“How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers?” and Other FAQs About Moving

Packing up everything you own and relocating is hard work and can also be very stressful, whether you are moving from one house to another, from one side of the country to the other, or to a whole new country altogether. But it doesn’t have to be. Not if you partner with the right moving company in South Africa. Elliott Mobility answers some of your questions related to moving to make this process easier.

Q: How far in advance should I book movers?

A: The best advice is to start contacting moving companies in South Africa as soon as you know the dates of your move. By far the majority of relocations happen over month-end or at the start of the month, and these dates get booked up well in advance. Thus, the sooner you book, the better. Don’t waste any time – when you have a date, get in touch. If, however, you have the liberty to move during the middle of the month, you may get away with a booking closer to the date, as this is the quieter period for most movers, but this is not guaranteed.

Q: How much does furniture removals cost?

A: The cost of furniture removals is dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to:

• The distance of the move
• The accessibility of the destination
• The date of the move
• The size of the move
• The content of the move
• The extent of the service delivered
• The need for specialised services
• The quality of the service
• Storage requirements
• The insurance cover included

The rates and services included can vary greatly from one service provider to another, which is why it’s important to request quotes and to have a conversation with the moving company in question to establish exactly what the quote covers.

Q: Does the moving company wrap and pack my stuff into boxes, or must I do it?

A: This depends entirely on the service provider you choose. Some moving companies simply provide transport, while others assist with a complete end-to-end service. The expert crews at Elliott Mobility are trained in the art of the perfect pack, and they have the necessary skills to wrap and pack specialist items that require extra protection. They take the time and care necessary as if it were their own belongings so that you can rest assured that your belongings will reach its destination safely.

Q: Will I have to unpack my own boxes at my destination?

A: Again, this is partly dependent on the moving company you choose, but also up to you. Even if a moving company offers this service, some people prefer to do their own unpacking. At Elliott Mobility, we can assist you with the packing as well as the unpacking. In fact, we’re committed to helping you settle in comfortably, and can even offer you handyman and valet services to get you set up and feeling at home in your new place right from the start.

Q: Do I have to get my own boxes and packaging material, or does the moving company supply these?

A: Often, if a moving company assists with the packing of your possessions, they will also supply the packaging material. This is the case at Elliott Mobility. In actual fact, while most people use cardboard boxes, resulting in significant waste when they are discarded afterwards, Elliott Mobility is the first company in South Africa to offer the innovative Envirowise Boxes as part of our service delivery. The reusable and recyclable boxes are environmentally friendly and even have unique numbered seals to make sure that your goods are kept safe and organised.

Q: Can moving companies in South Africa assist me with relocating my pets?

A: Not many moving companies in South Africa include pet relocation as part of their service offering. At Elliott Mobility, we see your pets as an extension of your family, and we know how stressful a move can be for them. This is why we’ve partnered with specialist pet travel partners to take care of the travel arrangements for your pets, whether you are moving across the country or abroad, including flights, import or export licenses, quarantine arrangements, custom-made travel containers and kennel services.

Q: Can I trust a moving company to relocate my fine art?

A: Fine art and antiques are often priceless and irreplaceable, and the smallest scratch, chip or dent can mean a huge loss for the owner. It is therefore not advisable to lump these items with the rest of your move. Only trust a moving company to handle these if they offer specialist fine art moving services, like Elliott Mobility. We are a recognised member of ICEFAT (International Convention of Exhibition and Fine Art Transporters), and our specialised services include state-of-the-art packing, transportation, shipping and installation across Southern Africa and the world.

Q: Do moving companies also offer vehicle transportation?

A: Not all moving companies offer this highly specialised service. The transportation of vehicles requires access to road or ship freighting services (depending on whether the relocation is local or international). Elliott Mobility has built a relationship with experienced vehicle carrier partners who give personal attention to every car, ensuring a smooth process. You can choose to collect your vehicle from one of our centrally located depots nationwide, or we can deliver your vehicle to your new home.

Q: Are there any moving companies in South Africa that can assist me with an international move?

A: Yes. Elliott Mobility specialises in both national and international relocations. Because we realise how overwhelming an international move can be, we offer a full bouquet of services to help you settle into your new life in a new country. This exceptional range of services provides you with all the support you need through the entire process, from the initial planning and budgeting, to orientation tours, finding the perfect home, and searching for top schools within your location and budget.

Q: Will my short-term home content insurance cover my possessions while they’re being relocated?

A: In most cases, the answer is more than likely that it won’t cover your possessions while not on your property. Home content insurance is usually limited to possessions kept at a specified location, which allows for an accurate risk assessment, unless, of course, you have made specific arrangements with your insurance provider for coverage during the move. It is therefore important that you choose a moving company with reliable insurance in place, and request that sufficient cover is included with your quote.

Q: Can I move during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown?

A: The current pandemic has been disruptive, to say the least. Whether you are allowed to move or not depends entirely on the alert level of lockdown the government is currently enforcing. The good news is that moving is allowed from level 4 and down, during which Elliott Mobility will be resuming our full moving and relocation services. You can rest assured that we will be strictly adhering to the operating guidelines for workers and businesses.

Q: How do I get a quote?

A: Getting a free online quote from Elliott Mobility is quick and simple. All you need to do is to click on the tab that says “Get a Quote” at the top of the page, choose the service you require, and then provide some basic details. You can then choose to receive a generic estimate or request a team member to contact you to discuss the details. Book your move as far in advance as possible to ensure that you can get the slot you require without any hassle.