The Ultimate House Moving Checklist for Nairobi Residents

Moving house is one of those jobs that always takes longer than expected. Most of the stress comes in the last two days, when packing that was left for later meets a fixed handover date. A simple plan, started a few weeks ahead, makes moving day calmer and shorter.

Here is a week-by-week checklist for moving house in Nairobi.

Four weeks before

• Confirm your moving date with your landlord or seller and the new property.
• Read your tenancy agreement for notice periods, handover conditions and deposit terms.
• Get a moving survey and written quote. See how much house movers charge.
• Book your movers. Month end and weekends fill first.
• Start decluttering. Sell, donate or throw away what you will not take.
• Measure large furniture and check it will fit through doors and stairs at the new property.
• If you have had bed bugs or cockroaches, plan treatment before the move so you do not take them with you.

Three weeks before

• Order boxes, tape, bubble wrap and labels, or ask your mover to deliver them.
• Start packing things you rarely use: books, decorations, out-of-season clothes, spare kitchenware.
• Label boxes by destination room, not by contents.
• Book a move-out clean of the old property and a move-in clean of the new one.
• Consider a pest control treatment of the new property while it is empty.
• Arrange school transfers, if needed.

Two weeks before

• Inform building management or the caretaker at both properties of your moving date.
• Book the service lift at both buildings, and confirm the permitted hours.
• Ask the estate whether the moving vehicle needs to be registered at the gate and whether large lorries are allowed.
• Arrange internet installation or transfer at the new address.
• Check electricity at the new property: prepaid token meter or postpaid account, and who to contact.
• Check the water supply arrangements, storage tank and any water bills.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance and deliveries.
• Use up frozen food and pantry items.

One week before

• Pack most rooms, leaving only daily essentials.
• Confirm the moving time, arrival window and contact number with the mover.
• Set aside documents, jewellery, cash, laptops and medication to carry yourself.
• Arrange for disconnection of gas cookers, washing machines and water heaters, if needed.
• Dispose of paint, chemicals and anything that should not travel in the lorry.
• Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.
• Take photos of the old property's condition and meter readings.

The day before

• Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer.
• Pack an essentials bag: phone chargers, toiletries, medication, a change of clothes, bedding for the first night, a kettle, mugs, tea or coffee, snacks, a torch, toilet paper, basic tools and a box cutter.
• Empty drawers in chests and desks.
• Take down curtains and rails if they are coming with you.
• Confirm parking for the vehicle at both ends.
• Charge your phone.
• Get a good night's sleep.

Moving day

• Be ready when the crew arrives.
• Walk through with the crew leader: what is going, what is staying, what is fragile.
• Keep your essentials bag and valuables with you.
• Do a final check of every room, cupboard, store and the balcony before the lorry leaves.
• Take final meter readings and photos.
• Hand over keys and gate remotes as agreed.
• At the new home, direct the crew to rooms using the labels.
• Ask the crew to set up beds first.
• Check that everything has arrived before the crew leaves.

The first night and first week

• Make the beds and unpack the essentials bag.
• Check that water, electricity and gas are working.
• Test smoke alarms, if fitted, and locate the main water valve and electrical board.
• Change or confirm the locks if appropriate.
• Unpack the kitchen and bathroom first, then bedrooms.
• Register with the estate or building management.
• Recycle or store boxes.

Packing tips

• Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. Books in large boxes are too heavy to lift safely.
• Fill gaps with towels or paper so things do not shift.
• Plates on their edge, not flat; they are much stronger that way.
• Label on the side of boxes, not just the top, so labels are visible when stacked.
• Mark fragile boxes clearly and tell the crew.
• Keep screws and fittings in labelled bags taped to the furniture they belong to.
• Photograph electronics' cable connections before unplugging.

Moving with bed bugs or cockroaches

If you have had bed bugs or cockroaches, do not let them come with you:

• Treat the problem before you move.
• Wash and hot-dry fabrics and pack them in sealed bags.
• Inspect furniture before it is loaded, especially beds and sofas.
• Avoid using cardboard boxes that have been stored in infested areas.
• Treat the new property before your furniture arrives.

See our bed bug guide for details.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to pack a house?

Usually much longer than people expect. A two-bedroom flat can take a full day or more of focused packing. Start early, or book a packing service.

Should I clean before or after moving?

Clean the old property after the last box leaves, and clean the new property before your furniture arrives. That way you can reach every surface. Read our move-in and move-out cleaning guide.

What should I never pack in the lorry?

Cash, jewellery, passports, title deeds, laptops, medication and anything irreplaceable. Also gas cylinders, fuel, paint and chemicals.

Want help with the whole move? Our home moving service covers the survey, packing, moving and reassembly. Request a quote.