Moving from one place to another can be an exciting and challenging experience. It is an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning, and a chance to explore new horizons. You may be excited that you are moving away from a place like Kasarani that has a seasonal acute water supply problems to a place like Donholm which is not so bad when it comes to water supply. However, with the excitement of moving also comes the daunting task of figuring out the cost of moving services. The cost of moving can add up quickly and can be a significant financial burden for many Nairobians. This is especially true during these difficult economic times as many countries across the world experience high inflation. In this post, you’re going to learn about the cost of moving services in Nairobi and how you can lower that cost.
The cost of moving services can vary based on several factors, including the distance between the current and new home, the size of the move, the type of services required, and accessibility of current or new home. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved to avoid any surprises later. In this post, we will explore the different factors that affect the cost of moving services and provide tips on how to reduce these costs.
Distance between the current and new home
The distance between the current and new home is one of the primary factors that affect the cost of moving services. Typically, moving companies charge based on the distance traveled, and the further the distance, the higher the cost. For instance, moving from Kilimani to Nyayo Estate can cost KES 20,000 while moving from Kilimani to Mombasa can cost KES 70,000 and up. The distance traveled affects the amount of time and fuel required to transport the belongings, which in turn affects the cost of the move.
Additionally, the distance of the move can also affect the type of moving services required. For example, if the move is across the country or overseas, it may require additional services such as packing, crating, and shipping, which can significantly increase the cost of the move.
Here are the average costs of moving services for a 2-bedroom house in Kenya based on distance covered.
| DISTANCE | COST (KES) |
| Kilimani to Nyayo Estate (20.8) KM | 19,000 |
| Buru buru to Karen (27.9 KM) | 20,500 |
| Langata to Kasarani (34.8 KM) | 23,500 |
| Ngumo to Nyayo estate (18.5 KM) | 18,500 |
| Parklands to Kilimani (6.8 KM) | 13,500 |
| Ridgeways to Donholm (13.5 KM) | 17,500 |
| Kahawa sukari to South C (25.1 KM) | 19,800 |
| Westlands to Kitengela (56 KM) | 27,500 |
| Nairobi to Mombasa (488 KM) | 45,000 |
| Nairobi to Nakuru (161.3 KM) | 41,000 |
| Nairobi to Kisumu (354.9 KM) | 43,000 |
The size of move
The size of the move is another crucial factor that affects the cost of moving services. The size of the move is typically determined by the number of belongings to be moved, which includes furniture, appliances, boxes, and other household items. For residential or house moving, the size of move is directly proportional to the number of bed rooms in your house
Moving companies in Nairobi Kenya generally charge by weight or volume, which means that the more items to be moved, the higher the cost. This is because larger moves require more space on the moving truck, more fuel to transport, and more labor to load and unload. For instance, a large 5 bed-room house may require 2 trucks while a small 2-bedroom house requires only one truck. The cost can also increase if special equipment is required, such as cranes or lifts, to move large and heavy items.
The size of the move can also affect the type of moving services required. For example, larger moves may require additional services such as packing, disassembling furniture, and storage, which can significantly increase the cost of the move.
Here are the average costs of moving services based on the size of move
| DISTANCE | COST FOR 1 BR (KES) | COST FOR 2 BR (KES) | COST FOR 3 BR (KES) | COST FOR 4 BR (KES) | COST FOR 5 BR (KES) |
| Within Nairobi County (30 KM Radius) | 13,500 | 17,500 | 26,500 | 36,500 | 52,500 |
| Nairobi to Mombasa (488 KM) | 30,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 | 90,000 |
| Nairobi to Nakuru (161.3 KM) | 26,000 | 41,000 | 56,000 | 66,000 | 86,000 |
| Nairobi to Kisumu (354.9 KM) | 28,000 | 43,000 | 58,000 | 68,000 | 88,000 |
Reducing the weight of the move by decluttering and getting rid of any unwanted items can significantly reduce the cost of moving services
Additional services required
Additional services such as satellite TV installation and pest control can increase the cost of moving because they require specialized knowledge and skills.
Satellite TV installation is a common additional service required by many homeowners when moving into a new home. The installation requires specialized equipment and knowledge, and the cost can vary depending on the type of satellite service required and the complexity of the installation. Examples include DSTV satellite installation, ZUKU satellite installation, and StarTimes (StarSat) satellite installation. This cost is not typically included in the standard moving package and is charged separately.
Similarly, pest control is another additional service that can increase the cost of moving. When moving into a new home, individuals may want to ensure that their new residence is free from pests, such as bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents and insects. As there are bed bugs in Nairobi, the previous occupant of the house you’re moving into may have moved out due to a bed bug infestation. Moving into such a house before the bed bugs are exterminated may cause you trouble because sooner or later, you will have a full-blown bed bug infestation that will be quite costly to deal with. The cost of pest control services can vary depending on the extent of the pest problem and the type of treatment required.
Accessibility of current or new home.
Accessibility and poor road conditions can significantly increase the cost of moving services, particularly for long-distance or rural moves.
Inaccessible or remote locations can make it challenging for moving companies to transport goods, which can increase the time and labour required for the move. For example, if the home is located at the end of a long dirt road or on a steep incline, it may require special equipment or additional labour to load and unload the moving truck. This can increase the cost of moving services, as the moving company may charge additional fees for the specialized equipment or additional labour required.
Similarly, poor road conditions can also increase the cost of moving services. If the roads leading to the new home are poorly maintained or difficult to navigate, it can increase the time and fuel required to transport goods, which can increase the cost of the move. Poor road conditions can also increase the risk of damage to belongings during transit, which can result in additional costs for repair or replacement.
Wrapping it Up
In conclusion, moving can be a costly experience, but with proper planning and research, individuals can minimize these costs. It is essential to understand the different factors that affect the cost of moving services, such as distance, size, and additional services required. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen moving company is reputable, licensed, and trustworthy to avoid any potential, theft, scams or issues during the move.
