Planning a Move Around Power Cuts: Lighting, Lifts and Evening Offloads

The truck is at the gate at four in the afternoon. The crew carries the first wardrobe up to the third floor, and the lights go out in the stairwell. The lift stops between floors, the fan in the flat dies, and a good move turns into a slow one. Power cuts do not wait for the truck to leave.

You cannot control the supply, but you can plan the day so a blackout costs an hour, not the whole move.

Ask about power before moving day

At both addresses, ask the gateman, the landlord or the estate office three things: is there a generator, who switches it on and until what time. For a high-rise, ask whether the lift runs on the generator. Our guide on moving in or out of a Lagos high-rise covers lift rules in more detail.

If the new place is a new build, check the sockets and fuses before you arrive. See moving into a new build or unfinished house.

Start early, finish in daylight

The simplest protection is time. Load early, so the offload at the new place happens while there is still natural light. If the drop-off has stairs, a dark stairwell is one of the most common ways to hurt someone during a move.

If the day slips, decide at the old address whether to carry on or split the move. Offloading furniture in the dark is how corners get chipped and fingers get trapped.

A small kit that earns its place

Pack a bag that stays with you, not on the truck:

• Two or three torches with spare batteries, plus a head torch for whoever is on the stairs.
• A rechargeable lantern.
• A power bank for phones, since you will be calling the driver.
• A multi-socket extension and a roll of tape.
• Water and a few snacks for the crew.

Fully charge your phone the night before and keep the driver's number saved.

When the lift stops

Do not stand people in a lift with a heavy item during a power cut. If the lift stops, stop loading, check that nobody is trapped and ask the building staff what to do. Carry on by the stairs only if the stairwell has light and enough width for the item.

For a heavy fridge, wardrobe or safe, wait for the power to return or use a crew that is used to carrying on stairs. Never rush a heavy item down in the dark.

Fridges, freezers and electronics

If the power goes out at the old place, keep fridge doors closed until the last minute so the food stays cold longer. Defrost, dry and prepare freezers the day before. Our guide on moving a fridge or freezer explains the steps. At the new place, wait before switching appliances on, following the manufacturer's guidance.

Evening arrivals

If the truck will arrive after dark, tell the driver early. Share the gate details, a landmark and a phone number for someone who will meet the truck. Ask the estate whether trucks can enter at night, because rules differ and are often strict. Our post on night bulk moves in Lagos has more on safety.

How to do this on Sphere

Open the Sphere app and choose a truck or a pickup van. Add the pickup and drop-off, and write the power situation into your notes: "Lift runs on generator until 6pm, gateman has the key to the stairwell light, torch needed". Describe the load and propose a price. Nearby verified drivers accept or send counter-offers. Agree loading and offloading help with the driver before you accept an offer.

For whole homes, see house moving in Lagos and Lagos.