Faster Shipping
Our faster weekly sailings to South Africa ensures that you aren't left waiting around.
International Removals to South Africa from the UK
Moving from the UK to South Africa and looking for international removals services and costs? Here at 1st Move International our moving to South Africa service includes guaranteed weekly sailings, the safest packing in the industry and smarter, more accurate, billing.
Get a quick quote for your overseas move to South Africa here or continue below to find out everything you need to know about moving to South Africa with us. From instant cost estimates, transit times, and answers to questions we've got you covered.
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Everything You Need To Know About International Removals To South Africa
Costs, Transit Times, Our Services, and Frequently Asked Questions
On this page you will find comprehensive information on moving from the UK to South Africa. We have included information on house removal costs, our various available services, information on our unique packing, and answers to many common questions including: "How long does international removals to South Africa take?" and more.
How Much Does it Cost to Move From the UK to South Africa?
Quick Answer
International moving costs from the UK to South Africa can range from £992 to £2500. The exact cost will ultimately depend on the size of your move, your chosen service (shared or dedicated container) and your final destination in South Africa.
| Destination | Shared Container | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town, South Africa | From £992 | £1,550 | £2,450 |
| Durban, South Africa | From £992 | £1,550 | £2,450 |
* Our costs table should be used as a guide only. As we do not know your collection or destination address, or how much you plan to ship.
For a slightly more accurate and instant online cost estimate, without having to use your email address or name, check out our instant online international removals cost calculator
Finally, for a fully accurate and bespoke quote for international removals to South Africa, use our removals quote form or contact a member of our team for more information.
Moving to South Africa in 5 Easy Steps
- Step 1 - Get a Quote
Get an online quote here to find out more about international moving costs and services from the UK to South Africa - Step 2 - Book Your Move
Easily book your move to South Africa in a just few seconds and take advantage of our 10% early booking discounts. Simple booking system with No deposits and No Cancellation fees. - Step 3 - Professional Packing
Expert packing in your home and finalised at our packing depots with our unique palletised moving systems. The safest way to move household goods and personal effects to South Africa. Period! - Step 4 - Loaded and Shipped
Ship out on our fast and dedicated weekly removals services. Shared container or full container our expert South African removals services are FAST, and we will get you there up to 12 weeks faster than any other mover. - Step 3 - Customs and Delivery
Fast track customs clearance on arrival. Experience is everything. Our team of licensed customs brokers work with you in advance of your arrival to ensure seamless clearance via Cape Town or Durban though to final door delivery.
Your Options for Removals to South Africa
Sea freight container shipping is typically the most popular and efficient UK to South Africa international removals method and in this section we detail the differences between the two container services we offer.
Shared Container to South Africa
Thinking of moving a small houseful of belongings from the UK to South Africa? Then palletised removals in a shared container might be your best option. It's a budget-friendly international moving service that's perfect for 1-3 bedroom homes. Plus, it's easier to unload at your new place in South Africa.
That same packing process allows us to ship your belongings alongside commercial goods which are filled and shipped on a strict weekly schedule without delay. This means that, unlike other international removals companies, we never have to wait for a container to be full before release. Once packed, your shipment will go out on the next available weekly shipment to South Africa.
Full Container to South Africa
Moving a bigger household to South Africa? A full container may be the better solution for you. While you might not be paying for the exact size of your move if you fill your container the cost-effectiveness for the space you get exceeds shared services. We offer 20ft and 40ft sizes, so there's enough room for everything you have in your 3 or 4 bedroom home.
Once it's loaded, it heads straight to the port and catches the next ship to South Africa. After getting cleared through customs, our team will take care of everything and deliver the container to your new home and unload it for you.
Benefits
Benefits of 1st Move International
Further Benefits
- 25 years’ experience providing international moving services to South Africa
- Members of the British Association of Removers
- Members of the British International Freight Association
- Modern fleet and fully trained packers and movers
- Full shipment protection cover from your UK home to your destination in South Africa
- Your own personal, dedicated move manager
- Free UK storage up to the next scheduled sailing date
- Electronic and Fastrack customs clearance in the UK South Africa
- Faster weekly sailings to South Africa direct from UK ports
- Track your transatlantic shipment live with 24/7 container tracking
Our Packing
Packing For Your International Move to South Africa
We are the only international removals company to employ this system of packing, and we have been doing so for the last 25 years. Our palletised shrink-wrap packing is proven to:
- Give your belongings unparalleled protection in transit to South Africa
- Drastically reduce handling of individual items
- Speed up customs clearance
- Provide a Safer method of moving your goods to South Africa
Weekly Schedule
A Sailing Time That Suits You, Not Your Mover
Take the guesswork out of your move to South Africa and get there up to 3 months faster than other movers.
1st Move International is the only UK mover to publish weekly sailing schedules to South Africa.
We use established commercial routes for faster, more reliable shipping so we don’t need to wait months to fill our containers.
View our latest timetable below and choose a sailing date that suits you, not your mover!
| Destination | Vessel Name | Last Moving Date to Meet Vessel | Sailing Date | Port to Port Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | One Resolution | 08/04/2025 | 22/04/2025 | 42 |
| Mehuin | 15/04/2025 | 29/04/2025 | 42 | |
| Santa Clara | 22/04/2025 | 06/05/2025 | 42 | |
| One Resiliance | 29/04/2025 | 13/05/2025 | 42 | |
| Durban | One Resolution | 08/04/2025 | 22/04/2025 | 28 |
| Mehuin | 15/04/2025 | 29/04/2025 | 28 | |
| Santa Clara | 22/04/2025 | 06/05/2025 | 28 | |
| One Resiliance | 29/04/2025 | 13/05/2025 | 28 | |
| Port Elizabeth | One Resolution | 08/04/2025 | 22/04/2025 | 25 |
| Mehuin | 15/04/2025 | 29/04/2025 | 25 | |
| Santa Clara | 22/04/2025 | 06/05/2025 | 25 | |
| One Resiliance | 29/04/2025 | 13/05/2025 | 25 |
Our Service
A UK to South Africa Relocation Service Like No Other
Since our inception in 1997, 1st Move International has been a leader in international removals from the UK to South Africa. With over two decades of experience, our expert team has refined its expertise and knowledge in the industry, helping countless businesses and individuals in their move abroad. Tailored to meet your specific needs, our careful and methodical approach ensures a smooth moving experience. Rely on us for an effortless and professionally coordinated international removals from the UK to South Africa.
Testimonials
Our Happy Customers
Frequently Asked Questions
UK to South Africa Removals FAQ
How Long Do Removals to South Africa Take?
Once we have collected your belongings they will be packed and ready for shipping in 2-4 working days. We then schedule your shipment onto the next available weekly sailing.
The transit time from the UK to South Africa varies depending on the exact destination. The transit time to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is roughly 28 days, to Durban it is 28 days and to Cape Town the transit time is roughly 42 days.
For more detailed information on our weekly South Africa shipping schedule and transit times to major cities/states, please visit our South Africa Sailing Schedule page.
How Much Does International Removals to South Africa Cost?
Here are the moving and shipping costs from the UK to South Africa.
- Just boxes and bags: From £480
- Small house move: From £680
- 1 bed flat: From £1,400
- 2 bed flat: From £1,900
- 3-bedroom house: From £3,150
- 4-bedroom house: From £5,200
- 5-bedroom house: From £6,400
- Sole use 20ft container: From £3,200
- Sole use 40ft container: From £5,300
These costs are for budget purposes only. The final price of your move to South Africa will depend on factors such as how much you are shipping, the value of your belongings (for insurance purposes), your collection and final destination in South Africa. To receive an accurate estimate that is tailored to your move, please ask us for a free quote.
Can I get a discount on my move to South Africa?
Yes, we offer a 10% early booking discount for every move to South Africa. Booking your move early allows us to better plan our collection services and streamline our packing teams for maximum efficiency. Booking your move early means we can make savings on transport and packing schedules and pass these savings to you, our customers.
Moving overseas can be a stressful experience and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to take that first step on your journey to South Africa.
So why not book your moving day now, it’s easy, no deposit, no obligation, no cancellation fees and our 10% early booking discount is our thank you for getting organised early.
You can book your move up to 12 months in advance and this offer is available to all our customers who book their move to South Africa within 10 days of receiving their quote.
Let’s get that big ball rolling and Book your move in less than 60 seconds here.
Why Choose 1st Move International for Removals to South Africa?
- Safer Packing: Our packing is the best in the business and is proven to reduce insurance claims. We offer the best protection for your belongings when shipping to South Africa.
- Faster Shipping: Thanks to how we pack, we're able to share container space with commercial exporters. This allows us to ship out from the UK every week. No waiting around.
- Smarter Billing: Our packing also allows us to accurately measure your shipment, allowing us to charge you for the exact volume that you require.
- Experienced Move Managers: Our dedicated and experienced move managers will be on hand at every step of the process to ensure a smooth move.
- Streamlined Customs Process: We are registered customs brokers and experts on South African customs and import regulations. We'll handle all of the customs paperwork on your behalf.
Where in South Africa Do You Do International Removals To?
Our removals services cover all towns and cities in South Africa, including but not limited to:
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Pretoria
- Port Elizabeth
- Bloemfontein
- Nelspruit
- Kimberley
- Polokwane
- Pietermaritzburg
- East London
- Welkom
- Rustenburg
- George
- Knysna
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- Franschhoek
Wherever you are moving to in South Africa, we've got you covered.
How Do I Get a Quote for International Removals from the UK to South Africa?
It only takes 60 seconds to fill out the quick quote form here on our website. Once submitted, we'll send you quote within 1-2 working days that contains all of the costs and information you need to know about removals from the UK to South Africa.
What Items Can I Not Ship to South Africa?
Certain items are prohibited or restricted from import into South Africa. Our Move Managers will advise based on your submitted inventory.
We have a helpful guide on customs information and documentation for shipping to South Africa that goes into detail about what you can and cannot ship.
You can also find a comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted items on the official South African customs website.
Can You Assist with Customs Clearance in South Africa?
Yes, as a registered customs broker we can handle all of the customs paperwork and formalities on your behalf.
Can I Track My Shipment to South Africa?
Yes, you can track your shipment as soon as it leaves the UK for South Africa via our container tracking page.
Resources
Useful South Africa Information Resources and Guides
Personal Effects to South Africa Customs Guide
We cover all the legalities of moving household goods from the UK to South Africa.
South Africa Prohibited & Restricted Items
Check out our detailed list of prohibited and restricted items when moving to South Africa with details on how to declare and import duties.
South Africa Moving Guides
Whether you're looking for basic moving tips, city info, or full visa and immigration guides we've got you covered.
Car Shipping to South Africa
We ship cars too. Get more information on our car shipping service.
Container Costs UK to South Africa
Get the latest information on UK to South Africa container shipping costs and American container ports.
South Africa Container Timetables
We post up-to-date sailing schedule information and as part of our weekly shipping promise we'll tell you in advance what ship we can get your personal effects on.
Your life, carefully wrapped, beautifully packed, and protected for the journey ahead.
We are extremely proud of our unique packing process. We are the only international removals company in the UK that uses this tried and tested method to ship your treasured personal possessions overseas.
Visit our Facebook page to find a snapshot of each shipment captured as the final pallet is wrapped.
