Cheap movers in Dakar: how to keep the bill down

Finding cheap movers in Dakar comes down to three decisions: the right truck size, a written quote agreed before moving day, and a weekday date instead of an end of month Saturday. Whether you are leaving a studio in Point E for a flat in Almadies or moving from Sacré-Cœur out to Keur Massar, the same job can cost twice as much depending on how you prepare it.

Truck plus handlers: where the money goes

Quotes are built from two lines: the vehicle and the manpower. A studio or small one bedroom fits in a van with two handlers. From a furnished two or three bedroom upwards, expect a covered truck and three to four people, especially with a full living room set, a washing machine and a fridge.

Access costs time, so it costs money:

• Stairs with no lift are the norm in Liberté 6, Mermoz and the Sicap areas. Every floor adds carrying time, so more labour.
• Narrow lanes in Ouakam, Ngor, Yoff and parts of Pikine and Guédiawaye will not take a large truck. Two runs with a smaller vehicle can work out cheaper.
• Parking in Plateau needs planning. If the truck has nowhere to stand, you pay for waiting.

As a rough guide, a small move inside Dakar with a van and two handlers is often negotiated between 40,000 and 80,000 FCFA. A family home with a full crew sits closer to 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA. Going out to Rufisque, Diamniadio or Keur Massar adds fuel and road time, so expect a surcharge.

Getting a quote you can rely on

A number shouted over the phone is not a quote. Ask for the details in writing:

• The estimated volume in cubic metres, or the truck type.
• How many handlers, and for how many hours.
• Who supplies boxes, stretch film, blankets and straps.
• Whether dismantling and reassembling furniture is included: bed, wardrobe, desk.
• What happens if the job runs over time or needs a second run.
• How breakage is handled, and on which items.

Let the provider see the place first, on site or by video call. That one step prevents the classic "nobody mentioned the sideboard" argument at loading time. Compare two or three offers like for like: a low price that excludes packing is not a low price.

Packing: the part you can do yourself

Packing is the easiest line to cut, and doing it yourself commonly shaves 20 to 30 percent off a quote.

• Collect boxes from neighbourhood shops and mini markets at the end of the day.
• Use suitcases, basins, baskets and rice sacks for clothes and bedding.
• Wrap plates in towels and fabric instead of buying bubble wrap.
• Label each box with the destination room, not a full inventory. Unloading goes twice as fast.
• Keep a first night box: chargers, documents, medicines, extension lead, soap, a towel.
• Empty and defrost the fridge the day before, and carry gas bottles upright and strapped.

Use the sort out to sell or give away what you do not want to carry upstairs again. Less volume means a smaller truck and fewer hands.

Weekday, season and start time

Demand clusters around month ends, Saturdays and the back to school weeks of September and October. The same crews cost more then, and book out early.

• Aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, mid month.
• Start early, around six or seven, to stay ahead of traffic on the corniche, the VDN and the motorway.
• Avoid Friday afternoons and the days before major holidays such as Tabaski and Korité.
• In the rainy season, July to October, insist on tarpaulins and keep boxes raised off the truck bed.

Book one to two weeks ahead: a last minute call means accepting whatever the day costs. Tell the building caretaker so access is clear.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• AZ MOVE & EXPRESS : Almadies, moving and transport company.
• Dioum Transport Et Déménagement : Dakar, transport and moving company.
• Global African Movers : Dakar, moving company.
• GTB Sénégal - Déménagement-Transport-Prestations de service-Manutention- Conciergerie d’entreprise. : Pikine, moving and handling services.
• Maxi-Move déménagement : Sacré-Cœur, moving company.
• QUICK MOVE SN : Sicap Liberté, moving company.

More providers are listed neighbourhood by neighbourhood: see all addresses.

Useful tools

• Route planner to estimate the trip by time of day.
• Currency converter if you are budgeting from abroad.
• Read next: moving companies in Dakar and renting an apartment in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a small move in Dakar cost?

For a studio or one bedroom with a van and two handlers, offers usually fall between 40,000 and 80,000 FCFA within Dakar. Stairs, distance and volume push the figure up.

Should I pay for packing or do it myself?

Packing yourself cuts the bill clearly, especially for clothes, bedding and books. Leave fragile crockery, screens and the dismantling of large furniture to the crew.

What is the best day to move in Dakar?

A Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in the middle of the month, starting early. Month ends, Saturdays and the back to school season are the busiest and most expensive times.