Category: Our Blog

Does the thought of spending thousands upon thousands of rands on shipping your belongings to the UK keep you up at night? While international furniture removals aren’t exactly cheap, it doesn’t have to set you back financially. Below are some tips on how you can keep the costs low when shipping your belongings abroad.

Exactly how are shipping costs calculated?

It’s a basic calculation: International removal companies take the cubic volume of your belongings and multiply it by the distance it has to travel.

While it sounds very simple, there are other things that can affect the costs. Extras such as packing and other additional services will increase the rate. Insurance, the type of items you ship, customs and port-side tariffs, timing and the shipping carrier can also have a negative effect on prices.

Different shipping companies can quote different rates for the same route as they will have individual costs to take into account. Just by comparing quotes from different shipping companies, you can expect to save a substantial amount. But before you sign a contract, make sure they are legitimate and offer exactly what you need.

Should you Ship it or Sell it?

When moving to the UK, you have to keep in mind that furniture might cost more than in South Africa. Selling all your stuff and buying new might not be an option. Another thing to keep in mind is that the typical size of a home in the UK is much smaller than in South Africa. Thus, selling the things you might not need will also lower your costs since you can get away with using a 20-foot container vs a 40-foot container

What about taking your car?

Public transport in South Africa is almost non-existent and everyone needs a car to get from point A to B. In the UK however, public transport is world-class and chances are you won’t need a car to get around. If you do decide to ship your car, keep in mind that it could fill up to half of a 40-foot container, increasing the costs of your move significantly.

Sharing a container

Sharing a container will bring down moving costs considerably and is a great option when you only have a few items you want to take with. Keep in mind that it might take longer to reach you since shipping companies have to fill up the container before they can ship it.

Optional extras make a difference

Extras like packing and unpacking or pet relocations can raise the cost of your international move. While you might save money by packing yourself, it’s important to remember that when you opt for a packing service, packing materials are typically included. Also, the packers tend to be experts in packing and the risk of breakage and damage to your items are extremely low compared to when you pack yourself. They will also be able to pack more efficiently and fit more into one container.

For an affordable quote from a reliable international moving company, get in touch with BusyBee Removals today.

Thanks to the internet, the world is “shrinking”. Moving a business overseas makes a lot of sense since it can open up new income streams and also give the opportunity for cheaper resources, making your business more profitable.

No matter how cost-effective it may be, business relocation isn’t a light decision to take. Moving just because it sounds like a good idea won’t be good for business. Thus, having a clear idea of what is really driving you to move your business overseas is crucial. This will give you clarity when it comes to choosing the right location in order to succeed in an international market.

Top things to consider when relocating your business abroad.

What are the rules and regulations

Every country has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to business practices. Before making any decisions, it would make sense to seek professional advice to figure out how these regulations might affect your business. Failing to comply with tax laws due to limited knowledge, can result in serious consequences.

Language and culture differences

If you move your business to a country with a different language than your own, you’ll have to consider the impact it might have on staff productivity and the operation of your day-to-day business. Mistakes due to miscommunication might arise if you aren’t familiar with the language. Another thing to consider is the difference in working culture. Many European countries work fewer hours than we do here in South Africa. You’ll have to adapt your work ethics accordingly.

Marketing strategy

While marketing strategies might be universal, it doesn’t necessarily mean what works in South Africa will work anywhere else. Before making the decision to move your business abroad, you’ll have to conduct thorough market research to ensure you completely understand your target audience.

Cost of moving your business

There’s no point in relocating your business if the cost of doing so will ruin you financially. Another thing to take into account is the exchange rate. Your business could lose thousands of rands if you exchange your money at the wrong time.

Looking at the factors mentioned above, you’ve made your decision – you’re relocating your business abroad. But you can’t do it on your own. You will need some help from one of the experts.

International removal companies in Johannesburg like BusyBee Removals, know exactly how to get your company from South Africa to where it needs to go. With knowledge and ample experience in the industry and they can support every stage of moving. By managing your business relocation, they can take away most of the stress and potential for erro

With many years experience in the moving industry, you can trust that your business move will be professionally and successfully administered. BusyBee takes great pride in being one of the most reliable international removal companies in Johannesburg. For an obligation free quote, get in touch with BusyBee Removals today.

When moving your business, a lot of thought goes into it since the outcome will affect not only one person but every single staff member. Even before you’ve found new premises, you need to create a moving checklist to ensure that the new space satisfies all your requirements and will be the best option for yourself and employees. Below are some things to remember when relocating offices.

Draw up a thorough moving plan

When it comes to office relocations, going with the flow won’t cut it! Before making any decisions, you have to create a solid plan by considering all the factors. Factors such as will there be enough office space and parking for everyone, how will the location affect your staff members commute and how long will your business be non-operational. By getting a plan in place, you can eliminate too much downtime and other challenges that might occur.

Have a budget but be flexible

Moving your business will cost you money, it’s inevitable. And while it’s wise to settle on a budget, chances are there will be unexpected costs that arise, thus it’s a good idea to be flexible. It’s better to over budget than under budget.

Communicate with your service providers

To limit business downtime, it’s crucial to communicate with your service providers well in advance. They will need to arrange for the connection of your communication services such as phones, internet and electricity before you move in. All power and communication lines should be tested a week in advance at least to make sure your premises is move-in ready.

Hire an office relocation company

There’s a lot of room for error when it comes to moving your business and while it’s completely possible to do it by yourself, you might want to consider hiring an office relocation company to do it for you. This will help keep your move more straightforward, ensure you have minimum downtime and be less stressful for yourself and your employees.

Hire BusyBee Removals for your office relocation

Before you appoint an office relocation company, make sure they are reliable and trustworthy. BusyBee Removals has many years experience in the moving industry with countless happy clients. They offer a comprehensive service that will assist you from the planning stage right through to the last item being unpacked.

Another advantage of hiring an office relocation company is that they can move your server and data centres without the risk of you losing any information as well as minimising your downtime.

Make your move as stress-free as possible by letting a reliable office relocation company do it for you. Get in touch with one of the friendly staff at BusyBee Removals today for a free quote.

In this day and age, everything is about price. People make big decisions based on the lowest cost and sometimes it all works out but sometimes it doesn’t. There’s nothing wrong with pinching pennies, even if you have a lot of cash at your disposal but to purely make a decision based on price can sometimes be extremely risky. The sweet spot lies where you get the best price for the best service – value for your money. Especially when it comes to your personal belongings.

Moving abroad is a costly exercise with many additional costs you don’t even realise will occur. Thus, it’s understandable that people try and find the cheapest international moving company to transfer their possessions to their new home. But before you take an unnecessary risk and settle for the cheapest quote, consider these factors mentioned below.

1. Beware of fly-by-nights

Are they who they say they are? Everyone wants to make money but not everyone is willing to do it legally. Scams are around every corner and every day you hear about people who lost tons of money because they trusted the wrong people. Don’t just blindly trust cheap international moving companies, check that what they say on their website is true. Speak to their clients, as many as you can before signing any agreement.

2. Make sure they have experience with relocations to your specific destination

Every country has a different set of rules and regulations when it comes to imports. If your moving company doesn’t have experience with your destination, you risk spending hideous amounts of money because your shipment is stuck at customs due to items that aren’t allowed to be imported.

3. They need be flexible and have storage facilities

When it comes to an international move, there are too many variables to not have a company who can be flexible with timing. Arrangements can change at any time and what happens if you aren’t ready for your shipment to be delivered yet or you have to fly earlier than anticipated? Flexibility is crucial as is decent storage facilities!

When searching for cheap international moving companies, the right thing would be to get at least five quotes from different moving companies and make a decision based on your unique situation. Value for money is what you’re after!

BusyBee Removals is an affordable international moving company with many years experience in the moving industry. With more happy clients than they can count, you’ll be sure to be in good hands. They have experience in moving families to Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and Canada and know the rules and regulations by heart. What’s more is they offer Pet Relocations, help with customs clearance and storage facilities.

Why trust cheap international moving companies when you can have affordable and reliable service from BusyBee Removals? For an obligation-free quote, get in touch with one of their friendly staff today and let them get your belongings safely to the other side.

Moving homes don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. While there are many fly-by-nights trying to scam desperate people, there are just as many reliable low-cost moving companies that are more than willing to help you move your furniture to your new home. Before you hire a low-cost moving company, however, make sure they are legitimate by speaking to some of their happy and satisfied clients.

Below are some tips on how you can move with the help of reliable moving companies, even when you’re on a tight budget.

1. Don’t move in peak times

Moving over Christmas or New Year or even at the end of the month is more expensive and if you can, try to avoid these peak times to save some cash.

2. Pack your own stuff

While it’s great to have a moving company pack up your belongings, you can save money by doing it yourself. Yes, you might have to do a bit more planning and start well in advance but if your goal is to keep your costs low, it’s cheaper to pack your own possessions.

3. Ask around for free boxes

Packing materials can be ridiculously expensive and while you might need to invest in some tape and bubble wrap, ask around for free boxes. You’d be surprised at how quickly you’ll stack up on boxes if you ask at grocery or liquor outlets.

4. Be flexible with your load

You’d be surprised how big the inside of a moving truck is. If you opt for a shared load, you might get a better price, especially if when it comes to long-distance moves.

5. Sell the stuff you don’t need

At the risk of stating the obvious, the less stuff you have, the less it will cost you. Any time you move, it gives you the chance to get rid of items you don’t need. Why move items you ‘don’t use when you can sell them, make some extra cash and save money on your load.

Getting help from professionals don’t have to drain your finances. Just be mindful of the services you actually need. A reliable low-cost moving company will be able to give you a completely customised service that suits your budget.

BusyBee Removals is one of the leading low-cost moving companies in South Africa. When it comes to experience, they have plenty and customer satisfaction is their top priority. While they offer a comprehensive service, they can give you a fully customised quote to suit your needs.

To get an obligation free quote for your next move, speak to one of the knowledgeable staff members at BusyBee Removals today.

Relocating to a different country is extremely exciting but can also be stressful since it requires a lot of planning and preparation for everything to run smoothly. Even more so when you are relocating with your pet. You might be wondering if it’s safe for your beloved dog or cat to fly and in most cases it is, but there are many steps to take in preparation to make your four-legged friend ready for his or her trip. To avoid something falling through the cracks, it is advised to enlist the help of pet relocation services.

Below are some advantages of using an international pet relocation company.

They take care of the mountains of paperwork

As you might be aware, moving your pet internationally involves plenty of paperwork. Every country has a different set of rules when it comes to importing animals. While this can be very confusing, your pet relocation company are well informed about all the rules and regulations of every country as well as any recent changes you need to be aware of.

When it comes to airline regulations and quarantine, your pet relocation company will know exactly how to deal with it. They typically have their own vet that can act on short notice to fill in all the paperwork. Having one less thing to worry about can lift a big burden from your already heavy shoulders when planning your move abroad.

Less stress for your furry friend

By using a reliable pet relocation company, you won’t only lower your own stress levels but also the stress your animal will experience. Humans are aware that long-haul flights are exhausting but your pet has no idea what’s in store for them which can cause them unnecessary anxiety.

Pet Relocation companies will always provide ways to minimise stress and to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable during their flight. Your pet will be properly fed and settled in a ventilated and secure crate that’s compliant with airline regulations. They will also make sure your animal has taken any medication it might need.

They can offer a customised service

Depending on which type of pet you have – a large dog breed, a fragile dog or an exotic bird – it can be more of a challenge to transport these pets. A competent and knowledgeable pet relocation company can arrange a customised travel itinerary, specifically to suit your pets needs. Nothing will give you more peace of mind than knowing your pet is in the hands of experienced and capable people.

At BusyBee Removals, we understand that your pet is part of your family. Why add more stress to your already stressful situation by trying to relocate your pet by yourself?

Get in touch with one of the friendly staff at BusyBee Removals for a free quote for international pet relocation.

Port Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Africa and situated in the Eastern Cape. PE is nicknamed the “friendly city” and thus one of the many reasons people choose to make it their home. Other reasons for people moving to Port Elizabeth include more affordable housing, beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife.

While most people moving to Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg get quite the culture shock, they quickly realise that life happens at a different (slower) pace than back home and they learn to adapt. Adapting can take some effort but the hardest part is moving your belongings and settling into your new home.

The moving part doesn’t have to be challenging, however. Not if you employ the help of professional movers.

Benefits of hiring a relocation company for your move to PE

1. You don’t have to pack your own stuff

Packing up your home can take weeks or even months depending on the size, especially if you can only put aside an hour or so after work each day. While it can be done, you’ll be looking for something more than once that you already packed away, adding unnecessary stress. When you hire a furniture removal company for your move to Port Elizabeth, they can pack your home up in a day or two. They will also supply all the packing materials so you don’t have to worry about having enough of everything.

2. You’ll have more peace of mind

Since you aren’t moving every month, it’s obvious you won’t know the best way to pack stuff to avoid damage and breakage. Leaving it to the professionals who receive regular training on the best way to pack and transport items, you can have peace of mind that most, if not all of your stuff, will reach the other side in one piece.

3. They can relocate your pet

Not keen on spending 14 hours in the car with your pets? No judgement here – it’s a challenge! Most professional moving companies have pet relocation listed as one of their services. You can be sure that your beloved pet will be in good hands until he or she is delivered to your door.

Why BusyBee Removals is the best choice in furniture removals when moving to Port Elizabeth

When you place everything you own in the hands of a stranger, you’ll want to be sure they are trustworthy and reliable. BusyBee Removals have proven to be a reputable moving company and have had many happy clients over the years. They are experts in office relocations as well as national and international furniture removals. They also offer storage facilities should your plans change on short notice.

They take great pride in providing regular staff training, a reliable fleet and excellent customer service at an affordable price. If you are moving to Port Elizabeth in the near future and need assistance from professional movers, get in touch with BusyBee Removals today for a free quote.

Are you dreading your office relocation? You should if you are planning on doing it all by yourself. Moving offices can be a tremendous challenge if you plan on using your employees to do the moving for you. Not only will you need to communicate with many different people, you’ll have to make sure they know exactly what to do and when to do it to avoid too much downtime. Downtime equals loss of income which isn’t great for business. To add to that, you might gain some unhappy customers that can’t be attended to straight away and in the end, lose them all together suggesting a further (permanent) loss of revenue.

Why take the risk if you can hire office movers in Johannesburg to do the job for you? By appointing office movers you can turn a stressful situation into a stress-free situation in no time.

How can professional office movers take the hassle and stress out of office relocation?

First off, when you hire an office removal company like BusyBee Removals, they appoint a project manager, specifically dedicated to your move. This means one person to deal with! Nothing complicates a situation more than having to communicate with multiple people and risk something falling through the cracks. The project manager will oversee every aspect of your move such as the labour, vehicles and equipment to minimise the involvement of your staff members.

Being professionals, they know exactly what to do and when to do it. It all starts with planning since the planning phase is crucial to a successful move with limited downtime. Once the planning is done and everyone knows the agenda, the packing starts. The project manager will communicate with their staff as well as your employees on what the next move will be. Stationery and small items will be packed in boxes and clearly marked to avoid chaos once you get to the other side.

Workstations, filing cabinets and zipple units will be disassembled after being clearly marked and reassembled at the new premises. Together with your IT team, they can move your computers and servers according to the pre-arranged moving plan. Once at the new premises, boxes and furniture will be placed in their correct spot and reassembled as per the moving plan and business can commence as per usual.

Why BusyBee Removals should be your office movers of choice in Johannesburg

BusyBee Removals has been moving offices and households nationally and internationally for many years. They put a lot of effort in training their staff to ensure world-class service. Their main vision is customer satisfaction and they offer it at affordable prices.

By using BusyBee Removals you can be sure you are in good hands and their clients are ready to affirm just how reliable and trustworthy they are. Get in touch with a BusyBee Consultant today and let them make your office relocation stress-free.

Let’s face it, “moving” and “fun” are rarely used in the same sentence and there’s a good reason for it – moving can be stressful and challenging, to say the least. But the good news is that you are moving to Durban aka paradise – where the sun always shines and the weather is always great. That in itself is enough reason to be thoroughly excited about your move.

While moving to Durban isn’t a walk in the park, it doesn’t have to stress you out completely, making your moving experience unbearable. There are certain steps you can take to make your move more straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Plan ahead

Nothing great is ever achieved without a well thought out plan. Planning is crucial to a successful outcome thus before you do anything, get a plan of action. Determine when you need to start packing and what you can and can’t pack. If you’re not using a moving company, make transport arrangements for your belongings. Make sure the home you’re moving to is empty by the time you arrive to avoid being stranded on the street with a truckload of stuff.

2. Sell some stuff

Once you start packing you’ll find that there are many items in your home that never gets used. It’s time to sell some of those items. The more you sell, the fewer things you’ll have to pack. But don’t go crazy, keep an open mind an only sell what you don’t need or want.

3. Buy enough packing materials

Having enough of the right packing materials can make all the difference in the world. Rather spend some extra cash on bubble wrap to be sure you avoid unnecessary breakage. Opt for smaller boxes as they are easier to handle, especially when it comes to packing up the kitchen.

4. Start packing well in advance

To avoid hours of packing each night after work, start packing weeks in advance. Soon you will notice you workload become smaller thus decreasing the stress factor. Invite friends over and offer free wine if they help you pack. Create a packing playlist and make it fun!

5. Hire professionals

If you’re still not convinced that moving can be fun and stress free, why not hire a professional moving company for your move to Durban. They can handle the planning, packing and even supply the packing materials. They can typically pack up your home in a day or two depending on the size. A professional moving company will have trained staff who knows exactly how to pack to avoid damage to your belongings. Transporting your furniture with their reliable fleet, you can be sure that your possessions will arrive in one piece.

Get in touch with BusyBee Removals if you’re moving to Durban and need help. One of their friendly staff will be more than happy to supply you with a free quotation.

Furniture removals are a fast-growing business in South Africa. And with rising unemployment rates, more and more people are looking for opportunities to make money. But not all people are interested in doing this the legal way. While there are many new moving companies that are reliable, there are an equal amount of fly-by-nights ready to rip you off and take your money, all posing under the label of cheap moving companies.

Finding the best and not necessarily the cheapest moving company is crucial since making the wrong decision can have serious consequences. Even if the company is cheap, it means they had to cut costs somewhere, often giving you less than satisfactory service. First thing to go is staff training, which is crucial when it comes to handling peoples belongings. Hiring temporary workers off the street with little to no training at all is a high risk to take since they are typically more prone to theft and taking chances.

As a client, you trust these people with your personal belongings while paying for a service, albeit a cheap price. While moving is a simple concept does require some skill and movers need to know how to:

• be reliable and professional
• move bulky items without damaging floors and walls
• disassemble and reassemble furniture that won’t fit through doors
• disconnect and reconnect appliances
• load and unload the truck to avoid damage
• protect items in transit with padding and covers

Another thing cheap moving companies cut back on is transport. Having a reliable fleet to transfer furniture from point A to point B is crucial. Fly-by-nights have a tendency to overload trucks which can lead to breakage and even accidents. Also not having the right equipment or tools to load and unload your belongings can cause disastrous damage.

While selecting an affordable moving company is a realistic request, never make your decision solely based on price. Do your homework first. Ask for testimonials from happy clients and actually phone them. Don’t just take their word for it. Make sure their fleet is updated and reliable to ensure your belongings get to the other side in one piece. Ask about their staff and the training they receive. You’ll want to employ a moving company with trained, happy and loyal staff members. This way you’ll know they’ll look after your stuff.

BusyBee Removals might not be the cheapest moving company but they are affordable and they tick all the right boxes. With extensive experience in moving families around the corner, cross country and internationally, they can move you with their eyes closed. Their primary goal is ultimate customer satisfaction whatever it takes.

Don’t risk potential damage to your precious belongings by using cheap moving companies. Make use of professionals to ensure peace of mind during your next move. For an obligation free quote, speak to one of their friendly and committed team members.