People who, in one way or another, are “in transit” are likely to wonder about the safety of the location at which their precious items will be stored. They may wonder about whether the storage containers are secure. 

And what if their containers get mixed up with someone else’s stuff? What then? Or if they have placed an item in storage and now need to retrieve it.

An affordable moving company such as Selection Cartage offers safe and secure storage solutions for the short, medium or long term. 

Are you one of the South Africans planning to emigrate in the short-term? Data shows some 2 500 people moved overseas last year and that number is set to rise. For the international moves we handle, all the goods will be packed with long-term storage in mind.

The goods are assembled together to determine the volume (length x breadth x height) before being loaded carefully into a storage module. 

Our safe and affordable storage services in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg offer 24-hour security and offer a range of other benefits. 

Let’s take a closer look.

Cost-effective modular storage solutions

Renting a garage storage unit has its limitations. The biggest is that you have to rent the entire unit, which may be expensive. Especially if all your goods fit inside with some space to spare. 

The advantage of using a modular storage solution such as the one we offer is that you only pay for the space your stuff takes up. Nothing more. Nothing less.

This makes it a cost-effective storage solution, whether you’re in for the long haul or just a few weeks.

High quality, secure containers

Our containers are only accessible by you. Sprung steel clips ensure that nobody has access to storage containers. 

Containers are dust-free and packed with a minimal amount of handling to reduce the risks of breakage. This makes them the ideal storage solution for items such as fine art pieces. 

Rodent free and fumigated

We keep the nasties away. The storage containers are rodent-free and fumigated every few months. The modules are also kiln dried. The heat treatment eliminates the infestation of the Bora beetle and other insects. This provides our customers with the peace of mind that their valuables will stay safe. 

COVID-19 and the need for secure storage in South Africa

The impact of COVID-19 on the removals and storage industry will only be known fully in the months that lie ahead. 

For now, the reduction of the prime lending rate and the search for better job opportunities may be the factors that are driving people to relocate. And this will invariably lead to the need for safe and secure storage solutions.

Anecdotal evidence shows that people are moving from Cape Town to Johannesburg in search of better work opportunities. And there’s also some movement from Cape Town to Durban.

In this “COVID-19 fog” options for reliable storage solutions will be important.

When your destination home is not immediately available for you to move into, trust us with your storage requirements. 

• Need somewhere safe to store your goods? Contact us today!

The company’s experienced home and office removals teams have been waiting patiently to service our loyal customers since 27 March, when the lockdown came into effect. 

Our trucks are loaded, our staff is back at work and we’re looking forward to our wheels starting to turn again.

Yesterday, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announced a set of directions on the once-off movement of persons and the transportation of goods for purposes of relocation.

Restrictions on transport companies eased

The directions allow individuals and businesses to move premises within, and across provincial, metropolitan or district boundaries during Level 4 of the national lockdown. 

Removal companies were not permitted to operate during Level 4 because people were not allowed to move from their current address to a new address.

But pressure from within the removals industry, as well as a more pragmatic approach from government, has seen the restrictions being eased.

However, the directions issued in terms of the government notice stipulate only a 30-day window period for the once-off movement of persons and transportation of goods ending on 7 June 2020. It is unclear at this stage what will happen after this date.

The new regulations in terms of Section 27(2)(f) of the Disaster Management Act , 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) apply to:

• A person who needs to travel to his or her new place of residence and to transport goods, which are limited to household furniture and effects
• A person who needs to travel must obtain a permit to travel across provincial, metropolitan or district boundaries from the station commander of a police station or a person designated by the station commander

‘Pleased to help our loyal customers with home and office moves’

Carla Rodrigues Schoeman, who heads up Selection Cartage, says although she is puzzled by the 7 June 2020 cut-off, she is grateful for the opportunity to help their customers. 

“We have interlink trucks loaded at our Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town depots and we are so pleased to be able to assist our customers with their home relocations and office moves,” she says.      

Over 80 years of experience in the relocations business has been passed down to our removal teams.

This ensures we have crews that are well trained to deliver quality, trouble-free home and office removals.

All our team members will be equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of our staff and customers during their move.

We urge all our customers who have booked with us to ensure they complete the necessary paperwork in terms of the legislation. 

• Click here to download a copy of the regulations and the form that needs to be completed by a station commander.

We assure you that all removals will be performed in compliance with the COVID-19 regulations and the relevant directions issued by the Minister of Transport.

• If you have any queries about your move, please contact us.

As a company that honours its traditions yet embraces innovation, we have come up with a range of options for you to use to help us help you!

Traditionally, a physical walkthrough of your home from one of our sales consultants was the only way we could generate an accurate quote.

But the “new normal” has forced us to rethink how best we can be of service to you – in the safest possible way.

Here are five ways that we can generate a home removals quote for you without visiting your house.

WhatsApp video call

WhatsApp is one of the best and most widely used apps. Anyone who has a smartphone is likely to have WhatsApp installed to stay in touch with their loved ones and colleagues.

However, WhatsApp is not only for personal use. More and more businesses are using WhatsApp to connect to their customers.

There are a few features that make WhatsApp the perfect platform to use to contact us for a moving quote.

Besides being free (you only pay for data charges), WhatsApp enables you to make video calls. By connecting via a video call, you can simply reverse the camera on your smartphone and take us on a tour of your house.

This way we can check on the number of rooms you need to be moved. We can also draw up an inventory list based on the number of items you have in each room.

Walkthrough video

If you’re a little camera shy and would rather avoid the “live” video call, then send us a walkthrough video.

Set your camera app to video mode and make a short video of each room that you would like packed up and moved. You can then send these clips to us via email or WhatsApp and we can draft a quote for you.

Send us your pictures

If you doubt your abilities as a videographer, you can always send us still images. Clearly, this would be a little more time-intensive for you.

Nevertheless, you’re more than welcome to send us as many images of the furniture and valuables you need to be moved to your new location so that we can get your home removals quote to you as soon as possible.

Get a home removals quote by using our website

We have developed a custom easy-to-use quoting system to help you get the right information to use. Just complete the four-step process and we will get a free quote to you.

Send us your inventory list

While this remains an option, we would not encourage this method. And it all comes down to definitions and how they affect the price of the quote. You might jot down a chest of drawers that may turn out to be a French armoire.

So, should you need a home removals quote, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can talk you through the process you’re most comfortable with.

• We’re still available by email and phone for all other queries. Or send us a WhatsApp on +27 81 352 1387.

If you’re a part of the increasing number of people who need to find more space for their stuff, perhaps it’s time to consider renting an affordable and safe storage unit. 

You may need storage facilities if you:

• Are downsizing your living space
• Need to store family heirlooms and cherished goods and furniture
• Your occupation date has been delayed
• You are renovating your home

However, before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to take the following factors into consideration.

Is the storage unit affordable and safe?

While you may be drawn to some of the cheaper options on the market, it’s important to weigh up the cost versus safety. 

After all, you don’t want to lock up your storage unit and then constantly worry if your goods are safe.

One of the critical elements to consider is whether the storage facility is guarded. The presence of a security guard should give you the peace of mind that your possessions are safe. 

In addition, round the clock video surveillance is now an industry standard, so the facility you choose should definitely have this capability. 

It goes without saying the facility should be fenced. The fence should also be electrified, with surveillance cameras mounted at strategic access points along the perimeter.

In addition, the storage facility should be compliant with respect to fire safety codes.

As you walk around the facility check for the presence of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, sprinklers and fire alarms and detectors.

Is the affordable and safe unit conveniently located?

You may be tempted to opt for a storage facility that’s cheaper over the one that is closer. However, it’s important to factor in the additional costs for time, fuel and convenience before making your choice.

If you need to access your possessions on a fairly regular basis, it may be wiser to go for the closer option that may be cost slightly more to rent.

How does it look?

A poorly maintained storage facility should have you running for the exit. Think about it. Would you store your valuable possessions in a building that is damaged and run down?

As you do the walking tour, also look out for evidence of facilities management services that may give you a hint that the facility is well taken care of. 

Are there pest control devices placed along the building’s perimeter? Are all the lights working? These factors should create another layer of trust for you, the prospective client.

Can I readily access my possessions?

You should always have access to your goods. However, bear in mind that staff may only be present during normal office hours to help you. 

Before signing on, ensure that you are able to access your possessions as and when you need to. 

Does the facility offer remote-controlled access? Do they offer limited access on weekends and public holidays?

Conclusion

There are quite a number of factors to consider when selecting an affordable and safe storage unit. It’s best to go to the site armed with information and a set of questions before making a commitment.

With storage facilities in South Africa’s main centres, your items will be stored safely and securely and you can access them when you need to.

• Contact us for more information.

As the numbers and figures slowly sink in, you may be tempted to start looking at other options. 

After all, you have a budget to stick to. 

What about bakkie rental? How much would it cost to hire a furniture removal truck? 

Can I save some money by doing things myself?

Is a self-move removal service an option? 

Companies that offer furniture removal moving trucks (or bakkies) have positioned themselves in the competitive removals industry as cost savers. 

Their selling point is that furniture removal companies are expensive as they have to cover the costs of a vehicle, insurances, packing materials, staff wages. 

Not to mention their profit.

A company such as this would only provide a vehicle and a driver. 

And perhaps the option of a few truck assistants to load the removals van. 

They will transport your furniture to and from any major centre in South Africa. 

Moving to Johannesburg from Durban? Or from Pretoria to Cape Town? No problem. 

They also may claim that managing the move yourself will give you the peace of mind that everything is under control. 

However, there are many things a “non-traditional” moving company would not do. 

For example, they would not: 

• do any packing at your home or office
• provide any moving and packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, couch covers, mattress sleeves, packaging tape or white newsprint paper
• offer a safe storage solution
• offer a shared load to reduce costs    

So, once you have packed and (maybe) loaded your own boxes into the hired removals truck, the rest is up to you. 

To some, this might seem like a lot of extra work and the source of much unnecessary stress. 

You have to worry about:

• packing
• ensuring your goods are transported safely
• ensuring your goods arrive on time 
• unloading

So have you really saved on the cost of furniture removal?

Make no mistake. Any home removal, whether it be local or international, is hard work. 

There are many elements that need to be coordinated to ensure the relocation is successful.

Sure, the actual removal fee may be a fraction of the price charged. But there are some hidden costs to consider.

According to a recent survey, moving homes is one of the most stressful things that anyone can do.

As British removals industry leader Steve Jordan says in themover.co.uk: “it is true that by the time the mover arrives the customer is climbing the walls and chewing Valium like Smarties.” 

However, Jordan sets the record straight by saying that the vast majority of the 1307 British home movers that were surveyed were concerned mainly with other parts of the moving process – not moving.

As Jordan says, the moving company is generally not the cause of any stress. It’s the moving crew that need to be the experts in handling people “living on the edge”.

Benefits of hiring a home and furniture removals company 

For household moves, partnering with a traditional home removals company is your best bet. Why? Well, you’ll be in safe hands. 

The larger, more experienced companies have trained staff that will give their undivided attention to your job. From wrapping your items and packing them in boxes correctly to loading them safely in the removals truck.

From the initial site visit to providing a customised quotation, the company will ensure your relocation is handled professionally.

Moreover, a traditional moving company typically offers competitively priced storage solutions for all your furniture, appliances and other household goods.

 They will also provide advice, checklists and guides to ensure your move is trouble-free. 

They supply specialist packing materials such as double-walled cartons and greaseproof painting shields to keep your valuables safe in transit and storage. 

In addition, they provide relocation services for pets, as well as specialised items such as wine collections.

Conclusion

Whether you are moving for the first time or relocating to a new town or city in South Africa, it is recommended to select a removals company that offers a comprehensive service.

Not only with this put your mind at ease, but it will also free you up to focus on your fresh start. 

• If you’re considering hiring a traditional, professional, experienced moving company, contact us for a FREE MOVING QUOTE.

While family dynamics certainly plays a part, the tough economic times in which we live also play a role in the current downsizing trend. 

Retirement, security and lifestyle are other reasons that downsizing looks set to stay.

Whatever your reason for packing up your things and moving to a smaller space, downsizing is not a simple as it may first appear.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when downsizing your stuff ahead of your home removal, whether it’s a domestic or international move. 

Get sorted early for your home removal

Long before you sign a contract with the home removals company, its advisable to start going through your stuff to work out what you’d like to get rid of. 

Failing to do this will undoubtedly lead to you either throwing stuff out that you wanted to keep in the first place or keeping stuff that you won’t need when you move into your new home.  

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to move, set aside some time to start working through your belongings. 

Start in the rooms you spend the least amount of time in as this is likely where most of your items will be stored. Your garage, the outside storeroom or a spare bedroom are the best places to start.

Then work your way to the bedrooms, lounge and family rooms and the kitchen. Buy and make up separate boxes to pack items you’d like to sell, donate to charity or give to family and friends.

• TRY OUR 4-STEP QUOTING SYSTEM MAKES IT EASY FOR YOU TO RECEIVE A FREE MOVING QUOTE

Rope in your family members

You don’t need to be the one to make the executive decisions about what gets kept and what doesn’t. Call on your family members to help you out. 

You’ll never be forgiven if you donate that special toy your son loved as a child and he happens to find out later! 

If anyone is unsure about whether to keep something, check when last it was used, what condition it is in and what purpose will it serve in your new, smaller house.

There’s no need to be totally ruthless here.

If you treasure an item, rather keep it and find a suitable place in your new home to store it.

Create a vision

Look at your furniture pieces and items such as curtains and decide what will work in the new place. 

It’s likely that your bespoke upholstered lounge suit won’t fit into your new pad, so you can either store it, sell it or donate it. Perhaps a seamstress can measure up the old curtains and alter them to fit your new home. 

Creating a vision will help you decide what to put on the home removals van once moving day arrives.

Calculate the cost of downsizing

It’s worth bearing in mind that every item you add to the removal company’s inventory list will add to the cost of the move. 

Rather sell an item that you are not likely to use than pay for it to be transported.

If you’re moving from Cape Town to Durban, for example, you may want to sell that old tumble dryer that came in handy in the cold months but will hardly be used in your new location.

Conclusion

While the reasons for downsizing are many and varied, one thing remains unchanged. With downsizing comes a home removal. And perhaps the need for storage or buying packaging materials.

• If you’re downsizing, contact Selection Cartage. They are here to assist you with packing, moving and storage. 

But what do you do on moving in day? 

With the farewells to your old house having been made, it’s now it’s time to start settling in at your new address. Here’s what you can do to make your move easier and run a little smoother:

• Protect the floors
• Work with the removals team
• Sign on the dotted line
• Do a quick clean up
• Start sorting out the furniture
• Head out for a restaurant dinner

Watch the floors

Whether you have carpet, tiles, wood or laminate flooring in your new house, set down some sort of protection before the movers start bringing the boxes from the removals truck. 

Rolls of plastic, plastic drop sheets or pieces of cardboard boxes will prevent any dirt being ingrained in the carpets or scuff marks appearing on laminate floors, especially.

You will have more than enough cleaning to do once you have moved in. No need to make it harder on yourself.

Teamwork makes moving easier  

As soon as the moving company truck pulls up to the gate, introduce yourself to the team leader. You will be working with him or her during the course of the day, so best to get off on a good footing. 

Walk them through the new house, showing them where the rooms are. Invite them to ask questions if they are not sure. Be open and proactive. 

This will benefit you in the long run as you don’t want to be moving heavy boxes to the correct room once the movers have left.

Sort out the paperwork

It’s important to ensure that the movers present you with the inventory before they leave. Go over it thoroughly, checking for any discrepancies before you sign. 

Make sure that the moving company team leader signs the document as well, and keep a copy for your records.

Get cleaning

Before you start unpacking the boxes, take out your detergents, scrubbing brushes and cleaning rags and start cleaning. 

Sweep, vacuum and mop the floors before moving the furniture in place. 

Give the bathrooms a thorough clean, giving extra attention to the bathtub, shower and toilet.

In the kitchen focus your energy on getting the oven clean, the cupboards wiped down inside and out and the countertops free of dirt and grime.

Sort out the furniture

With the floors and surfaces clean, the next step is to start organising the furniture. Re-assemble any furniture that was disassembled and move it to the correct place in the room. 

Children’s bunk beds, reattaching bedside tables to headboards need to be sorted out during this stage.

Now for the moving boxes . . . 

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Moving in is a process and it’s better in the long run to take your time.

Go through your new house room by room and inspect the boxes. Put the damaged boxes to one side, making notes about any defects you pick as you go along. 

Remember to call your moving company to come through and inspect the damage.

Make a point of starting to unpack your children’s stuff first. Getting reacquainted with their special toys will help them settle into their new surroundings sooner.

Go out for dinner!

Celebrate a successful moving day by taking your family out to a local restaurant in your new neighbourhood.

It’ll give you a much-needed break and give you an opportunity to explore a local eating place.

• If you’re considering hiring a professional, experienced moving company, contact us for a FREE MOVING QUOTE.

Remember, leaving your current home is only one part of the moving process. The other is, you guessed it, is moving into your new place.

When one door closes, another opens – quite literally in this case.

Before locking your front door for the final time, make a note of the following things you, or that somebody you’ve roped in to help, will need to have done:

• Bid your final farewell
• Greet your movers
• Oversee the operation
• Clean up
• Keep valuables to one side
• Final walk-through

Pause and reflect

However long you’ve lived in your house, you’ve undoubtedly made some memories along the way.

Taking a mindful, relaxing walk through your house and around the garden will give you some closure as you prepare to sleep under a different roof.

If you have children, talk to them about all the memories you’ve made together having lived at the house. Picking ripe lemons off the tree, birthday parties, playing hide and seek.

Doing this gives you a chance to start talking about making new memories as you settle in at your new address. It will also give you a chance to reflect before the day gets really busy.

Meet and greet

If you’ve hired a reputable moving company, chances the removals crew will arrive at your house promptly to begin their work.

Take the time to meet the crew members and the team leader. You will be working closely throughout together throughout the day, so this is a great opportunity to establish a good rapport.

Being kind to your moving crew members is so important. Professional movers are skilled individuals, often juggling the demands of the client with the requirements of their job.

Moreover, carting heavy boxes and furniture around for a day is back-breaking work. Appreciate the fact that a professional moving crew carry the load with a smile.

Supervise the load

It’s important that either you or a designated helper stands at the truck and watches the crew members load the goods into the truck. This gives you a chance to keep an eye out for any damage.

Be careful, however, not to assume the position of the crew leader. It will only result in tension and unease among the crew. Work with them, not against them.

Clean up

There’s probably nothing more frustrating than receiving a call from the estate agent to say that you forgot to clean the stove and need to arrange for someone to clean it.

Consider asking your domestic helper to come in for the day to do a final clean and tidy up. Or contact an agency and hire a cleaning team.

It’s the right thing to do – and it will save you a lot of time and effort.

The buyers of your home will expect the property to be clean when they move in and you’ll no doubt expect the same as you move into your new house.

Remember the valuables

Keep valuable items such as passports, laptops and jewellery separate so that they don’t get mixed up with the boxes being loaded on to the truck.

Final check

Once the truck is loaded and the house is empty, it’s time for the final walk-through. This will give you a chance to switch off the electrical mains.

Once you’ve done this, make a note of the final meter readings and pass this information onto your utility company. You don’t want to be charged for water, gas or electricity you haven’t used.

Finally, lock the doors and shut the windows.

Arrange to meet the estate agent to hand over the keys (you wouldn’t believe the number of people that leave their old homes and take the front door key with them).

Leave the main set of keys with the agent. As you set any spare sets of keys on a counter in the house take a deep breath, and be sure to travel safely to your new home.

• If you’re considering hiring a professional, experienced moving company, contact us for a FREE MOVING QUOTE.

Yes, that’s right. We are excited to launch our new online premises. Looking back on our proud heritage as a leading home and office removals company, we’re thrilled with our new online offering. 

It was a different world 88 years ago when 70 Main Avenue, Springs Extension was our only home. Today, our company is so much more than bricks and mortar. 

With a new digital home, we’re open 24/7/365 and connected to our customers and prospects whenever they need us. 

Tradition and innovation

Our website is packed with useful information about all the services we offer. Moreover, we developed a hassle-free 4-step online quoting system. This enables you to get an estimated moving cost in a matter of minutes.

As an innovator himself, just imagine what our company founder John Van Niekerk would make of this functionality. 

Remember, Van Niekerk was the first contractor on the East Rand to offer the service of furniture removals with covered vans! 

As our content offering grows in the months and years to come, we trust you will visit us to catch up on the latest industry news. 

On our blog, we’ll be sharing useful tips and guides with you. We will also keep you updated on all you need to know about removals and storage.

Besides our informative blog and handy quote tool, check out our core services pages for the features and benefits of each service. 

The right moving company for you

We’re the right removals company for you. Whether you’re moving to a new house, relocating your business, moving overseas or need a place to securely store your stuff.

We are passionate about our business and aim to provide our clients with the best possible service at a price they can afford. 

Our Operations Division, which is controlled by our Managing Director, a third-generation mover, handles each move directly. 

Our removal teams have over 80 years of experience in the relocations business. We train our crews to deliver quality, trouble-free relocations.

Welcome to our new home. If you are moving in the near future, we invite you to contact us for more information about our services. We’ll be happy to help you move into yours.

Clean the home – The buyers of your home will expect the property to be clean when they move, you’ll be expecting the same as you move into your new house. So have one person focussing on the cleaning and get everybody else to pitch in with the packing.

Leave keys behind – You wouldn’t believe the number of people that leave their old home’s and take the front door key with them. Don’t let this happen to you, leave the main keys with the property agents and any spare sets on a counter in the house.

Pass on forwarding addresses – When you move your friends, family and people within your social network will want to know where you are moving to. So send them change of address cards in the post, flirt them a text or email them with the address of your new house.

Take meter readings – Before you drive off to start your new adventure make a note of the final meter readings and pass this information onto your utility company. You don’t want to be charged for gas or electric you haven’t used, that wouldn’t be a great start to life in your new home.

Cancel deliveries – Do you have grocery deliveries, milk, papers or magazine subscriptions that you pay for on a regular basis? If so, cancel the orders before it’s too late and give regular suppliers plenty of notice.

Cover these basics and it’ll be one less thing to worry about when you move home.