moving overseas. And to make this step a little easier for you, we’ve put together this guide to average international moving costs.
➜ Learn more about Relocation WA's International Removals
Jump to Section [Quick Links]
» How Much Does it Cost to Move Overseas?
» How Are International Removalist Costs Calculated?
» Moving Overseas Shipping Costs by Destination
» International Removal Prices Examples by Number of Bedrooms
» Other Overseas Moving Cost Considerations
» Unexpected Costs of International Moving
» How to Lower the Cost of My International Relocation?
» Travelling Cost When Moving Overseas
Disclaimer: All costs stated in this guide are in Australian dollars (unless otherwise indicated) and are indicative only, reflecting industry pricing. The average costs presented do not necessarily represent Relocations WA’s own pricing scheme. Costs can change frequently depending on many factors, such as the time of year you are booking the services of your chosen removalist, the amount of possessions you wish to move, your destination country, etc.
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How Much Does It Cost to Move Overseas?
When your move abroad is imminent, one of your first few questions will likely be: How much money do I need to move overseas? How much does it cost to move furniture overseas? How much does an international move cost?
Calculating how much you’ll spend is no simple matter as the cost of moving abroad from Australia depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- Where you are moving to
- When you plan to move (peak or off-season)
- How much of your possessions you want to move
- Whether you are moving with pets
- Whether you’ll be moving your things by sea or air
- Whether you’ll need temporary accommodation
- Whether you’ll be using temporary storage facilities in your host country
For example, the overall average international cost of moving the contents of a 3-bedroom home when moving from Australia to the United Kingdom can range between $5,000 and $8,500 (excludes goods and services tax or GST). This ballpark estimate involves moving the furnishings and belongings of a 3-bedroom dwelling valued at around $75,000* from port to port or by sea. This estimate does not include your airfare, immigration fees and the cost of related paperwork, pet boarding and relocation, labour, etc.
Also, the cost of moving abroad could also be less if you decide to sell off or give away a large portion of your possessions, whether it be certain household furnishings and appliances, clothes, hobby items, etc.
Our reason for using a 3-bedroom as a basis is because according to the latest data published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, the average number of people per household in the country is 2.6.
Of course, you may be living alone or have more family members moving with you. Whichever scenario applies to you; you’ll need to get reliable international moving quotes. This way, you can prepare financially, well ahead of your moving date.
To get your personalised international move quote, just click on the button below.
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International Removal Prices Examples by Number of Bedrooms
Choose from the following bedroom sizes to get typical estimates updated for this year to get an idea of the estimated cost of moving between UK and Australia as well as between Australia and New Zealand (see tabs).
Here are some examples of average international moving cost ranges by number of bedrooms when moving between Western Australia and UK.
1 Bedroom |
The average international moving cost to UK for a 1-bedroom dwelling is between $5,000 and $7,500 (excludes GST) |
|
2 Bedrooms |
A good overseas moving cost to UK estimate for a 2-bedroom dwelling ranges between $7,000 and $10,000 (excludes GST) |
|
3 Bedrooms |
For this move to UK, a fair cost estimate for a 3-bedroom would cost anywhere between $12,500 and $17,000 (excludes GST) |
|
4 Bedrooms |
A move to UK from a 4-bedroom dwelling could cost an average of somewhere between $13,500 and $18,000 (excludes GST) |
|
5 Bedrooms |
The average cost of a move from Australia to UK from a 5-bedroom house could range between $19,000 and $26,000 (excludes GST) |
➜ Learn more about Moving from Australia to UK (& vice versa)
Unexpected Costs of International Moving
Jetting off to another country is thrilling, but don't forget to brace yourself for those sneaky surprise costs that usually pop up during international moves.
Cancellations made at the last minute
It doesn't happen often, but sometimes, life throws a curveball, and folks must cancel or delay a move. When that happens, most international moving companies might slap on scaling cancellation fees, especially if it's at the eleventh hour. These fees help cover the resources set aside for your move that they might not be able to sell off quickly enough to cover their costs. Now, some movers are offering a cancellation waiver—a little upfront fee that saves you from getting hit with those cancellation charges if you need to postpone or cancel your move suddenly. Wondering how much does it cost to move overseas? This waiver might be a lifesaver in case plans change unexpectedly.
Ways to mitigate unexpected expenses: Life throws curveballs sometimes, so here's a top tip: Take a peek at your removal company's terms and conditions. That way, you'll know about any surprise charges or financial protection they've got lined up.
Changes in currency values
Usually, the container space fees on a ship are in US dollars or Euros, while local currency covers destination services in international moving. But, you know, between that quoting time and when the shipment sails, things can change. Usually, the moving company handles small shifts in rates, taking a hit or gaining a bit in profit. Yet, when there are significant changes—like economic roller coasters—these cost swings might hit you in international moving. If the rate change doesn't swing your way, brace yourself for potential extra charges when your mover gets the actual freight or destination costs.
How to Lower the Cost of My International Relocation?
Here are a few cost-saving ideas:
- Cut down on what you're moving: Before the big move, give your stuff a once-over to bring only what you need for removal prices.
- Keep your move date flexible: Think about quieter days—like school breaks, Fridays, or end-of-month rushes—for potential deals from movers.
- Keep an open schedule: Choosing slower sailings or fitting in with the moving company's nearby work could improve your deal for international furniture removal prices. Smaller shipments might get a sweet rate without needing a memorable trip.
- Be ready to roll: Get all your paperwork in gear to speed shipping. Quick tip—loading straight from home to the port (if doable) might save you some cash instead of going through the company warehouse.
- Get covered: Transit protection might seem like a small expense, but it's better than footing the bill for damaged items or getting caught in a maritime mess for removal prices.
- Go with the pros: Pick a certified company to lower the odds of surprise costs if things don't go as planned for removal prices.
Other Overseas Moving Cost Considerations
Before you finalise your international moving cost calculations, you also need to take into consideration some often unexpected fees that can add to your overseas moving expenses.
Customs Duty for Moving Furniture Overseas
Whilst relocating to any country, it is critical to have all of the necessary paperwork for entry. Keep in mind that regulations, particularly duty tax amounts and percentages, vary frequently and could change without warning. Therefore, having a current list of documents, forms, and matching customs requirements provided by the destination agency and/or the country’s customs authorities is important. A copy of your passport and visa, an inventory of the goods being delivered, and country-specific importation paperwork are all common documentation requirements.
Note that some countries have customs duties even if you’re bringing in used furniture.
In general, however, household goods must be six months to a year old to be deemed duty exempt; otherwise, they may be subject to taxation.
Visa Costs
Unlike tourist visas, getting a visa for a long-term stay can be more complicated. Depending on the visa you are applying for, you can expect to spend upwards of $5,000.
To save time and reduce stress, you could look into hiring a migration agent who’s well-versed with all the requirements. Of course, if you take this route, you should also prepare a budget for this service.
An initial consultation with a migration agent could cost you $100, whilst end-to-end assistance with sponsorship and visa application matters could set you back by about $2,500 or more per person.
Clearance at Customs, Duties, and Taxes
When you're moving abroad, one thing you can't control is the fees and taxes slapped on by the new country. These costs can become pretty hefty, so consider what they might mean for your wallet especially when you’re mulling over how much does it cost to move countries.
Here's the deal: Most moving companies don't profit from these fees—they just pass on what the government charges on your stuff in overseas relocation. They might make you sign paperwork saying you'll cover these costs, but it's not money going into their pockets.
These charges—customs duties—depend on what you're shipping and how much it's worth in overseas relocation. Generally, the fancier the goods, the higher the fees.
Then, taxes are connected to the value of what you bring. But unlike customs duties, taxes vary depending on the type of items. So, before you make that big international move, it's smart to dig into customs duties and taxes to figure out precisely what you'll be shelling out once you land in the new spot.
Travelling Cost When Moving Overseas (One-Way Flight Tickets)
Travelling costs are not always the first thing you would consider in your overall calculation when moving overseas, however, it can definitely add quite a bit to your overall expenses.
In general, the earlier you book your flights, the cheaper it will be.
Perth - UK
Travel Cost (Economy)
Perth – London, UK
Adult Ticket Cost: ~$595 to 1,484
1 Adult + Child (Up to 11 Years Old) Ticket Cost Per Passenger: ~$1,159 to 2,212
*Note: Flight costs change all the time, please do your own research online for accurate flight ticket prices. The ticket prices quoted also do not include visa-related and customs fees.
Perth - New Zealand
Costs of Optional International Removal Services
The below list gives you an indication of costs for optional overseas moving services.
Storage Costs
Storage can be very useful if you are moving overseas for a set period of time and you don't want to bring all your belongings with you.
It helps to get your head around storage prices before you ask for quotes. There are several storage options available, for example container storage or self storage units. For 12 month container storage in Australia, you could be looking at around $70 per month. Self storage units could cost you anywhere between $70-$400 per month, depending on the space required and length of storage services.
If you don’t want to have all of your goods delivered to your new house at the new destination right away, you’ll have to find a storage facility in the country you are moving to for this particular need. You can also ask us to help you find a suitable storage provider and we might even have local contacts. Don’t forget to get transit protection for your peace of mind, too.
➜ Learn more about our Removals and Storage Solutions
International Transit Protection Costs
The cost of protecting your goods would depend on how much is being transported or the volume of the items, the shipping mode, route and distance.
Overseas transit protection costs start from around $120.
➜ Learn more about Transit Protection
International Money Transfer Fees
When making international money transfers, you will find the fees vary significantly as well as the exchange rates. Whilst using your local bank may be convenient, it could also be more expensive compared to other Money Transfer options. At Relocations WA, we have partnered with a reliable and cost effective international money transfer platform.
To ensure you don’t lose money, it’s best to do your research to ensure you’re not saving on fees at the expense of the exchange rate and vice versa.
➜ Learn more about International Money Transfer Costs
Packing Services Cost
Relocations WA offer packing (and unpacking) services to their customers. The cost factors usually involve how much needs to be packed and how soon. You’ll also need to factor in any fragile, high-value or big-ticket items that require specialised packing materials.
To give you an idea of how much a box costs, a standard carton is priced at $22, a book carton at $6.50, and a porta robe at $24.00 per carton.
➜ Learn more about Moving Overseas Packing Costs
Vacate Cleaning Prices
Cleaning costs vary depending on which services you want from your removalist. Normally you'll be provided with a cleaning checklist or an itemised list with options like vacuuming, mopping floors, sanitizing toilets and sinks, and organizing bedrooms.
On average, vacate cleaning costs can be between $200 - $1,000 (depending on the size of your dwelling).
➜ More info on Vacate Cleaning
International Pet Transport Cost
If you have fur babies, you’ll want to take your pets with you – not unless you’re planning to get them rehomed or adopted. But if you’re taking them to your new place, you’ll need to arrange for their safe transportation to your new residence, either personally or through a removalist. You can of course ask us to provide pet transportation as part of your overseas relocation. In any case, pet shipping costs vary significantly depending on the services you need, like blood tests, collection from your Australia residence, microchipping, veterinary checks, flight bookings, import permits, government health certificates and approvals, etc. To answer the question ‘how much does it cost to ship a pet overseas’, you need to identify the services you need.
To give you an idea, a cat might cost you anywhere from $700 to $2,000 to transport overseas, while shipping a dog abroad can set you back by around $2,000 to $7,000.
The final cost would also depend on which country you’re taking your pet and might also include pet boarding should you need this additional service.
Why Opt for Relocations WA for Your International Move?
When you want a stress-free move with a reliable, friendly and professional local, interstate and international removalist, then Relocations WA is a natural choice.
With us, you are assured of cheerful and top-notch services without any unpleasant surprises and hidden fees that could ruin your budget because we’re upfront with all our fees and dealings.
At Relocations WA, we’ve seen it all with our nearly six decades of service.
We encourage you to find out the quality of our services by checking out our many Google reviews from satisfied clients.
Take advantage of our personalised, tailored full relocation services.
55+ Years Experience with International Moves
Personalised & Tailored International Moving Service
73 Five Star Google Reviews (and growing)
