Cost of Moving in South Africa

Estimated Costs Associated with Moving

• Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.):
  R300 – R1,200
• Hourly labour (for professional movers):
  R250 – R500 per hour per mover
• Truck rental (for DIY moves):
  R500 – R2,000 per day
• Full packing service (per room):
  R1,000 – R2,500
• Unpacking service:
  R1,000 – R2,500
• Fuel costs (for long-distance moves):
  R500 – R2,000, depending on distance
• Special handling (piano, large furniture):
  R800 – R2,000 per item
• Storage (if needed):
  R400 – R1,500 per month
• Insurance (optional but recommended):
  R250 – R1,000, depending on value of goods
• Call-out fee (if applicable):
  R350 – R750

How is a Moving Service Typically Conducted?

• Initial consultation: A moving company assesses the size of your move and provides a quote based on the volume of goods and distance.
• Packing: Movers can provide full or partial packing services, using quality packing materials to protect your belongings.
• Loading: Movers will load your items into the moving truck, using special equipment for heavy or fragile items.
• Transport: The items are safely transported to your new home, with insurance available for added protection.
• Unloading and unpacking: Movers can also assist with unloading and unpacking, arranging your items as per your instructions.

How Long Does a Move Typically Take?

The duration of a move depends on several factors, including the distance between homes, the amount of items, and the level of service. 

• Local move (within the same city):
  4 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the household
• Long-distance move (between cities):
  1 to 3 days, including travel and loading/unloading time
• Packing a standard 3-bedroom home:
  1 to 2 days
• Unpacking a 3-bedroom home:
  1 to 2 days
• Large item handling (e.g., pianos):
  1 to 3 hours

DIY - How to Move by Yourself?

• Plan ahead: Start packing non-essential items at least two weeks before the move.
• Rent a truck: Compare rates from local truck rental companies and ensure you get the right size truck for your move.
• Get help: Enlist friends or family to assist with heavy lifting, or hire labour-only movers.
• Pack strategically: Use high-quality packing materials to protect your items and label all boxes clearly.
• Save on costs: You can cut costs by reusing boxes, moving during off-peak times, or handling packing and unpacking yourself.

When Should You Get Professional Help?

• Time is limited: If you're on a tight schedule, professionals can handle packing, loading, and moving quickly and efficiently.
• You have fragile or heavy items: Large furniture, delicate electronics, or valuable art pieces require special handling and equipment.
• Long-distance moves: Professional movers offer the expertise and logistical support needed for inter-city or cross-province moves.
• You prefer a stress-free move: Movers can handle all aspects, from packing to setting up in your new home, reducing stress and effort.

How to Save Money on Moving?

• Compare quotes from multiple moving companies.
• Declutter before moving: The fewer items you move, the less you'll pay.
• Move during the off-season: Moving companies often offer discounts during off-peak months.
• Pack yourself: Save money by handling the packing, but leave heavy lifting to the pros if needed.
• Use second-hand or recycled packing materials.

When planning your move, it's essential to factor in additional costs that may arise. For instance, long-distance moves often require fuel surcharges, and moving during peak seasons, like school holidays, can increase costs due to higher demand. If you're moving delicate or bulky items such as pianos, artwork, or heavy appliances, special handling charges may apply. Also, don't forget to consider storage fees if your new home isn't ready on your moving date. Many movers offer temporary storage solutions at an additional cost. Packing services are another important consideration – while they save time and effort, they come with a price tag.

How to Find the Right Pro to Handle Your Move?

For a stress-free moving process, look no further than Kandua. By posting a job with Kandua, you can relax knowing you'll be connected with and receive quotes from affordable, vetted and top rated companies who can efficiently handle your moving process.

Now that you have a better understanding of moving prices – it’s time to find the best Pro for the job.

Luckily for you – Kandua has hundreds of Pros who help people move on a daily basis.

Here are our top tips to help you find the right Pro:

• Give the contractor as much information as possible. The more details they have the more efficiently they can quote on the job and also offer their professional advice.
• Once you’ve gotten quotes from different Pros – you can look up their profiles on Kandua and read their reviews and see pictures of their work.
• Read the quote carefully. Make sure you double-check everything so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option. Stick to these tips, and take into account the entire package, Pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them and then, of course, the cost.

These figures are approximate and may not accurately reflect current prices in South Africa. Click here for free, non-obligatory, up-to-date, location-specific quotes for moving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving

Q: How far in advance should I book a moving company?
A: It's best to book your move at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (holidays and school breaks).

Q: What should I do if I need to move on short notice?
A: Many moving companies offer last-minute or emergency moving services. Be prepared for higher costs, but get quotes from multiple providers.

Q: How can I protect my belongings during the move?
A: Use quality packing materials and opt for professional packing services for valuable or fragile items. You can also purchase moving insurance for added protection.

Q: Can movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?
A: Yes, most professional movers offer this service as part of their package or for an additional fee.

Q: Is moving insurance necessary?
A: While not required, moving insurance can offer peace of mind, especially if you're transporting valuable or fragile items.

Q: How do I choose the right size truck for my move?
A: The size of the truck you’ll need depends on how much you're moving. For a small apartment, a 3-ton truck may be enough, while larger homes may require a 5-ton truck or more. Moving companies will usually assess your home’s contents and recommend the right size.

Q: Can I move on weekends or holidays?
A: Yes, many moving companies operate on weekends and holidays, but keep in mind that these times are often more expensive due to higher demand. It's advisable to book early if you plan to move on these days.

Q: How far in advance should I start packing for my move?
A: Ideally, you should start packing 2-3 weeks before your move. Begin with non-essential items and gradually pack up as the moving date approaches. Make sure to label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.

Q: What should I do with fragile items during the move?
A: For fragile items such as glassware, electronics, and artwork, it’s best to use high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap and sturdy boxes. You may also want to ask the moving company if they offer specialised packing services for delicate items.

Q: How can I reduce the stress of moving day?
A: To reduce stress on moving day, make sure everything is packed and ready the night before. Keep essential items (such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents) easily accessible. If possible, plan for childcare or pet care to avoid distractions. Staying organised and following a checklist can also help things run smoothly.