5 Things You Must Do Before You Move Into a New House
So you finally got the keys to your new place. Congratulations. That feeling of unlocking the door for the first time and knowing it is yours is hard to beat. But before you start moving boxes and arranging furniture, there are a few things you need to take care of first.
Skipping these steps is one of the most common mistakes people make, and it almost always comes back to bite them. Whether you just bought your first property in Lekki Phase 1 or you are settling into a new apartment somewhere in Lagos, these five things will save you a lot of stress and money down the line.
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Verify Every Single Document Before You Settle In
You would be surprised how many people move into a property without confirming that the paperwork is airtight. If you are buying, you need to confirm the Certificate of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent, and the Deed of Assignment. If you are renting, make sure your tenancy agreement is properly executed and that every term you discussed verbally is captured in writing.
In Lagos especially, document verification is not something you do halfway. The Lagos Tenancy Law spells out the rights of both tenants and landlords, and knowing these protections before you move in puts you in a much stronger position. Do not assume your agent or lawyer handled everything. Ask to see the documents yourself, read through them, and keep copies.
When you work with a reputable developer like Edenbrooks Homes, your documentation process is transparent from the very first deposit. But regardless of who you are buying from or renting through, always verify before you move a single piece of furniture in.
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Inspect the Property From Top to Bottom
A proper physical inspection is non-negotiable. Walk through every room. Check every tap, every switch, every outlet. Flush the toilets. Turn on the shower. Open and close every window and door. Test the locks. Look at the ceiling for water stains or cracks that could indicate leaks.
If there is a generator or inverter system, run it and confirm it works. Check the plumbing under the sinks for signs of rust or leakage. If the property has a circuit breaker box, familiarise yourself with it and label which switch controls each part of the house. You do not want to be fumbling around in the dark during your first power outage, trying to figure out how the system works.
If this feels like a lot, it is. But catching a problem before you move in is a hundred times easier than dealing with it after your belongings are already inside. For newly built properties, the developer usually offers a defect liability period where they handle issues at no extra cost, so document everything you find during your walkthrough.
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Sort Out Your Utilities and Electricity Situation
This is one that catches a lot of people off guard in Nigeria. Before you move in, confirm the electricity billing status of the property. Find out if it runs on a prepaid meter or estimated billing. If it is estimated billing, ask your electricity distribution company about outstanding debts on the property. There have been cases where new occupants inherit electricity debts from previous tenants, and trust me, that is not a welcome surprise.
If the property does not have a prepaid meter, start the process of applying for one immediately. Also, check the water supply situation. Lagos has its own unique water challenges, so confirm if the property has a borehole, water treatment plant, or overhead tanks. Ask about the waste disposal arrangement in the estate or community as well.
Getting all your utilities sorted before moving day means you can focus on settling in rather than running around trying to get basic things to work. If you are buying in a well-planned development in areas like Lekki, many of these utilities come built into the package, including backup power, water treatment, and estate-managed waste collection.
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Change the Locks on Every Exterior Door
This is probably the most important security step you can take, and it is also one of the easiest to overlook. You have no idea how many copies of the keys exist for your new home. Previous tenants, their friends, contractors who worked on the property, the former landlord’s relatives. The list could go on.
Changing the locks gives you peace of mind that you and only you control access to your space. It does not have to cost a fortune either. A solid set of new locks in Nigeria can range from N15,000 to N85,000 depending on the brand and type. Consider adding a deadbolt for extra protection, especially on your main entrance. If the property has a gate, change that lock too.
Some modern developments now come with smart lock systems and automated gate access, which makes this step much simpler. But for most properties, a quick call to a reliable locksmith before you move your belongings in is one of the smartest things you can do.
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Deep Clean the Entire Space Before Moving In
Even if the house looks clean, it probably is not as clean as you think. Dust settles in corners and cabinets during construction or while the property sits vacant. Previous occupants leave behind invisible traces that a surface wipe will not catch. And if you are moving into a newly completed building, construction dust gets into every crack and crevice.
A proper deep clean means scrubbing the bathrooms, wiping down every surface in the kitchen, cleaning inside cabinets and closets, mopping and disinfecting all the floors, and cleaning the windows. You can do it yourself or hire professional cleaners to handle it. Professional cleaning services in Lagos typically start around N20,000 and go up depending on the size of the space.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider fumigation as well. This is especially important in Lagos, where insects and rodents are common. A clean, pest-free home from day one sets the tone for a comfortable living experience.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new house should be exciting, not stressful. But the excitement can wear off quickly if you skip the basics and run into problems you could have easily prevented. Take the time to verify your documents, inspect the property, sort your utilities, change your locks, and deep clean the space. These five steps are not complicated, but they make all the difference.
If you are still in the process of finding the right home, we would love to help. At Edenbrooks Homes, we build premium properties in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, designed for people who value quality, comfort, and attention to detail. Explore our developments or reach out to us directly. Whether you are deciding between buying and renting or are ready to make a move, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to find your next home in Lekki Phase 1? Contact Edenbrooks Homes today.