Removals to Australia: Your complete guide in 2025

To help you plan, this guide will cover various removal methods, costs, timings, customs requirements, and how proper support can make international removals relatively stress-free. 

We’ll also touch on the financial aspect of moving to another country. Managing your finances is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of international relocation. International money transfer providers like Wise can help simplify currency exchange and international payments during your move to Australia.

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Key takeaways

• Moving to Australia will be more or less challenging depending on how much you intend to ship, and whether you choose a DIY relocation or a supported move
• Plan well ahead if you’re shipping household goods by sea – from Europe you may find your container takes 12 weeks to arrive
• Air freight is a very quick way to move your goods – but also extremely expensive 
• Australia has very strict biocontrol measures so you must be familiar with which items can be taken into the country and which are not allowed
• Manage your international payments as you move, with a provider like Wise which lets you pay shippers, taxes, port fees and more, easily in AUD, with the mid-market rate and low fees

Understanding international removals to Australia

Every relocation is different and so to build a picture of the services you need, the time your move will take and what it’s likely to cost, you’ll need to think carefully about what you want to take with you.

Possible relocation methods can vary depending on what you’re bringing. Taking a handful of personal items and sentimental furniture will work quite differently to shipping your vehicles and your entire household’s worth of personal effects.

The good news is that you have plenty of options for your move, and you can also access good support from specialist services along the way. This guide walks through some important things to think about so you can decide on your best relocation method, to set a timeline and budget.

While you’re planning your relocation budget, consider how you’ll handle currency exchange and international payments. Banks often charge high fees and unfavorable exchange rates for international transfers. Money transfer providers like Wise offer the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, which can help save you money on large relocation expenses, from removal company payments to initial setup costs in Australia.

Step-by-step removal to Australia: Process timeline

The timeline for shipping your goods to Australia will depend on several factors, including where in the world you are based, the volume of goods you’re taking with you, the shipment method selected and the providers you use to support your move.

You’ll need to start the initial research process as early as possible to give yourself adequate time. Getting a visa may take a significant period depending on the visa type you choose, and once your goods are on their way you may still have a wait of several weeks or even months.

Here are a few pointers to help you plan:

• 12 months+ before: Research, choose and apply for your visa or residency in Australia
• 6-8 months before: Plan which goods to take and the budget needed for relocation, source company comparisons and specific quotes
• 4-6 months before: Book your removal company, start customs documentation preparation via an agent where possible
• 2-3 months before: Finalizing inventory, arranging insurance, confirming delivery details including any required storage
• Packing week: Final preparations, packing, confirming of all documentation for customs clearance
• Shipping week: Final checks, handover, options for tracking shipment made available
• Upon arrival: Customs clearance, delivery, unpacking, settling into your new home

Pro tip: Arranging the shipment of your goods to Australia is complex and subject to legal requirements including customs and biosecurity processes and possible tax liabilities. If you’re shipping more than a few personal items, having a professional shipping agency help you with the paperwork and required process can save time, hassle and stress – and keep you on the right side of the law.

Keep reading as we cover the different freight types usually suggested for removals to Australia, below.

Different originating countries and freight services can have different timelines, including packing times which can not be estimated without an individual quote – take that into consideration when preparing to move from your home country to Australia.

Insider tip – Using Wise for paying for services when relocating to another country

Moving is stressful, but sending money overseas doesn’t have to be. Choose a provider like Wise which offers easy, low cost transfers with the mid-market exchange rate to pay for your shipping, taxes and other fees. Here’s what one Wise customer said about the service:

“Wise is a great financial platform.

Easy to understand and excellent fees. As a person in a relocation process, having to pay for services that are not local, it can be the best way to do it.”

Air freight removals to Australia

Air freight removals will fly your goods to Australia in a relatively quick time. However, they’re very expensive and so not usually recommended for sending more than a handful of urgent items.

While sea shipments will take weeks for your items to arrive in Australia, air freight may take only a few days. Costs can be 5x or more the price of shipping items by sea.

If you’re considering using air freight you’ll need to research the specific costs and options for your location. The ultimate price of air freight removals to Australia depends on the volume and weight of the items you ship, your location, and the end location in Australia.

Sea freight removals to Australia

Sea freight is usually the recommended option for shipping larger volumes of goods to Australia. If you’re moving an entire household, or shipping a vehicle this is likely to be the best choice.

Sea freight removals to Australia may take 3 – 5 weeks from a closer country like Singapore – or 12 weeks or more from Europe. This makes it essential to budget extra time and ship non-essentials weeks before your own departure.

There are different ways you can arrange sea freight removals depending on how much you need to take with you. Shipping containers are usually 10, 20, or 40 feet long, with standard width and height. You’ll have the option of filling a container yourself (known as FCL – full container load), or sending a less than container load (LCL), or using groupage, which is another shared container method.

Your shipping agent will help guide you through this process if you use one, including estimating the size of container required.

Road and rail freight to Australia

While you can’t ship your items to Australia by road or rail, these methods may be needed to get your goods where they need to be on arrival in Australia. 

If you’ve chosen a door to door service, your shipping company can arrange the delivery of your items from the port to your home. Or if you’ve selected a port destination as the final drop off, you’ll need to find a removal company to support the onward move of your items.

If you’ve only shipped a couple of boxes you may also consider a self-hire option to get your own van and make the final leg of your journey alone.

International relocation companies

International relocation companies can offer a full-service option from packing to unpacking and setup in your new home. This means you don’t have to worry about choosing the shipment type or size, or completing customs paperwork, packing or drop off in your new home in Australia.

You’ll pay extra to use an international relocation company – but this can still be worthwhile to help you manage all the elements of your move as efficiently as possible.

To get a feel for your options you’ll need to get some individual quotes from removals companies based on your shipment needs. Do this well in advance as the shipping time can be long, and companies may have limited availability for things like packing services if you need them.

Here are a couple of ideas of costs and shipping timelines to give you an idea:

*Different countries and freight services can have different timelines, including packing times which can not be estimated without an individual quote – take that into consideration when preparing to move from your home country to Australia

How to find an international relocation company

If you want to find an international relocation company your starting point should be getting quotes and service information from several providers to allow you to build a picture of the market in your location.

Things you’ll need to check when comparing companies can include:

• What is the overall cost for the shipping service – and what exactly is included for this fee?
• Can the service meet your required timelines both for the packing stage, shipping and for unloading in Australia?
• What support is offered outside of the physical movement of goods – pack/unpack service or help with clearing customs for example?
• Are your goods insured during the shipment, and if so to what value?
• Who do you talk to if you have questions or concerns?
• What’s your recourse if items are damaged or lost in transit, or during packing and unpacking?

DIY vs. Professional relocation services

Managing your packing and shipment on your own leaves you in complete control and can save money on some fees. However, you’re also then personally in charge of navigating the shipment and customs process, which can involve plenty of paperwork and a lot of legal responsibility.

There’s not one right option here – if you only have a small amount to move, or if you’re very confident about managing the process yourself a DIY move is completely possible. However, using a professional can offer a few  handy benefits including a safe and expert pack up and unload, advice on required insurance, support with customs handling, and local language assistance where needed.

Whether you choose DIY or professional relocation services, you’ll need to manage international payments efficiently. The Wise account can help you hold and convert money between your home currency and AUD, giving you flexibility during the transition and can help save money when exchanging currency.

Customs and import regulations for Australia

Customs and import regulations for Australia are overseen by the Australian Border Force, while the Agriculture Department covers biosecurity when moving to Australia.

Research the rules for shipping unaccompanied personal effects to Australia before you start to pack. Some items can not be brought into the country, and some may require you to make declarations or pay VAT on arrival. Very importantly, there are strictly biosecurity measures in place which means imported items have to be checked and in some cases may be subject to quarantine. If you try to bring in goods which are not permitted they may be destroyed at your cost and you may be liable to legal action.

It’s also vital to learn about any applicable tax or VAT on your imports. There are details on Australia’s customs authority website ‘moving to Australia page’. If you are permanently relocating to Australia, some goods may not be subject to tax or duties, but vehicles are normally taxes. Get professional advice so you know what to expect here.

Managing your finances during international relocation

You can’t usually open a bank account with an Australian bank before you arrive in the country. Even where banks let you start your application in advance you must visit a branch on arrival to get verified before you can transact.

That’s not convenient if you need to pay for things in AUD before you arrive – but Wise can help.

Open a Wise multi-currency account before you move to Australia, to hold AUD and convert between currencies, with the mid-market rate and low, transparent fees. Plus the Wise card lets you spend in AUD without foreign transaction fees so you can hit the ground running on arrival without getting stuck with excess costs for using a foreign card.

Conclusion

Moving countries is daunting. But while international removals can seem complex, with proper knowledge, planning, and tools, it can be a manageable and stress-free process.

Before you get too far in planning your relocation to Australia you’ll need to understand Australia’s customs and biosecurity rules, research and choose the right removal method, and put in place a realistic budget to cover all your costs.

While you’re thinking about smart financial planning for your move, check out Wise as an excellent way to manage AUD payments during your move. Hold and convert AUD with no stress and no hidden fees, to make your move that little bit cheaper and easier.

FAQ: Relocating to Australia

How much does it cost to move belongings to Australia?

The costs of moving to Australia vary greatly by shipment volume, service type, and origin. To choose the right service you’ll need to get multiple quotes from providers – and remember to factor in all additional costs including customs duties, insurance and taxes. You’ll also need to consider currency exchange costs. Using Wise for AUD payments can save you money compared to Swift bank transfers, with mid-market rate conversions and low, transparent transfer fees.

What documents do I need for customs when moving to Australia?

The essential documents you’ll need to ship your goods to Australia can include your passport, residency permits, a detailed inventory, and a suite of customs forms which depends on the type of goods in your shipment. Documents could also vary depending on the origin of your shipment – having accurate documentation is vital, so get professional advice if you’re unsure.

Can I save money on currency exchange when moving to Australia?

You may be able to save money on currency conversions to AUD with Wise. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and low fees, which you can see before you transact. Use your Wise account to receive, send, spend, hold and exchange AUD alongside other major currencies, to make your relocation a bit easier.

Do I need to pay customs duties when moving personal belongings to Australia?

In some cases you may not have to pay customs duty and GST if you meet permanent residency requirements in Australia. Rules apply on the goods you can bring in, and the type of visa which is eligible. Tax and duty rules could vary depending on the origin and type of shipment – consult customs authorities and professional movers to get advice based on your own situation.

Useful Resources and Tools

• Australian Border Force – Australia’s customs authority website ‘moving to Australia page’
• Australian Border Force – unaccompanied personal effects page
• Agriculture Department – biosecurity when moving to Australia 
• Home Affairs – Australia’s immigration department landing page
• ImmiAccount – government portal to submit and manage your visa application
• Australian International Movers Association – Professional association for movers in Australia
• AIMA members directory – find movers affiliated with the Australian International Movers Association