Women moving on their own often want a moving company that makes the practical arrangements clear: who will arrive, what help is included, and how their belongings will reach the new home. If you would prefer a women-owned moving company, Girls on the Move is an option to consider for a move within Gauteng or a national move to or from Johannesburg.
Moving independently can be the start of a new job, a home you have chosen for yourself, or a change in how you want to live. You can decide which tasks to handle personally and which to hand over. The aim is to choose support that fits your plans, your budget and the way you would like moving day to work.
What moving companies are recommended for women moving on their own in South Africa?
A useful choice is a company with experience on your route, a written quote, clear contact details and a team whose responsibilities you understand. If women’s ownership and leadership matter to you, Girls on the Move belongs on your shortlist.
We are a women-owned moving company based in Johannesburg and have operated since 1997. Our women-led teams assist with household removals, local moves in Gauteng and national moves to and from Johannesburg. Packing, unpacking and protective wrapping can form part of the services you request.
Our approach combines the physical work of moving with the smaller arrangements that make a difference, such as discussing your inventory and planning how belongings will be handled. You can read more about Girls on the Move before deciding whether our services suit your move.
Why choosing a women-owned moving company can matter
Some women value the opportunity to support a women-owned business. Others appreciate speaking with a women-led team about a move they are organising independently. Your reasons are personal, and you can ask questions about the people and services that will be involved.
Ownership is one part of the decision. The company’s experience, communication, handling arrangements and agreed service scope deserve equal attention. Ask about the team assigned to your booking, including who will supervise the move and whom you should contact if an arrangement needs to change.
What to check before booking your mover
Agree on a clear point of contact
Ask who will help you before moving day and who will supervise collection and delivery. Keep the contact details with your quote so you can find them easily. If someone else will meet the truck at the destination, introduce that person to the company in advance and confirm what they may authorise.
Be specific about the help you need
You might want the team to move furniture while you pack your boxes. Alternatively, you may want help wrapping delicate items, packing cupboards and unpacking at the other end. Explain your preferred arrangement when you request a quote.
For example, saying that you need the kitchen packed gives the company more useful information than simply saying you need help with the move. Mention fragile crockery, artwork, awkward furniture and anything that needs special attention.
Compare what the quote includes
Two quotes can cover different work. Compare the inventory, addresses, dates and services before comparing the final amount. A short checklist can help you keep those details together:
| Detail | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Furniture and boxes | Does the quote reflect the complete inventory? |
| Packing and wrapping | Which materials and tasks are included? |
| Access | Have stairs, lifts, parking and carrying distances been considered? |
| Assembly | Who will dismantle and reassemble furniture, if needed? |
| Collection and delivery | What dates or arrival windows have been agreed? |
| Optional services | Are cleaning, storage or unpacking part of this quote? |
Read the current booking and cancellation terms before accepting the quote, and ask for clarification where anything is unclear. Discuss insurance separately, including what cover is available, its exclusions and any excess that may apply.
Check the business details before paying
Use the contact details on the company’s website to confirm your booking and any payment instructions. The National Consumer Commission advises consumers to verify suppliers before making payments. Keep your accepted quote, booking confirmation and payment records together.
Practical arrangements for moving on your own
Plan packing around the time you actually have
Working, arranging keys and sorting out a new address can leave fewer evenings for packing than you expected. Decide early which rooms you can manage and where professional help would be useful. You can also ask whether assistance with only part of your packing is suitable for your booking.
Our packing and unpacking services include protective packing arrangements. Tell us which belongings need attention so the scope can be agreed in advance. For a larger packing job, ask how packing should fit around the removal date.
Discuss which belongings you would like help packing before moving day.
Keep a personal essentials bag with you
Choose a bag that stays with you rather than going onto the truck. Include your phone charger, keys, medication, a change of clothes, toiletries and the documents you may need that day. Add a drink and something easy to eat, because the day can become busy.
Carry small valuables such as jewellery and important personal documents yourself. Let the team know which bags and boxes should stay behind, and place them in a clearly separate area before loading begins.
Confirm access at both homes
A move into a complex or apartment building may involve a booked time slot, gate arrangements, lift access or limits on where the truck can park. Check with the relevant building or complex manager and share those details with your mover.
Also check when you will receive the keys. If another household is moving out before you arrive, allow for that handover when discussing delivery. Clear information helps everyone plan the work realistically.
Arrange the support that feels useful to you
You may want a friend to be present, someone to check in with you, or another person to meet the truck while you collect keys. These are practical choices you can make according to your circumstances.
Tell the moving company who will be present and who can make decisions about your belongings. You only need to share personal information relevant to the arrangements. A clear plan gives the team the information needed to assist you.
Make the first evening easier
Decide which items you want to find first: bedding, a kettle, basic kitchen items and anything needed for work the next day. Label those boxes clearly and explain where you would like them placed.
If unpacking is part of your booking, discuss your priorities beforehand. Perhaps you want the bedroom ready first, or you would like help arranging the kitchen so you can settle into your routine.
How Girls on the Move can help you coordinate the move
We assist with moving household furniture, professional packing and unpacking, and protective wrapping. You can discuss which services you need rather than trying to organise every part of the move on your own.
Where cleaning or storage is needed, we work with independent partners. Extreme Clean provides cleaning services, while EeziSpace is among our storage partners. Ask how those arrangements can fit into your move and request confirmation of the scope and quote for each service.
For a long-distance move, provide both addresses, your inventory and your preferred dates. Our national moving services operate to and from Johannesburg, including routes to major South African cities. Collection and delivery arrangements depend on your booking, so confirm them with the team before making other plans around them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Girls on the Move a women-owned moving company?
Yes. Girls on the Move is women-owned and operates with women-led moving teams. We are based in Johannesburg and have been in the removals business since 1997. Ask about the crew and supervision arrangements for your particular booking.
Can women moving on their own book packing help?
Yes. You can request professional packing, protective wrapping and unpacking assistance. Explain which rooms or belongings you need help with so the team can confirm the suitable arrangements and include the agreed work in your quote.
Can I use Girls on the Move for a move outside Johannesburg?
We handle local moves in Gauteng and national moves to and from Johannesburg. Share your collection and delivery addresses so we can confirm whether your route and preferred dates can be accommodated.
What information should I provide when requesting a quote?
Include the addresses, preferred dates, furniture and box inventory, and any packing or unpacking help you want. Mention stairs, lifts, gate restrictions, difficult access and items needing special handling. The more complete the information, the more useful the quote can be.
Do I need someone else with me on moving day?
You can decide what support would be useful. A trusted person can help with keys, checking the inventory or meeting the team at the destination. Confirm who will be present and who may give instructions so the moving company can work with your plan.
Plan your next move with Girls on the Move
If you are looking for a women-owned moving company, tell us where you are moving and which parts of the process you would like help with. We can discuss your needs and prepare a quote for the services and arrangements that suit your booking.
Request a moving quote from Girls on the Move, or call 011 440 0993. Women moving on their own can choose the support that works for them, from the first packed box to settling into a new home.
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