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.
Request a Quick Quote
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.
Request a Quick Quote
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.
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.
Request a Quick Quote
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?
It really depends on how much you’re taking and how quickly you need it.
We offer regular Groupage (shared container) services to the UK, which are a great option if you don’t have enough belongings to fill your own container. If you’re moving a larger household, a sole-use 20ft or 40ft container may be more suitable. We can also arrange LCL or air freight for smaller or more time-sensitive shipments.
You don’t need to work out which option you need yourself. Tell us what you’re planning to take and we’ll help you work out the most suitable way to ship it.
How often do your shared containers leave for the UK?
The UK is one of our most popular destinations and we operate regular Groupage services from Australia to the UK.
Groupage works by combining your belongings with other customers moving to the same destination, so departure dates depend on when the container is ready to be consolidated. We’ll give you an estimated timeframe when you request your quote and keep you updated as your shipment progresses.
Do I need to complete Customs paperwork when moving to the UK?
Yes. If you’re moving your normal home to the UK, you may be eligible for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which can allow qualifying personal belongings to enter the UK without paying import duty and tax.
There are eligibility requirements and you’ll need to apply to HM Revenue & Customs. We’ll provide you with the information you need for your shipment and our UK destination partner will assist with the Customs clearance process when your belongings arrive.
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What can I take with me when moving to the UK?
Most normal household belongings can be shipped to the UK, including furniture, clothing, kitchenware and personal effects. However, there are restrictions on certain goods, including some foods, alcohol, tobacco and other controlled or restricted items.
We’ll provide you with the relevant Customs information before your move. If there’s something in particular you’re unsure about, just ask us before it’s packed.
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.
We take over the complicated process of moving…
Helping our clients pack, organise insurance, liaise with shipping officials on their behalf and unpack at the end of the move.
Learn more about our process
