How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company in Nairobi

There is no shortage of movers in Nairobi. Search online, ask in your estate WhatsApp group or look at the vehicles parked outside any hardware shop and you will find someone willing to move you. The difference between a good mover and a bad one only becomes obvious on the day, when it is too late to change.

This guide sets out what to look for, the questions to ask and the warning signs to avoid.

What a reliable mover does differently

• Surveys before quoting. They look at your belongings and access, in person or by video, so the price is based on the actual job.
• Puts the quote in writing. The price, the date, what is included and what would change the price.
• Plans access. They ask about stairs, lifts, parking and estate rules at both ends.
• Protects your belongings. Blankets, wrapping and straps for furniture; proper packing for fragile items.
• Communicates. You know who is coming, when, and who to call.
• Labels and places. Boxes are labelled by room and put in the right rooms; furniture they took apart is reassembled.
• Is honest about limits. They tell you what they cannot move, such as gas cylinders or very specialist items.

Questions to ask before booking

Red flags

• A price over the phone without any survey. It is a guess, and it tends to grow on the day.
• No written quote. Verbal agreements are the source of most moving disputes.
• A large cash deposit demanded without any written confirmation.
• Vague answers about crew size, vehicle or what is included.
• No protective materials, or a plan to “just load it”.
• Pressure to decide immediately.
• No physical presence or verifiable contact details beyond a single phone number.

Comparing quotes fairly

Put quotes side by side and check:

1. Are they based on the same inventory?
2. Do they include the same services: packing, materials, dismantling and reassembly?
3. Do they account for access at both ends?
4. Is the date and time confirmed?
5. What is excluded?

The cheapest quote often excludes things that another quote includes, such as reassembly, materials or a second trip. See how much house movers charge in Nairobi for the factors behind the price.

Check their reputation

• Ask friends, colleagues and neighbours who they used.
• Read reviews, but look for detail rather than star ratings alone.
• Ask the company how they handled a move that went wrong. A good company will have an honest answer.

For office moves

An office move has extra requirements. Look for a mover who:

• Visits both buildings before quoting.
• Plans to a floor plan and labels by desk.
• Can move outside working hours.
• Works with your IT team on equipment.
• Can coordinate a clean of the old and new premises.

See our office relocation checklist.

Signs on moving day that you chose well

• The crew arrives on time with the right vehicle and enough people.
• The crew leader walks through with you before starting.
• Furniture is wrapped before it leaves the room.
• Boxes go to the right rooms at the other end.
• Furniture is reassembled.
• The crew checks with you before leaving.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bigger moving company always better?

Not necessarily. What matters is a survey, a written quote, a trained crew, proper materials and clear communication. Smaller companies can be excellent if they do these things.

Should I be present on moving day?

Yes, or have someone you trust there at both ends to answer questions and check that everything has arrived.

How do I handle valuables?

Carry them yourself: cash, jewellery, documents, laptops and medication. No reputable mover will be offended by this.

What if my move is outside Nairobi?

Ask whether the company does longer-distance moves and how they price them. Many Nairobi movers can arrange it on request.

Looking for a mover who surveys first and puts it in writing? Read about our moving and relocation service or request a survey.