Long Distance moving doesn’t compare to your typical local move. Transporting an entire household across provinces requires detailed logistics and expert packing techniques.
If you let the professionals do the heavy lifting for you, planning your long distance move from Cape Town doesn’t need to be stressful.
It takes way more than driving a truck from A to B. Experienced movers plan the most efficient route, pack and protect your items, organise themselves and ensure your valuables arrive safely to your door step.
Planning and packing your move yourself can be overwhelming. In my years of experience dealing with removals companies I’ve learned that with proper planning and professional help, your long distance move can be stress-free.
Needless to say whether you are moving long-distance within Cape Town itself or farther away, here are some things to consider when using long distance moving services.
What is considered a long-distance move?
When most people think of a long distance move, they think of moving to a different city or even province. Moving from Cape Town to Johannesburg or Durban for example, would be classified as moving long distance.
The long distance move will require more planning than if you were moving locally. One of the biggest differences with moving longer distances is the travel between your homes can be hundreds or even thousands of kilometres.
With so many kilometres to cover, you want to make sure your items are packed safely and will arrive at your destination safely.
Professional Removal Companies pride themselves on making each long distance move as if it were theirs. There are various steps of the moving process which allows your belongings to seamlessly move from point A to point B.
Here are the different stages of moving long distance with a professional removal company.
The Planning Process
Long before you even pack your first box, your movers will begin the planning process. This all-important stage ensures seamless transitions from one phase of your move to the next and eliminates unnecessary delays.
Most reputable movers begin the planning process by inventorying your belongings.
By performing an in-home survey or virtual survey, your movers can calculate your move’s total volume. With that information, professional movers can correctly plan for truck space, manpower, and packing supplies.
Moving companies will also take into account additional logistical variables like:
- Estimated drive time
- Traffic conditions between both cities
- Accessibility of each property
- Fragile items that need special handling
Long distance movers will plan for overnight stays and allot time for safe driving when calculating drive times.
Pack Like a Pro
Pack Professional Moving teams go through great effort packing your belongings. Proper packing techniques are critical when moving your items long distances.
Professional packing services use top quality packing materials that are made to last.
Furniture is wrapped in furniture blankets, boxes wrapped in packing paper and tape, and all electronics are padded. Boxes are labelled according to the room they will go in, not only does this allow for efficient movement but quicker unpacking as well. Dismantling beds frames and wardrobes allow more space on the truck for your items.
Loading The Truck
Loading a truck is easy, but like everything there is a method to the madness. Professional movers use professional packing services and foolproof loading systems. Boxes will normally be loaded last with lighter items on top. While odd-shaped items can fit in between furniture.
Trucks are equipped with straps to secure your boxes and special stabilizers. This prevents items from shifting during transport and getting damaged. Most long-distance moves leaving Cape Town will drive through hours of highways in the Western Cape. Along the journey, trucks endure changing climates and landscapes. By using professional packing services and safe loading your items will stay safe until you arrive.
Knowing When Your Items Will Arrive
Moving companies like to be early and prepared. You will receive a call or notification with an estimated arrival time once the moving truck leaves the old residence.
Some movers even allow you to track your moving truck while it’s en route. This gives you ample time to get ready for your belongings to arrive and make sure someone is home to receive everything.
Once the moving truck arrives, your things will be unloaded in order. Large furniture will be unloaded quickly and taken to the designated room. Disassembled items will be re-assembled, and boxes will be taken to their corresponding rooms based on the labels.
Tips to ensure your long-distance removal is safe and secure
Because your boxes and furniture are professionally packed, unpacking should be a breeze.
Get covered with insurance
The further you move, the more you’ll love having insurance. You can’t predict every bump or sudden disaster that may occur on the highway.
Damaged roads, poor weather conditions and reckless drivers are just some of the variables you’ll face when moving long-distance in South Africa.
So rest easy knowing that if something happens to your items, you’ll be covered.
Consumer Rights on Long-Distance Moves
In South Africa, furniture removal companies aren’t allowed to rip you off. By law, under the Consumer Protection Act, all services have to be completed with “reasonable skill and care.”
Essentially this means that your long-distance move had better go off without a hitch.
Many furniture removal companies in South Africa are members of SAFREA. The South African Furniture Removers Association is an industry organisation that holds members to a higher standard of professionalism.
Pro tip: Long-Distance Moves
A helpful pro tip that many don’t think about when moving long-distances is how your weight is distributed inside the moving truck.
It’s essential to distribute your items’ weight when loading your truck. Putting too much weight on one side can cause damage to your items when the truck brakes suddenly or accelerates.
Professional long-distance movers understand how to pack heavy boxes, furniture, and position delicate items when transporting your belongings to your new location. Believe me, it’s the little things that count. Proper weight distribution lessens the likelihood of something happening to your possessions.
Long-Distance Move Example
Meet one of our customers who was moving over 1000km from Cape Town to a different province.
Problem: This family of four needed professional moving services to relocate from Cape Town to Johannesburg. The distance was going to be over 1300km and they didn’t want any of their fragile furniture and electronics to be damaged during transportation.
Solution: Our team of moving specialists did a thorough pre-move inspection of the home and provided quality packing services to the family. We wrapped all furniture in moving blankets and labelled all boxes for a stress-free move.
Result: We arrived at their property in the agreed time frame and safely unloaded their belongings at their new home. The family was stress-free and enjoyed unpacking at their new place.
Long Distance Move FAQs
How long does it take to do a long-distance move?
Depending on the distance, moving from Cape Town to another major city can take 1-3 days. Distance and booking your desired moving date can impact your total moving duration.
How much does a long-distance move cost from Cape Town?
Costs vary depending on your location, size of home, and if you require any additional services.
If I hire movers to help me move long-distance, will they pack for me?
Most long-distance moving companies will provide full packing services for your convenience. We always recommend professional packing, as it ensures the safety of your items.
Do I need to get insurance for moving long-distance?
Insurance is recommended when moving long distances, but not always required.
Conclusion
Long distance moves from Cape Town can be accomplished with the proper planning and know-how. Look for a moving company that will pack your belongings, transport your items and safely deliver your belongings to your new house. Ensure your mover provides quality packing services and knows how to correctly load a moving truck. You don’t want your furniture and boxes damaged during transit. Communicate with your moving company and plan for your delivery with time frames.
There you have it! Now you know everything about Long Distance Moves. If you have hired the correct moving team that knows what they are doing, your Cape Town move will be stress-free.