We analysed 18 removal quotes from the UK to Australia: here's what it actually costs

Our 5-step research methodology

Our analysis is based on quotes we personally requested from 56 UK-based international removal companies for the same 6-cubic-metre shipment from London to Sydney.

To keep the comparison as fair as possible, every company received the same enquiry. Each was asked to quote for a door-to-door sea freight shipment of approximately 6 cubic metres of household belongings using the same packing list and collection/delivery addresses.

Companies were also asked whether their quote included packing, unpacking, insurance, Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC), port charges, and any other additional costs.

We contacted companies using the preferred method listed on their website, including email, online quote forms, live chat, and telephone calls where appropriate.

Where quotes were unclear or excluded important information, we followed up with additional questions to clarify what was and wasn't included.

Of the 56 companies contacted:

• 18 provided complete quotes
• 3 said they could not offer the route
• 1 initially replied but stopped responding
• 34 did not respond

Prices were compared only after excluding optional extras, such as insurance, where possible, to improve consistency.

Currency conversions to US dollars and euros were calculated using exchange rates at the time of writing and are intended as approximate values.

Please note that the findings represent a snapshot of the market at the time the quotes were acquired. International shipping prices fluctuate regularly due to factors such as freight rates, fuel costs, exchange rates, seasonal demand, port congestion, and geopolitical events. Readers should treat the figures as indicative rather than guaranteed.

Key statistics from our quote comparison research

Of the 22 companies that replied, 18 provided quotes — an 81.8% success rate, not bad.

But, as you can see from the 60% of companies that didn't respond at all, it's best to cast the net as wide as you can!

We believe Company D offers the best deal, even though there were cheaper options. They were upfront about all costs, friendly, not eager to upsell, and they offered us a move manager who would be in touch at every stage.

In other words, Company D really made us feel like our belongings would be in safe hands.

What surprised us most after contacting 56 removal companies

Most UK removal firms display their email address clearly, either at the top or bottom of the homepage or in the contact us section.

Using their quote tool may result in a speedier reply, but it often lacks a comment section, which can cause delays.

When reading emails and quotes, you may have to wade through some lengthy marketing guff explaining why the company is oh-so wonderful. Do your best to skim through it and focus on what really matters: how much you'll pay, and exactly what is and isn't included.

Another surprise was the lack of transparency around destination charges. Many companies were reluctant to include them in their initial quotes and only provided estimates once we persisted.

Understanding the true cost of each move often took several rounds of emails and phone calls. There was a lot of back-and-forth to determine which charges were included, which were only estimates, and which might appear later as unexpected costs.

Some companies were helpful and answered everything fully. Others became impatient when I asked basic things, such as "How long will the full process take from collection to delivery?" and "Can you estimate the potential AQIS fees?"

There isn't a 'standard' moving price. Costs varied greatly depending on the shipping method, origin and destination addresses, and the level of service included.

Ultimately, you need to decide what matters most: are you happy packing your own stuff, would you deliver and collect from the port, and how valuable are your belongings?

It's important to research each company fully. Think about the following:

• How established are they?
• Are they accredited by industry associations such as the British International Freight Association (BIFA) and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)?
• How comprehensive and positive are their online reviews?
• How is their customer service viewed?

A low quote might seem tempting, but it won't be much of a bargain if the company has little experience with international shipping or a poor reputation for communication.

Work out whether they will handle your shipment from collection to delivery using their own global network or rely on overseas partners.

Full container or shared shipping: which option makes sense for your move?

When shipping household goods overseas, you'll normally choose between a full container to yourself (FCL) or sharing space with others (LCL). With FCL, you pay for an entire 20-foot container, which offers the fastest transit times, maximum privacy, and reduced likelihood of damage.

However, it's usually the most expensive, even if you leave space. If you have a smaller shipment, LCL lets you share a container with other customers, where your items are palletised and shrink-wrapped to keep costs low, though transit can take longer.

Alternatively, you could opt for a shipping cube, a compact, purpose-built wooden crate you pack yourself; it is loaded into a shared container, providing the security and privacy benefits of a full container at a fraction of the cost.

12 ways to reduce your UK to Australia removal costs

1. Choose port-to-port over door-to-door: port-to-port shipping is often significantly cheaper because you're only paying for sea freight. However, you'll need to transport your shipment to and from the ports in both countries yourself. 

2. Take out insurance: it might seem like an unnecessary extra cost, but international shipping greatly increases the risk of damage to your belongings. Taking out insurance offers valuable peace of mind and could save you money.

3. Get as many quotes as possible: there are endless international shipping companies in the UK. The more quotes you get, the more likely you are to find the best price and service.

4. Don't rush you into a decision: if a shipping company pressures you to book immediately or claims a price is only available for a limited time, take a moment to think. Compare quotes, read the terms carefully and only book when you're confident you're getting the best deal.

5. Use your quotes as leverage: the UK-Australia shipping route is highly competitive, and many companies will offer to match or beat a competitor's quote. Ask if they can do better; it could save hundreds.

6. Pack everything yourself: packing your own boxes can reduce overall costs. However, check whether this affects your insurance cover.

7. Use your own boxes: as long as they are thick, sturdy, and brand new, they may be cheaper than those provided by your overseas shipper.

8. Declutter: the less you ship, the less you pay. Sell, donate or replace low-value or spacious items instead of paying to transport them halfway around the world.

9. Avoid peak months: shipping rates usually rise in the weeks leading up to Christmas and during the summer moving season. 

10. Thoroughly read your quote: check every inclusion and exclusion, and ask your shipping company as many questions as possible to avoid unexpected charges or hidden extras.

11. Ask about shared containers: if you don't have enough belongings to fill a container (FCL), sharing one with other customers (LCL) is usually much cheaper than paying for your own container.

12. Don't ship banned goods: from protected species to weapons and food, each nation has its own list of prohibited items. Read about Australia's import rules before packing, as customs delays and fines can quickly wipe out any savings.

Why the cheapest quote was not necessarily the best deal

The gap between the cheapest and most expensive quote we got to move 6m³ of household belongings in 2026 was £1,282 (US$1,713/€1,496). Such a large difference highlights just how important it is to shop around before making a decision.

The cheapest quote was £1,615 (US$2,158/€1,884). Included was a full professional packing service, 1 week of free storage, sea freight, customs clearance, and delivery. Our email interaction was swift (they gave us a transparent price that same day) and pleasant. However, we had to prompt them to disclose their destination charges, and they refused to provide an estimate of Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) charges. Plus, there were extra charges for delivery above two floors and any long carry (the distance between their truck and the home's building door) over 20 metres. Basic insurance was offered at 3.5% of the total cost, which worked out to £56 (US$75/€66).

On the other hand, the most expensive quote came in at £2,897 (US$3,871/€3,380). It included professional packing, free storage for 2 weeks at the origin and destination, port fees, customs clearance, delivery, and, notably, unpacking. It took about a week of back-and-forth emails to get a final price, and the tone was professional and friendly. Like the cheapest quote, we had to press them on potential additional charges. However, they were willing to estimate a potential AQIS charge at £97 (US$130/€114), which made budgeting easier. Basic insurance was also 3.5%, which worked out to £101 (US$135/€118).

It just goes to show — there's often a reason why the cheapest quote is so cheap!

What three Brits learned after moving their belongings to Australia

While comparing 18 shipping quotes revealed clear trends, we also spoke to several Brits who had recently completed the same move. Their experiences highlighted unexpected costs and challenges that aren't always obvious on removal companies' websites or in quotes.

The confusing shipping jargon that can affect your final bill

One thing you'll quickly notice when comparing international removal quotes is that the industry has its own language.

Here are the most common shipping terms you'll come across when moving your belongings from the UK to Australia: