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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. Explore this comprehensive guide about shipping household furniture from South Africa to the UK. Discover valuable insights, get accurate shipping estimates, and unlock helpful tips to ensure your move is nothing short of a breeze.
If you’re looking to ship your household goods from South Africa to the UK, you can consider two main shipping options:
If you’re on the lookout for a quick and speedy way to ship your furniture from South Africa to the UK, cargo planes come to the rescue with their fast delivery services, taking only 2 to 3 days in total. In case of an urgent international move, shipping your belongings via air freight is a viable option, as the trips are much more frequent.
All these advantages come at a cost! Shipping household goods via air freight can end up being much more expensive than other shipping options.
Another option to consider is shipping your furniture via sea freight in a container. This choice is quite popular as it is not only budget-friendly (and eco-friendly), but it also offers some great advantages. The only downside is that shipping times can take a few weeks. However, if you’re looking for a cheap way to ship furniture from South Africa to the UK, this option might be more appealing to you. In fact, it can be 4 to 6 times cheaper than air freight!
When shipping household goods from South Africa to the UK, you have two options to choose from: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than a Container Load (LCL):
For more information about container shipping methods, feel free to read our dedicated article on container shipping.
Container shipping costs can vary based on multiple factors, including the size of the container, the volume of your furniture, the chosen shipping method, and additional services required. Whether you’re opting for FCL or LCL shipping, we offer estimated shipping times from major cities in South Africa to popular destinations in the UK for both 20-foot and 40-foot containers:
| 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 |
| 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 |
It’s essential to remember that 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.
Shipping a car from South Africa to the UK involves a few cost components, and the total cost can vary based on different factors.
The shipping method you will decide on has a big impact on the cost. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is usually the more budget-friendly option compared to container shipping. With RoRo, you simply drive your car onto a specialized vessel, making it easier and more cost-effective. On the other hand, container shipping is a bit pricier but gives you the convenience of shipping personal belongings along with your car, which is great if you’re also moving your household goods.
The size and weight of your car also have an impact on the shipping cost. Keep in mind that larger and heavier vehicles may require more space and could result in slightly higher shipping fees.
When shipping a car from South Africa to the UK, it’s important to keep in mind the import duties and taxes imposed by the UK government. These rates may vary depending on the car’s value and its compliance with environmental and safety standards. To ensure clarity, don’t hesitate to reach out to the shipping company you’ve chosen and inquire about all these details. They’ll be happy to assist you!
As a rough estimate, the total cost of shipping a car from South Africa to the UK can range from approximately ZAR 25,000 to ZAR 60,000 or more for RoRo shipping and from ZAR 35,000 to ZAR 80,000 or more for container shipping. These estimates are subject to change based on the specific circumstances of the shipment and any additional services required.
To get an accurate and detailed cost breakdown for shipping your car, it’s a great idea to reach out to reputable shipping companies. They’ll consider your car’s details, the shipping method you choose, and other relevant factors to provide you with a precise cost estimate for your unique situation.
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:
Make sure to start your preparations well in advance of your intended move date. By planning ahead, you’ll have the opportunity to compare quotes from different shipping companies, take advantage of discounts, and secure lower rates. Remember, last-minute bookings can sometimes lead to higher costs, so it’s always a good idea to be proactive in your approach.
Choosing the right container shipping method can have a big impact on your expenses! 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.
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.
✍🏼Give a second life to your furniture! Consider selling, donating, or disposing of items that won’t be essential in your new home.
Packing your own personal goods can actually save you money! Proper packing can save space and 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. This way, you can avoid any unexpected breakage and extra charges.
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. Also, keep an eye out for any hidden fees or extra charges to make sure you’re getting a fair and budget-friendly deal.
Now that you’re all set with shipping your household furniture to the UK from South Africa, it’s time to take the next step! Whether you want to request quotes, read reviews, or download a checklist, Sirelo has got you covered with all the tools you need for a seamless international move. Let’s make this process as smooth as possible!
