The Cape Removals Quoting Process and FAQs

Step one is your inventory list. After you’ve completed your inventory, either online or through our email channels, our consultants will send through what we call an “Express Quote”. This is a quick quote via email that will reflect your moving cost and an overview of our Ts & Cs. This is your chance to make sure we have all the correct info such as an accurate list, make sure we’re aware of any access issues, and let us know if you require additional wrapping or packing services. 

Once you’ve reviewed your express quote and you are happy with it, you can request a formal quote from your moving consultant. This is like an invoice and will reflect detailed information about all services included in your quote, as well as your moving date. 

To book your move and secure your moving date we require a 50% deposit payment. Upon receiving your POP, we will send through your booking confirmation reflecting your moving date, our Ts & Cs, and a list of things to double check before we arrive. Take a moment to go through our Google and Hello Peter reviews before booking your move.

Think of your inventory list as the foundation of your quote. We price our moves based on the volume of your furniture, so the more accurate your list, the more accurate your quote will be. It’s also vital to highlight any particularly large, awkward, or heavy items. Our teams typically work with 3-4 movers, so anything that needs special handling (like hoisting furniture over balconies or taking apart that massive wardrobe) may require extra crew members or special equipment.

The turnaround time depends on the distance involved. For local relocations, we usually respond within an hour. Long-distance moves may take up to one working day to quote, as they involve more route planning and coordination.

Our basic moving service includes:

• Transporting belongings from Point A to Point B.
• A fully enclosed truck to shield your belongings from the elements.
• A team of trained staff members to load and unload your goods.
• Basic protective measures on the truck like blankets and straps.

Extra services are available for an additional fee and include:

• Disassembly & reassembly of furniture.
• Protective materials such as bubble wrap or mattress covers.
• Special packaging for TVs, artwork, and other fragile items.
• Box supply and packing assistance.
• Hoisting items over balconies.
• Temporary removal of doors to fit large furniture.

Let us know in advance if you’ll need any of these services so we can include it in your quote.

Every move includes free blanket wrapping to provide a basic form of protection on the truck. We also provide a variety of wrapping materials to ensure the safety of your belongings during transit. These include:

• Bubble Wrap: Perfect for fragile items such as glassware, mirrors, and electronics.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for covering chairs, appliances, and wooden furniture to avoid scratches.
• Plastic Covers: Additional protection for mattresses, sofas, and upholstered furniture.
• Boxes: We offer a professional packing service on the day of the move which includes boxes, all the packing materials required, and packing of the boxes.

Just chat with your removals consultant about your needs, and they’ll help with a quote and any advice needed.

Yes, we do, but it varies depending on your route. Every move involves real costs that we can’t avoid, and our minimum rates cover the basic costs associated with operating a moving company:

• Fuel Costs: Travel from our depot to your pickup and delivery locations, then back to the depot. These distances require careful consideration of fuel expenses, especially for long-distance moves.
• Labour: Our trained movers work diligently to ensure every move is handled with great care and professionalism. Our minimum rate ensures fair compensation for their skills.
• Time: Every move requires planning and travel times to & from our depots.

The golden rule is to book as early as possible. We usually ask our clients to book at least 3 weeks ahead. Our schedules and trucks get filled up quickly, especially at month-end and the end of the year when everyone seems to be moving! While we try our best to accommodate all our clients, we don’t always have space for last minute bookings.

Every move comes with basic Goods in Transit insurance up to a certain value, which covers things like vehicle theft, hijacking, accidents, and fire. Handling damage is not covered under GIT.

If you want more comprehensive coverage, we offer All Risk insurance that covers handling damage. It’s calculated as a percentage of your items’ value. Have a chat with your consultant about what makes sense for your move, or check with your home insurance if moving insurance is already included in your premium.

We generally require a 50% deposit to secure your booking. The deposit payment ensures that your moving date is secured and keeps us (and you) committed. We have unfortunately kept dates without a deposit in the past and then got dropped at the last minute which meant we couldn’t justify operational costs. Ensure all arrangements are clear to avoid any last-minute confusion.

If you are unsure of our trustworthiness, we can guarantee that we’ve been operational for 7 years now and have a reputation for excellence. But, don’t just take our word for it. Please take a moment to go through our Google and Hello Peter reviews which are more constructive than any promises we can make from our end.

Our local moving trucks are either 8 ton or 4 ton trucks. The truck we assign to your move depends on the volume of your furniture and the trucks’ availability. 

Our long distance trucks are either interlinks or 8 ton trucks with trailers. In the main cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban) we are able to leave any trailers at the warehouse and use an 8 ton for delivery. On en-route delivery locations (such as PE and the Garden Route) this is not always possible. 

If your address has truck size restrictions a shuttle may be required. Please let your moving consultant know about any height and weight limits to get arrangements in place before your moving date.

Our long-distance moving trucks (and sometimes the local ones) are pretty big and require plenty of room to park and turn. For areas with narrow streets and complexes or estates with height and weight restrictions, a smaller vehicle may be needed to transfer your items between your home and the main truck. We call this a shuttle. 

We also don’t allow our teams to carry items for more than 35m (measured from your front door to where the truck can park) and may need to arrange a shuttle. This is for the team’s safety as well as the safety of your furniture — long carry distances prove a greater risk of items being dropped.

• All loose items must be packed in sealed boxes or crates. This guarantees that nothing gets lost during your move. We also advise that clients move any items of extraordinary value such as laptops, watches, and jewelry themselves in a separate box.
• Washing machines and dishwashers must be disconnected and drained before the movers arrive. Leaks on the truck can cause damage to your own and other people’s furniture and is usually not covered by insurance.
• Fridges & freezers must be disconnected, defrosted, and completely empty before the team arrives. This is due to risk of leaks and mold on longer distance moves.
• TVs must be removed from wall brackets and other mounts prior to the teams arrival.
• Moving can be very stressful with lots to remember. Please ensure that your IDs passports, valuables, keys and other important goods are kept separate and in a secure spot where you won’t lose them.
• All vulnerable family members, including children and pets, must be kept away from the property to keep them safe and allow the crew to perform their duties without interruption.

Every truck comes equipped with blankets and strapping to keep your items secure and provide a basic form of protection against scratches and dents. If you want extra protection like plastic wrap or bubble wrap, just ask your moving consultant to assist with a quote.

This is one of our most popular options for long-distance moves. By offering weekly trips between all major cities in the country, we can combine multiple clients’ moves on a single truck, sharing the cost by having each client only pay for the space their items take up. This approach is highly cost-effective but requires some flexibility with collection and delivery dates.

No, we take great care to keep track of every single item and who it belongs to. We create a detailed inventory as everything goes onto the truck, and you get a copy. When we deliver, we check everything off the same list to ensure all your items are accounted for before you sign. Sometimes we also use stickers or separators to keep different clients’ belongings clearly marked.

This depends on your route:

Main routes (between big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban) run on a set weekly schedule and usually take 2-5 days.
Secondary Routes to smaller towns could take up to 10 days, though 5-7 days is more typical. For less common areas, trucks collect and deliver when they are passing through or have enough moves to a specific area.

Our main weekly routes cover all major South African cities:

• Johannesburg ⇄ Cape Town
• Durban ⇄ Johannesburg
• Bloemfontein ⇄ Johannesburg
• Johannesburg ⇄ PE & The Garden Route
• Cape Town ⇄ Durban
• Cape Town ⇄ PE & The Garden Route
• Bloemfontein ⇄ Cape Town

Yes, we have a reputation for professionalism and care. Here’s why you can feel confident choosing us:

• Proven Track Record: We successfully complete more than 1000 moves every year, building a reputation for reliability and efficiency. Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at our Google and Hello Peter reviews from previous clients. These carry more weight than any promise we can make.
• Registered & Documented Company: We have been operational for 7 years and a registered company for 5, with all the required documentation to prove this.
• Highly Trained Teams: Our movers receive regular training to ensure they are skilled in packing, loading, and handling items with care. 
• Transparency in Services: From the initial quote to the final delivery, we maintain complete transparency. We don’t do hidden charges or surprise fees. Every detail is outlined in your quote and T’s & C’s so you know exactly what to expect.
• Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: Our goal is to provide our clients with a safe, efficient, and memorable moving experience. We value open communication and are always available to answer your questions or address concerns.

How to Avoid Moving Scams

Sadly, scams are common in the moving industry. There are entities who prey on unsuspecting customers by offering cheap quotes and then delivering subpar services—or worse, disappearing entirely. Protect yourself by following these tips:

• Watch Out For Low Quotes: Extremely cheap offers often come with hidden fees or poor service.
• Check Credentials: A legitimate company will have a physical address, company documents, a working website, and verifiable client reviews.
• Read Reviews: A lack of reviews—or reviews that all appear on the same day—can be red flags.
• Ask the Right Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about their process, equipment, and guarantees. If a company is vague or avoids answering, that’s a red flag.
• Demand Paperwork: Legitimate movers document their processes. You should receive an inventory list, detailed quote, and terms and conditions.

Boxes should be packed correctly to avoid any damages. Use sturdy boxes and tape them sufficiently on the bottom before packing. Use smaller boxes for heavier items, and large boxes only for light items such as comforters and pillows. Always pack heavier items at the bottom of a box with lighter items on top, for example, when packing crockery put plates at the bottom and glasses (bubble wrapped) with sufficient paper padding in between at the top). Always make sure you pack your boxes all the way full and use padding between fragile items — half-full boxes get “squished” easily when stacked and could break open.

Knowing the standard box sizes can help you to provide an accurate inventory. Here are some common sizes:

• Small Boxes (40 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm): Imagine the size of a wine box. Ideal for books, canned goods, and smaller items.
• Medium Boxes (46 cm x 41 cm x 46 cm): Around the size of a microwave. Great for kitchenware, toys, or small appliances.
• Large Boxes (46 cm x 46 cm x 61 cm): Think two microwaves on top of each other. Suitable for bulkier but lighter items like bedding, clothing, or lampshades.
• Extra-Large Boxes (61 cm x 51 cm x 61 cm): Almost as big as a washing machine. Best for oversized but lightweight items like comforters and pillows.

Yes, but they are considered hazardous materials. All gas bottles must be completely empty and left open in order to be transported.

We cannot transport hazardous or exceptionally heavy items that exceed the lifting capacity of our team or require a forklift. Examples include:

• Extra-large pot plants
• Large safes
• Cement outdoor furniture
• Oversized fridges with glass doors

Firearms are strictly prohibited on our moving trucks. 

Additionally, we recommend clients personally transport small, high-value items like jewelry, watches, and laptops, especially if no insurance is taken out for the move.