Moving Furniture in Ibadan: Hilly Roads, Narrow Streets and Old Compounds

The truck can get as far as the junction. After that it is a slope, a bend and a compound gate that was built long before anyone thought about wardrobes. Ibadan is a spread-out city with many older areas where access is the real problem, not distance.

This guide is for anyone moving a household in Ibadan who wants the driver to arrive with the right vehicle and no surprises.

Look at the access before you request a driver

Walk from the front gate to the road and ask yourself:

• Can a truck reach the gate, or does it stop at the junction?
• Is the road to the house steep, rough or a dead end?
• Is the gate wide enough for the largest item?
• Are there steps, a gap in the wall or a narrow passage?
• Will a neighbour's car or a market stall block the way on the day?

Write the answers in the requesting a driver. "Truck can stop at the junction, 100 metres carry to the house" is more useful to a driver than any amount of "easy access".

Choose the right vehicle for the road

On a narrow or steep road, a pickup van is often easier to get close than a large truck, even when you need two trips. For a bigger household, a truck is still the better choice, but be ready to carry items for a distance. When in doubt, ask the driver what he can manage. Local drivers usually know which roads are a problem.

Old compounds and gates

Older houses often have narrow doorways and tight corridors. Measure the biggest furniture, such as the wardrobe, sofa and bed frame, and compare it with the doors and the gate. If a piece will not fit, plan to take it apart before the driver arrives.

Landlords and neighbours sometimes want notice for a big vehicle in the compound. Tell them the day and time in advance.

Hills and loading order

On a slope, load heavy items low and against the front of the vehicle, and strap everything. A load that shifts on a hill is dangerous. Ask the driver to park with the handbrake on, or to use a block, while you load and offload.

Timing

Market days and school runs usually make roads busier. Many people find early morning the easiest time to move. Ask the driver what time suits the route you have, and avoid planning a very tight schedule.

Protect the furniture on the way

Roads with bumps and bends shake a load more than a smooth expressway does. Pad the corners of wardrobes and tables with blankets, tie drawers and doors shut, and keep mattresses flat on top of the load where nothing can fall on them. Put the fragile boxes in the cab or at the front, away from the tailgate.

Carry plan

If the vehicle cannot reach the door, decide beforehand who will carry and how far. Agree loading and offloading help with the driver before you accept an offer, and bring your own helpers if there is a long carry. Wrap furniture, because it will pass through gates, walls and bushes.

Moving in or out of the city

Many Ibadan moves are connected to Lagos or elsewhere. For a longer trip, see the Lagos to Ibadan same-day trip guide and the Ibadan house move planning guide. The Ibadan page shows how Sphere works there.

How to do this on Sphere

1. Open the Sphere app and choose a pickup van or a truck.
2. Put in the pickup and drop-off with clear landmarks.
3. Describe the load and the access: where the vehicle can stop, the distance to carry and any steps.
4. Propose your price. Nearby verified drivers accept or counter.
5. Confirm loading help in the chat, then choose the best offer.