The truck reaches the estate gate at 8:40am. The gateman looks at the load, looks at his notebook, and says the estate office does not open until nine and nobody told him a truck was coming. Behind you, a keke is hooting. Your driver is now deciding whether to wait, reverse onto the main road, or call you.
Most gated estates in Lagos have some rule about moving in or out. The rules differ from estate to estate, and the only way to know yours is to ask before moving day. This guide covers the questions to ask and the order to ask them.
Ask the estate office, not just the gateman
The gateman enforces the rule, but he usually did not write it. Call or visit the estate office, the residents' association or the landlord's agent a few days ahead and ask:
- Is there a move-in or move-out day, or set hours for trucks?
- Do I need a gate pass or a letter, and who signs it?
- Is there a caution fee or a levy for moving, and when is it paid?
- Are trucks allowed inside, or must the load go onto a smaller vehicle at the gate?
- Is there a weight or height limit because of the road, drains or speed bumps?
Write the answers down. If the office gives you a pass, take a photo of it and keep the paper in your hand on the day.
Moving out is a separate permission
People often sort out the move-in side and forget the move-out. Many estates want to confirm that your service charge is cleared, or that the landlord knows you are leaving, before they let furniture out. A gateman who sees a sofa leaving without a note can reasonably stop the truck.
If you are the tenant, ask the landlord or agent for a short written note saying you are moving out on a named date. If you are the landlord, tell the estate office your tenant's move date in advance.
Tell the driver what the gate looks like
Drivers decide on an offer using what you write in the request. A pickup van and a 10-tonne truck face very different gates, so tell the driver:
- the estate name and the exact entrance (some estates have two gates)
- whether a pass is needed and who will be at the gate to meet the truck
- the opening hours of the estate office on the day
- how far the truck can drive inside, and how far items must be carried
- any height limit, such as a low arch or a hanging cable
If the estate only allows small vehicles inside, say so and consider a pickup van instead of a truck. Our guide on choosing the right truck size helps you decide.
Timing: arrive after the gate opens, not before
Many estates only allow moves on certain days or within certain hours, and the rule is often stricter on weekends. Ask which slot you are allowed and plan the vehicle to arrive at the start of it, not at the end. A truck that arrives at 4pm to a 5pm cut-off is a truck that will not finish.
If you are using the pass on a day when the estate is busy with other moves, expect some waiting. Plan a margin rather than a tight schedule.
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Be at the gate yourself
This sounds obvious, but it fixes a lot. Either you or someone who lives in the estate should meet the truck at the gate with the pass and the unit number. A driver who is left standing outside while the gateman phones around may leave for another job, and that is understandable.
If you cannot be there, send a trusted person and give the driver their number before the day.
What to do if the gateman says no
Stay polite. Arguing with a gateman almost never helps, and you will be seeing him daily if you live there.
- Ask what exactly is missing: a pass, a payment, a signature or a time slot.
- Phone the estate office or the person who can approve it.
- If it cannot be solved quickly, tell the driver honestly and agree whether to wait, reschedule or unload at the gate and carry.
- If the truck cannot go in, ask whether a smaller vehicle can shuttle the load from the gate.
If the plan has to change, talk to the driver early. Our guide on what to do when a move goes wrong covers how customers and drivers can sort out changes without a fight.
Prepare the inside as well
Even with the gate sorted, many estates have narrow roads, speed bumps, parked cars and long walks from the road to the flat. Photograph the entrance and the route and mention in your request if the carry is long. For tight streets and long carries, see our guide on moving from tight access homes in Lagos.
How to do this on Sphere
- Open the Sphere app and choose a truck or pickup van that the estate allows.
- Add the pickup and drop-off. Put the estate name, gate and landmark in the notes.
- Describe the load, the pass or letter you have, the allowed hours and how far items must be carried.
- Propose your price. Nearby verified drivers accept it or send a counter-offer.
- Agree loading and offloading help with the driver before you accept an offer, then choose the offer that fits.
For the full picture of moving within the city, see our Lagos page or house moving in Lagos.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Lagos estates require a gate pass for moving?
Not all, but many do, and the rules differ. Ask the estate office or the landlord's agent a few days before moving day rather than relying on what a neighbour did.
Who should I contact first, the gateman or the estate office?
The estate office or residents' association, because they set the rule. The gateman usually enforces it, so give him the same information in writing on the day.
Can a truck always enter the estate?
No. Some estates limit vehicle size, weight or height. If a truck cannot go in, a pickup van or a shuttle from the gate may be needed.
Should I be at the gate when the truck arrives?
Yes, or send someone who knows the plan and has the pass. A driver left waiting at the gate with no contact person may have to leave for another job.
Does Sphere handle estate permissions for me?
No. You arrange the pass with your estate, and share the details in your request so drivers know what to expect before they accept or counter.
Request your move
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Choose your vehicle, propose your price, and verified drivers in Lagos accept or send a counter-offer.
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