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Quick answer: the best time to move house in Nairobi is mid-month, between about the 5th and the 20th, on a weekday, starting early in the morning. Movers are easier to book and often cheaper than at month-end, when most leases end. Families do best moving during the school holidays in April, August or November and December. If you must move in the rainy season, start early, use plastic crates and stretch film, and choose a mover who protects goods from rain.
Mid-month vs end-month moves
| Mid-month (5th – 20th) | End-month (25th – 5th) | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Easy to book your preferred date and time | Trucks and crews book out early |
| Price | Often lower | Often higher |
| Traffic and access | Fewer moves, quieter lifts and gates | Busy lifts, gates and loading bays |
| Flexibility | Easier to change the date if needed | Little room to reschedule |
Most Nairobi leases end on the last day of the month, so the last week and the first few days of the month are the busiest time for movers. If your landlord allows it, overlap the leases by a week or two and move mid-month.
Best day and time to move
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and Fridays are often busy.
- Start early. A 7 or 8 am start avoids the worst traffic and finishes the move in daylight.
- Avoid public holidays unless you need them: they are popular and some buildings restrict moving.
- Night and weekend moves suit offices and busy streets where daytime access is difficult.
Moving with children: use the school holidays
For families, the school holidays are the best window, because children do not miss lessons or start a new school mid-term. Kenyan schools usually break in April, August and from November to early January, so a mid-month move in one of these breaks gives children time to settle before term starts.
- Tell children about the move early, and involve them in planning their new room.
- Visit the new neighbourhood and school together before moving day if you can.
- Pack a box of favourite toys, books and bedding that is opened first.
- Keep routines such as meals and bedtimes as normal as possible on moving week.
- Arrange school records and transfers well before the holidays end.
Moving in the rainy season
Nairobi has two rainy seasons: the long rains from about March to May, and the short rains from about October to December. Rain does not have to stop a move, but it needs planning.
- Start early. Rain in Nairobi often comes in the afternoon, so load in the morning.
- Use plastic crates and stretch film. Wet cardboard tears; crates and film keep things dry.
- Wrap furniture and mattresses in plastic, and seal electronics and documents in waterproof covers.
- Protect the path from the door to the truck with sheets or mats, and keep floors dry.
- Use a closed truck and load quickly to keep items out of the rain.
- Allow extra time for traffic and flooded roads, and keep a backup date in mind.
- Dry everything on arrival before you unpack, to avoid mould.
Planning your timeline
Whenever you move, start planning three to four weeks ahead and book movers at least one to two weeks before a mid-month move, or two to four weeks before a month-end or holiday move. The house moving checklist sets out each week, our packing tips explain what to pack first, and the moving cost guide shows how timing affects price.
Frequently asked questions
Mid-month weekdays, roughly between the 5th and the 20th, are usually the cheapest and easiest to book.
Most leases in Nairobi end on the last day of the month, so many people move in the last week and the first days of the next month.
During the school holidays in April, August or November and December, ideally mid-month, so children can settle before the new term.
Yes. Professional movers use plastic crates, stretch film, waterproof covers and closed trucks, and start early to avoid afternoon rain.
An early start, around 7 or 8 am, avoids heavy traffic and leaves enough daylight to unload and set up.
Book the right date
Nairobi Movers works 24/7, including weekends and public holidays, rain or shine. Book your house moving early to get the date you want: call 0724 225 178 or WhatsApp us.
