Professional Moving Services in Nairobi & Kenya

It's recommended to book your moving company at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (end of month, holidays, and school terms). For large commercial moves or international relocations, booking 6-8 weeks ahead is advisable. However, many Nairobi movers offer same-day or next-day services for urgent relocations, though availability and pricing may vary.

Reputable moving companies in Kenya offer basic liability coverage as part of their service, typically covering items at a standard rate per kilogram. For valuable items like electronics, artwork, or antiques, it's advisable to purchase additional insurance coverage. Always ask your mover about their insurance policy, read the terms carefully, and consider taking photos of valuable items before the move for documentation purposes.

Yes, most professional moving companies in Nairobi offer comprehensive packing services as an additional option. This includes providing packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape), packing all your belongings, labeling boxes, and unpacking at your new location. Full-service packing typically costs an additional 30-50% of the base moving fee but saves significant time and ensures proper protection of your items, especially fragile goods.

Most moving companies in Kenya will not transport hazardous materials including flammable liquids (petrol, paint thinner), explosives, firearms and ammunition without proper licenses, perishable foods, plants (for international moves), illegal substances, and personal documents like passports or title deeds. It's recommended to transport valuable jewelry, cash, and important documents yourself. Always inform your mover about any special items requiring specific handling.

A local move within Nairobi typically takes 4-8 hours for a one to two-bedroom apartment, and 8-12 hours for larger homes. This includes loading, transportation, and unloading. Factors affecting duration include traffic conditions (Nairobi traffic can significantly impact timing), elevator availability, parking restrictions, and staircase access. Moves to other counties can take 1-3 days depending on distance. Professional movers will provide time estimates during the quotation process.

While it's not always mandatory, it's highly recommended to be present at both the pickup and delivery locations, at least at the beginning and end of the move. Your presence ensures proper inventory checks, allows you to provide special instructions, and enables you to verify that all items are loaded and unloaded correctly. If you cannot be present, designate a trusted representative who can make decisions and sign off on the move completion on your behalf.

When selecting a moving company in Nairobi, verify their registration and licensing, check online reviews and testimonials, confirm insurance coverage details, request detailed written quotes from at least three companies, ask about their experience with similar moves, inquire about their equipment and fleet condition, verify employee training and background checks, clarify payment terms and cancellation policies, and ensure they provide a clear inventory list. Avoid companies demanding large upfront payments or offering suspiciously low quotes.

Yes, many professional moving companies in Nairobi offer short-term and long-term storage solutions. These facilities are typically secure, climate-controlled, and monitored with CCTV. Storage is useful when there's a gap between moving out and moving in, during home renovations, or for decluttering. Storage costs vary based on space required and duration, typically ranging from KSh 2,000 to KSh 15,000 per month. Always inspect the storage facility and understand the access terms before committing.

If items are damaged during the move, immediately document the damage with photos and notes on the inventory list before the movers leave. Report the damage to the moving company within 24-48 hours as specified in your contract. Reputable companies will assess the damage and process claims according to their insurance policy. Keep all documentation including contracts, receipts, and correspondence. If the company is unresponsive, you can escalate to consumer protection agencies or seek legal advice for significant losses.