Used Household Goods (Relocation)
How Our Door-to-Door Shipping Works
01
After you request and accept your personal quote, we schedule delivery of your shipping crate. The crate is delivered to your home, ready for packing
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Our experienced packing team carefully packs and secures your household goods inside the crate, using professional materials to protect everything during transport
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Once packing is completed, the sealed crate is collected and transported to the port of departure, where it is prepared for overseas shipment
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Your crate is shipped by sea to the country of destination. We handle the logistics and keep you informed throughout the journey
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After arrival, the shipment is cleared through customs and collected by our local partner in the destination country
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Our local team delivers the crate to your new address and unloads your belongings, completing your door-to-door move
01
After you request and accept your personal quote, we schedule delivery of your shipping crate. The crate is delivered to your home, ready for packing
02
Our experienced packing team carefully packs and secures your household goods inside the crate, using professional materials to protect everything during transport
03
Once packing is completed, the sealed crate is collected and transported to the port of departure, where it is prepared for overseas shipment
04
Your crate is shipped by sea to the country of destination. We handle the logistics and keep you informed throughout the journey
05
After arrival, the shipment is cleared through customs and collected by our local partner in the destination country
06
Our local team delivers the crate to your new address and unloads your belongings, completing your door-to-door move
Why Trust Us With Your Used Household Goods
We understand that shipping your personal belongings is more than logistics — it’s about trust. That’s why we handle every household goods shipment with care, clarity, and full accountability from start to finish.
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing with defined inclusions, so you know exactly what to expect before your shipment moves.
Professional Export Handling
Your household goods are professionally loaded and secured into export-compliant crates and containers, suitable for international sea freight.
Single Point of Contact
One dedicated point of contact oversees your shipment from start to finish, ensuring clear communication and coordination throughout.
Choose Your Shipping Option
Have questions?
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here. Still need help? Feel free to reach out via our contact page.
Q: What exactly is a used household goods relocation shipment?
A used household goods relocation shipment refers to the international transport of personal belongings when moving to another country. This includes furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, decor, and personal items that are already owned and used. These shipments are handled differently from commercial cargo and follow specific customs rules designed for relocations.
Q: How long does a used household goods shipment take?
As a general guideline, the ocean transit time between ports is approximately 40–44 days. In addition to the sea freight, we recommend allowing around one week of logistics time in each country for collection, handling, customs clearance, and final delivery.
While timelines can vary slightly depending on schedules and customs processing, we always provide realistic expectations and keep you informed throughout the journey.
Q: What items can and cannot be shipped internationally?
Most personal belongings can be shipped without issue, including furniture, clothing, household goods, books, decor, and personal items. However, customs regulations between South Africa and the Netherlands restrict certain items.
Common prohibited or restricted items include:
- Hazardous or flammable materials
- Perishable food and liquids
- Plants, soil, and organic materials
- Firearms or weapons
- Illegal goods
- Chemicals and pressurized containers
Because we specialize exclusively in relocations between South Africa and the Netherlands, we are fully familiar with the customs requirements on both sides. Before packing, we provide a clear checklist tailored to your shipment to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Q: Are there additional costs for new or unused items?
Yes. New or unused items may be subject to import duties and taxes, as customs authorities treat them differently from used personal belongings. These charges are determined by customs and are not included in standard relocation pricing.
We always recommend declaring new purchases in advance so we can advise you clearly and help avoid unexpected costs at arrival.
Q: Are there additional costs for new or unused items?
Insurance is optional but strongly recommended. While professional packing greatly reduces risk, international transport always carries some exposure. We offer relocation insurance options and explain coverage clearly before booking.
Q: Do I need to pack my belongings myself?
Yes — your belongings should be packed and ready in boxes before collection. Our moving team will professionally load everything into the crate or container to ensure safe international transport.
Please note that disassembly of furniture, loose packing, or additional handling can be arranged, but must be requested in advance and will be quoted separately under special requirements. This helps avoid surprises and ensures a smooth moving day.
Q: What documents are required for a relocation shipment?
Typical documents include:
- Passport copy
- Packing list
We provide templates and step-by-step guidance to make the paperwork simple and stress-free.
Q: Do I keep the crate after delivery?
The crate is used exclusively for transport and remains property of CapeConnect. After delivery, our local partner collects the empty crate. This helps us keep prices lower and operate sustainably.