London to Melbourne Removals & Shipping Guide 2026

Part-load from: £2,200
Dedicated truck from: £6,500
Distance: 10,500 miles (16,895 km)
Transit · Mode: 55-75 days · Sea container

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Estimates only, based on 2026 UK market data. Unlock up to 4 verified quotes below.

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Removal Costs London to Melbourne (2026)

A 1-bed flat move from London to Melbourne typically costs around £3,200, and a 3-bed house around £7,500. Shared part-load or backload space starts from £2,200.

Removals London to Melbourne (£ GBP)
Property Size	Volume (ft³ & m³)	Recommended Vehicle	Shared Part-Load Cost	Dedicated Van Cost
1-Bed Flat	530 ft³ / 15 m³	LCL sea freight (shared container)	£1,690 – £2,155	£3,240 – £4,140
2-Bed House	880 ft³ / 25 m³	20ft container (LCL or FCL)	£2,455 – £3,135	£4,500 – £5,750
3-Bed House	1,350 ft³ / 38 m³	40ft container (FCL)	£3,445 – £4,405	£6,140 – £7,845
4+ Bed Residence	1,950 ft³ / 55 m³	40ft container (FCL)	£4,750 – £6,065	£8,280 – £10,580

Independent estimates based on 2026 market data; not a binding quotation. 1m³ ≈ 35.3ft³.

Customs & Paperwork

Australian Customs and Biosecurity

Relocating household goods from London to Melbourne requires strict adherence to Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture regulations. You must complete the B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement before your effects arrive in port. Duty-free concessions apply for used personal and household effects owned and used for 12 months or more prior to shipping.

Biosecurity is extremely stringent in Australia. Wooden items, outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and footwear undergo rigorous inspection for soil, seeds, and insect infestation. Thoroughly clean all items before packing to avoid costly quarantine delays, storage fees, or mandatory steam cleaning at the port of entry. Always check official Australian government portals for the most current import declaration guidelines.

Route Logistics

Sea Freight Logistics and Ports

Containerised shipping is the primary method for long-distance international relocations from the UK to Australia. Removals typically begin with a standard HGV or Luton van collection in London, transporting your goods to major UK container ports such as London Gateway, Southampton, or Felixstowe. For a 1-bedroom flat, a shared-load LCL service is cost-effective, whereas a 3-bedroom house usually requires a dedicated 20ft or 40ft sea container.

Your container is loaded onto a cargo vessel, transiting via major global shipping lanes to the Port of Melbourne. Total port-to-port and customs clearance transit times typically range between 55 and 75 days depending on vessel scheduling, routing via the Suez or Cape of Good Hope, and local customs inspection queues. It is vital to book international moves well in advance to secure container space.

How to Save on This Move

How to Reduce Your Relocation Costs

Shipping personal effects to Australia is priced primarily by volume in cubic metres. Decluttering your home before professional packers arrive can dramatically reduce your overall shipping quotation. Sell or donate bulky furniture and appliances that may not suit Australian electrical standards or home layouts, focusing instead on sentimental items and high-value essentials.

Opting for a part-load or groupage service, where your consignment shares container space with other movers heading to Melbourne, offers substantial savings compared to booking a dedicated container. Flexible collection dates also allow removal companies to optimise vehicle routing, passing lower operational costs directly to you. Always request multiple comprehensive written quotes from BAR-accredited international movers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from London to Melbourne in 2026?

Estimated costs range from £3,200 for a 1-bedroom flat using a part-load service up to £7,500 or more for a 3-bedroom house utilizing a dedicated 20ft container.

What is the typical transit time for shipping household goods to Melbourne?

Door-to-door transit times generally range between 55 and 75 days, accounting for UK collection, sea freight voyage, Australian customs clearance, and final delivery.

What customs form is required to import personal effects into Australia?

You must submit the B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement to the Australian Border Force, detailing all items in your shipment and their ownership duration.

Can I bring my wooden furniture and garden tools to Australia?

Yes, but they are subject to strict biosecurity inspections. All items must be meticulously cleaned and free of soil, plant material, and wood-boring insects.

Should I choose a shared container or a dedicated container?

A shared container (LCL) is ideal for smaller loads up to 15m3 and offers lower costs. A dedicated container (FCL) is best for 3-bedroom homes and larger.