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Migrants.

Moving household goods to or from South Africa can feel complex — but it becomes manageable when you break it into a few clear decisions: timing, volume, packing scope, and destination handover.

This is a start-here page for people relocating. It focuses on what to decide early, what causes delays, and what we need to quote accurately — then links you to the deeper service pages for detail. 

Contact Us

Start here in 10 minutes

If you only do one thing today, do this:

Choose your timing window:

fixed deadline vs flexible month

List what’s moving:

a simple room list or major-item list is enough to start

Decide packing scope:

owner-packed vs professional packing (or a mix)

Confirm access at both ends:

stairs, lifts, parking, estate rules, receiving hours

Flag special items:

fragile, oversized, high-value, or anything you’re unsure about

This reduces follow-ups later and helps keep planning realistic.


The key choices that shape your move

For the full moving workflow overview, see international-moving.

Volume and what you’re taking

Most delays and rework come from unclear volume. You don’t need perfect measurements — but you do need a reasonable list. Start with rooms (bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, garage/storage) and mark large items (beds, couches, desks, appliances). If you’re unsure, photos or a short walk-through video can help us estimate more accurately.


Packing scope and handling

Packing decisions affect scheduling and how smoothly the shipment moves through handovers. Some people prefer to pack everything themselves. Others prefer professional packing for fragile items, awkward shapes, or when time is tight. If you’re unsure, choose a mixed approach (you pack the simple items; we pack the fragile or high-risk items).

For packing methods, materials, and special-item handling, see specialised-packing.


Service level and handover points

International moves are easiest when the handovers are clear. Some clients want end-to-end help. Others prefer to manage parts of the move themselves. The key is agreeing what “start” and “finish” mean for your quote — so there are no surprises later.

Timing and flexibility

If you have a fixed departure or arrival date, tell us early. Some steps are time-bound (booking windows, collection scheduling, delivery appointments). If your timing is flexible, you usually have more options and less pressure.

 

What we need to quote (household moves)

Send a single “inputs pack” with the items below. More complete inputs usually mean fewer follow-ups later.

Why it matters:

Planning collection approach and access needs

Common mistake to avoid:

Only sending a city name

Why it matters:

Planning delivery approach and constraints

Common mistake to avoid:

Waiting until late to confirm destination details

Why it matters:

Helps plan sequencing and availability

Common mistake to avoid:

Using “ASAP” with no dates

Why it matters:

Shapes the right solution and prevents rework

Common mistake to avoid:

Forgetting garage/storage items

Why it matters:

Sets labour, materials, and planning time

Common mistake to avoid:

Deciding packing scope at the last minute

Why it matters:

Impacts time, equipment, and feasibility

Common mistake to avoid:

Not mentioning stairs/lifts/parking rules

Why it matters:

May need special handling or separate planning

Common mistake to avoid:

Only mentioning special items after scheduling

Why it matters:

Ensures scope is aligned (who does what, where)

Common mistake to avoid:

Assuming door delivery when it wasn’t requested

Why it matters:

Reduces surprises and speeds estimating

Common mistake to avoid:

Sending close-ups without room context


What happens next (6 steps, plain language)

1

You send the basics via contactus 

(addresses, timing, list, packing preference).

2

We confirm scope and constraints 

(handover points, access, special items, gaps to resolve).

3

We send a quote 

with clear inclusions and assumptions.

4

On acceptance, we schedule

 packing/collection and align the timeline.

5

We coordinate shipment sequencing

​ and provide milestone updates as it moves through key stages.

6

Delivery and handover

​ are confirmed, then we close out any remaining admin.

Common pitfalls — and how to reduce the risk


1. Unclear volume or incomplete lists

This is the most common cause of rework. A simple room list is better than a single rough guess. Add storage areas and large items.


2. Access surprises

If a building or estate has restrictions, it can change planning and timing. Share access details early (stairs, lift bookings, parking distance, receiving hours).


3. Late changes to dates or scope

Relocations often shift as travel plans change. If anything changes, tell us early so we can adjust the plan without last-minute pressure.


4. Special items flagged too late

Fragile, oversized, or high-value items benefit from early planning. If you’re unsure whether something is “special”, include it anyway.


Where to go deeper. 

 

Closing CTA


If you send us your timing window and a rough room list, we can usually reduce uncertainty quickly and tell you what matters next.