7 Best Second-Hand Items to Buy When Moving House in Kenya (Complete Checklist)
Moving house in Kenya is expensive. Between the deposit, first month’s rent, and transport costs, most people are already stretched before they’ve bought a single piece of furniture. That’s why identifying the best second hand items to buy when moving house Kenya isn’t just a smart strategy — it’s the most practical way to set up a comfortable home without clearing your savings.
This guide covers 7 essential items to buy second-hand when setting up a new home, realistic KSh price ranges for each, and what to look for so you buy quality — not problems.
Why Buying Second-Hand When Moving Makes Financial Sense in Kenya
Furnishing a two-bedroom apartment in Nairobi from scratch — everything bought new — costs between KSh 250,000 and KSh 400,000. That’s furniture, appliances, and basic storage. Buy second-hand wisely, and the same setup costs KSh 80,000–KSh 140,000. That’s a saving of up to KSh 260,000 — money that can go toward a security deposit, emergency fund, or simply breathing room in a tight first month.
The misconception is that second-hand means worn-out. In reality, Nairobi’s market is full of quality furniture from departing expats, corporate office clearances, and relocating households. Many of these items were bought new at premium prices and used for only 2–3 years. The trick is knowing which items to buy second-hand — and which to avoid.
💡 Pro Tip: Items with moving parts or motors (fridges, washing machines) need closer inspection than static furniture. Always plug in appliances and confirm they work before completing any payment.
The 7 Best Second-Hand Items to Buy When Moving House in Kenya
Here’s the complete list — ranked by total savings versus buying new.
1. Sofa Set — Save Up to KSh 75,000
New price: KSh 55,000–KSh 120,000
Second-hand price: KSh 15,000–KSh 45,000
A sofa set is the single biggest saving on this list. Quality fabric and leather sofas hold their structure for years — the frame and cushion foam are what matter, and both are easy to assess in person. A good-condition 7-seater L-shaped sofa in Nairobi goes for KSh 25,000–KSh 35,000 second-hand. Brand new, the same piece costs KSh 90,000 or more.
What to avoid: heavy staining, a persistent damp or pet smell, cushions that have permanently collapsed, or a frame that wobbles when you sit. Any of these signals a reject — not a deal.
2. Dining Table and Chairs — Save Up to KSh 52,000
New price: KSh 35,000–KSh 80,000
Second-hand price: KSh 8,000–KSh 28,000
A dining table takes almost zero mechanical wear — it’s wood, metal, and gravity. A solid hardwood dining set bought second-hand will outlast a chipboard set bought new. Check for wobbly legs (fixable with a screwdriver), surface scratches (easily covered with a tablecloth or sanding), and chairs that still sit level. A six-seater hardwood set in solid condition regularly sells for KSh 12,000–KSh 20,000 at reputable resellers in Nairobi.
3. Bed Frame and Headboard — Save Up to KSh 37,000
New price: KSh 18,000–KSh 55,000
Second-hand price: KSh 5,000–KSh 18,000
The rule every budget-conscious Kenyan mover should know: buy the bed frame second-hand, buy the mattress new. A used bed frame is structurally sound and fully hygienic when inspected properly — it’s the mattress that carries hygiene risk. Frames checked for structural integrity and bed bugs are safe to buy without hesitation.
💡 Pro Tip: A queen-size (6×6) bed frame in good condition typically costs KSh 6,000–KSh 12,000 second-hand in Nairobi. Pair it with a new mattress at KSh 12,000–KSh 18,000, and you have a complete sleep setup for under KSh 25,000 — versus KSh 60,000+ if you bought both new.
4. Wardrobe or Chest of Drawers — Save Up to KSh 43,000
New price: KSh 22,000–KSh 65,000
Second-hand price: KSh 6,000–KSh 22,000
Storage furniture is expensive when bought new, especially if you want genuine hardwood. Second-hand wardrobes — particularly expat-grade or imported pieces — are often built from better materials than budget new items. When inspecting, check that drawers slide smoothly, doors align without dragging, and the base shows no moisture warping. A double-door wardrobe with internal shelving sells for KSh 8,000–KSh 15,000 second-hand.
5. Refrigerator — Save Up to KSh 55,000
New price: KSh 32,000–KSh 90,000
Second-hand price: KSh 12,000–KSh 35,000
A fridge is one of the best appliances to buy second-hand — if you know what to inspect. The compressor is the only real risk point. Before paying, plug the fridge in and confirm it reaches temperature within 15–20 minutes. Listen for unusual knocking or grinding sounds, and test the door seals by closing a piece of paper in the door — it should resist being pulled out. Brands like LG, Samsung, and Ramton have spare parts widely available across Nairobi.
6. Washing Machine — Save Up to KSh 45,000
New price: KSh 28,000–KSh 75,000
Second-hand price: KSh 10,000–KSh 30,000
A working washing machine is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade in Nairobi, where laundry service costs add up fast. Top-loaders are the safer second-hand buy — they have fewer mechanical failure points than front-loaders. Before completing a purchase, run a full wash cycle: listen for grinding, confirm the drum spins freely, and verify the drain empties completely. A good-condition 7kg top-loader sells for KSh 12,000–KSh 22,000.
7. TV Stand or Entertainment Unit — Save Up to KSh 24,000
New price: KSh 12,000–KSh 35,000
Second-hand price: KSh 2,500–KSh 10,000
Purely static furniture — nothing moves, nothing breaks. A solid TV stand is one of the easiest second-hand wins. You’re buying shape and structure, not mechanical performance. Check that shelves are level, the unit is stable when loaded, and any surface finish is acceptable. Most TV stands under KSh 10,000 second-hand will serve a decade without issue.
What to Skip: Items Worth Buying New
Not everything belongs in the second-hand cart. Items where hygiene is the primary concern — mattresses, pillows, heavily upholstered chairs with unknown history — are worth buying new. Gas cookers from unverified sources also carry safety risk, as fittings and burner condition directly affect your safety at home.
The rule: buy second-hand where value is in structure and function; buy new where hygiene or safety is the primary concern.
Your Moving Budget: What This Checklist Saves You
| Item | Second-Hand Price Range |
|---|---|
| Sofa set | KSh 15,000–45,000 |
| Dining table + chairs | KSh 8,000–28,000 |
| Bed frame | KSh 5,000–18,000 |
| Wardrobe | KSh 6,000–22,000 |
| Refrigerator | KSh 12,000–35,000 |
| Washing machine | KSh 10,000–30,000 |
| TV stand | KSh 2,500–10,000 |
| Total estimate | KSh 58,500–188,000 |
Compare that to buying everything new at KSh 200,000–KSh 500,000. A conservative saving of KSh 100,000 — often far more on a larger setup.
For more on furnishing a full property on a tight budget, read: How to Furnish a Rental Property Cheaply in Kenya.
Where to Find Inspected Second-Hand Items in Nairobi
The challenge with second-hand shopping in Kenya is quality uncertainty. social media marketplaces and other local listing sites list deals, but you cannot verify condition until you’re standing in a stranger’s home — and there’s no recourse if something breaks on delivery. Quality and reliability of listings vary enormously.
Corido Marketplace in Lavington, Nairobi operates differently. Every item is physically inspected, graded for condition, and available to view in a warehouse showroom before you commit. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, urban household expenditure on furniture and fittings has risen steadily — buying smart at the used market is increasingly how informed Nairobians manage rising home costs.
Ready to furnish your new home without clearing your savings?
Come see the current stock at Corido Marketplace — every item inspected, graded, and priced fairly.
📞 0794858010 | ✉️ ask@corido.co.ke
📍 Lavington, Amboseli Road, opposite Serengeti Apartment, Nairobi | View on map →
🌐 corido.co.ke
