• by George

Moving into a new home in Ghana marks an exciting chapter in your life. Whether you secured a luxury apartment in Labone or a spacious villa in East Legon, the transition from property purchase to settled homeowner requires careful planning. Real estate agents and moving professionals agree that organized preparation transforms what could be a stressful experience into a smooth, manageable process. This moving checklist walks you through essential steps to ensure your move goes seamlessly from start to finish.

Start Planning Four Weeks Before Moving Day

Your moving timeline begins a full month before you hand over keys to your old residence. Begin by decluttering your current home, sorting possessions into keep, donate, sell, or discard categories. This reduces moving costs since professional movers charge based on volume, and ensures your new Ghana property market investment starts clutter-free.

Book reputable moving services early. Research companies like AA+ Movers or AGS Movers Ghana, requesting written estimates from at least three providers. Professional real estate services providers recommend verifying insurance coverage and experience with residential relocations before committing. The Ghana Real Estate Developers Association notes that professional movers handle an average of 2,000 relocations annually in Accra alone, making early booking essential during peak seasons.

Notify your current landlord according to lease terms, typically 30-60 days notice. Update records with utility providers including Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Company Limited. For families, coordinate school transfers and medical records immediately. The homebuying process investment extends beyond purchase, encompassing smooth transition logistics.

Gather critical documents into one secure folder: title deeds, property ownership certificates, national identification, bank statements, insurance policies, and service agreements. This organized approach prevents last-minute scrambling when paperwork becomes urgent.

Two Weeks Out: Logistics and Setup

Begin packing non-essential items like out-of-season clothing, decorative pieces, and rarely-used kitchen equipment. Label boxes clearly by room destination using color-coded markers. Research from Ghana property market analysts shows organized labeling reduces unpacking time by 40 percent on average.

Arrange utilities at your new property before moving day arrives. Contact ECG to confirm power connection, Ghana Water Company for water service, and schedule internet installation appointments. These connections are fundamental to comfortable living, particularly in Ghana’s climate where air conditioning and refrigeration depend on reliable electricity.

Schedule professional deep cleaning of your new residence before furniture arrives. Professional services cost GHS 800-2,000 depending on property size but ensure thorough sanitization. Follow with pest control treatment, a critical step in Ghana’s tropical environment. Professional fumigation by companies like Jopestkil Ghana eliminates cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes before you occupy the space.

One Week Before: Final Preparations

Confirm all arrangements with your moving company, utility installers, cleaners, and pest control services. This verification prevents miscommunication on crucial day.

Pack a personal essentials kit containing clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, house keys, cash, and emergency contacts. Keep this bag with you rather than loading it on the moving truck. Real estate investment professionals emphasize this prevents essential items from disappearing during transit chaos.

Complete packing all remaining items and create a numbered inventory matching box numbers to contents. Photograph valuable items and fragile pieces before loading. This documentation protects you if damage or loss occurs during transport.

Moving Day: Execution Matters

Conduct a final walkthrough of your old home, checking every room, closet, cabinet, and storage space for forgotten items. Record meter readings for electricity and water, noting numbers and time clearly. These readings establish your final bills and potential deposit returns.

Supervise movers throughout loading and unloading. Direct them to place boxes in designated rooms and handle fragile items carefully. Your presence prevents misplacement and ensures proper treatment of belongings.

Upon arriving at your new property, verify utilities function before furniture enters. Test lights and outlets, run water from taps, check internet connection. Note any pre-existing property damage with photographs, informing your landlord or property management immediately.

Change all door locks or have them rekeyed for security. This prevents previous occupants or contractors from accessing your Landmark Homes Ghana residence. Lock replacement costs GHS 150-400 for standard deadbolts, a worthwhile investment in peace of mind.

After Moving: Settling Into Your New Home

Unpack room by room, beginning with bedroom and kitchen to establish sleep and meal preparation spaces. Take time organizing items logically rather than rushing through the process.

Register your new address with the National Identification Authority within 30 days of moving to keep your Ghana Card current. Update records with banks, health insurance, employers, and subscription services. This ensures you receive important correspondence.

Meet immediate neighbors, perhaps bringing small gifts as goodwill gestures. Introduce yourself to community members, attend neighborhood events, and join local associations. These connections create safety networks and help you feel at home quickly. For expat families, organizations like InterNations Accra host regular networking events supporting integration.

Create household security protocols including keeping doors locked, activating security systems, and knowing emergency numbers like Police Emergency 18555. For gated communities, confirm access procedures and guest policies with property management.

Your Partner in Seamless Relocation

A smooth move begins with finding the perfect property and continues with expert guidance throughout settling. Landmark Homes Ghana specializes in supporting new homeowners through every relocation stage, from property search and inspection to coordination with service providers and community integration.

Ready to move into your dream home with confidence? Contact Landmark Homes Ghana at +233 501 622 422 for expert real estate guidance and premium relocation support. Let us transform your property investment into a stress-free homecoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book professional movers in Ghana? 

Book moving services 3-4 weeks before your moving date to secure availability, especially during peak seasons when demand increases.

What utilities must I arrange before moving into my new Ghana property? 

Contact Electricity Company of Ghana for power, Ghana Water Company for water service, and internet providers for connectivity before moving day.

Should I change locks when moving into a new home in Ghana? 

Always change or rekey locks immediately after moving in to prevent previous occupants or contractors from accessing your property. This costs GHS 150-400.

How do I update my address after moving in Ghana? 

Register your new address with the National Identification Authority within 30 days, then update banks, insurance providers, employers, and schools.

Is pest control necessary when moving into a new home in Ghana? 

Professional fumigation before occupancy eliminates cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes in Ghana’s tropical climate. Schedule treatment after cleaning and before moving furniture.