An international move is part logistics, part bureaucracy and part emotional decision-making. Costs range from £1,500 for a small groupage shipment within Europe to £15,000+ for a full container to Australia. This guide covers what really drives the cost, how shipping options compare, what customs paperwork to expect and how to choose a removals firm without falling for low-quote bait.
A 20ft container holds about a 2-bed flat; a 40ft container a 3 to 4-bed house. Sole-use containers cost £4,000 to £12,000 to most destinations, with shipping time 4 to 10 weeks depending on route. They suit anyone moving an entire household.
Groupage shares a container with other movers, paying per cubic metre. It typically costs £150 to £350 per cubic metre — a small one-bedroom move (15 to 20 cubic metres) might run £2,500 to £6,000. Transit takes longer (8 to 14 weeks) because the container waits to be filled. Air freight is fastest (3 to 7 days) but 4 to 6x more expensive per kg — only practical for essentials and small valuables.
Volume is the headline driver, but distance, destination port and season matter almost as much. Australia and New Zealand are the most expensive routes; Europe and North America comparatively cheap. Shipping rates rose 30 to 50 percent during 2024 supply chain disruption and have only partly normalised.
Origin and destination handling fees (port charges, customs clearance, delivery, unpacking) often equal the shipping cost itself. A £4,000 sea freight quote frequently lands at £6,500 once handling is included. Always ask for a 'door-to-door' quote, not just port-to-port.
Customs forms vary by destination but most non-EU countries require a detailed inventory, proof of residence (visa, work permit, lease), customs valuation and a transfer of residence form to qualify for duty-free personal effects. The mover usually prepares paperwork — your job is to sign and supply documents.
Restricted and prohibited items vary widely. Australia rigidly restricts wood, leather, plant material and food. The US restricts certain alcohol quantities. The UAE restricts some media and pork products. Read the destination customs guide before packing — items missed at packing get inspected, delayed and sometimes seized at port.
Standard mover liability is laughably low — typically £40 per item. Always take separate Marine Transit insurance based on the declared value of the shipment. Annual all-risks cover for a typical household runs 1.5 to 3 percent of declared value (£300 to £900 on a £30,000 inventory).
Walk through the inventory and value items at replacement cost in the destination country, not what they sold for second-hand at home. Replacing a basic UK sofa in Australia costs more than the original — that's what insurance must reflect.
Always get three written quotes after a video or in-person survey — never take a phone quote seriously. Use only BAR (British Association of Removers) or FIDI accredited firms; both bodies hold members to financial protection and complaint handling standards.
Beware quotes 30 percent below the others — they invariably come with hidden surcharges at port or destination. Ask explicitly: 'Does this quote include destination handling, customs clearance, delivery to my new address and unpacking?' If any answer is no, the quote is incomplete.
For European moves usually no — shipping costs less than replacing. For long-haul moves, often yes for low-value bulky items. Quality furniture and sentimental items are usually worth shipping.
Yes within EU/EEA with paperwork, very expensive elsewhere due to import duty and modifications. Usually cheaper to sell and buy locally.
DEFRA-approved pet exporters handle vaccinations, paperwork and travel. Costs typically £1,500 to £4,000 per pet to long-haul destinations.
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