
Moving to Australia from New Zealand can be a thrilling adventure, but it can also be a daunting task, especially when it comes to transporting your furniture. The distance between the two countries is approximately 1,500 kilometers, which can make shipping and logistics a challenge.
The cost of shipping furniture from New Zealand to Australia can vary greatly, depending on the size and weight of the items, as well as the shipping method chosen. According to our research, the cost can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the specific requirements of your move.
To ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to start planning your move at least 6-8 weeks in advance. This will give you sufficient time to research and book a reliable shipping company, as well as to prepare your furniture for transport.
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Planning Your Move
You'll want to start planning your move at least 2 months in advance, but be aware that getting rid of unwanted items can be a time-consuming task.
Having a dedicated personal moving consultant will make a big difference in the smoothness of your move, as they'll be your go-to person for any questions or concerns.
It's a good idea to start researching shipping options early, but be prepared for the possibility of still getting quotes 1 month before you need to collect your items.
When to Organise
Organising shipping 2 months before your move is a good idea, but it's not uncommon to still be getting quotes 1 month before collection.
It's essential to allow time to get rid of items you're not taking with you, which can be the harder task of the move.
Researching shipping 2 months before your move can help you avoid last-minute decisions and make the process smoother.
If you're moving from New Zealand to Australia, it's best to start planning at least 2 months in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
Reliable and affordable services can make a big difference in the moving process, so it's worth finding a reputable company to handle your move.
Take a look at this: Moving Furniture
Checklist
Planning your move to Australia from New Zealand requires some careful planning and organizing. It's essential to create a comprehensive checklist to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Start by researching moving companies that have experience with international moves. For example, The Moving Company, New Zealand's largest international private mover, annually manages over a thousand sea and air shipments to Australia.
To avoid last-minute stress, start organizing your shipping about 2-3 months before your move. This will give you enough time to get rid of items you're not taking with you, as mentioned in one person's experience.
Here's a checklist to get you started:
- Research moving companies with experience in international moves
- Get quotes from at least 3-4 companies
- Check the company's reputation, reviews, and ratings
- Ask about their services, including door-to-door delivery, clearance, and delivery charges
- Check if they have a 100% kiwi-owned and operated company, like The Moving Company
- Plan your move according to your needs, not the company's schedule
- Consider using priority cartons for important items
By following this checklist and starting to plan your move early, you'll be well-prepared for a smooth transition to your new life in Australia.
Packing and Shipping
Packing and shipping your belongings from New Zealand to Australia can be a daunting task. It's essential to decide whether you'll pack yourself or have professionals do it for you. If you pack yourself, you might struggle to get a reasonable insurance premium for valuable items.
To get an accurate quote, you need to provide moving companies with a good idea of the volume and types of things you're moving. This will help you determine if it's cost-effective to pack things yourself.
Enlisting the help of professionals can ensure your possessions arrive safely, especially considering the rough Tasman crossing. They use high-grade packing materials and methods to provide ultimate protection while in transit.
Packing
Deciding whether to pack your belongings yourself or hire professionals can be a challenge. If you plan to pack yourself, you might find it difficult to get a reasonable insurance premium for your valuable items.
You'll need to give moving companies a good idea of the volume and types of things you're moving to get an accurate quote. This will help you decide if packing yourself is cost-effective.
Professional packers use high-grade materials and methods to protect your belongings during transit. The Tasman crossing can be rough, so it's essential to use reliable packing methods.
Enlisting the help of professionals can also make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home.
In a Container
Packing and shipping your belongings in a container is a popular option for moving from New Zealand to Australia. It can take approximately 6-8 weeks to arrive in Australia if you have a full container.
Full containers usually mean faster processing and come in various sizes. A full container load costs between $11,790 and $13,290.
A full-service international removal service will handle all the logistics, including customs and quarantine processes. This can be a hassle-free option, especially for those who don't want to deal with the complexities of international moving.
Secure and safe containers are used for moving and storage, making it a quick, easy, and affordable option.
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Airfreight
Airfreight is the fastest option, with items arriving within 1-2 weeks, but it's also the most expensive.
If you need to start work quickly, as the example shows, airfreight can be a good choice.
The example from UPSThis is an external link to airfreight shows that airfreight can be used for shipping essential items, like computers, to a new location.
Costs and Considerations
Your shipment cost from New Zealand to Australia will include insurance to cover damaged and missing items. Your shipper will also discuss Customs and Quarantine inspections and fumigation costs, which can be steep.
You generally don't need to pay duties on items you've owned for more than 12 months. Some items, like cane or rattan furniture, will likely be fumigated, so it's best to avoid shipping them.
You can't bring plants or seeds into Australia, but most other clean items are fine to bring.
Is It Worth Your Household Stuff?
Shipping your household goods to Australia can be a costly endeavor, but it may be worth it for some people. Not everyone needs or wants to bring their belongings with them, and alternatives like buying new or renting a furnished apartment are viable options.
Before making a decision, it's essential to consider the costs involved. The author of the article had no idea how much shipping would cost and got three different quotes before deciding on an option, which ended up saving them over $700.

Shipping costs can vary greatly depending on the items being transported and the shipping company used. In the author's case, they paid NZ$1,600 for their shipper to pack, ship, and deliver their belongings to their new home in Melbourne.
Some items may be worth shipping, such as a good bed or a decent work desk, especially if they would be expensive to replace. The author also shipped sentimental items and kitchen items, which helped them create a homely home quickly and without breaking the bank.
Having a clear inventory of your items can also help you get accurate quotes from shipping companies. The author submitted an inventory of their items to different international moving companies, which helped them compare prices and find the best option.
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Hidden Costs
Your shipper will explain all the costs involved upfront, so you're not surprised by anything during the move.
Your shipment cost will include insurance, covering damaged and missing items, and Customs and Quarantine inspections.
Fumigation costs can be steep, especially for items like cane or rattan furniture.
You generally don't need to pay duties on items you've owned for more than 12 months.
Costs and Considerations

Removals insurance is a must-have for international moves, especially when sending items across the Tasman, where there's always some risk involved.
Our comprehensive transit and storage insurance options can remove the financial risk of your international move, providing you with peace of mind.
You'll have a personal moving consultant working with you to find the best possible coverage, so you can rest assured that your belongings are protected.
Our furniture movers take care to move everything with consideration for your property and assets, so you don't have to worry about damage or loss.
With our insurance options and careful movers, you can enjoy a stress-free move, knowing that your belongings are in good hands.
Choosing a Mover
Choosing the right mover is crucial when moving furniture from New Zealand to Australia. The Moving Company is New Zealand's largest international private mover, annually managing over a thousand sea and air shipments to Australia.
Their success is built on positive moving experiences of customers and their word of mouth. The Moving Company is 100% kiwi owned and operated, unlike some other companies that are owned by overseas corporations.
One of the benefits of choosing The Moving Company is their use of Priority Cartons for important items. These cartons are used for items like bed legs, remote controls, and everything you'll want to access first when arriving in your new home.
Here are some key features to look for in a mover:
- Full door to door service, including all standard documentation, clearance, and delivery charges.
- Transparent pricing, with no hidden costs or surprises.
- A team of experienced international specialists who can identify your needs and create a personalized move plan.
- Industry leading technologies to ensure seamless communication and documentation.
- Customer service, not just customer support, to manage the entire moving experience.
By choosing a mover like The Moving Company, you can ensure a stress-free and successful move to Australia.
Options and Services
You can store your furniture and belongings in a secure facility before shipping them to Australia. Allied Moving Services offers purpose-built storage facilities in both New Zealand and Australia.
To get an accurate estimate of shipping costs, it's essential to receive a quote from a moving company that takes into account the amount of furniture and items being moved, as well as the pickup and delivery locations in both countries.
Allied Moving Services provides a range of services to make your move smoother, including professional packing and insurance to protect your belongings.
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Consolidated or Groupage
Consolidated or groupage is a cost-effective option for shipping, where your items are packed with others into a single container. This can save you money, but it may take a bit longer to arrive.
You can expect to pay around $450 to $850 per cubic metre for a consolidated shipment. This estimate comes from Transworld.
A consolidated shipment typically takes between 7-10 weeks to arrive, according to Transworld. This may be a good option if you're not in a hurry, but want to save some cash.
Storage
Storage is a convenient option for shipping furniture from New Zealand to Australia. Allied Moving Services offers secure storage in purpose-built facilities across both countries.
You can store your belongings and furniture in New Zealand and ship them to Australia when you're ready. This gives you flexibility throughout your international move.
The cost of shipping will depend on the amount of furniture and items you're moving, as well as the locations in New Zealand and Australia. Receiving a quote from a moving company is essential to get a specific understanding of the costs.

Some moving companies, like Allied Moving Services, provide secure long and short-term storage solutions with 24/7 CCTV security monitoring. This ensures your belongings are safe while in storage.
You'll also need to factor in any additional services, such as professional packing and insurance, when getting a quote for your move.
Types of Furniture to Ship
If you have a mattress and bedframe, it's likely best to ship it to Australia rather than sell it, as it can be expensive to replace.
Some other personal items you may want to consider shipping include makeup and other beauty products, books, records, and other collectibles, and art and photos.
These items are often irreplaceable or hold sentimental value, making it worth the extra cost to bring them with you.
Shipping a heirloom grandfather clock is also a good idea, as it has sentimental value and can't be easily replaced.
In contrast, a second-hand couch that you're not particularly fond of is probably best sold or given away before you relocate.
Comprehensive International Services

Allied offers comprehensive international moving services to help you settle in your new home in Australia. They provide end-to-end services that cater to your specific needs.
You can choose the level of coverage that suits your move, and they'll be there to help with whatever you need. Their services include international removals from New Zealand to Australia.
Their nationwide expertise and resources in New Zealand allow them to pack, uplift, and ship your belongings efficiently. Allied has built close working relationships with trusted moving companies in Australia.
Their Australian service partners are the best in the business, meeting the FIDI global alliance and FAIM quality standard. They have a common operating system called Moveware, ensuring seamless communication and minimizing the risk of errors.
Allied's partner network allows them to stay connected with your relocation, right through to delivery. Your move management details will move seamlessly between themselves and their service partners.
Customising Your Move
You'll have a dedicated personal moving consultant to oversee your move from New Zealand to Australia, coordinating every aspect of the relocation and keeping things on track.
This consultant will be your go-to person for any questions or concerns you may have, and they'll be just a phone call away. You can rely on them to manage the entire moving experience.
Our team of international specialists is experts at identifying customers' needs and preparing individual move plans that reflect those needs. We don't just provide a standard service – we tailor it to your specific requirements.
Here are some key benefits of our customised moving plan:
- We prepare individual move plans that reflect your needs, not what's most expedient for us.
- We provide customer service, not just customer support – our staff will manage the entire moving experience right through to the last mile.
Types of Furniture
When planning your move to Australia, consider the types of furniture you should sell, ship, or repurchase once you arrive.
Dining tables and chairs, sporting equipment, and soft furnishings like pillows, blankets, and linens are common items people replace after moving.
Research the cost of living in Australia and the price difference of certain items before deciding to sell anything.
Check this out: Should I Sell My Furniture or Move It?

You may want to sell and repurchase basic household items and whitegoods like microwaves, televisions, and washing machines.
If you don't have any specialised or expensive cooking equipment, like pots and pans, it's worth selling them and replacing them later.
Bedroom furniture and personal items are worth shipping to Australia, as they can be expensive to replace.
A mattress and bedframe, makeup and beauty products, books, and collectables are examples of items you'll want to bring with you.
Heirloom items like a grandfather clock are also worth shipping, as they hold sentimental value.
However, a second-hand couch you're not fond of is best sold or given away before you relocate.
Storage Options
You can choose to use a storage service if you're unsure about shipping your furniture or belongings to Australia. Allied Moving Services offers secure storage in purpose-built facilities across both New Zealand and Australia.
The exact price of shipping your furniture and household items to Australia will depend on the amount of items you're moving, where you're moving from in New Zealand, and where in Australia you're moving to. Receiving a quote from a moving company is recommended.

You can leave items in Allied Moving Services' purpose-built New Zealand storage facilities and ship them when you're ready. Their cutting-edge Australian facilities also offer secure storage for your furniture and belongings.
Allied Moving Services provides 24/7 CCTV security monitoring and stringent inventory management systems to ensure your belongings are safe.
Customised Plan
A customised plan is a must-have for a stress-free move. Your dedicated personal moving consultant will oversee every aspect of your relocation, keeping things on track.
They're just a phone call away if you have any questions. Having a single point of contact can make all the difference in a complex process like moving.
Here are the benefits of a customised plan with The Moving Company:
- We pride ourselves on ticking all the boxes to bring together the best value moving proposition in the industry.
- Our quotations are for a full door-to-door service, including all standard documentation, clearance, and delivery charges.
- We provide customer service, not just customer support, and our staff will manage the entire moving experience right through to the last mile.
Your personal moving consultant will work with you to create an individual move plan that reflects your needs, not just what's most expedient for the company.
Tips and Resources
If you're planning a move from New Zealand to Australia, it's essential to research the best shipping options for your furniture.
You can choose between sea freight and air freight, but sea freight is often cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Make sure to measure your furniture carefully to ensure accurate quotes from shipping companies.
The cost of shipping depends on the weight, size, and type of furniture, as well as the distance between New Zealand and Australia.
Consider using a reputable shipping company that specializes in international moves to ensure your furniture arrives safely.
Pack your furniture carefully to prevent damage during transit, and consider using custom-made boxes for fragile items.
Keep receipts and records of your shipping costs, as you may be able to claim a tax deduction on your moving expenses.
Check the Australian customs regulations to ensure you comply with all necessary documentation and duties.
Specifics of the Move
The specifics of the move are where things can get complex, but The Moving Company has got it covered. They offer a full door to door service, including all standard documentation, clearance, and delivery charges.
Their quotations are transparent, and unless there are extraordinary circumstances, what you're quoted is what you'll pay. This means no hidden fees or surprises down the line.
Here are the key details to keep in mind:
- Quotations include all standard documentation, clearance, and delivery charges.
- Prices are competitively priced due to the owners and senior management being actively involved in the day-to-day operation.
- They have industry leading technologies to ensure seamless communication between themselves and their service partners.
Their experienced team of international specialists will work with you to create a personalized move plan that meets your specific needs, not just what's most expedient for them. This level of service is what sets them apart from other moving companies.
Arrival Time
Arrival Time can vary greatly depending on the shipping method and route. It can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks for your shipment to arrive in Australia.
Shipping by air isn't a feasible option unless you have a large budget. Container ships, on the other hand, can deliver your belongings relatively quickly, taking just over 3 weeks from New Zealand to Australia.
Aussie Cities
If you're moving to Australia, you'll want to consider the differences in cost and logistics between various cities. Moving to Adelaide from New Zealand can be a cost-effective option, with quotes ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
The cost of moving to Brisbane from New Zealand can be higher, with quotes typically falling between $3,000 to $7,000. This is likely due to the city's larger size and more complex logistics.
Moving to Canberra from New Zealand can also be a significant undertaking, with quotes often ranging from $2,500 to $6,000. Be sure to factor in the cost of any additional services you may need, such as storage or packing.
Hobart, on the other hand, is one of the more affordable options for moving from New Zealand, with quotes typically ranging from $1,800 to $4,000. This can be a great option if you're on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth shipping furniture to Australia?
Shipping furniture to Australia can be surprisingly economical, often cheaper than moving it within your home country. Consider shipping if your items have sentimental value or are still in good condition.
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