What to Look for in a Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company matters as much for a local move across Cape Town as it does for a long-distance relocation to Johannesburg or Pretoria. Here's what's worth checking before you book.

Track Record and Reviews

Look beyond a company's website and check independent reviews on Google or Facebook. Pay particular attention to how a company handled things going wrong, such as delays or damaged items, since that says more about reliability than a spotless five-star average alone.

Written Quotes and Inclusions

A reliable mover will provide a written quote that spells out exactly what's included: packing materials, labour, transport, and insurance. Be cautious of quotes given without an in-home or video survey, since these are more likely to change on the day.

Insurance and Liability

Ask specifically what happens if something is damaged in transit, and whether the company offers transit insurance or expects you to arrange your own cover. This is worth confirming in writing before moving day.

Experience With Your Route

A company that regularly moves between the specific cities you're relocating between, such as Cape Town to Johannesburg or Pretoria to Durban, will typically have a better handle on timing, tolls and logistics than one moving that route for the first time.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requests for full payment upfront before any survey or written quote.
• No fixed business address or verifiable contact details.
• Quotes significantly lower than every other company you've approached.

Taking the time to compare two or three moving companies properly, rather than booking the first quote you receive, is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from a bad moving experience.