Frequently asked questions

The cost of an international move depends on how much you are taking, your destination, the shipping service required and any additional services included in your move. We price each move individually, so the best way to get an accurate idea of cost is to complete our Quick Quote or speak with one of our Moving Consultants.

No. If you would prefer to go straight to a pre-move survey and skip the initial estimate, that is absolutely fine. You can arrange either an in-home survey or a convenient virtual survey via FaceTime or WhatsApp.

We go through the belongings you are planning to take so we can accurately assess the volume of your shipment, discuss any special packing requirements and provide you with a detailed quote. Surveys can be completed in your home or virtually via FaceTime or WhatsApp.

In many cases, yes. If you can give our Moving Consultants a good description or list of what you are taking, we can often provide an initial quote over the phone. For larger or more detailed moves, we may recommend an in-home or virtual survey.

Your quote will clearly set out the services included in your move, which may include professional packing, collection, international shipping, customs clearance and delivery at destination. Any destination-specific exclusions, possible third-party charges or additional services will be identified so you understand what is and is not included.

If the final volume is known before collection, we may invoice prior to uplift. If the volume needs to be confirmed after collection, we will invoice once the final volume is known. Your shipment will not be released for international shipping until payment has been received.

The best option depends on where you are moving, how much you are taking, your timeframe and your budget. Depending on the route and shipment size, options can include Groupage (shared container), Less than Container Load (LCL), Full Container Load (FCL) or air freight. Our Moving Consultants will explain the available options for your move.

Sea freight is generally more cost-effective for larger shipments and household moves, while air freight is faster but usually more expensive. Some customers send the majority of their belongings by sea and a smaller selection of essential items by air.

Shipping times vary depending on the destination, shipping method, vessel or airline schedules, port conditions, customs clearance and final delivery location. We will provide an estimated timeframe for the service available for your move and keep you updated as the shipment progresses.

Yes. We can provide a complete professional packing service, including furniture, household belongings, kitchenware, clothing, books, artwork and fragile items. We will identify anything requiring specialised packing during your quote or survey.

Yes. We can provide a complete professional packing service, including furniture, household belongings, kitchenware, clothing, books, artwork and fragile items. We will identify anything requiring specialised packing during your quote or survey.

Yes. We can supply professional moving cartons and packing materials if you are packing some of your own belongings.

Yes. Our team regularly packs china, glassware, artwork, mirrors, antiques, ornaments and other fragile items. Specialised packing or purpose-built crates can be arranged where appropriate.

Where appropriate, certain furniture can be dismantled to make it safer and more practical to transport. Our team will assess the item and determine what preparation is required.

You do not need to work that out yourself. Show us anything you are concerned about during your in-home or virtual survey and we will assess the item and determine the appropriate packing method.

Unpacking services can be included as part of your international move. The exact destination service will depend on your moving arrangements and will be explained in your quote.

Our Team Leader will complete a walk-through with you to confirm what is being packed and what needs to stay behind then the team will commence packing. At least one responsible person should remain available during the packing process in case our team has questions. Where possible, we recommend young children and pets are elsewhere because packing day can be busy and stressful.

No. If you do not have enough belongings to fill a container, you may be able to use Groupage, LCL or air freight. A full 20ft or 40ft container is generally better suited to larger household moves.

Groupage allows your belongings to share container space with other OPS customers moving to the same destination. You pay for the space your shipment requires rather than an entire container. The container departs once it has been consolidated and is ready to ship.

Both allow smaller shipments to travel without paying for a full container. With Groupage, OPS consolidates your belongings with other customers moving to the same destination, so the container needs to fill before departure. With LCL, your shipment travels through the shipping line’s LCL network, so it can be useful when you want an earlier departure.

We operate regular Groupage services to New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe. Canada and the USA are serviced at selected times based on demand.

We do not offer general free storage. However, for an Overseas Packers & Shippers groupage shipment, your belongings can be held at our warehouse at no additional storage charge from the agreed uplift date until they are loaded into the next available groupage container. Storage required outside this period may incur charges.

Yes. You do not need to be moving an entire household. We can assist with a few boxes, personal belongings, selected furniture, bicycles and other smaller shipments. Depending on the destination and timing, Groupage, LCL or air freight may be suitable.

Not always. For a smaller shipment, a detailed list of what you are sending may be enough for us to prepare a quote. If we need more information, our Moving Consultant will let you know.

No. Transit insurance is optional. We can provide the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement and relevant policy documentation so you can decide whether the available cover is appropriate for your circumstances.

If you choose to take out transit insurance, cover begins from the moment our crew starts professionally packing your belongings and continues throughout the international move until your belongings are unpacked by the delivery crew at destination, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.

Transit insurance can provide financial protection for insured belongings during the move, subject to the cover selected and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. The Product Disclosure Statement contains the full details.

If you take out transit insurance for your international move, the policy includes up to 30 days of storage cover at both origin and destination at no additional premium. If you require longer storage, the insurance can be extended for the required period for an additional premium. Separate storage insurance is also available for standalone storage.

The requirements depend on the type of cover and the items being insured. We will provide the relevant documentation and explain what information needs to be completed. High-value or special items may have additional declaration or valuation requirements.

If you have taken out transit insurance and believe an insured item has been lost or damaged, contact us as soon as possible. We will provide information about the claims process and documentation required. Claims are assessed under the applicable policy terms and conditions.

Different insurance conditions may apply to owner-packed belongings, particularly for damage or breakage. If you are considering packing your own goods, speak with us beforehand and review the applicable policy documentation.

Transit insurance should be arranged before the move commences so the appropriate cover and documentation are in place from the start of the insured journey. If your move is approaching and you have not completed the insurance documentation, contact our team.

We will provide the relevant Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement and policy documentation containing the full details of the available cover, limits, conditions and exclusions.

In many cases, yes. Whether this is suitable depends on the size of your vehicle, the volume of your household belongings, the destination and the container required. Our Moving Consultants can assess both parts of the shipment and explain the options.

That depends on the vehicle, destination and your circumstances. Things to consider include the shipping cost, the value of the vehicle, the cost of replacing it at destination and any applicable import duties, taxes or compliance costs. We can provide a shipping quote so you can compare your options.

Requirements vary by country and vehicle. Some destinations require approval before the vehicle leaves Australia, while others have different eligibility, customs and registration requirements. Always check the destination requirements before shipping.

Yes. We can arrange international shipping for motorbikes of many types, including road, touring, classic and collectable motorcycles. Depending on the move, the bike may be crated or travel with your household belongings.

Yes. We can arrange international shipping for classic, vintage, collectable and prestige vehicles as well as everyday family cars and 4WDs. Tell us about the vehicle when requesting your quote so we can discuss the most appropriate loading and shipping options.

Yes. We can arrange international shipping for boats, jet skis, caravans and trailers. The best shipping method will depend on the item, its dimensions, destination and import requirements.

Transit insurance can be available for vehicles being shipped internationally. Different valuation provisions and policy conditions may apply to vehicles. We can provide the relevant insurance documentation for you to review.

We do not offer general free storage. If you are using an OPS Groupage service, your belongings can be held at our warehouse at no additional storage charge from the agreed uplift date until they are loaded into the next available OPS Groupage container. Storage required outside this period or for other reasons may incur charges.

No. Our Brisbane storage service is also available for customers who are renovating, decluttering, downsizing, between homes or needing longer-term storage.

Yes. Our removalist team can collect your belongings and transport them to our storage facility. Professional packing and wrapping can also be arranged where required.

We offer short and long-term storage. If your plans change while your belongings are in storage, contact our team and we can discuss extending your arrangements.

Our storage service is different from 24/7 self-storage and is designed mainly for belongings you do not need to access regularly. If you need access, contact our team in advance and we will explain what can be arranged and whether handling or access charges apply.

Yes. We can arrange for some belongings to remain in storage in Australia while the remainder are packed and shipped overseas.

Yes. Storage insurance is available. Transit insurance for an international move includes the applicable storage period described in the policy, and longer periods can be extended for an additional premium. Separate storage insurance is available for standalone storage.

No. Pet transportation is a specialist service. We obtain a pet relocation quote from one of our trusted specialist providers on your behalf and, if you choose to proceed, introduce you directly to the specialist who manages the pet’s travel arrangements.

Yes. Tell your Moving Consultant you are taking a pet and we can obtain a quote from one of our trusted specialist pet relocation providers on your behalf.

As early as possible. Some destinations have detailed veterinary, vaccination, testing, permit or quarantine requirements that need to be completed within specific timeframes before travel.

Your pet’s travel arrangements are organised separately from your household shipment and may not follow exactly the same schedule. The specialist pet relocation provider will work with you on the appropriate timing.

Yes. We can obtain specialist quotes for customers moving pets from Australia overseas or bringing pets into Australia. The requirements depend on the country, animal and individual circumstances.

Once you decide to proceed, we will introduce you to the specialist pet relocation provider. They then become your main contact for the pet’s travel, documentation, veterinary and quarantine requirements.

Yes. We provide relevant customs information during the quoting or pre-move stage and, where appropriate, connect you with the local moving partner handling your shipment at destination. For many destinations we also provide access to the current FIDI Customs Guide.

Yes. Every country has its own customs, quarantine or biosecurity rules, and some items may be prohibited, restricted or require permits or additional documentation. If you are unsure about a particular item, ask us before packing it and refer to the current FIDI Customs Guide for your destination.

We can provide general guidance and current destination information, but import rules can change and may depend on the product and your circumstances. For unusual or regulated items, we will refer you to the current FIDI Customs Guide or appropriate government authority before the item is shipped.

For Asian destinations, we generally offer LCL, Full Container Load (FCL) and air freight. We do not operate Overseas Packers & Shippers Groupage or shared-container services to Asia.

Requirements can vary by country, residency status and individual circumstances. Different rules may apply to returning residents, first-time immigrants or temporary residents. Before shipping, we connect you with the local destination move coordinator who works through the requirements with you.

No. For Asian moves, we work with the destination partner to make sure the relevant customs requirements and arrangements are in place before departure. We wait for the destination team to give us the green light to ship.

You will be introduced to the destination moving partner before your belongings leave Australia. This gives you a local contact who can work with you on customs and arrival requirements before the shipment reaches the country.

Yes. We can coordinate your move from your current home overseas through to your new home in Australia. Through our international network, we arrange the origin survey, packing and collection, international shipping, Australian Customs and Biosecurity clearance, and final delivery.

Our Imports team manages the Australian destination process. This includes Customs clearance, inventory screening by quarantine-approved personnel, Biosecurity inspection arrangements, any directed treatment and final delivery or storage.

All unaccompanied household shipments are subject to Biosecurity inspection. Items posing biosecurity risk are inspected, together with the applicable percentage of timber or other items based on origin and current requirements. Common risk items include outdoor equipment, shoes, bicycles, golf clubs, camping gear, vacuum cleaners, pet equipment, timber and seasonal decorations containing natural materials.

Yes. We can arrange secure storage in Brisbane if your new home is not ready, you are in temporary accommodation or you are waiting for settlement or other arrangements to be finalised.

Yes. Every unaccompanied household goods shipment is subject to biosecurity inspection. Our quarantine-approved personnel screen the inventory first and identify the items that need to be presented. The extent of inspection varies depending on the country of origin and current biosecurity requirements.

Our quarantine-approved personnel initially screen the packing inventory in accordance with Australian biosecurity requirements and identify the relevant items for presentation. Australian Biosecurity officers carry out the inspection and determine whether any further inspection, cleaning or treatment is required.

Pay particular attention to anything used outdoors or in contact with soil, plants, animals or fresh water. Items should be spotless and free of soil, grass, seeds, insects and organic material. Christmas, Halloween and other seasonal decorations should also be checked carefully because natural materials such as pine cones can create biosecurity issues.

Biosecurity determines what action is required. This may include cleaning or another approved treatment, export from Australia or destruction. Directed cleaning or treatment and any re-inspection can incur additional charges, so it is best to make sure risk items are spotless before shipment.

Where the directed cleaning is suitable for our facility, it can be completed in our approved on-site biosecurity wash bay. The item may then need to be presented again for re-inspection before release.

Overseas Packers & Shippers manages the Australian destination process. Our quarantine-approved personnel screen the inventory, our Imports team coordinates inspection with Biosecurity officers, and our staff present the relevant goods at our Brisbane facility and manage any next steps through to clearance.