Last updated on September 14th, 2022 at 10:05 am
Moving houses in Nairobi can be stressful, especially at peak times such as weekends and the end of the month. On top of packing and choosing a moving option, you also have the added stress of worrying whether your property will sustain any damages in transit. Although house moving in Nairobi may not be a simple process, there are tips to make your transition even smoother.
These tips include:
1. Decide Whether You Will Hire Movers or Do It Yourself
Choosing whether to hire movers or do it yourself mostly depends on your budget, personality, if you have the time, the difficulty level of the move, and how close the new home is. Some people are simply unable to lift or carry heavy items or are not handy enough to move delicate items. In such cases, hiring movers is an excellent option.
If you decide to hire movers, get a few quotes from various service providers and ask about:
- Moving rates.
- Additional fees as per your needs. For instance, some moving companies charge extra for multiple flights of stairs or for handling delicate art and paintings.
- Whether they offer insurance services.
- Packing and storage options.
If you decide on a DIY move, get pricing on equipment and truck rentals that fit your budget. You may also enlist the aid of friends and family to assist you load and packing. A vehicle with a ramp is ideal for DIY movers. The difficulty of lifting every box and piece of furniture high enough to fit it into the truck can add hours and aching muscles to your move, even though renting a truck without one may be less expensive.
2. Make a Checklist for House Moving in Nairobi
Preparing early for your move sets you up for success. A moving checklist helps you stay on track and save time as it commits your plan to memory. For house moving in Nairobi, your checklist items may include:
- Schedule with utility companies to shut off services. Contact Nairobi Water and Kenya Power to arrange your utility connections at both homes to prevent inconveniences or payments.
- Order packing boxes and equipment.
- Tasks and items on your to-do-list
- Clear with the management of your current house ahead of the moving day
- Send emails to notify contacts about the change of address
Stay on course by checking off every item you complete.
3. Rent Storage
Using a storage service can make your work easier and help you get through the moving process with little to no frustration. The main reasons for hiring storage services include when:
- Moving to a smaller house.
- Remodelling the new home hence the need for temporary storage.
- Moving in stages for flexibility and to help reduce stress.
- Waiting for the new house to be available to move in.
When house moving in Nairobi, you can find storage locations where you can store just about any household item. Generally, keeping things that aren’t daily necessities or personal effects makes sense. This will enable you to unload and unpack the most important stuff (like your bedding and toothbrush).
4. Sorting and Packing
Whether moving for a change or to update your lifestyle, sorting and packing your belongings is an essential step. Some tips to ensure you save time when packing include:
- Get a packing box or bag for essentials – A lot of confusion could arise on the day of the move, so you should put together an essentials box. These are items you need during the move and right after, such as medications, basic toiletries, chargers, and critical documents.
- Use linens and towels for packing – Delicate items such as lamps, dishes, and frames require padding to prevent breakage. You can use towels and linen instead of bubble wrap padding to save money.
- Pack your bags – You can pack items in suitcases that are difficult to move in a box. Take advantage of luggage for packing and carrying belongings.
- Colour-code boxes – You can assign colours to boxes as part of your packing plan. This helps you identify which items go to which room when you get to your new home.
Because moving houses in Nairobi can be hectic enough, it’s advisable to start sorting your belongings early before the moving company arrives to load the trucks.
Try to write down what is inside each box as you pack, where everything belongs in your new house, and any specific notes like “FRAGILE,” “THIS SIDE UP,” etc. Be as specific as you can; knowing what must be unpacked first can simplify the unpacking process.
5. Have a Plan for Kids and Pets
Kids and pets are more likely to get bored or stressed amidst all the moving activity. Organizing a pet sitter or babysitter is advisable to keep them safe and occupied. You can also ask family or friends to take them a day in advance.
6. Empty and Clean Out the Fridge
Try to avoid grocery shopping weeks before your move to prevent wastage. Make meals with food you already have so you don’t have to carry it over during the move. Once the fridge is empty, you may now clean it out.
7. Final Preparations before Moving Houses in Nairobi
Just when you are about to move, you should be completing the final tasks on your to-do list and getting ready to vacate the old home. Final preparations include:
- Move-out cleaning.
- Final checks around the house.
- Pay outstanding bills.
- Finish packing and dismantling fixtures.
8. Avoid End-of-the-Month Moves
A move near the end of the month should be avoided. Some moving firms in Nairobi provide discounts during the middle of the month or off-peak times. Due to the fact that movers’ resources are not overstretched in the middle of the month, you might save money and receive quality service.
9. Avoid Moving at the Weekend
If you can, try to avoid relocating on the weekends, especially when moving into an apartment. Most apartments have limited truck parking space on weekends, which influences how long the moving process takes.
10. Wake Up Early on the Moving Day
Moving is exhausting and requires handling goods of various shapes. You run the danger of damaging your treasures and spending a long time to calm down owing to “lost” goods if done hastily and in a hurried way. Things might go wrong even if you hire the best movers in Nairobi if you don’t give them enough time to assist you in the best manner they can. It is preferable to start and finish your relocation early so you have time to recuperate and enjoy your first evening in your new home.
Make reservations if you plan to hire movers, rent equipment, or employ contractors for your home. If it’s a prime moving season, waiting might result in spending more or not being able to find a truck or movers at all.
While moving houses in Nairobi may seem stressful, it certainly leads to positive outcomes, such as a change of scenery or a domestic lifestyle. Avoiding moving mistakes and planning ahead to ensure a smooth procedure is crucial for a successful move. Contact Nellions today for more tips and advice on any stressful moving situation.
