Thinking of moving houses? Here are 10 tips that will save you stress, time and money
To make your move less stressful, start at least two weeks in advance so you have enough time to declutter, organise, and pack in an orderly way instead of leaving everything to the last weekend.
Moving houses can be one of the most stressful experiences, especially when you are doing it alone. From packing years of memories to figuring out the logistics of transporting your belongings, the process can quickly feel overwhelming.
But with the right strategy and a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are 10 practical tips to make your move smoother—whether you’re shifting to a new apartment in Nairobi or relocating to a different region of the country.
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1. Start early – don’t wait until the last minute
The key to a less stressful move is starting as early as possible. Do not wait until the last weekend to pack everything. Begin by sorting through your things well in advance, ideally at least two weeks before your moving day. This gives you time to organise, declutter, and pack in an orderly way.
2. Declutter – only take what you need
Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of unnecessary items. Take a hard look at your clothes, furniture, and other belongings. Do you really need that wardrobe that has seen better days? Or that pile of clothes you haven’t worn in years? Donate, sell, or discard what you no longer need. This lightens your load and saves money on transportation.
3. Create a moving checklist
Write down everything you need to do before, during, and after the move. This might include packing boxes, contacting movers (if necessary), arranging for utility transfers, and cleaning your old space. You can also schedule cleaning for your new home. A checklist helps you stay on track and ensures nothing is forgotten.
4. Hire help when necessary
Just because you’re moving alone doesn’t mean you must do everything by yourself. If the move feels too big, consider hiring help—even if it’s only for heavy lifting.
In Kenya, there are plenty of affordable moving services in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. You can find reliable movers through local listings, trusted platforms, or local drivers with lorries and pickups dedicated to helping people move.
5. Pack in stages – don’t overwhelm yourself
Packing an entire house at once can feel impossible. Break it into manageable stages. Start with non-essential items such as books, old clothes, or extra bedding, and gradually pack everything else. Take it one room at a time, rather than leaving everything until the last minute.
6. Label your boxes clearly
It may sound simple, but proper labelling makes a huge difference. Write down the contents of each box and the room it belongs in (e.g., “kitchen – utensils”, “living room”, “children’s clothes”, “books”). This will make unpacking faster and ensure you can easily find your essentials.
7. Protect fragile items
Kenyan roads can be rough, so protecting fragile items is essential.
Ask your movers to use bubble wrap, old newspapers, or even clothes to cushion items such as glassware, electronics, and kitchenware. Confirm whether they offer proper packaging services to keep your valuables safe.
8. Transport your essentials separately
On moving day, keep a separate bag or box with essentials—such as toiletries, a change of clothes, a phone charger, and important documents. This way, you won’t need to dig through boxes to find what you need right away.
9. Notify important parties of your move
Inform your landlord, utility companies, and anyone else who should know about your move. Don’t forget your internet provider—they may need to set up your Wi-Fi before you settle in. Also, clear with agents and security at your old residence. Since service updates in Kenya can sometimes take time, give notice early to avoid disruptions.
10. Stay positive and be patient
Moving can be chaotic, and not everything will go according to plan. It’s important to remain patient and positive. Once you’ve planned the details—like when movers will arrive—you can take breaks when needed and ask for help if necessary.
Your new home will soon be worth the effort, and before long, the move will feel like a distant memory.
Moving by yourself doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With good planning, organisation, and a calm approach, the process becomes much smoother. And remember, whether you’re moving across Nairobi or from Kisumu to Eldoret, every step you take brings you closer to settling into your new space.
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