What to Pack, What to Ship: A Practical Guide for Moving to Australia (2025)
Relocating to Australia can be exciting, but it also comes with a common challenge: deciding what to take in your luggage and what to send as a shipment. Between airline baggage limits, customs rules, and shipping timelines, smart packing can save you money, effort, and stress.
At GetMyParcel, we’ve helped thousands of expats and students relocate to Australia. Here’s a detailed, practical guide so you pack smart and avoid surprises.
Step 1: Know the Difference – Luggage vs. Shipment
Before packing, understand what’s best to carry with you and what’s better to ship:
- Airline Luggage (Carry-on & Check-in):
- Best for essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival.
- Limited to 23–30 kg per check-in bag (varies by airline).
- Overweight baggage fees can be high.
- International Shipping:
- Best for bulk items or things not urgently needed.
- Cost-effective for large/heavy goods.
- Delivery can take 1–2 weeks depending on service.
- Subject to customs checks—so packing and item selection is important.
Step 2: What to Pack in Your Luggage
Your luggage should cover everything you need for the first immediately, in Australia while your shipment is in transit.
Documents & Essentials
- Passport, visa approval, flight ticket copies
- Offer letter/admission letter (if student or work visa holder)
- Academic transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters
- Medical prescriptions with doctor’s note
- Driving license or International Driving Permit
- Bank documents, credit/debit cards
Clothing & Personal Items
- Weather-appropriate clothing (check your city’s climate for your arrival month)
- Lightweight clothes for summer (December–February)
- Warm jackets or sweaters for winter (June–August)
- Comfortable footwear (casual, formal, and sports shoes)
- A few sets of formal clothing (for work or interviews)
Personal Care & Immediate Needs
- Toiletries for initial days (toothbrush, shampoo, basic skincare)
- Personal hygiene products
- Small grooming kit (razor, trimmer, hairbrush)
Electronics
- Laptop, phone, chargers, and headphones
- Universal plug adapter
- Portable power bank (check airline rules for batteries)
Special Items for Students/Families
- Students: Basic stationery, study materials, reference notes
- Families: Basic baby essentials if travelling with kids
Step 3: What to Ship to Australia
Ship items that are heavy, bulky, or not immediately needed.
Clothing & Household Items
- Extra clothes (winter wear, traditional/cultural wear)
- Bedsheets, pillowcases, towels (quality may be better and cheaper in home country)
- Extra blankets or quilts
Kitchen Essentials
- Cooking utensils (pressure cooker, pans, spatulas)
- Food containers (BPA-free plastic or stainless steel)
- Spices (only if factory-packed, sealed, and labeled)
- Small kitchen appliances
Home & Personal Items
- Books, stationery, personal files
- Home décor items or sentimental keepsakes
- Baby gear (toys, bottles, extra clothes)
- Bicycles, sports equipment (cleaned and declared)
Step 4: What NOT to Ship to Australia
Australia has strict biosecurity rules. Avoid shipping:
- Food & plant products: Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, plants, soil
- Animal products: Dairy, meat, eggs, leather from certain countries
- Prohibited tech items: Certain batteries, AirTags, restricted GPS trackers
- Weapons & hazardous items: Knives, pepper spray, explosive materials
- Unapproved medicines & supplements without proper prescription
Tip: Always check the Australian Border Force prohibited items list before packing.
Step 5: Packing & Shipping Tips
- Use strong boxes: Double-wall boxes, Hard suitcases work best for long transit.
- Label each box clearly: Include your name, destination address, and contact number.
- Maintain a packing list: Helps for customs declaration and personal record.
- Plan your timeline: Ship non-essentials 1-2 weeks before departure.
- Check customs paperwork: GetMyParcel provides customs guidance to avoid delays.
- Insurance option: Consider insuring valuable shipments for peace of mind.
At Last
Relocating to Australia becomes much easier when you know exactly what to pack and what to ship. Essentials should travel with you in your luggage, while heavy or non-urgent items can be sent in advance.
At GetMyParcel, we make moving to Australia stress-free by offering affordable rates, expert packing advice, and reliable customs support—so you can focus on settling into your new life.