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Quick answer: a professional move within Nairobi typically costs KES 12,000 to 18,000 for a bedsitter, KES 18,000 to 25,000 for a 1-bedroom and KES 28,000 to 45,000 for a 2-bedroom, with packing materials included. Larger homes start from about KES 50,000. The price depends on how much you are moving, the distance, access at both homes and the date. You can cut the cost by decluttering, moving mid-month, packing some items yourself and booking early.
How much do movers charge in Nairobi? (2026)
| Home size | Typical price (KES) | Usual truck | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedsitter / studio | 12,000 – 18,000 | 2-tonne pick-up | 2 to 3 |
| 1 bedroom | 18,000 – 25,000 | 3-tonne closed truck | 3 to 4 |
| 2 bedroom | 28,000 – 45,000 | 4 to 5-tonne truck | 4 to 6 |
| 3+ bedroom / maisonette | 50,000 and above | One or more 5-tonne trucks | 6 or more |
| Office | Quoted after a site survey | Depends on workstations and equipment | Varies |
These ranges are for moves within Nairobi and its suburbs. Moves to other towns, such as Mombasa, Kisumu or Nakuru, are priced on distance and truck size, and are always quoted after a survey.
What goes into a moving quote
- Truck size and number of trips. Set by the volume of your belongings. This is the biggest part of the price.
- Crew. The number of packers and loaders, and how long the job takes.
- Packing materials. Boxes, plastic crates, bubble wrap, stretch film and padding.
- Distance and route. Fuel, tolls and time in Nairobi traffic.
- Access. Stairs without a lift, long carries from the gate, narrow roads and parking restrictions add time.
- Special items. Pianos, safes, large mirrors, artwork and appliances need extra care or equipment.
- Extras. Furniture dismantling and setup, cleaning, storage and weekend or night moves.
A good quote lists each of these, so you can see what you are paying for and compare movers fairly.
Full service, partial service or truck hire?
| Option | What is included | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full service | Packing, loading, transport, unpacking and furniture setup | Highest | Families, larger homes and fragile items |
| Partial service | You pack; the movers load, transport and set up furniture | Medium | Smaller homes and tighter budgets |
| Truck hire with driver | A truck and driver; you or your helpers pack and load | Lowest | A few items or a short move |
Truck hire looks cheapest, but you carry the risk of damage and injury, and the time it takes. For most homes, partial service is the best balance of cost and care.
10 ways to cut the cost of your move
- Declutter first. Every item you sell, donate or throw away is volume you do not pay to move.
- Move mid-month. Dates between the 5th and the 20th are easier to book and often cheaper than month-end. See the best time to move in Nairobi.
- Move on a weekday. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest days.
- Book early. Last-minute moves leave less choice of trucks and dates.
- Pack some items yourself. Books, clothes and kitchen items are easy to pack; leave fragile and bulky items to the crew.
- Use what you have. Suitcases, baskets and drawers can carry clothes and linen.
- Get two or three quotes. Compare what each includes, not just the total.
- Be ready on time. A crew waiting for you to finish packing adds hours.
- Sort out access in advance. Book the lift and parking so the truck can load close to the door.
- Ask about combined services. Packing, moving and short-term storage from one company is often cheaper than three suppliers.
Hidden costs to ask about
- Extra charges for stairs, long carries or waiting time
- Packing materials charged separately from the move
- Fees for dismantling and reassembling furniture
- Fuel or mileage surcharges for outer estates
- Night, weekend or public holiday rates
- Insurance cover and what it pays out on
Ask for these in writing before you book. A price that is far below the ranges above often leaves out materials, insurance or enough crew, and the cost of a broken wardrobe or TV is more than the saving.
Affordable does not have to mean risky
Affordable movers in Nairobi keep prices fair through the right truck size, a well-trained crew who work quickly, and clear pricing, not by cutting corners. Before you book, check that the mover surveys your home, gives an itemised written quote, has its own trucks and crew, and has recent Google reviews. Our guide on how to choose movers in Nairobi lists the questions to ask, and the house moving checklist helps you prepare so the move takes less time.
Frequently asked questions
A professional 1-bedroom move within Nairobi typically costs KES 18,000 to 25,000, including packing materials. Stairs, long carries, fragile items and month-end dates can add to the price.
Typically KES 28,000 to 45,000 for a move within Nairobi, depending on how much you have, the distance, access and whether you want full packing.
Truck hire costs less upfront, but you do the packing and loading and take on the risk of damage and injury. For most homes, a partial-service move is better value.
Mid-month weekdays, between the 5th and the 20th, are usually the cheapest and easiest to book. Month-end and weekends are the busiest.
Some include them and some charge separately. Ask for an itemised quote that lists boxes, wrapping and padding.
Quotes differ on truck size, crew, materials, insurance and extras. Compare what each quote includes, and be careful with very low prices that leave things out.
Get a clear, itemised quote
Nairobi Movers gives a free survey and an itemised written quote for every house moving and office moving job, with no hidden charges. We work 24/7, including weekends. Call 0724 225 178 or WhatsApp us for your quote.