What does an international move from Australia cost?
International moving costs are significantly higher than domestic moves and vary enormously based on your destination, how much you're shipping, and whether you choose sea or air freight. Most people moving a full household overseas should budget $8,000–$20,000 for the freight component alone, before visa fees, flights, and initial accommodation at the destination.
Sea vs air freight — which should you choose?
For almost all full household moves, sea freight is the right choice. Air freight for a full house is rarely practical — a 2-bedroom home contains roughly 35 cubic metres of goods, which at typical air freight rates would cost $80,000–$120,000. Air freight makes sense for urgent priority items (a few suitcases worth of essentials) while the bulk of your belongings travel by sea.
Sea freight transit takes 2–8 weeks depending on destination. Most people arrange temporary accommodation at their destination for this period, storing the remainder in their new home or a local storage unit.
Average international shipping costs from Australia (2026)
| Destination | 2-bed (LCL) | 2-bed (20ft FCL) | Transit (sea) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | $5,000 – $8,000 | $6,500 – $10,000 | 2–3 weeks |
| UK / Ireland | $10,000 – $16,000 | $13,000 – $20,000 | 7–9 weeks |
| Germany / Europe | $9,000 – $14,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 | 7–8 weeks |
| USA (West Coast) | $9,000 – $14,000 | $11,500 – $17,000 | 4–5 weeks |
| USA (East Coast) | $11,000 – $17,000 | $14,000 – $21,000 | 7–8 weeks |
| Singapore | $7,000 – $11,000 | $9,000 – $14,000 | 2–3 weeks |
| UAE | $10,000 – $15,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 | 4–5 weeks |
Estimates include ocean freight, origin port fees, destination port handling, customs clearance, and transit insurance. Rates fluctuate with fuel costs and shipping demand. Always get at least 3 quotes.
What's included — and what's not
A typical international removalist quote covers:
- Ocean or air freight from origin to destination port
- Origin port Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
- Destination port THC and customs clearance
- Door-to-door delivery (on full-service quotes)
Items that are often not included and catch people by surprise:
- Import duties and taxes — some countries charge import tax on household goods, particularly if you've owned them for less than 12 months. The UK and EU have duty-free allowances for residents returning or relocating permanently.
- Transit insurance — always ask whether insurance is included. Many quotes are cargo-at-owner's-risk (CAOR).
- Storage at destination — if you need to store goods while finding a permanent address.
- Packing materials — some removalists charge separately for boxes and wrapping.
LCL vs FCL — which container option is right for you?
- Studio / 1 bedroom (10–25 m³): LCL is almost always cheaper — you only pay for your cubic metres.
- 2 bedrooms (25–42 m³): Get quotes for both LCL and 20ft FCL — the difference is often marginal, and FCL gives you a dedicated container.
- 3–4+ bedrooms (42 m³+): A 40ft FCL is usually the most cost-effective option. You'll have better security for your goods and no sharing delays.