Last updated: 23 October 2026

Not moving a whole house? Shipping a few boxes to Australia is far cheaper than a full removal. Whether you’re a student, a working holidaymaker, or sending belongings ahead, there are three main options: sea freight, air freight and courier. Here’s how they compare in 2026, and how to keep costs down.

Indicative 2026 prices for door-to-door services from the UK mainland. Most sea freight services have a minimum charge, often 3–5 boxes or 0.5–1 cubic metre.

Sea freight: cheapest for 5+ boxes

Baggage shipping companies combine customers’ boxes in a shared container (groupage), then deliver to your door or a depot in Australia.

• Price usually falls per box the more you send.
• Allow 8–12 weeks door to door, sometimes more at busy times.
• Pallets or crates can be cheaper than individual boxes for 10+ boxes. See pallet shipping from the UK.

Air freight and couriers: faster but pricier

Air freight is charged by weight or volume, whichever is greater. Light, bulky boxes cost more than you might expect. Couriers are simplest for one or two boxes, but get expensive quickly.

Biosecurity and customs rules

Australia inspects all incoming goods, including personal boxes.

• Fill in an Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534) if you’re moving there, so used goods can enter duty-free.
• Don’t pack: food, plants, seeds, soil, wooden items with bark, or animal products.
• Clean shoes and sports gear before packing.
• List contents accurately on the packing list.
• New goods may attract GST if their value is over the threshold.

How to save money

1. Use strong double-walled boxes and pack them full to prevent crushing.
2. Weigh and measure each box before booking.
3. Compare several baggage shipping companies.
4. Drop off at a depot instead of a home collection if it’s cheaper.
5. Ship by sea early so your boxes arrive soon after you.
6. Sell heavy items such as books and kitchenware; they’re often cheaper to replace.

Moving more than a few boxes?

If you have more than about 20 boxes or any furniture, a shared container removal may be better value. See removals to Australia, moving to Australia from the UK und how to ship luggage internationally.

Travel with your belongings

Some cargo ships take passengers from Europe to Australia. Read ship from England to Australia.

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