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Shipping Furniture from South Africa to the UK

Costs, Containers & Air Freight

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Are you considering a move from South Africa to the UK and wondering how to transport your household furniture? Relocating internationally can be one thrilling adventure! But remember, a well-planned move is the secret ingredient to a smooth and stress-free experience.

Key Takeaways

  • You can ship furniture from South Africa to the UK via air freight (fast but costly) or sea freight (slower but more affordable).
  • FCL is ideal for full household moves, while LCL suits smaller shipments on a tighter budget.
  • Shipping costs range widely from ZAR 25,000 to ZAR 105,000, depending on volume, route, and method.
  • Decluttering, early booking, and comparing quotes are keyways to cut moving costs.
  • Whether moving furniture or cars, getting multiple quotes helps ensure you don’t overpay for international relocation.

Shipping Options from South Africa to the UK

If you’re looking to ship your furniture to the UK, you can consider two main shipping options:

Air Freight Shipping

If you need urgent delivery, air freight from South Africa to the UK is the fastest method, typically within 2–3 days. However, this convenience comes with higher costs compared to sea freight.

Pros

 Frequent trips
 Fast shipping

Cons

 Expensive shipping
 Limited to small volumes

Sea Freight Shipping

For large volumes, shipping furniture in a container to the UK is cost-effective and widely used. It can be significantly cheaper than air freight, especially for full household moves.

Pros

 Lower shipping costs
 More eco-friendly

Cons

 Longer shipping times
 Possible delays

LCL vs FCL Shipping

When shipping household goods from South Africa to the UK, you have two options to choose from:

  • FCL: With FCL (Full Container Load) , you get the whole container to yourself. You can pack and organize your goods how you like, which helps protect them during transit. It’s also quicker, with direct shipping from port to port.
  • LCL: LCL (Less Than Container Load) is perfect for smaller shipments. Your goods are grouped with others in one container, and you only pay for the space you use. It’s budget-friendly, though delivery may take a bit longer due to extra stops.

For more information about container shipping methods, feel free to read our dedicated article on container shipping.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Container from South Africa to the UK?

The average shipping costs form South Africa to the UK ranges between 40,000 and 100,000 ZAR, depending on the size, method of transport and type of container.
Shipping costs from to
20ft Container
40ft Container

Here’s what to expect:

FCL Shipping

 Route 20-ft container 40-ft container
Johannesburg – London ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 55,000 ZAR 70,000 to ZAR 95,000
Cape Town – Manchester ZAR 45,000 to ZAR 60,000 ZAR 80,000 to ZAR 105,000
Durban – Birmingham ZAR 42,000 to ZAR 57,000 ZAR 75,000 to ZAR 100,000

Note: The prices mentioned above are mere estimates. Only movers can give you accurate shipping costs based on your situation.

LCL Shipping

 Route 20-ft container 40-ft container
Johannesburg – London ZAR 25,000 to ZAR 35,000 ZAR 45,000 to ZAR 65,000
Cape Town – Manchester ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 40,000 ZAR 55,000 to ZAR 75,000
Durban – Birmingham ZAR 28,000 to ZAR 38,000 ZAR 50,000 to ZAR 70,000

Note: These are rough estimates and are subject to change based on individual circumstances and market fluctuations.

For more information, make sure to visit our container shipping costs page.

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How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car from South Africa to the UK?

On average, shipping a car from South Africa to the UK can range between 25,000 and 80,000 ZAR, depending on the size and method of delivery.

See the table below for a brief overview:

Shipping Method Estimated Cost (ZAR)
RoRo Shipping ZAR 25,000 – ZAR 60,000+
Container Shipping ZAR 35,000 – ZAR 80,000+

Note: The costs may vary based on your needs.

To get an accurate and detailed cost breakdown for shipping your car, it’s a great idea to reach out to reputable shipping companies.

Request Shipping Quotes to the UK

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Container Shipping Companies to the UK

Sterdts
Johannesburg
9.9
113
The Moving Guy
Johannesburg
9.2
292
HouseHoppers
Johannesburg
9.3
136

Cheap Shipping from South Africa to the UK

If you’re looking to ship a container of household goods from South Africa to the UK without breaking the bank, consider these five money-saving tips:

Plan and Book Early

Plan 2–3 months in advance to compare quotes and book cheaper shipping slots. Remember, last-minute bookings can sometimes lead to higher costs, so it’s always a good idea to be proactive in your approach.

Choose the Right Shipping Method

If you have a lot to ship, a Full Container Load (FCL) could save you money compared to multiple Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments. But if you have a smaller load, LCL might be a more budget-friendly choice.

Declutter Before Packing

Before packing your household goods, declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. Reducing the volume of belongings to be shipped can lead to significant cost savings.

Pack Your Own Belongings

Proper packing can reduce the space required in the container. Try using space-saving tricks like taking furniture apart and cleverly stacking items. Make sure to use packing materials efficiently to keep your items safe and sound.

Compare Shipping Quotes

Get moving quotes from several container shipping companies and compare their services and pricing. Make sure to choose reputable companies with experience in international moves.

And Now?

Now you should have all the information you need to ship your furniture to the UK from SOuth Africa. For mor information, check out our FAQ section below.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship furniture from South Africa to the UK?

How long does shipping to the UK take?