Planning a move to South Africa from the UK? One of the first questions expats ask is: “How much does it cost to move my belongings to South Africa?”
The truth is, costs can vary depending on the size of your shipment, your destination city, and the type of service you choose. To help you budget, we’ve put together a 2025 guide to removal costs from the UK to South Africa, along with tips on how to save money during the process.
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📦 Shipping Options to South Africa
When relocating internationally, most people choose between sea freight or air freight.
- Sea Freight (most common) – Affordable but slower. A full container typically takes 6–10 weeks door-to-door.
- Air Freight – Much faster (7–14 days), but significantly more expensive. Best for smaller moves or urgent shipments.
Most UK expats use sea freight because it’s cost-effective, especially for furniture and larger household items.
🚢 Container Sizes and Costs
Your removal cost will depend on the container size you need:
- 20ft container – Fits the contents of a small 2–3 bedroom home (approx. 30–35m³).
- 40ft container – Fits a large family home (approx. 60–65m³).
If you don’t have enough items for a full container, you can book a shared/groupage service, where you share container space with other customers. This is cheaper but takes slightly longer due to consolidation.
💰 Average Moving Costs from UK to South Africa (2025)
Here are some ballpark figures based on recent moves:
- Small Move (shared container / part load): £1,800 – £3,000
- 20ft Container: £4,000 – £6,500
- 40ft Container: £7,000 – £11,000
- Air Freight (small shipment 1–2m³): £1,200 – £2,500
Note: Costs vary by collection point in the UK, delivery city in South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, etc.), and extra services such as packing or storage.
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📑 Extra Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your move, don’t forget about additional expenses:
- Packing services (optional, but highly recommended for fragile items)
- Insurance (to cover loss or damage during shipping)
- Customs clearance and taxes (varies depending on what you’re shipping)
- Storage fees (if you need to delay delivery once in South Africa)
- Pet relocation or vehicle shipping (if applicable)
Advance Moves provides clear guidance on these costs so there are no surprises.
🚗 What About Cars and Pets?
Many expats choose to ship their cars or pets to South Africa.
- Car shipping costs: £2,000 – £4,000 depending on container vs roll-on/roll-off service. Import taxes may also apply.
- Pet relocation costs: £2,000 – £5,000 depending on airline, size of animal, and quarantine requirements.
👉 For more details, check out our guides on moving to South Africa with pets and shipping cars internationally (coming soon to the blog).
✅ How to Save Money on Your Move
- Declutter before you move – Only ship what you really need.
- Use a shared container if you don’t need a full one.
- Book in advance – Prices can rise the closer you get to your move date.
- Compare quotes – Advance Moves lets you quickly compare removal companies to find the best price.
👉 Start your move to South Africa today with an instant quote
✈️ Final Thoughts
Moving from the UK to South Africa is a big step — but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By understanding the costs involved and planning ahead, you can make your relocation smooth and affordable.
At Advance Moves, we specialise in helping British expats relocate to South Africa with ease. Whether you’re moving a few boxes or a full household, we’ll find the right solution for your needs.
👉 Click here for your free moving quote to South Africa