South Africa has seen a consistent semigration trend to the Western Cape in recent years. Reasons for moving to the region include downgrading, retirement, lifestyle changes, and estate living or work-from-home opportunities.

Another trend that has emerged from this group is the inclination to move over the holiday season. So, if you are thinking about relocating to the coast over December, there are a few things you should keep in mind about moving that time of year.

Tips from Elliott’s team for moving over the holidays

Planning is crucial

The December holidays are a busy time for moving companies because most people want to be settled in their new homes before schools open in the new year. It is therefore crucial to plan your move at least two or three months ahead of time so that space on transport vehicles is available in the week you need to move your consignment.

Know the process

Elliott follows a meticulous packing and loading schedule between Mondays and Fridays. Our vehicles typically travel the Johannesburg to Cape Town route over weekends and deliver consignments on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you are moving a 4-bedroom home, your schedule will likely be as follows:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday: Our trained crew will pack your home
• Friday: We load your consignment and get ready to move
• Saturday and Sunday: Our vehicles transport your consignment
• The following Monday and Tuesday: We deliver your consignment to your new home

It is important to keep in mind that our vehicles may stop en route to deliver or load another consignment. This could delay your delivery by one or two days. However, if you book in advance, it is easier for us to accommodate a precise delivery date.

What about storage?

Things do not always go as planned. It may happen that you are ready to move, but your new home is not ready for you. Elliott has state-of-the-art storage facilities in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town and will ensure that your consignment is safe until you are ready to receive it. If you suspect any kind of delay, reach out to our sales team early so that we can make alternative arrangements and provide the necessary quotations and advice timeously.

General holiday moving advice

Travelling

The roads are busy over the holidays. Give yourself enough transit time to reach your destination safely. If you are travelling between Johannesburg and Cape Town, consider stopping over in Bloemfontein, Gariep Dam, Colesburg, Beaufort West, or Oudtshoorn. The road to Cape Town Central from Johannesburg is around 1398km (15 hours or so by car) but is abundant with accommodation and activities.

Moving your pets

Your pets find your move as stressful as you do. We therefore suggest moving them out of the home before our packing crew arrives. When your pets are scared or confused, they sometimes try to run away or hide in small spaces. Some pets may even show signs of aggression, which causes unnecessary stress for both owner and pet.

If an Elliott travel partner is moving your pet, they will discuss the move with you ahead of time and ensure that your pets reach their new home safely and comfortably. If your pet is travelling with you, consider booking them into a kennel while you are packing and loading.

Moving your vehicles

Elliott’s vehicle carrier partners move your vehicles quickly and safely. However, when vehicles are moved over December, they may take a few days longer to reach you. Public holidays and busy roads should be accounted for during the planning phase of your move. 

Public holidays

Moving companies do not pack, load, or travel on public holidays unless this was prearranged and approved. It is therefore important to take this into account when planning your move.

Renovations

When you move to a new location over the December holiday season you will likely not be able to do any renovations for at least a few weeks. Builders shut down around 16 December and stay closed until the second week of January. If there is something in your new home that needs to be repaired before you move in, you will have to plan it with a builder well in advance.

If you have planned your December move at least three months in advance there is no reason it should be more challenging than moving during the year. Our sales team is ready to offer you the assistance and advice you need to make the move safe and comfortable.