Expert Advice & Moving Tips
Our moving professionals share trusted advice to help you plan a stress-free, successful move. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned mover, our expert guides have you covered.
Popular Moving Tips
Top 10 Packing Hacks
Use color-coded labels, vacuum-seal bags, and more to organize your move like a pro.
- Color-code boxes by room
- Use vacuum-seal bags for clothing
- Pack heavy items in small boxes
- Label fragile items clearly
How to Prepare Large Furniture for Moving
Tips on disassembly, wrapping fragile parts, and securing corners during transport.
- Disassemble beds and tables
- Wrap legs and corners with bubble wrap
- Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags
- Take photos before disassembly
When to Use Storage During a Move
Find out when short-term storage makes sense and how to pick the right solution.
- Moving between homes with gaps
- Downsizing to a smaller space
- Renovating your new property
- Decluttering before staging
What Insurance Covers — And What It Doesn't
Understand the difference between basic and premium coverage when booking a move.
- Basic coverage limits explained
- When to upgrade to premium
- What's excluded from coverage
- How to file a claim properly
Complete Moving Checklist
4-6 Weeks Before
- Create moving budget and timeline
- Research and book moving service
- Start decluttering unused items
- Notify landlord or put home on market
2-3 Weeks Before
- Gather packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Start packing non-essential items
- Update address with utilities and services
- Schedule time off work for moving day
1 Week Before
- Pack majority of belongings
- Confirm moving date and details
- Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
- Prepare essentials box for first night
Moving Day
- Do final walkthrough of old home
- Be present to oversee the move
- Keep important documents with you
- Check inventory upon delivery
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Not Decluttering First
Moving everything means higher costs. Donate or sell items you don't need before the move.
Booking Too Late
Last-minute bookings limit your options and may cost more. Book 4-6 weeks in advance.
Poor Box Labeling
Unlabeled boxes create chaos at your new home. Use color codes and detailed labels.
Skipping Insurance
Accidents happen. Basic coverage may not be enough for valuable furniture pieces.
Moving in South Africa — City Guides & Expert Tips
Planning a move in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban? Here's what you need to know about furniture removals and moving services in each city — from the best times to move to what size truck you'll need.
Moving in Cape Town
Cape Town is one of South Africa's most popular relocation destinations. When booking furniture removals in Cape Town, avoid peak summer months (December–January) when moving companies are at full capacity and prices are higher. The Southern Suburbs and Atlantic Seaboard often require smaller vehicles due to narrow streets — a 1-ton bakkie or panel van is usually best for these areas. For moves to and from the Northern Suburbs (Bellville, Durbanville, Brackenfell), larger trucks and longer booking windows are available.
- Best time to move: February–April or August–October
- Typical vehicle: 2–4 ton truck for a 3-bedroom home
- Long distance route: Cape Town to Johannesburg (1,400km)
Moving in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the busiest city for furniture removals in South Africa. Moving companies in Johannesburg are in high demand, so book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for local moves and 4–6 weeks for long distance furniture removals. Traffic on the N1, N14 and N3 can significantly affect moving times — schedule early morning starts (before 7am) to avoid peak traffic. Sandton and Midrand require careful scheduling around office park access restrictions.
- Best time to move: mid-week, early morning
- Typical vehicle: 4–5 ton truck for a 3-bedroom home
- Long distance routes: Jhb to Cape Town, Jhb to Durban
Moving in Pretoria
Furniture removals in Pretoria are closely tied to the Johannesburg market — many removal companies serve both cities. Centurion and Midrand are the most active moving zones. If you're moving from Pretoria to Cape Town or Durban, FurnMovers connects you with long distance furniture removal companies that operate the full route. For moves within Pretoria, same-day and next-day furniture removals are widely available.
- Best time to move: avoid month-end (rent transitions)
- Typical vehicle: 2–3 ton truck for a 2-bedroom flat
- Long distance routes: Pretoria to Cape Town, Pretoria to Durban
Moving in Durban
Durban's coastal climate means humidity can affect furniture during moves — especially for wood and upholstered items. When booking furniture removals in Durban, opt for removal companies that use enclosed trucks for sensitive pieces. Long distance furniture removals from Durban to Johannesburg are one of the most common routes in South Africa — typically taking 6–8 hours with a medium-sized truck. Umhlanga and Ballito moves often require same-day or weekend bookings due to peak rental turnover.
- Best time to move: winter months (June–August) for dry weather
- Typical vehicle: 3–4 ton truck for a 3-bedroom home
- Long distance routes: Durban to Johannesburg, Durban to Cape Town
Long Distance Moving in South Africa — What You Need to Know
Long distance furniture removals between South African cities require careful planning. Here's expert advice on making your long distance move as smooth and affordable as possible.
Choose the Right Vehicle Size
For long distance furniture removals, the vehicle size has a big impact on cost. A full 4–5 bedroom house requires a 6–8 ton truck. A 1–2 bedroom apartment typically fits in a 2–3 ton truck. Small load long distance removals — single items or partial loads — can use a bakkie or panel van at a lower rate. Compare vehicle sizes and instant quotes on FurnMovers before booking.
What Affects Long Distance Removal Cost
Long distance furniture removal prices in South Africa depend on: distance (km), total load volume and weight, vehicle type, number of helpers needed, access at pickup and drop-off (stairs, lifts), and whether you need add-ons like furniture assembly, storage or packing materials. FurnMovers shows transparent pricing with no hidden fees — you see the full breakdown before confirming.
How to Prepare for Long Distance Day
Preparation is key for a successful long distance move. Disassemble all flat-pack and large furniture the night before. Clearly label every box with the room destination. Pack a separate overnight bag with essentials for the first night. Confirm all pickup and delivery details with your mover 24 hours before. Track your move in real-time through the FurnMovers platform from pickup to delivery.