Moving can be one of the most stressful and trying tasks out there. The strain and anxiety that comes with the numerous tiny details involved can make it even more overwhelming. 

Deciding what to pack or toss, putting what in which box, moving and finally settling in can take days or even weeks.

Business partners, Christella Uwase and Zitoni Mongi Olympias experienced this first-hand. Both of their families happened to be shifting almost at the same time last year, and the chaos that came with it, became a lightbulb moment for an innovative idea that they later turned into a business.

(L-R)Christella Uwase and Zitoni Mongi Olympias, the co-founders of Gacela Ltd. 

During their relocation, they realised how the entire process was strenuous. It then occurred to them that other people could be experiencing the same.  

Moving as a business is a fairly new concept in Rwanda, and when the two started, all they had was their tedious experience and the desire to simplify this one task for Rwandans.

Last year, they embarked on the idea of a moving company, officially starting their business, Gacela Ltd, as Uwase recalls. "We wanted to help people with relocation, but a few months later we also started doing property brokerage where we find people homes to relocate to and then we help them move,” she says.

Their focus was not only on reducing the stress and worries of relocation, but also ensuring that property is given enough security, and reducing the possibility of damage that usually occurs while relocating.

While relocating, they provide packing and unpacking services, disassembly and re-assembly of items such as furniture, they deal with truck loading and off-loading, and come with packaging items along with skilled personnel.

Pricing is mostly done based on the items to be moved. "Clients have different items and relocate to different neighbourhoods. We usually pay a visit to a client’s home and see the bulk of their belongings, and we also consider the package she/he wants among the services we provide. From there, we find a perfect price that is suitable for both the client and the company,” Uwase says.

The market so far

Uwase says their experience with clients has been good so far. "Clients have been good and flexible with us, which we are grateful for. We have received many encouraging comments though you can’t miss negative feedback, but we move regardless,” she says.

Like any other business, Gacela Ltd has faced some challenges, the entrepreneurs reveal. The biggest one so far relating with the community that hasn’t yet embraced the relevance of their services.

"It’s hard to trust your property with someone else. Most of the time, they say that they can do it for themselves but the damages are even higher than what they could have paid for the work to be done,” Uwase says.

The girls have nonetheless picked lessons; learning to practice patience and perseverance, among others.

"Clients are different, and you cope with each and every one differently. What matters is their contentment. And we understand, moving is stressful but we are here for that. Our focus is moving clients’ properties with care. That’s why our employees are skilled and we make sure we plan the relocation process a day before the work is done. We try to give the best service we can,” Uwase notes.

Their dreams for Gacela ltd include being the best moving company in Rwanda and in Africa. 

"Sometimes we get calls from people that want to relocate to Tanzania or Uganda and we feel bad due to the fact that we haven’t reached that level yet. But we are thinking of how we can do that in the future.”

You can reach Gacela Ltd via gacelaltd@gmail.com or call 0788598487/0784657096