Moving house in Kenya: the complete checklist
Everything to do from the day you give notice to your first week in the new place — written for Kenyan tenants, landlords and anyone booking a mover.
4 weeks before
- Give your landlord written notice — most Kenyan tenancies require one full month.
- Confirm your new house: viewing done, rent and deposit agreed, agreement read in full.
- Set a moving date. Mid-month weekdays are cheaper and less congested than month-end weekends.
- Request quotes from at least three verified movers and compare what each price includes.
- Start a written inventory of everything you own, room by room.
2 weeks before
- Declutter: sell or donate what is not worth the transport cost.
- Buy boxes, bubble wrap, masking tape and marker pens; supermarkets often give away cartons free.
- Pack items you rarely use first — books, spare bedding, off-season clothes, décor.
- Label every box with the room it belongs to and whether it is fragile.
- Photograph the back of your TV and any electronics before unplugging cables.
1 week before
- Confirm the mover in writing: date, arrival time, vehicle size, crew size and final price.
- Book the service lift or notify the caretaker at both buildings if access is restricted.
- Arrange transfer or disconnection of internet, DStv, water and electricity (KPLC token meter reading).
- Update your address with your bank, employer, insurer, school and delivery apps.
- Pack a first-night bag: bedding, towels, toiletries, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic utensils.
Moving day
- Walk the mover through the house before loading and point out fragile or high-value items.
- Keep documents, laptops, jewellery and cash with you — never on the truck.
- Take meter readings and photograph the empty house for your deposit claim.
- Count boxes off the truck against your inventory before the crew leaves.
- Pay only after offloading is complete; keep the M-Pesa confirmation message as your receipt.
First week after
- Test taps, sockets, the shower heater and door locks; report faults to the landlord in writing immediately.
- Change or add locks if the landlord allows it.
- Register with the caretaker, get the water and garbage schedule, and join the tenants' group.
- Follow up on your old deposit refund with your inventory photos attached.
Moving questions, answered
How much does moving house cost in Kenya?
Cost depends on distance, truck size and whether loading labour is included. Within one town a small pickup for a bedsitter or single room is the cheapest option, while a 3-tonne or 10-tonne truck is needed for a family house. Always confirm whether the quote includes loaders, fuel and any parking or building access fees before booking.
How much notice must I give my landlord?
Most residential tenancies in Kenya require one full calendar month of written notice. Give the notice in writing and keep a copy or the sent message — it protects your deposit refund claim.
What should I ask a mover before booking?
Ask for the vehicle type and capacity, how many loaders are included, whether the price is fixed or hourly, what happens if items are damaged, and whether they can move on your exact date and time. Verified movers on Nyumbani Prime show vehicle type, capacity and contact details on their profile.
How do I protect my rent deposit?
Photograph and video every room before you hand over the keys, take final water and electricity meter readings, repair small damage yourself, and hand over the house clean. Send the photos to your landlord the same day with your refund request.
Ready to book your move?
Browse verified movers with their vehicle type, capacity and contact details, or find your next home first.