Making the move from Australia to Spain is an exciting adventure — but it’s also a significant financial commitment. International removals, shipping fees, customs, storage, insurance, and flights can all add up quickly.
If you’re planning removals to Spain from Australia, there are several effective ways to cut costs without compromising quality. With smart planning, the right tools, and some insider tips, you can keep your relocation budget under control.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to saving money on your international move.
💡 1. Get Multiple Quotes from Reputable Movers
One of the biggest mistakes people make is accepting the first quote they receive. Prices between removal companies can vary by thousands of dollars, especially on long-distance moves like Australia to Spain.
✅ How to Save:
- Use a removals comparison service like Advance Moves to receive up to 5 quotes from vetted international movers.
- Their Quick Quote system gives you an instant estimate and matches you with companies offering the best service and price based on your move details.
This allows you to compare services, routes, shipping options, and pricing — helping you make an informed choice and avoid overpaying.
📦 2. Declutter Before You Pack
The more you ship, the more you pay. International removals are usually priced based on volume (cubic metres) or weight. So reducing the size of your shipment is the fastest way to cut costs.
✅ How to Save:
- Sell, donate, or dispose of furniture, appliances, or clothing you don’t absolutely need.
- Be ruthless — if it’s cheaper to replace it in Spain than to ship it, leave it behind.
- Hold a garage sale or list items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
Less volume = lower shipping cost. Simple.
🚚 3. Consider a Shared (Part Load) Shipment
If you’re not moving a full household, you may not need a full container. In that case, opt for a shared container (also known as a groupage or part-load service).
✅ How to Save:
- Your belongings will be packed and shipped with other people’s items heading to Spain.
- You only pay for the space you use.
- It’s ideal for smaller households, singles, or students.
It may take a little longer than a dedicated container, but the savings can be substantial.
✈️ 4. Be Flexible With Your Moving Dates
Just like flights, shipping prices fluctuate depending on the time of year and how much demand there is.
✅ How to Save:
- Avoid peak seasons like European summer (June–August) or the Christmas/New Year period.
- If you can be flexible, ask removal companies for off-peak rates.
- Booking well in advance can often secure better deals.
📦 5. Pack Some Items Yourself
Professional packing services are convenient but expensive. If you’re willing to do some of the work, you can reduce labour costs.
✅ How to Save:
- Pack non-fragile items (like clothing, books, bedding) yourself.
- Let the pros handle fragile or high-value items to ensure insurance coverage.
- Use your own boxes (if accepted) and clearly label everything.
Just be sure to confirm with your mover what you’re allowed to pack yourself — some insurance policies are only valid on professionally packed goods.
🏘 6. Avoid Paying for Storage
Storage is often an unexpected extra cost during international removals — especially if there are delays in finding housing in Spain.
✅ How to Save:
- Secure accommodation in Spain before you move, even short-term.
- Time your shipment so it arrives shortly after you do.
- Ask your removal company if they offer free short-term storage as part of the package (some do!).
Every extra day in storage can add up, so planning ahead saves money and stress.
✈️ 7. Use Excess Baggage or Air Freight for Urgent Items
If you only need a few essential items quickly (clothes, documents, electronics), shipping everything by sea may be overkill.
✅ How to Save:
- Use excess baggage services or low-cost air freight for essentials.
- This avoids the cost of rushing a full container and gives you flexibility during the transition.
You can travel light and still have what you need on arrival — without paying thousands to ship everything express.
📑 8. Understand Customs and Avoid Fines
Unexpected customs fees, documentation errors, or missing paperwork can result in costly delays and charges.
✅ How to Save:
- Work with a mover who specialises in removals to Spain from Australia — they’ll help ensure paperwork is correct and complete.
- Ask what’s duty-free and what items require declaration.
- Avoid shipping restricted goods that may cause delays or be confiscated.
Proper planning prevents expensive surprises at the border.
🔍 9. Review and Compare Insurance Options
International removals insurance is essential — but the premiums vary depending on what’s covered and who provides it.
✅ How to Save:
- Get quotes from the removal company and third-party insurers.
- Only insure the value of what’s truly irreplaceable or expensive.
- Avoid over-insuring low-value items.
Make sure you’re protected — but don’t pay for coverage you don’t need.
💳 10. Look for Bundled Services or Special Offers
Many removal companies offer bundles that include packing, shipping, storage, customs, and delivery. Bundles can be more cost-effective than buying each service separately.
✅ How to Save:
- Ask if bundled deals are available.
- See if movers offer discounts for booking early, off-peak rates, or promotions for long-distance moves.
Using Advance Moves can help here, as they match you with movers offering competitive all-in packages for removals to Spain from Australia.
✨ Final Tips
- Track all expenses so you can stay within your moving budget.
- Double-check quotes for hidden fees (fuel surcharges, port fees, admin charges).
- Negotiate — don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal or price match between companies.
- Book early to avoid last-minute premiums.
🧳 In Summary: Smart Ways to Cut Costs on Your Move to Spain
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| ✅ Use Advance Moves | Get matched with cost-effective, trusted movers |
| ✅ Declutter | Ship less, pay less |
| ✅ Choose part load | Share container space and cut shipping costs |
| ✅ Pack yourself | Reduce labour charges |
| ✅ Avoid storage | Save on daily holding fees |
| ✅ Be flexible | Find cheaper shipping windows |
| ✅ Understand customs | Avoid fines and delays |
| ✅ Shop around for insurance | Get the right coverage at the best price |
🎯 Ready to Save on Your Move?
Start with Advance Moves’ Quick Quote system. You’ll get:
- An instant estimated cost and volume
- Matched with 5 of the best movers for your needs
- Direct contact from the companies — no middlemen, no fuss
It’s free, fast, and could save you hundreds (or even thousands) on your removal to Spain from Australia.
👉 Try it now at Advance Moves and make your international move easier and more affordable.