Shipping to Australia – 7 Things You Must Do (Before You Go)

Do you need some information about shipping to Australia? This the perfect article for you!

Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for British expats, with over 1.2 million UK-born residents now calling it home.

From the laid-back lifestyle and stunning coastline to exciting job prospects and top-quality healthcare, there’s plenty to look forward to; however, getting there takes planning.

Moving your entire life across the globe is a big undertaking, and the logistics of packing up your home can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a change of scenery, understanding how to prepare your household goods for international shipping is vital.

To help ease your move, we’ve put together a practical guide outlining the top 7 things every UK expat should do before shipping their belongings to Australia.

From sorting out essential paperwork to choosing a trusted removals company, these key steps will save you time, money, and a lot of last-minute panic attacks!

Let’s get started.

1. Start with the Experts: Choose a Trusted International Removals Company

Choosing a trusted international removals company is the only way to start planning your move.

When it comes to shipping your household items halfway around the world, choosing a removals company is more than just a box-ticking exercise; it’s the foundation of a stress-free move.

A reputable international removals firm such as White & Company will handle the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively), from professionally packing your belongings to organising customs paperwork and transit insurance.

But not just any removals company will do. For a move to Australia, selecting a firm with international experience and the proper accreditations is vital.

Look for companies that are long-standing members of the FIDI Global Alliance. Members must meet strict global standards and undergo regular quality audits.

Being part of networks like OMNI is also a plus, allowing seamless coordination between departure and arrival teams across continents.

In short, working with an experienced, accredited international mover can save you money, time, and countless headaches, and ensure your items arrive safe and sound in your new Aussie home.

2. Weigh Up Your Shipping Options: Sea Freight vs Air Freight

Choose the right transportation method.

How you get your belongings “down under” can make a big difference in cost and convenience.

The two main methods are air freight and sea freight, each with its pros and cons.

Air freight is the speedier option, ideal if you’re moving a small volume and need items urgently. However, it comes at a premium price.

For most households, sea freight is the more practical and affordable choice, especially when moving larger consignments.

Depending on how much you’re taking, you can choose from a 20ft or 40ft container.

As a guide, a 20-foot container is typically sufficient for a standard three-bedroom home. Oversized or bulky items like furniture or even a car may require a 40-foot container or specialist vehicle shipping.

If you want convenience, opt for a door-to-door service, where the removals company handles everything from packing at your UK home to delivering directly to your Australian address.

If shipping your car is something you might consider, have a chat with one of our branch offices or alternatively our house move surveyor for further information.

3. Know What You Can (and Can’t) Import into Australia

Australia has some strict rules you must adhere to.

Before the packing process begins, it’s vital to know what you’re allowed to take with you to Australia and what might land you in hot water at customs.

To protect its environment, the country has one of the strictest biosecurity systems in the world, which means all incoming goods are thoroughly inspected—no exceptions!

Everything from garden tools to golf clubs must be cleaned to remove soil, and if contaminated, items like wicker baskets, Christmas decorations, and even vacuum cleaners can be confiscated or fumigated (at your cost).

Food, dairy, meat, and anything plant- or animal-based must be declared and left behind in many cases.

To avoid delays and unnecessary costs, check with FIDI for a downloadable, detailed list of what can and can’t be imported.

Think practically, too.

Another worthwhile job to do well before the packing begins is to declutter.

For instance, if your new home already has built-in wardrobes or comes furnished, it might be better to donate or sell items you won’t need.

Getting rid of items you no longer want, need or are damaged will save you money because your shipment is based on volume, the space they take up in a container.

4. Protection for Your Belongings During Transit

Make sure your belongings are properly safeguarded throughout the move.

Shipping your belongings to Australia involves a long journey by sea or air, often spanning thousands of miles and passing through multiple ports and handling facilities.

Even with the most reputable international removals companies, there’s always a risk of unexpected issues, such as rough weather, accidental damage, loss, or delays.

Containers may be jostled in transit, items dropped during loading or unloading, or even exposed to water damage during storms at sea.

Due to recent insurance industry regulations, White & Company has updated how they protect your belongings during a move.

We now offer MoveProtect, a contractual liability solution that allows you to declare a Maximum Replacement Value for your items, determining the company’s liability for any loss or damage.

Charges for MoveProtect are proportional to the value you declare and are subject to VAT.

If you choose not to opt for MoveProtect, the company’s liability is limited to £40 per item.

It’s important to note that specialist adjusters handle claims made under MoveProtect and do not affect your personal insurance no-claims discounts.

For more detailed information, you can visit White & Company’s official page.

5. Plan For Your Timeline: Shipping Takes Longer Than You Think

It is important to leave yourself enough time for the move.

Your timing is going to be important when relocating to Australia, but unfortunately, it is not easy to predict precisely due to numerous factors involved.

Shipping your household belongings by sea using a door-to-door service with a sole-use container can take 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the departure point, destination port, and customs clearance.

It’s essential to factor in this timeframe when planning your move.

Will your shipment arrive before or after you? Will you need temporary accommodation or storage? These questions are worth answering and preparing for early.

Secure storage at either end of the move can be a lifesaver if your goods reach Australia before you’re ready to receive them.

Reputable international removals companies, including White & Company, offer both UK and Australian storage options.

Depending on your final destination, your moving company will know which is the closest port of arrival for your container.

For example, shipments to Sydney generally arrive at Port Botany, while moves to Western Australia typically go through Fremantle Port.

As long as you know the estimated timings, you can make effective plans.

6. What to Expect from Australian Quarantine Inspections

Understanding the customs clearance and delivery process once your container arrives in port is helpful.

When your belongings arrive in Australia, every single shipment of household goods and personal effects is inspected by quarantine officers — no exceptions.

Containers are not delivered directly to your new home but first taken to a bonded warehouse where they are thoroughly checked by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Inspections are especially rigorous for items that may have been in contact with soil or organic matter. This includes garden tools, bicycles, golf equipment, camping gear, vacuum cleaners, shoes, and even caneware.

These items must be thoroughly cleaned before shipping, although this doesn’t guarantee automatic clearance. If any item is deemed a risk, DAFF may order fumigation or disposal at your cost.

Be mindful of how you label boxes too. Vague terms like “miscellaneous” or “kitchen” often trigger further inspection.

And avoid packing festive decorations made from pinecones or dried plant material, these are likely to be destroyed or treated on arrival and you will be charged!

7. Importing your Pet into Australia?

There are a number of rules to follow if you plan on bringing your pet to Australia.

Planning to take your furry friend with you? While it’s entirely possible to bring pets into Australia, the process is detailed and requires early planning.

Cats and dogs from the UK are eligible, but they must meet strict import conditions set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

First, your pet will need to be microchipped and fully vaccinated , including rabies. You’ll also need an import permit, which can take several weeks to be approved.

Pets must stay in quarantine for at least 10 days upon arrival at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne.

Using a professional pet relocation service can make the process smoother, helping with paperwork, transport, and pre-travel health checks.

Keep in mind, Australia does not currently allow the import of some breeds or species.

For the full list of requirements, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Working with Concept Australia – Expert Help for Your Visa Application

If you’re planning a move to Australia, navigating the country’s visa system can be one of the relocation process’s most complex and time-consuming aspects.

To make things easier, we’re proud to collaborate with Concept Australia, one of the UK’s leading registered migration agents.

With over 30 years of experience, Concept Australia specialises in providing expert advice and assistance for all types of Australian visas, including:

• Skilled Migration Visas

• Partner and Family Visas

• Employer-Sponsored Visas

• Parent Visas

• Permanent Residency and Citizenship Applications

Their team of qualified advisers are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and are highly experienced in guiding applicants through every stage of the visa process.

By working with Concept Australia, you can avoid unnecessary delays, reduce stress, and improve your chances of a successful outcome. Whether you’re moving for work, joining family, or starting a new chapter in Australia, their support can make the transition much smoother.

You can find out more or begin your visa journey by visiting their website: www.conceptaustralia.co.uk.

Shipping to Australia with White & Company

Relocating to Australia is a life-changing adventure, but as with all big decisions, careful planning is key to making the move as smooth as possible.

From choosing the right removals company to understanding quarantine rules and insurance options, every step counts.

With over 150 years of experience, White & Company offers expert support at every stage of your move.

Our professional team can assist with packing, shipping, customs clearance, and secure storage, both in the UK and Australia.

If you want peace of mind and a hassle-free relocation, trust White & Company to get your belongings safely to your new home Down Under.

You can contact us by phone 01489 854745 or complete our Moving Home Removals Quote form, alternately you canr interact with Brad, our moving assistant in the bottom right on the screen.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.