Moving Day Survival Guide: A Kenyan Renter's Complete Checklist

By Makao Match Team

A move goes wrong in the small forgotten things, the fridge that leaked all over the lorry, the box of essentials packed at the very bottom, the meter reading nobody took. None of it is hard; it just needs to happen in the right order. Here's how a smooth Kenyan move actually unfolds, counting down from the week before to your first settled night.

A week out: lock in the boring stuff

This is the week to remove future stress. Get at least three quotes from moving companies, Nairobi rates typically run KES 5,000 to 25,000 depending on distance and volume, and book early. Start packing the things you won't miss: books, décor, out-of-season clothes. Tell your current landlord your exact move-out date and sort the key-return process, and while you're at it, photograph your current unit thoroughly so your deposit refund rests on evidence, not memory. Grab boxes, tape and bubble wrap from OLX or the shop down the road before the rush.

Two days out: the details that save the day

Now pack a "first night" bag, toiletries, bedding, phone charger, a change of clothes, a few snacks, because you will not want to dig through twenty boxes at 10pm. Unplug and defrost the fridge a full day ahead so it doesn't leak in transit. Label every box by room and flag the fragile ones; your movers, and your future self, will be grateful. Then confirm the time, addresses, phone numbers and payment method with the company so there are no morning surprises.

Moving day itself: be the supervisor

Be present at both ends, or plant a trusted person at each. Do a slow final walkthrough of the old place, opening every cupboard, drawer and shelf, that's where things get left behind. Take meter readings for both KPLC and water at the old and the new home, so no previous tenant's usage lands on your bill. As things come off the lorry, direct each box to its room; five minutes of guidance saves hours of rearranging. And before you hand over payment, check your inventory so nothing is missing or quietly damaged.

Your first week in: turn a house into a home base

Settle the essentials fast. Register your new meter on the KPLC app and set up tokens, and if the water needs transferring, take your lease and ID to the county water office. Compare and connect internet, Safaricom Home, Zuku or Faiba, and, non-negotiably, change the locks, because you have no idea who still holds a copy of the old keys. Then make it a place you belong: introduce yourself to the neighbours and swap numbers, and note where the nearest hospital, police and fire stations are before you ever need them.

As a rough budget, a small same-area move runs KES 3,000 to 5,000, a one-bed across town KES 8,000 to 15,000, a two-to-three-bed KES 15,000 to 30,000, and a long haul like Nairobi to Mombasa KES 40,000 to 80,000. Plan in this order and you'll be unpacked and at home in your new Makao Match place before the stress even catches up.