Complete Nairobi Moving Checklist: From Deposit Loan to Deep Cleaning (2026)

Moving in Nairobi involves coordinating dozens of tasks across multiple parties. Missing just one step — like forgetting to transfer utilities or not having a deposit loan approved — can delay your move by weeks. This checklist is the result of 10,000+ successful moves tracked by SmartMove. Follow it week by week, and you'll move stress-free.

📅 8 Weeks Before Moving | Plan & Finance

☐ Create a moving budget — Include deposit, movers, cleaning, furniture, utilities connections (KSh 200,000-400,000 typical).

☐ Apply for a deposit loan — If needed, apply now. SmartMove offers 3% APR, approval in 4 hours. Apply here

☐ Research neighborhoods — Kilimani, Karen, Westlands, Lavington? Compare schools, commute, rent.

☐ View properties — Schedule viewings with 5+ landlords. Take photos and video.

☐ Sign lease agreement — Read carefully. Note deposit terms, notice period, maintenance responsibilities.

📅 6 Weeks Before Moving | Book Services

☐ Book SmartMove moving package — Choose Starter (KSh 15k), Family (KSh 35k), or custom. Save 25-35% vs a la carte.

☐ Schedule end of tenancy cleaning — For your old place. Book 2-3 days before handover.

☐ Research internet providers — Safaricom Fibre, Zuku, or JTL. Book installation for move-in week.

☐ Decide on furniture — Rent vs buy? SmartMove furniture rental from KSh 8,500/month.

☐ Notify landlord — Give formal notice per your lease (usually 30-60 days).

📅 4 Weeks Before Moving | Declutter & Pack

☐ Start decluttering — Sell/donate items you don't need. Facebook Marketplace, Gikomba, or WhatsApp groups.

☐ Buy packing supplies — Boxes (get free from supermarkets), tape, bubble wrap, markers. Or order SmartMove packing service.

☐ Pack non-essentials — Off-season clothes, books, decor. Label boxes by room.

☐ Create inventory list — Valuable items with photos. For insurance and tax deduction.

☐ Arrange school transfer — If moving with children, notify current school and register at new one.

📅 2 Weeks Before Moving | Utilities & Address Change

☐ Transfer/connect utilities — KPLC (electricity), Nairobi Water, gas. Take final meter readings at old place.

☐ Update your address — Bank, employer, NHIF, NSSF, insurance, Sacco. Do this 2 weeks before.

☐ Redirect mail — Posta has mail forwarding service (KSh 500).

☐ Confirm moving crew — Call SmartMove to confirm date, time, and address. Get parking arrangements sorted.

☐ Pack a "first night" box — Essentials: toiletries, phone chargers, bedsheets, towels, basic tools, tea/coffee.

📅 1 Week Before Moving | Final Prep

☐ Finish all packing — Everything except daily essentials should be boxed.

☐ Confirm deposit loan disbursement — Ensure funds will reach landlord before move-in.

☐ Deep clean old place — Or confirm professional cleaner booking. Take after-cleaning photos.

☐ Arrange parking for moving truck — Notify estate security/caretaker. Reserve parking bay if needed.

☐ Confirm new home access — Ensure keys are ready, lift/elevator booked, security knows you.

☐ Defrost refrigerator — At least 24 hours before moving.

🚛 Moving Day | The Big Move

☐ Wake up early — Be ready before movers arrive (typically 8-9 AM).

☐ Supervise loading — Point out fragile items. Take photos of loaded truck.

☐ Do final walkthrough of old place — Check all rooms, closets, cabinets. Nothing left behind!

☐ Take meter readings — Photo of electricity and water meters at old place.

☐ Hand over keys to landlord — Get signed acknowledgment. Request deposit refund timeline.

☐ Guide movers at new place — Show where each box goes. Use labeled boxes.

☐ Take meter readings at new place — Photo for records. Submit to KPLC/Nairobi Water.

☐ Pay movers — Confirm final amount (should match quote if using SmartMove). Get receipt.

🔑 Move-In Day | Unpack & Inspect

☐ Inspect new property — Note any existing damage. Take dated photos. Send to landlord within 48 hours.

☐ Unpack "first night" box — Make beds, set up bathroom, connect Wi-Fi (if installed).

☐ Test all utilities — Electricity, water, gas, internet. Report issues immediately.

☐ Change locks (if allowed) — Or rekey. You don't know who has old keys.

☐ Introduce yourself to neighbors — Exchange emergency contacts.

☐ Set up waste collection schedule — Ask caretaker about garbage collection days.

📋 Week After Moving | Follow Up

☐ Finish unpacking — One room at a time. Break down boxes for recycling.

☐ Register for tax deduction — Gather all service receipts. Claim 35% on your next tax return.

☐ Follow up on old deposit — If not refunded within 30 days, send formal reminder.

☐ Update driver's license & voter card — Required within 30 days of address change.

☐ Leave a review for your movers — Help others make informed choices. SmartMove users get KSh 500 credit for reviews.

☐ Refer a friend — Share your referral link. You both get KSh 2,000 off.

SmartMove Pro Tip

Bookmark this page or print it. Share with family members so everyone knows their tasks. Moving is a team sport!

📋 Quick Reference: Contacts & Timeline

Service	Contact / Provider	When to book
Deposit loan	SmartMove (3% APR)	8 weeks before
Movers & packages	SmartMove	6 weeks before
End of tenancy cleaning	SmartMove cleaning	4 weeks before
Internet connection	Safaricom/Zuku/JTL	3 weeks before
KPLC transfer	KPLC (*977# or app)	2 weeks before
Nairobi Water	Nairobi Water app	2 weeks before
School transfer	Current/new school	4-8 weeks before

💰 Estimated moving budget for Nairobi (3-bedroom)

Expense	SmartMove cost	DIY/separate cost	Savings
Deposit (3 months)	KSh 75,000 (with loan)	KSh 225,000	KSh 150,000 cash preserved
Movers	Included in package	KSh 12,000	Included
Cleaning (move-out)	Included in package	KSh 8,000	Included
Plumber + Electrician	Included in package	KSh 6,000	Included
Furniture (rental 6 months)	KSh 15,000 × 6 = 90k	Buy: KSh 150,000	KSh 60,000
Total	~KSh 165,000	~KSh 401,000	KSh 236,000 saved!

Ready to start your stress-free move?

Book your complete moving package today. Deposit loans, movers, cleaning — one click.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm moving on short notice (less than 8 weeks)?

SmartMove can handle rush moves in as little as 2 weeks. Contact us immediately — we'll expedite deposit loans and mover bookings.

Can I customize this checklist for a studio apartment?

Yes! Adjust timelines as needed. Studios typically need less packing time (3-4 weeks prep is fine).

How do I get my deposit back from my old landlord?

Follow the week-after checklist: provide forwarding address, request itemized deductions, and follow up in writing. SmartMove can mediate if disputes arise.

What's the single most important thing to not forget?

Take move-in photos with timestamps. Without them, landlords can claim pre-existing damage was your fault. Do this within 48 hours of getting keys.

The Complete Nairobi Moving Checklist: From Deposit Loan to Deep Cleaning

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📋 Quick Reference: Contacts & Timeline

💰 Estimated moving budget for Nairobi (3-bedroom)

Ready to start your stress-free move?

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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Title

The Complete Nairobi Moving Checklist: From Deposit Loan to Deep Cleaning

Jump to a week

📋 Quick Reference: Contacts & Timeline

💰 Estimated moving budget for Nairobi (3-bedroom)

Ready to start your stress-free move?

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us