Are you looking for Real Estate Agents and Consultants in Nairobi | Top Nairobi Property Experts

Budgeting for Moving Costs in Kenya

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 12:25 PM By Koch Properties

Budgeting for Moving Costs in Kenya

Moving out is a fascinating moment for everyone in the house. That last day before you move in, the anxiety keeps you awake all night. Your dream home is now not only in your dreams but will soon be your reality.

Emotional overwhelm tends to make buyers overlook the moving-in process. The good thing is that moving companies have risen in number in this era, making the moving experience even smoother. You only have to sit down and relax, as all the heavy work is done for you.

This moving guide will explore moving company services and everything you need to know about the moving process.

Moving company selection

Shop around for moving services companies and find a suitable company that meets all your requirements and has good reviews. Popular moving companies include AGS Group, which offers worldwide moving services, nellions, and Kejamove.

Budgeting for the cost of hiring professional movers is essential, as professional moving and packing services ensure a smooth move-in process.

Essential services coverage, such as moving truck rental, furniture assembly, and professional packing services, influences the pricing of moving services.

Understanding Expenses

A home buyer needs to plan a moving budget to cover overall costs. A home buyer must understand that hidden and obvious costs are involved. Potential expenses include damage to furniture or house items, but this can be covered by insurance. The insurance covers associated costs related to the damaged items.

Insurance & Protection

Moving insurance is specialized to provide coverage and compensate for any loss or damage to your items while they are transported to your new home. This ensures that you are not left to bear the financial burden alone in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Under this plan, the moving company is liable for the replacement value of your goods. If any items are lost, damaged, or destroyed, the company can repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement based on the item's current market value. This type of insurance often comes at an additional cost, but it offers the highest level of protection.

The Role You Play When Moving in

The moving process is more straightforward, with the moving company doing the heavy lifting for you, but there are roles you play. For example, your items like expensive jewelry and important documents like visas, title deeds, and passports are yours to handle. It is essential to keep this with you, not that the moving personnel are not careful, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Playing your role makes the transition smooth and seamless

Paying an earlier visit to the place you're moving into is essential to ensure the TV and internet installation are done together with your move. Evaluate your belongings and create a detailed inventory of all items you plan to move. Note the value of each item. Also, take clear photos of valuable items for documentation purposes.

Professional Packing Services

Most moving companies in Kenya include packaging packages. The standard moving package components include professional loading and unloading furniture and household items. The furniture is then wrapped with bubble wrap or a protection material to prevent damage. The items might require basic insurance coverage to cover the goods in transit.

The items are then transported in moving trucks by an experienced crew knowledgeable about furniture disassembly and reassembly. Basic insurance coverage might be required to cover the goods in transit.  

Packing materials

Here's a comprehensive guide about packing materials used in moving.

Protective Wrapping Materials

  • Bubble wrap - For fragile items and electronics

  • Moving blankets - For furniture protection

  • Plastic wrap/Stretch film - For securing drawers and protecting upholstery

  • Packing paper - For wrapping dishes and delicate items

  • Corner protectors - For furniture edges

Sealing and Securing Materials:

  • Packing tape

  • Duct tape

  • Masking tape (for labeling)

  • Rope and straps

  • Cable ties

  • Box cutters

Organizational Materials:

  • Labels and markers

  • Color-coded stickers

  • Inventory sheets

  • Room markers

  • Fragile stickers

Storage Option

The storage services offered by the moving companies come in handy when you are moving to a new house and not all rooms are complete, when you need to downsize, or during an international move when the house is not yet ready, or you have not found it.

The Storage costs include the storage services provided and the storage unit rental where your house items will be stored. The storage fees cover long-term storage or temporary accommodation.

Cost Management

The budgeting tips for a first-time home buyer will be to plan and find cost-effective options for moving in. Carefully planning helps a home buyer get cost-effective solutions like finding a side hustle and choosing a moving company that fits your wallet and budget. Potentially saving money helps reduce expenses and ensures a smooth transition into your own home. You can also get a moving company that provides transparent pricing to ensure you are not overpaying for the service.

Specific Considerations

You should consider specific considerations when preparing for the new house. These preparations include paying for the security deposit, utility deposits, and other required services.

A buyer should acknowledge the homeowners association fee, which homeowners pay for community services like cleaning the hallways, playgrounds, and other additional services required for the wellness of the neighborhood.

Long Distance Considerations

Moving long distances is often more expensive because it requires more fuel and more time to arrive at the destination.

For international moving, you will be required to undergo customs clearance. Customs clearance is a necessary process when goods are exported or imported internationally.

In such situations, documentation planning and payment are required. A company like AGS Movers is well experienced in moving internationally. Established in 1995, AGS Movers Kenya has 29 years of experience in the moving industry.

Advantages of Using a Moving Company

A moving company ensures your moving process is successful and stress-free. Although moving expenses significantly impact your budget, the process is worthwhile as it provides valuable time management.

Home-buying is often overwhelming for first-time buyers, and a stress-free experience relieves the journey of home ownership. The peace of mind that comes with choosing a moving company when moving in makes your move an exciting adventure for you and your family.

Conclusion

Choosing professional movers that fit your budget and align with you is essential. A moving company provides packaging and storage services for those moving into a smaller space, a house with unfinished rooms, or an international mover whose items are moving long distance. The moving company charges storage fees and additional services such as TV and internet installation. However, the charges differ with different companies and specific services.

A successful transition requires the home buyer to have budgeting tips that include the additional costs, primarily for purchasing insurance coverage. The relocation process can undergo accidents, especially for long-distance moves. Accidents cause unexpected expenses, and insurance protects you from the higher costs caused by the damage if you plan and get insurance options.

With the moving services, owning a home has never been easier. Welcome to homeownership!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do movers charge in Kenya?

Movers in Kenya typically charge between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 40,000, depending on factors like distance, the size of the load, and additional services (e.g., packing and unpacking).

How much should I budget for moving costs?

Budget around Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 50,000, accounting for moving company fees, packing supplies, transportation, and unexpected expenses.

How much money do you need to move out of Kenya?

You will need approximately Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000 or more for rent deposits, movers, new household items, and utilities.

How do I budget for a move?

Create a list of expenses: moving company, packing materials, rent deposit, transport, and any new household purchases. Set aside extra for unforeseen costs.

References

Cheapest moving company in Kenya: Moving services in Nairobi: Best movers in Nairobi Kenya. Safe Movers Kenya. (2024, August 22). https://safemovers.co.ke/

Anonymous. (2017, July 31). Movers Nairobi - moving company in Kenya. AGS Worldwide Movers. https://www.agsmovers.com/branches/africa/kenya/movers-kenya/

by tcmc24@strings, P., & tcmc24@strings. (2023a, September 24). The unseen costs of moving: Budgeting wisely for your next move. Centric Movers. https://centricmovers.co.ke/the-unseen-costs-of-moving-budgeting-wisely-for-your-next-move/

Facebook.com/nellionsmoving. (2023, November 28). 10 ways you are sabotaging your move. Nellions Moving and Relocations Company. https://nellions.co.ke/blog/10-ways-you-are-sabotaging-your-move/

Understanding the costs involved in moving - senior movers Kenya - moving services company in Nairobi Kenya. Senior Movers Kenya. (2024, February 21). https://seniormoverskenya.co.ke/understanding-the-costs-involved-in-moving/