Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage in the UK and South Africa
Pick your own dates for removals delivery and collection
Trusted South Africa removal service for over 25 years
We handle the South Africa customs clearance process
We make South Africa removals simple and stress-free
As one of the world's most picturesque countries, each year South Africa attracts professionals, young families and retirees looking for an affordable and exotic new home abroad. So, why not kickstart your exciting life in South Africa today by booking our affordable removals service?
Because we've been successfully helping thousands of people move internationally from the UK for over 25 years, it's fair to say you're in safe hands. Thanks to our expert local knowledge, dedicated customer service team and quality packing materials, our South African removals service can make your shipping experience straightforward and enjoyable.
Delivering trusted moving services to South Africa for over 25 years
Affordable and easy to use, our international removals service from the UK covers all popular destinations in South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Soweto and Pretoria. Read on for just a handful of unbeatable reasons to choose our international moving service:
- Free Starter Pack: the MoveCube®, our secure moving crate, includes a measuring tape, a box cutter knife, a marker pen and a roll of parcel tape with a dispenser. Plus, three plastic sheets that, when placed on the floor, can be used to determine how much can fit in a Small, Medium or Large MoveCube® removals container.
- Secure storage service: we offer 2 weeks of free storage at our depots in both the UK and after shipping South Africa, allowing you plenty of time to arrange travel and move into your new house.
- No surprise removals fees: get a free instant shipping quote today for an itemised, transparent breakdown of all costs involved during each leg of your shipment's removals to South Africa journey.
- Pay in 3 instalments: we won't ask for full payment upfront. Instead, you can spread the cost of removals over three affordable stages.
- Assistance with customs clearance: once you pack your furniture and household items and complete your online shipping documentation, we'll guide you through the South Africa customs clearance process.
We ship to South Africa in 5 easy steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised removals cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or International MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online shipping documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to South Africa.
Delivered to your address
Our team will guide your goods through customs clearance and deliver them to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
South African international removals with the MoveCube®
Once you've settled on a dream city in South Africa to move to, the next step is packing all your precious household items. Specifically designed for international removals, our sturdy and secure MoveCube® moving container offers your possessions complete protection during their long journey to South Africa from the UK. You can fill our shipping container with everything from sofas and sideboards to sports equipment and musical instruments.
Our UK to South Africa international removals process could not be simpler! First, grab a free instant quote, which includes a full cost breakdown of the removal process, and then place an order. Next, let us know suitable dates so we can deliver your free Starter Pack and conduct a site inspection. Then we'll deliver as many International MoveCubes® to your house as needed to be loaded by you within an allotted time before transferring them to our nearest depot for international shipping. Finally, fill in all your online shipping documents, and when your removal shipment arrives in South Africa, select a convenient date for us to deliver them to your new house in the sun.
It's understandable to worry about your household items as they travel from the UK to South Africa. For this reason, we've put together a range of comprehensive insurance policies that cover your goods in the rare case of damage or loss. Also, to further ease stress, our online tracking tool lets you monitor your removals shipment's location.
Specifically designed for large international removals, our sturdy and secure MoveCube® offers your worldly possessions complete protection during their long journey to South Africa.
See our MoveCube® removals container in action:
What International MoveCube® sizes are there?
The International MoveCube® is a secure removals container designed by our moving experts to transport your precious household goods safely to South Africa from the UK. To suit your needs, the International MoveCube® comes in three different sizes: Large, Medium and Small (see below for dimensions). If you the contents of a large house to move, you may order multiple removals containers by calling our ever-friendly customer service team.
Our boxes and bags international shipping option is your best choice for smaller moves to South Africa from the UK.
Large MoveCube® removals pod*
Internal dimensions:
146cm/57 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
226cm/88 inches (D)
Medium MoveCube® removal pod*
Internal dimensions:
111cm/43 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
146cm/57 inches (D)
Small MoveCube® removal pod*
Internal dimensions:
96cm/35 inches (W)
187cm/73 inches (H)
111cm/43 inches (D)
*Please note, the MoveCube® removals container is loaded from the side panel.
FAQs about our South Africa shipping service
Our house removals service offers affordable and transparent shipping to South Africa tailored to your needs. Depending on the service you choose, the required wait time, and destination city, costs vary. Get started today with a free online removals quote in just a few minutes.
Your goods could be imported duty-free into South Africa from the UK if one of the following applies:
- You have returned to live in South Africa after no longer than six months and are present when your removals shipment arrives.
- You have arrived in South Africa on a foreign passport and intend to settle or work.
- You are not shipping electronic goods. See Prohibited Goods.
Duties and taxes must be paid if the above does not apply to you. For a full breakdown, please reference our Importing into South Africa page.
Once you've completed your booking with our removals service, log into your account and fill in the following online shipping documents:
- An inventory listing each item within the International MoveCube® removals container.
- Scans of the picture and signature pages of the removal shipment owner's passport and visa, if relevant.
- The removal shipment owner's destination address, email, and contact phone number.
- Optional insurance forms for complete peace of mind.
Please ensure all forms are completed with the utmost accuracy, as South African customs officials will see them. However, our knowledgeable multilingual service team can always answer questions and offer advice.
As one of the world's most experienced removals companies, we know exactly how to support our customers. We offer 2 full weeks of free storage at our depots in the UK and South Africa.
If your moving plans change and longer storage is required, let us know, and we can add storage time for your goods for a modest cost.
Like all countries, South Africa has a list of goods that cannot be imported. Please reference our Prohibited Goods page before packing your removals shipment to avoid fines or delays.
How long will South Africa from the UK removals take?*
By sea shipping
86 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
4 top tips for secure packing when moving overseas
When preparing for your removal service to South Africa, it's essential you pack your personal possessions securely to prevent damage during shipping. We highly recommend hiring a professional packing service to do it for you. Otherwise, set aside plenty of time and follow our helpful four-point guide below (read our in-depth packing guides for even more advice):
Cut the clutter!:
South Africa's climate and culture means you're unlikely to need all your belongings. So, this is an excellent opportunity to dig through your house and sell, donate, or recycle what you don't want to move.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace are wonderful opportunities to make money from items found around your house. High street charity shops would be more than happy to take anything spare that's in good condition. For broken, worn, or unusable goods, we suggest taking them to your local recycling centre.
Gently pack fragile goods:
First, secure the bottom of your shipping box by sealing it with three layers of overlapping parcel tape, then repeat the process when securing the top. Next, cover all items in bubble wrap and use several layers for fragile goods such as crockery, picture frames and glass. Then, evenly place heavier items at the bottom of your container with lighter items on top and away from the sides.
Ensure gaps are filled with material such as packing paper or crumpled newspaper to avoid items bumping into each other during shipping.
Organise parking for our removal vehicle:
During your MoveCube® loading day, our driver must be able to park within twenty metres of the entrance to your house. Ensure parking tickets or permits are secured. Doing so will allow you to load within your allotted time slot.
If required, we can provide a trolly to help move your possessions. Our experienced driver can also offer removals tips and advice, but our vehicle must remain within eyesight.
Evenly load the MoveCube®:
Before loading the MoveCube® removals container, lay out the corresponding floor sheets we provide to check your belongings fit inside. To avoid crushing, place the heaviest and largest items on the bottom layer of the MoveCube® container, and lighter goods on top.
If you see a gap, try to fill it with a container to lessen movement during transit. Avoid using loose, unboxed items for gaps, as this risks damage to the item and your containers.
Great South Africa removal experience from start to finish. Communication was great, and we were informed at every step of the way. All of the drivers we had were super friendly and willing to help. Everything was so easy. No complaints.
Rachel
Moving to South Africa: a complete relocation guide
South Africa is as famous for its colourful animal and plant life and exciting outdoor activities as it is for its vibrant music and warm, open people. If you're looking for a country to move to that's sunny, eclectic, and vibrant, South Africa might be the new home for you. But before you pack your bags, let's walk through some essential tips and facts to aid your removals journey.
Types of visas: you must have a valid visa to settle in South Africa. Short-term visitors can be issued visas for up to 90 days unless they are moving from an exempt country. For full details of who can apply for a permanent residency permit, visit the Official South African Government website.
Job opportunities: we advise securing a job before moving to South Africa as the job market is competitive. There are more opportunities for qualified and experienced workers, especially in roles such as IT specialists, engineers and medical professionals.
Healthcare: run by South Africa's Department of Health, medical treatment is available via public and private options. Depending on your income and the size of your family, public healthcare is subsidised by up to 40% for citizens. UK expats are required to pay full fees.
Education: between the ages of seven and fifteen, schooling in South Africa is compulsory. World-ranked top 300 places of higher education include the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Witwatersrand.
Lifestyle: living an active, healthy life is important to South Africans, as evidenced by many local gyms and an array of popular outdoor activities such as hiking, hand gliding and kitesurfing. As a people, they are friendly, open and sociable, and time spent with friends and family is considered culturally very important. Don't be surprised if strangers start random conversations with you!
Moving to South Africa to-do list
Our removal services know exactly how to make your big move overseas easy. As you prep for the upcoming journey to South Africa, follow our handy checklist for zero-stress planning:
- Gather your documents: collect all your important documents in one place, such as your passport, birth certificate, proof of address and ID, for ease of access.
- Apply for a South Africa visa: research which visa you and your family will need depending on whether you're studying, working, retiring, settling, etc. Then, wait for approval.
- Find accommodation: either sell or rent your current house. We recommend renting a house when you move to South Africa. Doing so gives you time to acclimatise to your new surroundings and culture before committing to a purchase.
- Book an moving company: begin by visiting our website and grabbing a free removal quote in minutes. Then, let us know a suitable date to deliver an MoveCube® to your door to be loaded by you.
- Arrange travel to South Africa: give yourself enough time to book flights so you can arrive at your new house ahead of your MoveCube® delivery day.
- Sort your finances: let your banks know you're moving to South Africa and take out some spare cash to cover any last minutes expenses or emergencies.
- Speak to a doctor: if you currently take any ongoing medicine, ask for a three-month supply. Doing so allows ample time to organise a new doctor once you have settled.
- Move your pets: are your little furry pals coming along? Make sure they are fully vaccinated and have an up-to-date health certificate from your vet. Then, arrange for a suitable pet carrier for the journey to South Africa.
- Have a declutter: the more you ship to South Africa, the more it costs! Be ruthless with your excess clutter, and consider selling, donating, or recycling what you don't need to move with you.
- Pack your belongings: before our driver's arrival with a MoveCube® for you to load, carefully wrap and pack all your personal effects.
- Enjoy life in South Africa: we'll notify you after your shipment has successfully cleared through customs. Next, via your online account, let us know a suitable date so we can deliver the MoveCube®. All that's left to do is unpack, kick back, and enjoy your glorious new life in South Africa.
Discover more about our international moving services
International removals
As one of the country's top international moving companies, trusted for over 25 years, we make overseas removals simple, affordable and stress-free.
MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® self-load moving container makes home and overseas removals easy and affordable.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.
Shipping to South Africa
Trusted for over 25 years to ship luggage, boxes and household items from the UK to South Africa.