Man with Van vs Full Service Movers: Which is Right for You?

Understanding Your Options

Dubai offers various moving service levels, from budget-friendly "man with van" services to comprehensive full-service movers. Choosing the right option depends on your needs, budget, and the complexity of your move.

What is Man with Van?

Basic Service Includes

• Driver with cargo van or small truck
• Basic loading and unloading assistance
• Transportation of your belongings
• Typically 1-2 workers

What's NOT Included

• Packing and unpacking
• Packing materials
• Furniture disassembly/assembly
• Floor and wall protection
• Insurance (usually limited or none)
• Building permit handling

Typical Cost

• Hourly rate: AED 80-150/hour
• Half day (4 hours): AED 300-500
• Full day: AED 500-800

What is Full-Service Moving?

Comprehensive Service Includes

• Professional packing (optional)
• Quality packing materials
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Floor and wall protection
• Professional team (3-6 workers)
• Appropriate vehicle for your move
• Insurance coverage
• Building permit coordination
• Unpacking services (optional)

Typical Cost

• Studio: AED 800-1,500
• 1-bedroom: AED 1,200-2,000
• 2-bedroom: AED 1,800-3,000
• 3-bedroom: AED 2,500-4,500
• Villa: AED 4,000-10,000+

Detailed Comparison

Speed and Efficiency

• Man with Van: Slower, fewer workers, multiple trips may be needed
• Full Service: Faster, dedicated team, single trip usually sufficient

Protection and Care

• Man with Van: Basic handling, you wrap/protect items yourself
• Full Service: Professional wrapping, blankets, protection materials

Insurance and Liability

• Man with Van: Limited or no coverage, damage claims difficult
• Full Service: Comprehensive insurance, clear claims process

Building Access

• Man with Van: May not have required permits/licenses
• Full Service: Licensed, can obtain permits, meet building requirements

When to Choose Man with Van

Ideal Scenarios

• Small moves (few items, minimal furniture)
• Moving within the same building or complex
• Already packed and ready to go
• Budget is the primary concern
• Moving to storage (temporary)
• Single item transport (one piece of furniture)
• No building restrictions or permit requirements

Not Recommended For

• High-rise buildings with strict rules
• Valuable or fragile items
• Large furniture requiring disassembly
• Long distances
• International or cross-emirate moves

When to Choose Full-Service Movers

Ideal Scenarios

• Full apartment or villa moves
• High-rise buildings (Marina, Downtown, JLT)
• Valuable furniture or fragile items
• Limited time or physical ability
• Need packing services
• Long-distance or inter-emirate moves
• Corporate or office relocations
• International moves

Worth the Investment When

• Your time has significant value
• You want peace of mind and insurance
• Building management requires licensed movers
• You have specialty items (piano, art, antiques)

Dubai-Specific Considerations

Building Requirements

Many Dubai towers require:

• Professional movers with trade license
• Insurance certificates
• Proper protection materials

Man with van services may not meet these requirements, causing access issues on moving day.

Heat Considerations

In Dubai's extreme heat, smaller crews work slower and tire faster. Full-service teams have more workers and take proper breaks, maintaining efficiency.

Questions to Ask Any Mover

• What exactly is included in the price?
• Do you have proper licensing and insurance?
• How many workers will be on my move?
• What vehicle will you use?
• Can you handle building permit requirements?
• What happens if something is damaged?

Making Your Decision

Consider these factors:

• Budget: What can you afford? Factor in potential damage costs with cheaper options.
• Time: How much time do you have? Full service is faster.
• Belongings: Value and fragility of your items.
• Building: What does your building require?
• Stress tolerance: How much do you want to manage yourself?

For most Dubai residents, especially in high-rises, full-service movers provide better value when factoring in time, risk, and convenience. Man with van works well for small, simple moves with no restrictions.