Cost of moving in Gauteng

Planning to move from one property to another within Gauteng in 2024? You may be wondering how much it will cost to relocate everything to your new home.

The cost of moving depends on several key factors that can make a difference in your overall moving experience.

We asked providers to not think about it and just give us an instant quote. Here are the results for moving between 3 and 35km’s:

Most of these movers typically rely on Hyundai H100s, KIA K2700 bakkies, and trailers, while others might opt for a 5-ton truck. However, it’s crucial to account for weight and height restrictions of the truck, especially in residential complexes or flats.

Also, if you think it’s going to rain that day, be sure to cover your assets with tarpaulin or wrap those items in plastic sheets.

As a side note: Always start with a recommendation from family or friends; or ask the community on your local WhatsApp group.

Let’s break down what influences the cost and help you get a clearer picture of what to expect.

1. Distance of the Move

Though the distance between your current and new home is only 35km, the logistics and time spent on the road play a significant role in the cost. Even though it’s considered a short-distance move, moving companies often calculate their rates based on:

• Time spent traveling
• Fuel consumption
• Traffic conditions in Gauteng (consider traffic)

2. Size and Weight of Items

A 4-bedroom home typically contains a lot of furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Moving companies often determine their prices based on the volume and weight of the goods.

Here’s what adds to the complexity:

• Large furniture pieces: Beds, wardrobes, sofas, dining tables, tv stands
• Appliances: Fridge, washing machine, dishwasher
• Boxes and personal items: Clothing, kitchenware, electronics
• Itinerary recommended: Keep track of what’s being loaded and unloaded, and the condition they’re in. This is also important for insurance purposes.

The more you have, the more you’ll likely pay for transportation, labour, and even packing supplies.

3. DIY vs. Full-Service Moving

You have a few options when it comes to choosing a moving service:

• DIY Move: You rent a trailer, or a truck, pack your items, and handle the labour yourself. This is a cost-saving option but requires significant time and effort.
• Full-Service Move: A moving company handles everything, including packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and even unpacking. While convenient, this is the more expensive option.

Some people opt for a hybrid service, where the moving company helps with only the loading and transport, while they handle the packing.

4. Additional Costs to Consider

Several other factors could add to your moving bill:

• Packing materials: Boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and other supplies (Boxman)
• Specialty items: Items like pianos, antique furniture, or large mirrors might require special handling
• Stairs or limited access: If either home has multiple floors, it can make moving more labour-intensive
• Insurance: Moving companies often offer insurance, which could provide peace of mind but adds to the overall cost

Some items are simply irreplaceable, and even with insurance, you may not be able to fully recover their value—especially handcrafted or antique wooden furniture.

For small, valuable items like jewellery, important documents, sentimental keepsakes, keys, or collectibles, it’s wise to move them yourself.

5. Moving Company Rates in Gauteng

Rates can vary depending on the moving company and the type of service you choose. For a 4-bedroom house in Gauteng, you might expect an average cost of:

• R8,000 – R15,000 for a full-service move over 35km
• R5,000 – R7,000 for a basic transport service
• R1,500 – R3,000 if you rent a truck for a DIY move

6. Moving Company Rates from Gauteng to Cape Town

For those considering semi-grating, we are in the process of gathering quotes and will provide an update on pricing within a few days. In the meantime, setting up a home inventory is essential. The initial quotes we got without inventories ranges from R29,000 up to R48,800 in an enclosed truck.

Then, as a test, after providing our 4 bedroom home inventory, some quotes increased to R52,000. Nobody likes surprises, and this means that, beyond insurance purposes, having a detailed inventory ensures a more accurate quote as well. The average seemed to be around R34,000.

Long-distance movers normally requires a booking deposit, and since it’s a long move, they typically .

We should mention that an enclosed truck should be used for long distance moves, because, while it may not rain in Johannesburg, it could as well rain in Bloemfontein or Worcester… Who knows. During summer, chances are that it will rain somewhere in the Free State.

We highly recommend hiring a mover with experience handling long-distance relocations. Their expertise and insights can help you save both time and money, while also being well-prepared for snags.

Tailoring Your Move

The cost of moving a 4-bedroom house within Gauteng depends heavily on your unique needs. Here are a few ways to make the move smoother and potentially save money:

• Declutter: Sell or donate items you no longer need to reduce the volume of your move
• Compare quotes: Get at least three quotes from moving companies to ensure you’re getting a competitive rate
• Plan ahead: Early booking often results in better rates, as movers tend to offer lower prices when you schedule in advance
• Pay close attention to the fine print, such as:
  • Whether goods will be transported on a closed or an open truck.
  • When Payment would be collected, at pick up or off-loading.
  • Preferred Payment methods are important too.
  • Make sure there are enough people to load and unload heavy items at any point.
  • Using moving blankets to cover wooden furniture is essential. The constant vibrations during transport can cause friction, leading to scratches or damage. Blankets provide a protective layer that helps prevent wear and tear.
• Confirm Collection and Delivery Dates. Also let them know if you’re flexible. You could save some money.

Moving is a significant undertaking, but with a little planning and smart decision-making, you can control the costs and make the transition as seamless as possible.