How Much Does It Cost to Move Furniture Overseas from Australia?

The cost to move furniture overseas from Australia often surprises many. As one Reddit user noted, unless your furniture has special value or sentiment, it’s often cheaper to sell it and buy similar pieces once you arrive. Stories like this reflect a common challenge among Australians facing the steep expenses of international relocation.

If you’re planning an overseas move, it’s normal to feel unsure about how to budget. This article explains what you can realistically expect to pay, why the numbers add up the way they do, and how to avoid getting caught out by hidden extras. 

Average Costs of Moving Furniture To or From Australia

If you're moving furniture overseas, here’s what real quotes show for cost, depending on your shipment size and how fast you need it:

• Sea freight Full Container (20-foot): From Sydney or Melbourne to the UK, expect around $8,000–9,000.
• Sea freight Full Container (40-foot): For larger moves, a 40-foot container to the UK typically costs $12,000–$15,000, covering both loading and ocean transit.
• Air freight, Urgent or Smaller Loads: If you need furniture moved by air, costs range from $12,000 to 20,000+, depending on total weight and service speed. Recent quotes from ServiceTasker show similar figures for 3-bedroom home moves.

If you want a precise figure, Couriers & Freight can generate a custom quote based on your pickup address, furniture list, and destination. Your quote includes all handling, insurance, and delivery extras, so there are no surprises later.

Make Your International Move Simple

From packing to customs, Couriers & Freight helps you move furniture overseas without the guesswork.

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5 Factors That Influence Costs

1. Destination country

Where you send your furniture has a big impact on price. For example, the UK charges import VAT plus customs duty of up to 5% of your shipment’s value, according to the UK Government’s customs guide. Many ports also add handling or terminal fees each time a container is lifted or inspected, unavoidable charges that can add hundreds or even thousands to the final bill.

2. Volume & container size

The more space your furniture takes, the higher your cost. A 20-foot container holds roughly 33 cubic metres, while a 40-foot container fits about 67 cubic metres. Even if you only fill half a 40-foot container, you’ll usually pay close to the full rate. Some movers may suggest sharing a container (Less Than Container Load) with other customers to reduce costs.

3. Mode of transport

Sea freight is cheaper but slower. A container typically takes 6–12 weeks to reach Europe or the US. Air freight takes only a few days, but rates are based on weight and volume, often reaching the tens of thousands. For most families, sea freight is the most practical option for large furniture shipments.

4. Services included

What you ask the mover to handle makes a big difference. A basic port-to-port service costs far less than a door-to-door move with packing, dismantling, reassembly, insurance, and storage. Each added service increases the final invoice.

5. Timing

Shipping prices rise and fall throughout the year. December and January are peak months, and carriers often apply seasonal surcharges on containers leaving Australia. Port congestion or customs delays can also trigger storage or demurrage fees. Choosing your timing wisely can save thousands.

Breakdown of Common Routes

The cost and delivery time of shipping furniture overseas from Australia vary by destination. Below are realistic estimates based on full container loads (FCL).

Australia to New Zealand

The closest international route for Australian movers, ideal for relocations or short-term transfers.

• 20ft container: $1,800–2,000
• 40ft container: $3,400–4,100
• Transit time: 4–14 days
• Notes: This is one of the fastest and most affordable routes, with minimal customs hurdles and lower port charges. 

Australia to the United Kingdom

A popular long-haul route for families and expats relocating to the UK.

• 20ft container: $8,000–9,000
• 40ft container: $12,000–17,000
• Transit time: 6–12 weeks
• Notes: The UK has higher terminal and handling fees and stricter customs declarations, which often increase total costs.

Australia to India

A frequently used route for returning residents and business relocations, with mid-range costs and moderate transit times.

• 20ft container: $5,000–8,000
• 40ft container: $8,000–13,000
• Transit time: 4–6 weeks
• Notes: Indian customs require detailed inventories and sometimes conduct random inspections, which can cause delays.

Australia to the United States

One of the busiest trade routes, serving both family relocations and commercial shipments.

• 20ft container: $6,300–7,000
• 40ft container: $7,000–8,000
• Transit time: 6–10 weeks
• Notes: Prices vary by destination. East Coast shipments often cost more due to inland drayage charges.

These figures represent full or majority container loads. Choosing Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipping can lower your upfront cost, but the price per cubic metre increases, and delivery often takes longer due to consolidation and multiple port stops.

Sea Freight vs Air Freight: Which One Fits Your Move?

When moving furniture overseas, the biggest decision is whether to send it by sea or air. Each option has different costs, timelines, and best-use scenarios.

Sea Freight: Slower but Cost-effective for Large Moves

Sea freight is the most economical way to move furniture overseas, especially for large or heavy loads. Carriers like Maersk and MSC provide instant online quotes for full container load (FCL) shipments.

Transit times usually range from six to twelve weeks, depending on the destination and port schedule.

Delays can happen due to port congestion or customs clearance. Additional costs, such as demurrage or storage fees, may apply if your container stays at the port beyond its free period. Even with these delays, sea freight remains the most cost-effective choice for most household or commercial moves.

Air Freight: Faster but Significantly More Expensive

Air freight offers much faster delivery, typically within one to two weeks. Carriers like FedEx and DHL calculate rates based on weight and destination, so costs rise steeply for bulky items.

Air freight is best suited for urgent or high-value shipments. For example, sending essential furniture or personal items ahead of the main sea freight container. While significantly more expensive, it provides speed and reliability for time-sensitive moves.

Why Choose Couriers & Freight for Your International Move

Moving furniture overseas from Australia is more than just choosing the cheapest option. It’s crucial to understand what drives the cost and who you trust to handle it. Whether you’re relocating to New Zealand, the UK, India, or the US, planning ahead and choosing the right freight partner can save you both money and stress.

Couriers & Freight helps simplify every step with transparent pricing and reliable coordination.

• Compare multiple carriers: We check prices and routes across Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and AGS Movers to find the best fit for your destination and timeline.
• Instant and tailored quotes: Get a detailed estimate that reflects your actual cost to move furniture overseas, not a rough average.
• Customs and documentation support: We prepare the paperwork and liaise with ports to help you avoid hidden fees or unnecessary delays.
• Big and bulky handling: From fragile antiques to large household pieces, we coordinate safe packing, transport, and final delivery.

Ready to start your move? Get an instant quote today and see how Couriers & Freight can make your international relocation easier and more predictable.

Make Your International Move Simple

From packing to customs, Couriers & Freight helps you move furniture overseas without the guesswork.

Get a Quote Now