First-Time Moving Guide Dubai: What Every Newcomer Needs to Know

Moving for the first time in Dubai? This guide covers everything from choosing movers to understanding building permits, deposits, and common mistakes to avoid—so your first move goes smoothly.

What Makes Moving in Dubai Different from Other Cities?

Dubai requires formal building permits approved days in advance, security deposits of AED 1,000-5,000, assigned time slots for moves, and mandatory use of service elevators—unlike most cities worldwide.

Dubai operates differently from most cities:

• Building Permits: Most managed buildings require formal moving permits approved days in advance
• Security Deposits: Buildings hold AED 1,000-5,000 as damage protection during your move
• Time Slots: You cannot move whenever you want—buildings assign specific windows
• Service Elevators: Furniture must go through dedicated service lifts, not passenger elevators

How Do You Choose a Moving Company for Your First Dubai Move?

Check for valid Dubai DED trade license, proof of goods-in-transit insurance (AED 100,000+), consistent Google reviews, written itemized quotes, and companies offering free site visits.

• Trade License: Verify they have a valid Dubai DED license for moving services
• Insurance: Ask for proof of goods-in-transit insurance (minimum AED 100,000)
• Reviews: Check Google reviews—look for patterns, not just star ratings
• Written Quote: Never accept verbal quotes. Get everything in writing with itemized costs
• Visit: Reputable companies will do a free site visit before quoting

Our guide to choosing movers has more detailed criteria.

When Should You Start Planning Your First Move in Dubai?

Start 4-6 weeks before with quotes and research, book movers 2-3 weeks ahead, apply for permits 1-2 weeks before, and begin packing non-essentials one week out.

• 4-6 Weeks Before: Start getting quotes, research neighborhoods
• 2-3 Weeks Before: Book your moving company and confirm your new property is ready
• 1-2 Weeks Before: Apply for building permits at both properties
• 1 Week Before: Start packing non-essentials, confirm utility transfers
• 2-3 Days Before: Pack everything except daily essentials
• Moving Day: Have documents ready, be present for both pickup and delivery

How Does the Building Permit Process Work in Dubai?

Contact building management, submit tenancy contract and Emirates ID with mover's license, pay AED 1,000-5,000 refundable deposit, receive your assigned 3-4 hour time slot.

1. Contact Building Management: Email or visit the management office
2. Submit Documents: Tenancy contract, Emirates ID, moving company license
3. Pay Deposit: Usually AED 1,000-5,000 (refundable if no damage)
4. Receive Time Slot: Typically 3-4 hour windows, often morning only
5. Moving Day: Security checks the permit before allowing access

Different developers have different processes. See our guides for Emaar, Nakheel, and DMCC properties.

What Mistakes Do First-Time Movers Make in Dubai?

Common mistakes include not measuring doorways, forgetting to defrost fridges 24 hours ahead, last-minute booking, no packing plan, ignoring insurance, and scheduling summer moves too late in the day.

• Not Measuring Doorways: That sofa might not fit. Measure before moving day!
• Forgetting to Defrost: Fridges need 24 hours to defrost before moving
• Last-Minute Booking: Good movers book up 1-2 weeks ahead, especially month-end
• No Packing Plan: Pack room by room, label boxes clearly
• Ignoring Insurance: Without it, you have no recourse for damages
• Moving in Summer Heat: Schedule early morning moves (7-8 AM) during hot months

What Should You Pack Yourself vs Let Movers Handle?

Pack documents, jewelry, medications, laptops, and first-night essentials yourself—let movers handle furniture disassembly, wrapping, heavy appliances, and fragile items with proper materials.

Professional packing services handle most items, but some things you should control:

Pack Yourself

• Important documents (passport, visa, contracts)
• Jewelry and valuables
• Medications
• Laptop and personal electronics
• First-night essentials (toiletries, phone charger, change of clothes)

Movers Handle

• Furniture disassembly/assembly
• Wrapping and protecting items
• Heavy appliances
• Fragile items (with proper materials)

What Utilities and Address Changes Should You Handle When Moving?

Apply for DEWA transfer 2-3 days before, complete Ejari registration within 14 days, request Du/Etisalat internet transfer 2-5 days ahead, and update Emirates ID, bank, and employer addresses.

• DEWA Transfer: Apply 2-3 days before moving in
• Ejari Registration: Required within 14 days of signing lease
• Internet: Du or Etisalat transfer takes 2-5 days
• Address Update: Emirates ID, bank, employer, subscriptions

What Should Be on Your Moving Day Checklist?

Have permit confirmation printed, cash for tips (AED 50-100 per mover), charged phone with mover's contact, water and snacks for crew, labeled first-night box, keys ready, and meter reading photos.

• Permit confirmation printed/saved
• Cash for tips (AED 50-100 per mover is standard)
• Phone charged with mover's contact number
• Water and snacks for the team
• First-night box clearly labeled
• All keys for old property ready to return
• Final meter reading photos at old property

Download our comprehensive moving checklist for a printable version.

How Do You Make Your First Dubai Move Successful?

Start planning early, choose a licensed and insured mover, understand the permit process, and prepare thoroughly—Dubai's systems are efficient once you know how they work.

Your first move doesn't have to be overwhelming. Get a free quote from our experienced team, or call +971 55 301 3309 to discuss your move. Welcome to your new home!