Moving Day in Dubai: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The Big Day Arrives

Moving day can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect removes much of the stress. This guide walks you through a typical moving day in Dubai, from early morning preparation to settling into your new home.

The Day Before

Final Preparations

• Confirm timing with your moving company
• Pack your "essentials box" (see below)
• Charge phones and portable chargers
• Prepare snacks and water for moving day
• Set out clothes for tomorrow
• Do final walk-through and packing check
• Get a good night's sleep

Your Essentials Box

Keep accessible—don't load on truck:

• Important documents (IDs, lease, permits)
• Medications and first aid basics
• Phone chargers and cables
• Toiletries for one night
• Change of clothes
• Snacks and water
• Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors)
• Cleaning supplies
• Laptop and valuables

Morning: Movers Arrive

Typical Timeline (8:00-9:00 AM Start)

• 8:00 AM: Movers arrive, team leader introduces crew
• 8:15 AM: Walk-through of your home, discuss priorities
• 8:30 AM: Protection materials installed (if applicable)
• 9:00 AM: Loading begins

What to Do When Movers Arrive

• Greet the team leader and get their contact number
• Walk through the home together, point out fragile items
• Identify items that should NOT be loaded
• Show them the elevator and any building access points
• Confirm the destination address
• Discuss any time constraints

Loading Process

Professional Loading Order

Experienced movers typically load:

1. First: Large furniture and heavy items (sofas, beds)
2. Second: Medium boxes and furniture
3. Third: Small boxes filling gaps
4. Last: Fragile items (protected on top)

Your Role During Loading

• Stay accessible but out of the way
• Answer questions as they arise
• Monitor valuable or fragile items
• Check rooms as they're emptied
• Keep children and pets supervised elsewhere

Transit Time

What Happens

• Movers secure all items in the truck
• You travel separately to the new location
• Arrive early to meet them and provide access
• Brief walk-through of new home before unloading

Use Transit Time Wisely

• Final cleaning at old residence (if required)
• Pick up keys for new place (if not done)
• Grab lunch—you'll need energy
• Quick check of new residence before truck arrives

Unloading at New Home

Before Unloading Begins

• Quick walk-through with team leader
• Point out where large furniture goes
• Indicate room labels on boxes
• Ensure path is clear
• Building protection in place if required

During Unloading

• Direct placement of major furniture
• Check items as they come off truck
• Boxes go to correct rooms (use labels)
• Note any damage immediately

Common Moving Day Issues

Problems and Solutions

• Elevator delays: Stay patient, movers are experienced with this
• Item won't fit: Professional movers can often disassemble or find alternative routes
• Weather (heat): Take breaks, stay hydrated, let movers pace themselves
• Missing items: Check thoroughly before panicking—often mislabeled boxes
• Damage discovered: Document immediately, notify team leader

End of Move

Final Steps

• Walk through truck to ensure empty
• Check all rooms at old residence
• Sign completion paperwork
• Collect any building deposit receipts
• Tip movers if satisfied (AED 50-100 per mover is standard)
• Get contact info for any follow-up issues

Typical Timeline

• Studio/1BR: 4-6 hours total
• 2-3BR Apartment: 6-8 hours
• Large Villa: Full day (8-12 hours)

First Night Tips

Immediate Priorities

• Set up beds first—you'll need sleep
• Locate essentials box
• Make sure AC is working (crucial in Dubai)
• Check water and electricity are on
• Secure all entry points
• Order food—don't try to unpack kitchen tonight

After Moving Day

• Unpack systematically over coming days
• Report any damage within 24-48 hours
• Return deposits and keys from old residence
• Update address with relevant parties
• Leave a review for your moving company