Moving—whether residential or commercial—is consistently ranked among life's most stressful events. But with proper planning and the right moving partner, your relocation can be smooth and even enjoyable. Here's our comprehensive guide to successful moving in Kenya.
Planning Your Move
Timeline
Start planning well in advance:
- 8 weeks before: Research moving companies, get quotes
- 6 weeks before: Book your mover, start decluttering
- 4 weeks before: Begin packing non-essentials
- 2 weeks before: Confirm arrangements, pack most items
- 1 week before: Final packing, prepare essentials box
Budgeting
Moving costs depend on:
- Distance (local vs. long-distance)
- Volume of belongings
- Packing services needed
- Special items (piano, artwork, etc.)
- Insurance coverage
Choosing a Moving Company
What to Look For
- Experience: Years in business and successful moves
- Insurance: Coverage for your belongings
- Reviews: Customer testimonials and ratings
- Equipment: Proper vehicles and packing materials
- Professionalism: Uniformed staff, clear communication
Red Flags to Avoid
- No physical address or office
- Extremely low quotes (may indicate hidden costs)
- Demanding large deposits upfront
- No written contract or inventory
- Unmarked vehicles
Packing Tips
General Guidelines
- Use quality boxes in various sizes
- Label every box with contents and destination room
- Pack heavy items in small boxes
- Fill empty spaces to prevent shifting
- Keep essential items separate
Special Items
Some items need extra care:
- Electronics: Original boxes if possible, or custom crating
- Artwork: Specialty boxes, corner protectors
- Furniture: Disassemble when possible, wrap in blankets
- Plants: Special handling, may not survive long moves
"The secret to a stress-free move is starting early and staying organized. A good checklist is your best friend." - Kenya Movers Association
Moving Day
Before the Movers Arrive
- Confirm arrival time
- Clear pathways
- Protect floors and walls
- Have payment ready
- Prepare refreshments for the crew
During the Move
- Be present to answer questions
- Check items off your inventory
- Take photos of valuable items
- Do a final walkthrough of old location
At Your New Location
- Direct movers to correct rooms
- Check for damage immediately
- Verify all items delivered
- Sign off on inventory
Commercial Moves
Office relocations have unique considerations:
- Minimize business disruption
- IT equipment handling
- Employee communication
- Weekend or after-hours moving
- Furniture installation services
Gatwan Moving Services
At Gatwan Transport Logistics, we offer comprehensive moving services:
- Residential moves: Apartments, houses, estates
- Commercial moves: Offices, warehouses, retail
- Packing services: Professional packing and materials
- Storage: Short and long-term options
- Insurance: Full coverage for peace of mind
Planning a move? Contact Gatwan for a free consultation and quote.
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Gatwan Team
Our team of logistics experts brings over 10 years of experience in Kenya's transport industry. We're committed to sharing valuable insights to help businesses optimize their supply chains.