MOVING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Helping customers throughout the United Kingdom to relocate to South Africa
Relocating to a new country is always a big step, and when that country is South Africa, it can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
At 1st Choice Removals, we’ve supported thousands of families making the move from the UK to South Africa, whether it’s for a new career, retirement, or a fresh adventure abroad. From professionally packing your belongings in the UK to managing customs clearance in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, we handle every stage of your move so you can focus on settling into your new life.
Whether you’re moving into a city apartment in Johannesburg, a coastal property in Cape Town, or a peaceful home in the Garden Route, our experienced team will be there to help at every step. With years of experience in UK and international removals, we bring the same care, attention, and professionalism to your move overseas.
At 1st Choice Removals, we’ve built a strong reputation for reliability and trust, ensuring even the largest or most complex relocations to South Africa are completed smoothly and efficiently.
HOW WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR MOVE TO SOUTH AFRICA
PACKING SERVICE
CUSTOMS SUPPORT
CURRENCY EXCHANGE SERVICE
From your very first enquiry, you’ll be assigned a dedicated relocation coordinator who will create a personalised moving plan that suits your timeline and budget. Our skilled packing team uses top-quality, export-grade materials to safely wrap, box, and crate everything, from fragile ornaments and artwork to large furniture — ensuring your belongings arrive in perfect condition. Once packed, your shipment remains under our full supervision, travelling by sea or air with real-time tracking and reliable door-to-door delivery to any destination in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or beyond.
South Africa’s customs and import regulations can seem complicated, but our in-house experts handle every detail for you. We manage all necessary paperwork — including import declarations, bills of lading, and customs forms- to make clearance quick and hassle-free, avoiding unnecessary costs or delays. For extra reassurance, we offer comprehensive marine and transit insurance that covers your possessions from the moment they’re collected in the UK until they’re safely delivered to your new South African home.
To make your move even smoother, we can arrange a range of additional services, from secure, climate-controlled storage if your property isn’t quite ready, to professional pet transport with all required health checks and import documentation. We can also assist with vehicle shipping under South African import rules and connect you with trusted visa and immigration specialists.
With 1st Choice Removals, every detail of your international move is handled with care, so you can relax and look forward to starting your new life in South Africa.
Start your Move to South Africa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can you help with my move to South Africa
With decades of international removal experience, we handle every detail of your UK–South Africa relocation. From visa advice and customs paperwork to professional packing, transport and delivery, our fully insured, door-to-door service takes the stress out of moving abroad.
We can even arrange competitive euro currency exchange for deposits, rent and day-to-day expenses. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
What customs paperwork is needed?
You’ll need a detailed inventory of all household goods and evidence of UK residency (e.g. utility bill or council tax statement). We handle the French import formalities, submit declarations on your behalf and advise on any duties or VAT that may apply.
How is my furniture protected during the move to South Africa?
Every item is professionally packed, using sturdy, double-wall cartons for fragile goods and bespoke wooden crates for antiques or artwork.
We’re fully insured, so your belongings are covered from collection in the UK until delivery at your home in South Africa.
Can you help with currency exchange?
Yes. We offer a dedicated currency exchange service for euros at competitive rates. You can arrange a one-off transfer for deposits and initial expenses, or set up regular payments for ongoing bills such as rent, utilities and mortgage instalments