Moving to a New Home?
Get a free quote for professional DSTV relocation from a verified, accredited installer near you.
Same-day service available across South Africa.
Servicing Gauteng, North West, Potchefstroom, Brits, Klerksdorp, Randburg, and across South Africa
DSTV Relocation Services: Moving Your Decoder? Don’t Make These 5 Costly Mistakes
📡 Moving to a new house? Don’t leave your DSTV behind or risk damaging your equipment. Here’s everything you need to know.
You’re moving to a new house. The movers are packing boxes. You’ve arranged for the electricity, water, and internet to be transferred.
But what about your DSTV?
Most homeowners don’t think about dstv relocation services until the last minute.
They assume they can just pack the decoder in a box and plug it in at the new house. Or worse,
they leave the dish behind and buy a whole new setup.
After 21 years in this industry, I’ve seen every possible DSTV moving mistake.
Homeowners who damaged their decoders during transport. People who paid for a new installation
when they could have relocated for half the price. And worst of all, those who tried to remove their own dish
and caused roof leaks or personal injury.
In this complete guide to move dstv to new house, I’ll walk you through the entire relocation process.
You’ll learn when to take your dish, when to leave it, how to transport your decoder safely,
and how to relocate dstv to another address without paying for a full new installation.
For a complete guide to installation at your new home, read our
how to install DSTV guide.
And for cost information, see installation and repair costs.
📋 Table of Contents – DSTV Relocation Guide
📋 Your DSTV Relocation Options: What Are They?
When you move to a new house, you have three options for your DSTV.
Each has different costs and complexity levels.
Option 1: Professional Relocation (Recommended)
- Professional removes your dish from the old property (if you own it)
- Installs it at your new property
- Realigns dish for optimal signal
- Connects and tests your decoder
- Updates your address with DSTV
- Typical cost: R800-R1,500 (depending on distance and complexity)
- Time: 2-4 hours
Option 2: New Installation (Leave Old Dish Behind)
- Leave your old dish at the previous property
- Purchase new dish and LNB for your new home (R400-R600)
- Professional installation at new property
- Keep your existing decoder
- Typical cost: R800-R1,500 (similar to relocation, but you buy new dish)
- Time: 2-3 hours
Option 3: DIY Relocation (Not Recommended)
- You remove the dish yourself (safety risk, roof damage risk)
- Transport dish and decoder to new property
- Install and align yourself
- Typical cost: R0-R500 (tools if you don’t have them)
- Time: 4-8 hours plus risk of mistakes
- Risk: High – roof damage, injury, poor signal
✅ Our Recommendation:
For most homeowners, professional relocation is the best value. You keep your existing equipment,
avoid buying a new dish, and get a warranty on the work. The cost is similar to a new installation,
but you’re not paying for equipment you already own.
💰 Cost Comparison: Relocate vs New Installation vs DIY
| Cost Factor | Professional Relocation | New Installation | DIY Relocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour | R500-R900 | R500-R900 | Your time (4-8 hours) |
| New dish & LNB | R0 (use existing) | R400-R600 | R0 (use existing) |
| Travel fee (if applicable) | R0-R300 | R0 | Your fuel |
| Tools (if needed) | R0 | R0 | R0-R500 |
| Risk cost (damage/injury) | R0 (insured) | R0 | R0-R50,000+ |
| Total Typical Cost | R800 – R1,200 | R900 – R1,500 | R0 – R500 + risk |
💡 Money-Saving Tip:
If you’re moving within the same city, professional relocation is usually cheaper than a new installation
because you’re not buying new equipment. If you’re moving long-distance (different province),
travel fees may apply – get quotes from local installers at your destination instead.
🤔 Should You Take Your Dish or Leave It?
One of the biggest decisions in dstv dish relocation is whether to remove your dish from the old property.
Here’s how to decide.
Take your dish with you if:
- You own the dish (you paid for it when you moved in or had it installed)
- It’s in good condition – not rusty, damaged, or very old
- You’re moving within the same region – the same dish size works (60cm for most areas)
- The new property doesn’t have a dish or has an incompatible one
- You want to save money – taking your dish avoids buying a new one
Leave your dish behind if:
- The dish belongs to the property (was there when you moved in – check your lease or sale agreement)
- It’s old, rusty, or damaged – not worth the effort to remove and reinstall
- You’re moving to a different region that needs a different dish size (e.g., coastal area needs 80cm)
- The new property already has a good dish – just need to reconnect and align
- Your lease agreement prohibits removing fixtures – you could lose your deposit
⚠️ Important:
If you’re renting, check your lease agreement before removing any dish. Many landlords consider the dish
part of the property’s fixtures. Removing it without permission could cost you your deposit.
If the dish was there when you moved in, leave it for the next tenant.
📦 How to Prepare Your Decoder for Moving
Your decoder is sensitive electronic equipment. Proper packing prevents damage during the move.
Step-by-step decoder preparation:
- Back up your recordings (if you have an Explora): If you have important recordings,
watch them or transfer them before moving. You can’t easily move recordings between decoders. - Disconnect all cables: Unplug the power cable, HDMI cable, satellite cable, and any USB or Ethernet cables.
- Remove your smartcard: Take out the smartcard and keep it in a safe place (not inside the decoder during transport).
- Wrap the decoder: Use anti-static bubble wrap or a soft cloth to protect the decoder from bumps.
- Pack in a sturdy box: Use the original box if you still have it, or a box with padding on all sides.
- Label the box: Mark it “FRAGILE – ELECTRONICS” so movers handle it carefully.
- Keep it with you: If possible, transport the decoder in your car rather than in the moving truck.
What NOT to do:
- Don’t pack the decoder with heavy items on top
- Don’t leave the smartcard inside during transport (it can fall out or get damaged)
- Don’t store the decoder in extreme temperatures (hot car boot, cold garage)
- Don’t wrap it in plastic bags (static electricity can damage electronics)
🛠️ Professional Dish Removal (Don’t DIY This)
Satellite dish removal sounds simple – just unscrew a few bolts, right?
Wrong. Here’s why you should hire a professional for dish removal.
Risks of DIY dish removal:
- Roof damage: Improper removal can tear roof tiles, damage flashing, or leave exposed holes that leak
- Personal injury: Working on a roof with tools is dangerous – one slip and you fall
- Damaged equipment: Dropping the dish from height destroys it
- Electrical hazards: Contact with power lines during removal can be fatal
- Voided warranties: DIY removal may void any remaining warranty on your equipment
What professional removal includes:
- Safe removal using proper safety equipment (harnesses, stabilised ladders)
- Sealing of roof penetrations to prevent leaks
- Careful packing of dish and LNB for transport
- Insurance coverage if any damage occurs
- Typically R200-R400 as an add-on to relocation service
For help finding a professional, request a relocation quote
from verified installers. Read our DIY vs pro guide.
Planning a Move? Let Us Handle Your DSTV.
Professional relocation saves you time, money, and stress. Get free quotes from verified,
accredited DSTV installers near you. Same-day service available.
Free quotes. Verified installers. No obligation.
🏠 Assessing Your New Property: What You Need to Check
Before you relocate dstv to another address, assess your new property.
This will determine what work is needed and how much it will cost.
Checklist for your new property:
- Does the property already have a satellite dish? If yes, check if it’s compatible with DSTV (Universal or Smart LNB)
- Is there existing cabling to the rooms where you want DSTV? Saves on new cable installation
- Does the property have body corporate rules about dishes? Some complexes require approval or have communal systems
- Is there a clear line of sight to the northeast? Check for trees, buildings, or other obstructions
- Where will the decoder be placed? Is there a power outlet nearby? Good ventilation?
- Is the property in a different signal region? Coastal vs Highveld may need different dish sizes
If the new property has an existing dish:
- You may not need to bring your dish – just reconnect and realign
- Check the LNB type – if it’s old or incompatible, replacement may be needed
- Have a professional inspect the existing installation – it may have hidden problems
🔧 Professional DSTV Relocation Process: What to Expect
When you hire a professional for dstv relocation services, here’s what happens.
Step 1: Assessment at old property (if dish is being taken)
- Technician inspects dish for damage and wear
- Disconnects and safely removes dish
- Seals roof penetrations to prevent leaks
- Packs dish and LNB for transport
Step 2: Assessment at new property
- Technician checks line of sight and optimal dish location
- Confirms body corporate rules (if applicable)
- Plans cable routes to decoder location
- Provides written quote for the work
Step 3: Installation at new property
- Mounts dish on wall, roof, or pole
- Runs new coaxial cable (if needed) from dish to decoder location
- Weatherproofs all external connections
- Connects decoder and performs professional alignment
- Tests signal strength and quality (target 85%+)
Step 4: Completion
- Technician shows you signal readings and explains the setup
- Provides warranty documentation
- Updates your address with DSTV (or advises you to do so)
For professional relocation, request a quote from verified installers.
See our services overview and guarantees page.
🛠️ DIY Relocation: What’s Involved (Not Recommended)
If you’re determined to move dstv to new house yourself, here’s what’s involved.
I strongly recommend hiring a professional instead, but if you insist, follow these steps.
DIY relocation steps:
- Remove dish safely: Use proper ladder safety, have a helper, wear non-slip shoes. Mark cable positions before disconnecting.
- Patch roof holes: Seal all penetrations with roofing silicone to prevent leaks.
- Transport carefully: Wrap dish in blankets or bubble wrap. Transport decoder in your car, not moving truck.
- Assess new property: Check line of sight, body corporate rules, existing cabling.
- Mount dish: Use appropriate anchors for your wall/roof type. Ensure bracket is level.
- Run cables: Keep cables away from electrical wiring. Weatherproof all connections.
- Align dish: Use a signal meter or your decoder’s built-in meter. Make tiny adjustments.
- Test and secure: Once signal is good (85%+), tighten all bolts and weatherproof.
⚠️ Warning: DIY Relocation Risks
Every year, we get calls from homeowners who attempted DIY relocation and caused roof leaks,
damaged their decoder, or ended up with no signal at their new home.
Professional relocation costs R800-R1,500 – cheaper than fixing roof damage (R2,000-R10,000+)
or replacing a damaged decoder (R600-R2,500).
📝 Updating Your Address with DSTV: Why It Matters
Many homeowners forget to update their address with DSTV after moving.
This can cause problems with billing, service calls, and even account security.
How to update your address:
- MyDSTV app: Log in, go to Profile → Account Details → Update Address
- DSTV website: Log in to my.dstv.com and update your profile
- Call DSTV customer care: Have your smartcard number and ID ready
- Visit a DSTV branch: Take your ID and proof of new address
Why address matters:
- Service callouts: If you need a technician, they need your correct address
- Billing: Paper statements (if you get them) need to reach you
- Account security: DSTV may use address to verify your identity
- Region-specific content: Some regional content is based on your address
❌ 5 Costly DSTV Moving Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Avoid These Common Errors
-
Leaving your decoder in the moving truck: Extreme temperatures and bumps can damage sensitive electronics.
Transport your decoder in your car, packed securely. -
DIY dish removal without sealing roof holes: This causes leaks that can cost R2,000-R10,000 to repair.
Always seal penetrations with silicone. -
Assuming the new property’s dish works: Existing dishes may be old, damaged, or incompatible.
Always have a professional inspect before relying on it. -
Forgetting to update your address with DSTV: This can delay service callouts and cause billing issues.
Update your address before you move. -
Not checking body corporate rules at your new property: Some complexes prohibit individual dishes or require approval.
Check before you install – or you could be forced to remove it at your own expense.
📋 DSTV Moving Checklist: Print This
✅ Before the Move:
- □ Decide: take dish or leave it? (see Section 3)
- □ If renting, check lease agreement about dish removal
- □ Schedule professional relocation (recommended) or prepare for DIY
- □ Back up any important recordings on Explora
- □ Pack decoder carefully (anti-static wrap, sturdy box, label “FRAGILE”)
- □ Remove smartcard and keep in safe place
✅ During the Move:
- □ Transport decoder in your car, not moving truck
- □ Transport dish carefully if you’re taking it (wrap in blankets)
- □ If professional is handling removal, let them do it safely
✅ After the Move:
- □ Assess new property for dish location and line of sight
- □ Check body corporate rules about dishes
- □ Schedule installation or relocation at new property
- □ Update your address with DSTV
- □ Test signal after installation (should be 85%+)
🌍 Regional Considerations for DSTV Relocation
When you move dstv to new house in a different province, regional factors matter.
Moving to Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Randburg):
- Strong signal generally, but urban density can cause interference
- Many complexes have body corporate rules – check before installing
- Installation services in Gauteng
Moving to North West (Potchefstroom, Brits, Klerksdorp):
- Generally good signal, but rural areas may need larger dish (80cm)
- Fewer installers – book in advance
- Installation services in North West
For location-specific services, see our pages for
Potchefstroom,
Brits,
Klerksdorp, and
Randburg.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About DSTV Relocation
How much does DSTV relocation cost in South Africa?
Professional dstv relocation services cost R800-R1,500 depending on distance and complexity.
This includes dish removal (if taking it), transport to new property, reinstallation, alignment, and testing.
Compare to new installation at R900-R1,500 – relocation is often cheaper because you keep your existing dish.
Can I take my DSTV dish when I move?
Yes, if you own the dish (you paid for it when you moved in or had it installed).
If you’re renting, check your lease agreement – many landlords consider the dish part of the property’s fixtures.
Satellite dish removal should be done professionally to avoid roof damage.
What is the difference between relocation and new installation?
Dstv dish relocation moves your existing dish and decoder to your new property.
You keep all your equipment. New installation leaves your old dish behind and installs a new dish at your new property.
Relocation is usually cheaper because you’re not buying new equipment (R400-R600 saving).
How do I update my address with DSTV after moving?
To relocate dstv to another address, update your address via the MyDSTV app (Profile → Account Details),
the DSTV website (my.dstv.com), or by calling DSTV customer care.
Update your address before or immediately after moving to avoid billing and service callout issues.
Can I relocate DSTV myself to save money?
While possible, DIY move dstv to new house is risky. You need to safely remove the dish (roof work),
patch roof holes, transport carefully, reinstall, and align correctly. One mistake can cause roof leaks (R2,000-R10,000 repairs)
or poor signal requiring professional fixing anyway. Professional relocation is safer and often cheaper long-term.
What happens to my recordings when I move?
If you have an Explora decoder, your recordings are stored on the internal hard drive.
They stay on the decoder when you move – you don’t lose them. However, back up any irreplaceable recordings
before moving, as the hard drive can be damaged by bumps during transport. Transport the decoder carefully.
Do I need body corporate approval for DSTV at my new complex?
Yes, most complexes and estates require written approval before dish installation.
Some have communal DSTV systems that you must use instead of individual dishes.
Check with your body corporate before how to relocate dstv to another address in a complex –
failure to get approval can result in forced removal at your own expense.
How long does professional DSTV relocation take?
Professional dstv relocation services typically take 2-4 hours total:
30-60 minutes to remove the dish from the old property, travel time, and 1-2 hours to install and align at the new property.
Complex installations (multi-room, difficult roof access) may take longer.
What if my new property already has a DSTV dish?
If your new property already has a dish, you may not need to bring yours.
A professional can inspect the existing dish, check LNB compatibility, and realign it for your decoder.
This is often cheaper than a full relocation (R450-R900 for realignment only).
However, old or damaged dishes may need replacement.
Can I use the same decoder in my new house?
Yes, absolutely. Your decoder is not tied to a specific address.
You can simply plug it in at your new property (once the dish is installed and aligned).
Just remember to update your address with DSTV so billing and service records are correct.
No need to buy a new decoder.
✅ Final Thoughts: Move Your DSTV the Smart Way
Moving house is stressful enough without adding DSTV complications.
By planning ahead and using professional dstv relocation services, you can ensure
your entertainment is up and running at your new home from day one.
Remember: transport your decoder carefully, update your address with DSTV,
and hire a professional for dish removal and reinstallation. The cost is modest
compared to the risks of DIY – roof damage, personal injury, or poor signal that requires costly fixing.
Ready to relocate your DSTV? Request a free quote from ServiceLink SA.
We’ll connect you with verified, accredited installers who specialise in DSTV relocation.
Same-day service available in most areas.
Moving to a New Home?
Let us handle your DSTV relocation. Get free quotes from verified, accredited installers near you.
Same-day service available across South Africa.
📞 Call us: 073 138 4726 for immediate relocation assistance.
Free site inspection •
Beat Your Quote guarantee •
12-month warranty
📚 Official resources & standards referenced:
- Official DSTV relocation policy – Official relocation information.
- SABS – South African Bureau of Standards dish removal safety standards.
Information provided for general guidance. DSTV is a registered trademark of MultiChoice.
Relocation costs are estimates – always get a written quote before proceeding.
Prioritise safety – hire a professional for dish removal and installation.
Written by: Innocent T Hanyani
Satellite & Home Entertainment Installation Specialist | 21+ Years Experience
Innocent T Hanyani has over two decades of experience in satellite television installations across South Africa.
He has overseen thousands of DSTV relocations, helping homeowners move their entertainment systems safely and efficiently.
His expertise covers dish removal, transport best practices, and reinstallation at new properties.
For more help with DSTV relocation, explore our related resources:
how to install DSTV,
installation requirements,
DIY vs professional guide,
extra TV point installation,
multi-room installation.
See our service areas page for coverage in your region.