Moving house in Lagos is stressful at the best of times. Traffic, building access restrictions, elevator availability (if you're lucky enough to have one), and the sheer logistics of moving furniture through narrow stairwells make it a full-day operation.
Here is your Lagos house-moving checklist.
6 weeks before
Declutter ruthlessly. The less you move, the easier and faster the job. Do not move things you no longer want.
Get multiple quotes. Professional moving companies and independent movers offer very different prices. Get at least 3 quotes.
Book your movers. Good movers in Lagos get booked up fast, especially at month-end when most tenancy agreements expire.
4 weeks before
Notify your landlord in writing of your move-out date.
Start packing non-essentials: books, decorative items, out-of-season clothes.
Arrange transfer of utilities: EKEDC/IKEDC meters, water board, internet provider.
1 week before
Confirm the move date with your movers and give them the exact addresses with landmarks. In Lagos, street names alone are rarely enough; share a pin.
Pack an essentials box you will open first: toiletries, phone charger, kettle, a change of clothes, important documents.
Photograph existing damage in both the old and new property before moving anything.
On the day
Be available from the start. Movers in Lagos often need direction, especially for large furniture.
Have refreshments available. A team that is well-treated works harder and more carefully.
Do a room-by-room check before signing off in the old property.