Back
Network of 700+ movers 
200,000 moves annually 
Moving Abroad Checklist
Read article
Furniture Removal
Moving Abroad
Container Shipping
Services
Find a Mover
Shipping furniture from South Africa to the UK via sea freight typically costs between ZAR 25,000 and ZAR 105,000, depending on the volume of goods, the route, and whether you use a full container (FCL) or a shared container (LCL). Transit time is 4–6 weeks for direct FCL sailings. This guide covers shipping costs by route and property size, container options, car shipping, UK customs rules, and how to reduce your overall moving costs.
There are two main ways to ship furniture from South Africa to the UK: sea freight and air freight. For most household moves, sea freight is the standard choice.
| Shipping Method | Best For | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight (FCL) | Full household moves | 4–6 weeks |
| Sea freight (LCL/groupage) | Partial loads or small moves | 6–10 weeks |
| Air freight | Small, urgent shipments | 2–5 days |
Sea freight from South Africa to the UK comes in two formats, depending on how much you are shipping:
For a typical 2–3 bedroom household move, FCL is usually the more practical option. For a studio or a small volume of furniture, LCL keeps costs lower.
For more information about container shipping methods, feel free to read our dedicated article on container shipping.
Air freight from South Africa to the UK takes 2–5 days and is suited to urgent or small-volume shipments. It is significantly more expensive per cubic metre than sea freight and is rarely used for full household goods.
| Route | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg – London | ZAR 40,000 – 55,000 | ZAR 70,000 – 95,000 |
| Cape Town – London | ZAR 45,000 – 60,000 | ZAR 80,000 – 105,000 |
| Durban – London | ZAR 42,000 – 57,000 | ZAR 75,000 – 100,000 |
| Cape Town – Manchester | ZAR 45,000 – 62,000 | ZAR 80,000 – 108,000 |
| Johannesburg – Birmingham | ZAR 41,000 – 56,000 | ZAR 72,000 – 97,000 |
Updated May 2026. These figures are estimates. Only a qualified removal company can provide an exact quote based on your specific shipment.
| Route | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg – London | ZAR 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Cape Town – London | ZAR 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Durban – London | ZAR 28,000 – 38,000 |
Updated May 2026. These figures are estimates.
The table below gives a rough guide to what shipping household goods from South Africa to the UK typically costs, depending on the size of your home:
| Property Size | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | ZAR 25,000 – 45,000 |
| 2-bedroom | ZAR 40,000 – 65,000 |
| 3-bedroom | ZAR 55,000 – 85,000 |
| 4-bedroom | ZAR 75,000 – 105,000 |
Updated May 2026. These figures are estimates.
For more information, make sure to visit our container shipping costs page.
Several factors influence the final price of your shipment:
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) | ZAR 25,000 – 60,000 |
| Container shipping (shared or sole use) | ZAR 35,000 – 80,000 |
RoRo is the cheaper option: vehicles are driven onto a purpose-built vessel. It is widely available on the South Africa–UK route and suits standard passenger vehicles.
Container shipping costs more but offers better protection, particularly for high-value or classic vehicles. Your car is loaded into a shared or dedicated container.
The companies below are experienced in international container shipping from South Africa and can assist with both FCL and LCL shipments to the UK.
When comparing container shipping companies, check for:
The cheapest way to ship household goods from South Africa to the UK is to use LCL sea freight, book early, and reduce your shipment volume before packing.
Booking 2–3 months in advance gives you access to more competitive rates and vessel schedules. Last-minute bookings often carry premium pricing, particularly during peak periods (January–March and June–August).
Every cubic metre you ship adds cost. Selling, donating, or disposing of furniture you no longer need, particularly bulky items like sofas and beds, can meaningfully reduce your quote. It is usually cheaper to buy replacements in the UK than to ship large, low-value items.
Disassemble furniture where possible, use vacuum bags for soft goods, and fill empty drawer and wardrobe space with smaller items. Efficient packing reduces the total volume and can lower your LCL cost or make a 20ft container sufficient where a 40ft might otherwise be needed.
Rates between container shipping companies on the same route can vary considerably. Getting at least 5 moving quotes, covering the full door-to-door cost including customs and delivery, is the most reliable way to avoid overpaying.
Sea freight from South Africa to the UK typically takes 4–6 weeks for direct FCL sailings and 6–10 weeks for LCL groupage shipments, which involve consolidation and additional port handling.
| Shipping Method | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| FCL sea freight | 4–6 weeks |
| LCL sea freight (groupage) | 6–10 weeks |
| Air freight | 2–5 days |
Transit times depend on the departure port (Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg inland depot), the destination UK port (usually Felixstowe, Southampton, or Tilbury), and whether the shipment is direct or transhipped via an intermediate port. UK customs clearance adds 2–5 business days; final door-to-door delivery adds 1–3 further working days.
Household goods imported into the UK from South Africa may qualify for duty-free entry under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, provided you meet the eligibility criteria:
Without ToR relief, standard UK import duty and VAT may apply. Your removal company or a licensed customs broker can assist with the application.
Certain items are restricted or prohibited from import into the UK:
Check the latest UK government guidance on prohibited and restricted imports before packing.
Standard liability offered by shipping lines is based on weight, not value, and is typically very low. Comprehensive marine cargo insurance is strongly recommended for household goods. Make sure your policy covers the full replacement value of your goods, not just the shipping cost.
