How Movers and Packers Work (Step-by-Step: Survey → Packing → Loading → Delivery)

First time hiring movers? Not sure what to expect or how to prepare? This guide walks you through every stage of a professional move—from first call to final furniture placement—so you can relax knowing exactly what's happening and when.

What's Changed in the Moving Process for 2026

Professional moving has evolved significantly. Here's what's new:

• Video surveys now standard: Most companies offer instant video walkthroughs via WhatsApp, making quotes faster and more accurate without waiting for in-person visits
• Digital inventories: Leading movers use tablet-based inventory systems that generate instant, itemized quotes and delivery checklists
• Real-time tracking: Some companies now offer GPS tracking so you know exactly where your belongings are during transit
• E-signatures: Contracts and delivery confirmations are increasingly digital, speeding up paperwork
• Pre-move checklists via app: Expect WhatsApp or email reminders about building permits, elevator bookings, and preparation tasks

The Professional Moving Process Explained

Hiring professional movers in Dubai means handing over a complex logistics operation to experts. But understanding how the process works helps you prepare better and get more value from the service.

This guide walks through every stage of a professional move, from first contact to final box unpacked.

Stage 1: Initial Inquiry and Quote

The process begins when you reach out for an estimate.

What Happens

• First contact: You provide basic move details (origin, destination, approximate size)
• Initial assessment: Mover asks about timing, special items, access
• Preliminary estimate: Rough price range based on information provided

Your Role

• Be honest about volume—underestimating leads to problems
• Mention any challenging items (piano, safe, oversized furniture)
• Disclose access issues at either location

Use our moving calculator for a quick estimate before calling.

Stage 2: Pre-Move Survey

This is where accurate pricing happens.

In-Person Survey

• Surveyor visits your home
• Walks through every room, including storage, balcony, garage
• Notes furniture sizes, fragile items, disassembly needs
• Checks access: elevator size, stair width, parking distance
• Takes 30-60 minutes depending on home size

Video Survey

• You video call and walk through your home
• Surveyor guides you on what to show
• Faster (15-30 minutes) but may miss some details
• Good for smaller moves or repeat customers

After the Survey

• Written quote with itemized breakdown
• Recommended crew size and truck
• Timeline estimate
• Special equipment needs identified

Stage 3: Booking and Preparation

Once you accept the quote, preparation begins.

What the Moving Company Does

• Confirms crew and truck availability
• Orders special equipment if needed (piano board, appliance dolly)
• Prepares packing materials for your inventory
• Assigns a team leader for your move

What You Should Do

• Apply for building permits at both locations
• Book elevator slots (see elevator booking guide)
• Notify building management (see building approval guide)
• Confirm parking arrangements
• Prepare an essentials box (documents, medications, valuables)

Use our moving checklist to stay organized.

Stage 4: Packing Day

For full-service packing services, this may happen the day before or morning of the move.

How Professional Packers Work

1. Setup: Team arrives with boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes
2. Room-by-room: Packers work systematically, usually kitchen first (most complex)
3. Wrapping: Dishes individually wrapped, glasses with dividers, fragiles double-boxed
4. Labeling: Every box labeled with room and contents summary
5. Furniture prep: Drawers emptied, hardware bagged and taped to furniture
6. Disassembly: Beds, tables, wardrobes taken apart as needed

What They Pack

• Kitchen: dishes, appliances, pantry items
• Bedroom: clothes (in wardrobe boxes), linens, decor
• Living: books, electronics, decorations
• Bathroom: toiletries (sealed), towels
• Office: files, equipment (after backup)

What They Won't Pack

• Hazardous materials (chemicals, propane, aerosols)
• Perishable food
• Plants (can be transported but not packed)
• Personal documents and valuables (unless specifically requested)
• Items in unsafe containers

Check our packing checklist for what to prepare.

Stage 5: Loading Day

This is where the heavy lifting happens—literally.

Crew Arrival

• Team arrives at scheduled time (usually 8-9 AM)
• Team leader does walkthrough with you
• Truck positioned as close as building allows
• Floor protection laid down (runners, corner guards)

Loading Process

1. Large furniture first: Sofas, beds, wardrobes go to truck back
2. Strategic stacking: Heavy boxes low, fragiles high, fill gaps
3. Padding: Moving blankets between furniture pieces
4. Strapping: Items secured to truck walls to prevent shifting
5. Final sweep: All rooms checked before departure

Loading Time Estimates

• Studio: 1-2 hours
• 1BR: 2-3 hours
• 2BR: 3-4 hours
• 3BR: 4-6 hours
• Villa: 6-8+ hours

Timing affected by elevator waits, floor level, and parking distance.

Stage 6: Transit

The journey between locations.

What Happens

• Driver takes optimal route (avoiding low bridges, weight restrictions)
• Team may travel separately or in truck cab
• You typically travel independently to new location

Transit Time

• Same building: Immediate
• Same area: 15-30 minutes
• Cross-Dubai: 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Other Emirates: 1-3 hours

During Transit

• Confirm new location access is ready
• Meet building security if required
• Have keys ready
• Ensure elevator is available

Stage 7: Unloading and Delivery

The reverse of loading, but with added setup.

Unloading Process

1. Access confirmed: Team checks elevator, route to apartment
2. Floor protection: Runners laid in new location
3. Strategic unloading: Large furniture first, placed in rooms
4. Box placement: Boxes go to labeled rooms
5. Reassembly: Beds, tables, wardrobes rebuilt
6. Positioning: Furniture placed where you direct

Your Role During Unloading

• Direct furniture placement (have a plan ready)
• Note any damage as items come off truck
• Sign inventory acknowledging delivery
• Check box counts match loading inventory

Stage 8: Unpacking (Optional Service)

Full-service moves can include unpacking.

What Unpacking Includes

• Opening all boxes
• Removing wrapping from items
• Placing items in cabinets/closets as directed
• Breaking down and removing all boxes and packing materials

What It Doesn't Include

• Organizing your belongings perfectly
• Hanging pictures or mounting TVs
• Deep cleaning

Stage 9: Completion and Payment

The final steps of your move.

Completion Checklist

• All items delivered and accounted for
• Furniture assembled and functional
• Any damage documented with photos
• Delivery receipt signed
• Final payment made (cash, card, or transfer)

After the Movers Leave

• Check all furniture for hidden damage
• Test electronics and appliances
• Report any issues within 24-48 hours
• Leave a review if service was good

For damage issues, see our claims guide.

The Moving Day Timeline (Example: 2BR Apartment)

Time	Activity
8:00 AM	Crew arrives, walkthrough
8:30 AM	Loading begins
12:00 PM	Loading complete
12:30 PM	Arrive at new location
1:00 PM	Unloading begins
4:00 PM	Unloading and assembly complete
4:30 PM	Final walkthrough, payment

What Makes Professional Movers Different

Equipment

• Proper dollies and hand trucks
• Moving blankets and padding
• Straps and tie-downs
• Specialty tools (piano board, appliance dolly)
• Floor and wall protection

Training

• Proper lifting techniques
• Furniture disassembly knowledge
• Truck loading optimization
• Fragile handling
• Customer service

Insurance

• Goods in transit coverage
• Third-party liability
• Worker compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be present during the move?

Yes, or have a representative present. Someone needs to direct furniture placement and sign delivery documents.

How long does a typical move take?

A 2BR apartment typically takes 6-8 hours total (loading + transit + unloading). Villas can take 1-2 days.

Should I tip the movers?

Tipping is appreciated but not required. See our tipping guide for current norms.

What if something gets damaged?

Document it immediately with photos. Report to the company within 24 hours. File a claim per their process.

Can movers move everything in one trip?

With proper survey, they'll bring the right truck size. Multiple trips are rare with professional estimates.

What's the difference between packing and loading?

Packing = putting items in boxes. Loading = putting boxes and furniture on the truck. They're separate services that can be bundled.

Ready for Your Move?

Now you know exactly what to expect when hiring professionals. The difference between a stressful move and a smooth one often comes down to choosing movers who follow this process properly.

Get a free quote and experience how professional moving should feel. We'll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and handle the heavy lifting—literally. Or call +971 55 301 3309 to speak with our team now.