📦 Shipping & Moving Your Belongings

Complete guide to shipping household goods, tax implications & import duties

Shipping Options & Costs

🚢 Sea Freight (Full Container)

€3,500-€8,000

20ft or 40ft container

✅ Best for: Full household (3+ bedroom)
⏱️ Transit: 6-8 weeks
📦 Volume: 20-40m³
💰 Most economical per item

🚢 Shared Container (LCL)

€1,500-€4,000

Pay per cubic meter

✅ Best for: 1-2 bedroom apartment
⏱️ Transit: 8-12 weeks
📦 Volume: 5-15m³
💰 Flexible volume

✈️ Air Freight

€500-€2,000

Small urgent items only

✅ Best for: Documents, essentials
⏱️ Transit: 3-7 days
📦 Volume: Under 1m³
💰 Expensive but fast

🚨 Tax & Import Duty (CRITICAL)

Moving TO Australia 🇦🇺

✅ DUTY-FREE if you meet ALL conditions:

1️⃣ You owned & used items for 12+ months before arrival
2️⃣ You're moving permanently (not temporary)
3️⃣ Items arrive within 12 months of your arrival
4️⃣ You provide proof of ownership (receipts, photos, insurance docs)

❌ Items that ARE taxed:

• New items (purchased within 12 months)
• Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) - high duty + luxury tax
• Alcohol over 2.25L spirits
• Tobacco over 25 cigarettes
• Commercial goods or items for resale

Moving TO Ireland 🇮🇪

✅ VAT & Duty RELIEF if you meet ALL conditions:

1️⃣ You lived outside EU for 12+ consecutive months
2️⃣ You owned & used items for 6+ months
3️⃣ Items imported within 12 months of arrival
4️⃣ You're transferring normal residence to Ireland
5️⃣ Apply for Transfer of Residence Relief (BEFORE shipping)

❌ If you DON'T qualify:

• 23% VAT on all goods value
• Import duty varies (0-17% depending on item)
• Vehicles: VRT up to 37% of OMSP value

⚠️ CRITICAL: Apply for relief BEFORE shipping!

Australia: Complete B534 form - Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement
Ireland: Apply for Transfer of Residence Relief via Revenue.ie

📄 Documentation Required (Keep These Safe!)

Essential Documents:

📋
Detailed inventory list - Every item with estimated value
📸
Photos of high-value items - Furniture, electronics, art
🧾
Receipts/proof of ownership - Especially for items under 12 months old
🛂
Passport & visa - Proving your relocation date
🏠
Proof of previous residence - Lease, utility bills (12+ months)

Helpful for Customs:

• Insurance documents showing item values
• Bank statements (proof of purchase dates)
• Marriage certificate (if bringing spouse's items)
• Employment contract or job offer letter
• Shipping company's packing list

📦 Recommended International Movers

Seven Seas Worldwide

Specialist in small moves (1-15m³)

💰 From €1,200

⭐ 4.5/5 Trustpilot

🌍 Door-to-door service

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Excess International

Large volume moves (15m³+)

💰 From €2,500

⭐ 4.7/5 Reviews

🚢 Full container service

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Allied Pickfords

Premium full-service moves

💰 From €4,000

⭐ 4.3/5 Reviews

📦 Packing service included

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