Make Your Move to the UK with Overseas Packers & Shippers
The United Kingdom is one of our most popular international moving destinations. Whether you’re returning home, relocating for work, joining family or starting a new adventure, Overseas Packers & Shippers can manage the journey of your belongings from Australia through to your new home in the UK.
With 50 years of international moving experience, we offer a range of shipping options for moves of all sizes, backed by professional packing in Australia and trusted destination partners throughout the UK.
From your initial quote and pre-move survey to packing, shipping, customs coordination and delivery, our team will guide you through each stage of your move.
Ready to start planning your move to the UK? Request a quote or speak with one of our Moving Consultants.
Shipping Your Belongings from Australia to the UK
Every move is different, which is why we offer several ways to ship your belongings to the UK.
Groupage – Shared Container
Our regular UK Groupage service is a cost-effective option if you don’t have enough belongings to fill an entire container.
Your belongings share container space with other Overseas Packers & Shippers customers moving to the UK, and you only pay for the space your shipment requires.
As the container needs to be consolidated before departure, Groupage can take longer than a sole-use container. We’ll provide an estimated timeframe when planning your move.
Full Container Load (FCL)
If you’re moving a larger household, a Full Container Load gives you sole use of a 20ft or 40ft shipping container.
Because there’s no need to wait for other customers’ shipments to fill the container, FCL can offer greater flexibility around shipping schedules and is often the most practical option for larger moves.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
If you have a smaller shipment but need it to depart sooner, LCL can be a good alternative to our Groupage service. Your belongings travel as an individual consignment through the shipping line’s LCL network, sharing container space with other cargo.
Unlike Groupage, there’s no need to wait for one of our shared containers to fill, making LCL a useful option when departure timing is more important.
Air Freight
If you have a small number of belongings that you’d like sooner, air freight may be an option.
Some customers choose to send the majority of their belongings by sea and use air freight for essential items they’ll need shortly after arriving in the UK.
Our Moving Consultants will help you understand the available options based on how much you’re taking, your timeframe and your budget.
How Your UK Move Works
We start by understanding what you’re planning to take and when you’re hoping to move.
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You can complete an in-home pre-move survey or, for added convenience, a virtual survey via FaceTime or WhatsApp. This allows us to assess the volume of your belongings, discuss your shipping options and provide you with a detailed quote.
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When packing day arrives, our experienced team will professionally wrap and pack your belongings for international transportation.
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Once your shipment is ready to depart, we’ll coordinate the shipping process and provide you with the relevant details after your vessel has left Australia.
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When your belongings reach the UK, our trusted destination partner will assist with customs clearance and arrange delivery to your new home.
UK Customs and Transfer of Residence (ToR)
If you’re moving your normal residence from Australia to the UK, you may be eligible for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which can provide relief from customs duty and tax on eligible personal belongings.
Eligibility conditions apply, and you’ll need to complete the relevant UK Government application and receive approval from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). It’s important to begin this process before your belongings are shipped.
We’ll provide you with relevant customs information during the quoting or pre-move survey process. You can also view the latest FIDI UK Customs Guide below for detailed information about UK import requirements, documentation, customs procedures and restricted goods.
Click the button below to view the latest FIDI UK Customs Guide.
As customs regulations and individual circumstances can change, we recommend referring to the latest FIDI guide and current UK Government information when preparing your shipment.
If you don’t qualify for ToR relief, duties or taxes may apply to your belongings.
What Can I Ship to the UK?
Most everyday household belongings can be shipped to the UK, including furniture, clothing, books, kitchenware and personal effects.
However, some goods are prohibited or restricted, while others may require additional documentation or attract duties or taxes.
Food, Plants and Animal Products
The UK has restrictions on certain food, plant and animal products.
If you’re considering including food, plants, seeds or products of animal origin in your shipment, please discuss these with us before packing and refer to the latest FIDI UK Customs Guide and UK Government requirements.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco are subject to specific UK customs requirements and may attract duty and tax.
If you’d like to include alcohol or tobacco in your shipment, let us know before packing so we can provide information about the documentation and declaration requirements that may apply.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Some items cannot be imported into the UK, while others require permits, licences or additional documentation.
Requirements can change, so rather than relying on a fixed list, we recommend checking the latest FIDI UK Customs Guide before your belongings are packed.
If you’re unsure about a particular item, ask us before including it in your shipment.
Taking Your Car or Motorbike to the UK?
Moving to the UK doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your vehicle behind.
Overseas Packers & Shippers can arrange international shipping for family cars, classic and prestige vehicles, motorbikes and other vehicles as part of your move.
Importing a vehicle into the UK involves additional customs, approval and registration requirements, and duties or taxes may apply depending on your circumstances. If you’re transferring your normal residence to the UK, your vehicle may also be eligible for Transfer of Residence relief, subject to HMRC requirements.
Tell us about your vehicle when requesting your quote and we’ll explain the shipping options and provide information about the process and requirements you need to consider.
Why Move to the UK with Overseas Packers & Shippers?
Overseas Packers & Shippers has been helping people move internationally for 50 years, combining the personal service of a family owned business with the reach of a trusted global network.
We are FIDI FAIM accredited and one of only four OMNI members in Australia. These internationally recognised memberships connect us with carefully selected professional moving companies around the world and require members to maintain high standards of service, operations and financial security.
For our customers moving to the UK, that means experienced professionals looking after your belongings in Australia and trusted moving partners ready to assist when they arrive.
Whether you’re moving an entire household, a few boxes, furniture or a vehicle, we’ll tailor the move around your requirements.
Ready to Start Your Move to the UK?
Whether you’re moving an entire family home, a smaller shipment or taking your car with you, our experienced team can help you plan the journey.
Call one of our Moving Consultants, complete our online Quick Quote, or request an obligation-free in-home or virtual survey via FaceTime or WhatsApp.
Let us take care of moving your belongings while you concentrate on making the UK feel like home.
Moving to the UK – Frequently Asked Questions
How can I move my belongings from Australia to the UK?
We offer several shipping options depending on how much you’re taking and your timeframe, including regular Groupage services, Full Container Load (FCL), LCL and air freight.
We’ll help you determine the most suitable option, professionally pack your belongings and coordinate the shipment through to our trusted UK destination partner.
Do I need a full container to move to the UK?
No. Our regular UK Groupage service allows customers with smaller shipments to share container space and only pay for the space their belongings require.
For larger household moves, a Full Container Load may be more suitable.
Do I have to pay customs duty when moving my belongings to the UK?
If you’re transferring your normal residence to the UK, you may be eligible for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief on eligible personal belongings.
Eligibility conditions apply and approval is determined by HMRC. We’ll provide you with the relevant customs information and the current FIDI UK Customs Guide, but you should also refer to current UK Government guidance when completing your application.
When should I apply for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief?
You should begin the ToR process and obtain the relevant approval before your belongings are shipped to the UK.
Starting the application early can help ensure the required documentation is available when your shipment reaches the UK.
How long does shipping from Australia to the UK take?
Transit times vary depending on the shipping method, vessel schedule, port conditions, customs clearance and final delivery location.
We’ll provide you with an estimated timeframe when planning your move and keep you informed as your shipment progresses. International shipping schedules can change, so departure and arrival dates should always be treated as estimates.
Should I take my furniture to the UK?
That depends on the furniture, how much you’re taking and what it would cost to replace after you arrive.
Furniture that’s good quality, expensive to replace, particularly well suited to your needs or has sentimental value may be worth taking. If you’re unsure, we can estimate the volume and shipping cost of the items you’re considering so you can make an informed decision.
Can I ship my car from Australia to the UK?
Yes. We can arrange international shipping for cars, motorbikes and other vehicles.
UK import, customs, vehicle approval and registration requirements apply, so tell us about your vehicle early in the planning process. We’ll provide information about the shipping process and the requirements you’ll need to consider.
Can I store my belongings before they're shipped to the UK?
Yes. If your moving dates and shipping schedule don’t line up, we can arrange secure storage before your belongings are shipped.
Let us know about your timing when planning your move and we’ll incorporate any storage requirements into your moving plan.
Who delivers my belongings when they arrive in the UK?
We work with trusted professional moving partners in the UK who assist with customs clearance and arrange delivery of your belongings to your new home.
Our FIDI and OMNI networks help us work with established international moving companies that meet recognised professional standards.
Can you help me move back to Australia from the UK?
Yes. We coordinate moves to and from Australia, working with our international moving partners to manage the process at both ends.
Contact our team with details of where you’re moving from, where you’re going and what you’d like to take, and we’ll explain the options available.
Helpful Things to Organise Before Moving to the UK
Alongside organising the shipment of your belongings, there are several things worth considering before you leave Australia:
- Check that your passport is current and that you have the appropriate visa or right to live and work in the UK.
- Start your Transfer of Residence (ToR) application where applicable.
- Arrange accommodation for your arrival.
- Research healthcare arrangements and registering for services in the UK.
- If you’re moving with children, research schools and enrolment requirements in your new area.
- Consider your Australian and UK tax obligations and seek professional advice where required.
- Check the current rules for using or exchanging your Australian driver’s licence.
- Notify relevant banks, government agencies and service providers of your move.
- Decide what you’re taking, selling, donating or storing.
- Keep passports, medication, important documents and immediate essentials with you rather than packing them into your sea shipment.
Government, immigration, customs and taxation requirements can change, so always check the relevant official UK and Australian Government information for your individual circumstances.

