Berthing issues at some ports may delay some shipments. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
Removals to Australia: what you need to know
With a mix of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, tropical climate, diverse cities bursting with culture and laid-back, friendly people, what's not to love about The Land Down Under? As one of the world's most popular destinations, Australia is a warm and welcoming place for young professionals, families, and retirees. Start your exciting new life today with the help of our stress-free international removal services.
With over 25 years of experience helping people relocate overseas, we are one of the country's most trusted relocation removalists. Our round-the-clock support, knowledgeable team, customs insight, secure packing supplies and unique moving containers make relocating to Australia easy.
Trusted for 25+ years, we make long-distance moves easy
From generating a free instant quote to the day your household goods arrive, you're in safe hands with our expert team. Utilising several of our depots in Australia, we cover the Gold Coast, Alice Springs and the Sunshine Coast, as well as major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Darwin. The following are just some of the advantages you can enjoy when choosing our overseas removal company:
- Free starter pack: our MoveCube® includes several packing essentials to get you started. Inside, you'll find a measuring tape, parcel tape and dispenser, a box cutter, and a marker pen. Also, three plastic floor sheets in Large, Medium and Small sizes to help you estimate how much you can load into the MoveCube®.
- Safe and secure storage: two weeks of free storage in both the origin country and our nearest Australian depot, allowing you plenty of time to arrive at your new home.
- No surprise fees: our free online quote tool lets you see an itemised list of shipping costs for each step of your good's journey.
- Pay in instalments: we spread your payments into three affordable stages. First, an upfront deposit, then a fee when your goods are shipped, and a final payment once your goods arrive in your destination county.
- Full customs clearance: all you need to do is pack your belongings and complete your online forms. We'll do everything else, including Australian customs clearance and the safe delivery of your goods.
International removals to Australia in 5 steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
International removals to Australia with the MoveCube®
Once you've decided which Australian paradise to settle in, the next step is to pack and move your personal effects. Ideal for large container loads, our MoveCube® can safely transport your possessions to your new home in the sun.
The MoveCube® is essentially your dedicated shipping container, ready to be filled with everything from bikes and linen to white goods and furniture.
Our overseas removals process is straightforward:
- Get a free instant online quote, place your order, then select convenient dates so we can deliver your Starter Pack and conduct a site inspection.
- We'll deliver the MoveCube® so you can load it within your allotted time, and then we'll take it to our nearest depot, ready for shipping.
- Make sure all your online documentation is complete. When your goods arrive in Australia, select a date for us to deliver them to your new home.
Are you worried about your belongings travelling such long distances? It's only natural. As experienced international movers, we have a range of insurance policies to put your mind at ease while your goods travel between South Africa and Australia. Plus, using our online tracking tool, you can monitor a MoveCube's® movement anywhere in the world.
The MoveCube® is essentially your dedicated shipping container, ready to be filled with everything from bikes and linen to white goods and furniture.
See our international MoveCube® in action:
How big is a MoveCube® shipping container?
The MoveCube® is an international moving container unique to our business and is available in three sizes: Large, Medium and Small (see below for their dimensions). Our bespoke, secure crates offer your precious household effects all the protection they need when travelling long distances. For large removals to Australia, you can order multiple MoveCubes®.
If you only have a few personal effects, we can also ship boxes and bags to Australia.
Large MoveCube®*
Internal dimensions:
146cm/57 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
226cm/88 inches (D)
Medium MoveCube®*
Internal dimensions:
111cm/43 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
146cm/57 inches (D)
Small MoveCube®*
Internal dimensions:
96cm/35 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
111cm/43 inches (D)
*Please note, the MoveCube® is loaded from the side panel.
FAQs about our international removals services
Since each person's requirements and destinations differ, use our free online quote engine to receive a personalised and accurate estimation. The quote tool only takes a few minutes to fill in and will itemise all removal costs, avoiding any unexpected charges after you place your order.
As one of the world's top international removal companies, we handle customs clearance for you. However, there are a few essential things to note:
- Your online Inventory Packing List must be accurate to let customs officials see precisely what you have packed in each container.
- All your goods must be thoroughly clean. You may be fined, charged for cleaning, or face delays if any organic matter is discovered.
- Shoes are frequently checked and must be clean and accessible at the entrance of the MoveCube®.
Read our Australian Customs Advice for a full breakdown, including duty-free rules.
After booking one of our international relocation services, log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account and fill in the following online documents:
- An inventory itemising everything in the MoveCube®.
- A customs form.
- Scans of your passport - both photo and signature pages - and your visa.
- Your destination address, email, and contact phone number.
- Optional insurance forms to protect your goods in case something goes wrong.
Australian customs officials will see these forms, so accuracy is a must. Contact our multilingual support team for advice if you need help.
As one of the leading international moving companies in the world, we offer 2 weeks of free storage at our controlled depots in both your origin and destination country.
If your plans change and you want to store your goods for longer after you complete your booking, no problem! Simply let us know more than 24 hours before your MoveCube® loading date.
Australia has a list of items banned from importation. Read through our Prohibited Goods page thoroughly before packing a MoveCube® to prevent possible fines and delays at customs.
Due to the MoveCube's® size and weight (each can carry up to 1.25 tonnes!), we only transport international removals to Australia via sea, taking 125 days. This shipping service is the most affordable option and allows you to ship larger items like bicycles and furniture. Plus, it's better for the environment as it produces fewer CO2 emissions, reducing your shipment's carbon footprint.
Finding a reliable international removals company to ship your personal effects to Australia can be overwhelming. Look for removalists with plenty of experience and multilingual customer support. And consider the benefits of their shipping services, like whether they handle customs clearance or provide packaging.
Here are just a few reasons why ordering Seven Seas Worldwide's removals Australia service is the right decision:
- No hidden fees: no one enjoys getting hit with unexpected costs after purchasing a service, especially when budgeting for an overseas relocation to Australia. For 100% transparency, our removal quotes provide a clear, itemised breakdown of all the fees involved. Plus, we never ask for full payment upfront, instead charging in affordable instalments.
- Seamless shipping from start to finish: we operate our own depots, not an agent's, in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, enabling us to handle the entire process. That's why we can promise that from the time you place your order to the moment we deliver your shipment, you'll communicate with us and only us.
- World-class customer service: our support team successfully guides thousands of customers each year through the removal process. Our expert team speak several languages, including Cantonese, Afrikaans, Thai, Mandarin and English, and are available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns you may have about your removal.
- Years of experience: we've been operating in Australia since 2001, so you can trust your belongings are in safe hands. Our friendly team are also expert in handling the customs clearance process, thanks to their in-depth local knowledge.
- Convenient collection and delivery: start by getting a free instant removal quote. Next, place your order and choose suitable dates for us to drop off your MoveCube® Starter Pack and conduct a site inspection. We'll deliver the empty MoveCube® container to your address for you to load within the allocated timeslot. Then, once you complete the customs documentation, we'll ship it to Australia and deliver your shipment to its destination.
Yes, our MoveCube® service is perfect for shipping furniture to Australia! This robust wooden crate acts as your own mini shipping container, offering your items maximum protection during long international removals from South Africa to Australia.
Plus, we can provide multiple MoveCubes®, available in three different sizes, and deliver them directly to your address. You can then load them with everything from sofas and dining tables to garden furniture and wardrobes.
Our International MoveCube® removal service is designed to make shipping your personal effects from South Africa to Australia stress-free. All you need to do is pick a suitable date for us to deliver the container to your door and then load it within the allocated timeslot.
Follow these three easy steps below for a smooth moving day experience:
1. Pack your belongings in advance
Keep your removal on track by packing your goods before the MoveCube® collection day. Luckily, we provide all international removals travelling from South Africa to Australia with a free Starter Pack containing quality packaging to help you wrap your possessions securely.
This pack also contains floor sheets in each MoveCube® size, which you can lay flat and use to determine how much you can fit in the container.
2. Arrange parking for our vehicle
Please organise suitable parking for the van containing the MoveCube® beforehand, especially if you live in a busy area, apartment block, or narrow road.
Parking should be within 20m of the collection and delivery addresses, as our driver must always keep the vehicle within eyesight.
3. Check your phone for a timeslot
We will text you the night before your removals collection and delivery days to confirm the timeslot allocated for loading or unloading. We base these timings on the number and size of MoveCubes® you're using. Timeframes vary from 60 minutes for a small container to 120 minutes for a large one.
To avoid delays, we highly recommend you bring your items to the entrance of your address before collection and ask friends or family for help.
How long do removals to Australia from South Africa take?*
By sea
129 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
4-step packing guide for moving abroad
Securely packing your possessions is one of the most important things to get right before your big trip Down Under. Such a big task can be stressful. So, go easy on yourself by putting aside enough time, getting some help from family and friends, and following these 4 useful tips (see our Moving FAQ for more advice):
Get rid of excess possessions:
Think carefully about what you take. After all, the more you ship, the more it costs. Use this opportunity to say goodbye to items you no longer need. You're unlikely to want those extra-thick jumpers, winter hats or woolly coats in Australia!
Consider selling items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for extra cash, donating to charity, or taking broken or unusable items to be recycled or wasted.
Pack fragile items with care:
Consider hiring an expert packer to securely pack your goods. If packing yourself, use plenty of strong packing tape to strengthen the base of the box and the lid.
Plenty of bubble wrap is essential! Wrap everything multiple times and place them as close to the middle of your box as possible. Place the heaviest items lowest and the lightest items at the top. If there are any gaps in your box, fill them with packing paper or used newspaper.
Organise parking for collection day:
Once you know your collection and delivery day timeslots, ensure our drivers have an empty parking place. You may need to arrange parking permits or tickets to allow enough time for loading or unloading the MoveCube®.
Ideally, this will allow our drivers to park within 20m of your collection and delivery addresses. Our drivers will happily offer advice and a trolley to help move your goods.
Distribute weight evenly in the MoveCube®:
Before loading the MoveCube®, lay out the corresponding floor sheets we provide to check your belongings fit inside. Place the heaviest items at the bottom. Put lighter items at the top to avoid being crushed, and fill any gaps to limit movement during its trek around the world.
Avoid stuffing any loose items in at the last minute, as this will only lead to damage. Instead, pack as much as possible into sturdy boxes and bags.
We used a MoveCube® to Australia. From start to finish, the service was excellent. Both the drivers were professional, punctual, friendly and helpful. The team I dealt with over the phone were also great, answering any questions I had. I would definitely recommend Seven Seas Worldwide.
Elizabeth
Relocation essentials: moving to Australia
Aussies are friendly people who love nothing better than a back garden get-together with friends and family. Fairness is ingrained into society, with a willingness to give anyone an opportunity, no matter their background or religious belief. So, if you're looking for a relaxed life in the sun and a thriving, open culture to raise a family, Australia is the place for you. But before you pack your bags, here are some essential things to know when relocating:
Types of visas: you can apply for an eVisitor visa, which allows stays of up to 3 months per visit, as often as you like, within a year. The Department of Home Affairs has information on permanent visas, work-sponsored visa and retirees.
Job opportunities: as one of the world's best economies, Australia's job market is competitive for foreigners. However, highly-skilled workers are always welcome. Current in-demand jobs include nurses, software engineers, carers, early-years teachers, and construction managers.
Healthcare: Australia has Medicare which offers free medical treatment to all permanent residents. There is also a range of private health insurance options.
Education: depending on the state or territory, all children between 4, 5 or 6 and 15, 16 or 17 must be educated either at home or at a school. Also, Australia has many world-ranked universities, including the University of Melbourne (rank 34) and the University of Queensland (rank 53).
Lifestyle: Aussies have a relaxed, friendly attitude, which rubs off on tourists and settlers alike. Come for the scorching hot weather, beaches, and scenery, and stay for the thriving culture, passionate sports, and welcoming people.
Moving abroad checklist
Although our international removals company takes care of your belongings every step of the way, follow this helpful checklist to stay on track for a stress-free move:
- Gather your documents: keep all your required paperwork in one place, including marriage and birth certificates and proof of income, in case you need quick access.
- Apply for a visa: thoroughly research Australian visas, then apply for one that best suits your and your family's needs.
- Find accommodation: once your visa is confirmed, decide what to do with your current property, whether to sell or rent it out. Allow yourself some settling-in time at your new location to ensure it's the right move. Consider renting for a while before investing in a new home.
- Book a removals service: get a free quick quote and arrange a suitable date for us to deliver a MoveCube® directly to your door for loading.
- Arrange travel: decide when you will arrive in Australia and book your flights. Please note: you must be present in the country when we deliver your goods.
- Organise your finances: let your bank know you're moving overseas and take out some spare cash to cover emergencies or last-minute purchases.
- Speak to a doctor: if you have recurring prescriptions, ask for a three-month supply to allow time to register at a new practice in Australia.
- Take pets to the vet: if you're bringing your furry best friend along for the ride, set aside some time to vaccinate them and arrange a secure pet carrier for transportation.
- Have a declutter: only take what you need and sell or donate what you don't. After all, the less you ship, the cheaper it is!
- Pack your belongings: before the MoveCube® loading day, ensure you carefully wrap and pack your possessions. You can either do this yourself following our handy Packing Guides or, for extra security, hire a professional domestic household packer to do the job for you. Then, place them as close to the entry of your building as possible. We also offer specialist boxes for large items such as guitars, surfboards, and bikes if needed.
- Get settled in your new home: once your goods sail through Australian customs, contact us to arrange a suitable delivery date. Now, all that's left to do is unpack and enjoy your new life in the sun!
More useful information about overseas removals
Prohibitive goods
Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Shipping terms glossary
This jargon-busting page provides definitions of common shipping and delivery terms such as personal effects and transit times.
MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® self-load moving container makes home and overseas removals easy and affordable.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.