Moving on a Public Holiday or Long Weekend in Lagos: What Changes

Monday is a public holiday, you are off work, and everybody you know says it is the perfect time to move. They are right about the free day. They forget that the estate office is closed, the landlord has travelled and half the drivers you would call have planned their own time off.

A long weekend gives you time, but it also removes some of the people and services a move leans on. Plan for what disappears.

Why a holiday is attractive

You do not need to ask for leave. Family and friends are free to help carry. Some roads may be quieter, though you should not count on it, because many people travel on the same days. And you can unpack across two or three days instead of one evening.

What often goes missing on a holiday

• The estate or facility manager, who issues the move-in pass or collects the deposit.
• The landlord or agent, who hands over keys or signs the handover form.
• Shops where you would buy tape, bubble wrap or a padlock at the last minute.
• Electricians, plumbers and gas suppliers for fitting at the new place.
• Some drivers, because they travel or spend the day with family.

None of this stops a move. It just means the checks you would normally do on a Wednesday must be done earlier.

Do these before the holiday starts

1. Ask the estate or building manager, in writing if you can, whether moving is allowed on the holiday and at what hours. Some places have rules about noise, lifts and gate entry.
2. Get the move-in pass or gate approval in your hand before the office closes. Our guide on getting past the estate gate explains the usual steps.
3. Arrange key handover with the landlord, agent or caretaker for a specific time. Ask who will be at the new place and who will answer the phone.
4. Buy packing materials and any fuel for the generator before shops shut.
5. Confirm your own helpers by name, not just "my people will come".

Choose the time of day carefully

Do not assume that the holiday morning is empty. Many people leave town early, and many return in the evening. If you are crossing the city, pick the hours that suit your route and ask the driver what they think. Drivers often know which roads fill first. If the drop-off is in a different part of Lagos from the pickup, read our guide to mainland-to-island move windows.

Church, mosque and event schedules still affect holiday weekends. Our posts on moving on a Sunday and owambe weekends and road closures cover the same traps.

Have a backup if someone does not show

On a normal day you can ring another driver. On a holiday, that may be harder. So:

• Send your request early, so drivers have time to read it and respond.
• Say clearly in the request that the date is a public holiday, so drivers can plan for it.
• Keep a second option in mind in case your first driver cancels.
• Confirm by call the day before, and again that morning.

Do not accept an offer from a driver who cannot confirm the time. If the driver is unsure, ask again or choose another offer.

The day itself

Start earlier than you think you need to. Walk through the old place with the crew before loading, so everyone knows the order. Keep your pass, your key arrangements and your emergency phone numbers in one place.

At the drop-off, check who is receiving. A holiday with no gateman at the new compound is a problem you will not enjoy at 6pm. If someone must stay at each end, say so before the move, not on the day.

How to do this on Sphere

Open the Sphere app, choose a truck or a pickup van and add your pickup and drop-off. Put the date, a time window and the words "public holiday" in the description, plus a clear load list. Add any gate or pass details in the notes. Propose a price, and nearby verified drivers will accept or send counter-offers. Choose the offer that fits your time and agree loading and offloading help with the driver before you accept.

Helpful pages: house moving in Lagos and truck hire in Lagos.