Questions to Ask Movers Before You Book (Estimates, Insurance, Timeline, Crew Size)

You found a mover with great prices online, handed over your belongings, and then watched helplessly as they held your furniture hostage for double the quoted price. Sound like a nightmare? It happens in Dubai more often than you'd think. The good news: asking the right questions before you book can completely prevent this situation. This guide gives you the exact 28 questions that separate trustworthy movers from potential disasters.

What's Changed in Mover Vetting for 2026

Dubai's moving industry has evolved significantly:

• Digital verification is easier: DED's online portal now provides instant license verification with QR codes
• Insurance requirements updated: New regulations require movers to clearly disclose coverage limits upfront
• Review authenticity tools: Google and Facebook have improved fake review detection, making ratings more reliable
• WhatsApp Business verification: Legitimate companies now have verified WhatsApp Business accounts with green checkmarks
• Payment protection: More movers accept card payments through regulated payment gateways

Why Asking Questions Matters

The questions you ask before booking professional movers in Dubai can prevent problems on moving day. This guide covers the essential questions that reveal quality, prevent surprises, and protect your belongings.

For comprehensive vetting advice, see our guide on how to choose movers in Dubai.

Company Credentials Questions

1. "Are you licensed to operate in Dubai?"

Why ask: Unlicensed operators have no accountability

Good answer: "Yes, here's our trade license number: [specific number]"

Red flag: Vague response, can't provide license number

2. "How long have you been operating?"

Why ask: Experience matters for complex moves

Good answer: Specific years with track record

Acceptable: Newer company with experienced staff

3. "Can I see your reviews?"

Why ask: Past performance predicts future service

Good answer: Points to Google, Facebook, or provides references

Red flag: No online presence or only recent reviews

4. "Are your workers employees or contractors?"

Why ask: Employees typically have more training and accountability

Good answer: Full-time trained employees

Concern: Day laborers hired per job

Insurance and Liability Questions

5. "What insurance do you carry?"

Why ask: Covers damage to your belongings

Good answer: "Goods in transit insurance with [coverage amount]"

Red flag: "We're very careful" (no actual insurance)

6. "What's covered if something gets damaged?"

Why ask: Understand your protection

Good answer: Clear policy (replacement value, repair, specific coverage)

Follow-up: Ask for written policy

7. "What's NOT covered by your insurance?"

Why ask: Know the gaps

Common exclusions: Items packed by owner, high-value items not declared, certain fragiles

8. "What's the claims process?"

Why ask: Know what to do if something goes wrong

Good answer: Clear process with timeline

More on this in our insurance and claims guide.

Quote and Pricing Questions

9. "Is this quote fixed or can charges be added?"

Why ask: Avoid surprise fees

Good answer: "Fixed based on survey" or "Here are potential extras: [specific list]"

Red flag: Vague "approximately" without specifics

10. "What's included in this price?"

Why ask: Compare quotes fairly

Should include: Labor, truck, basic wrapping, assembly, fuel

Clarify: Packing materials, specialty handling

See our guide on what's included in a moving quote.

11. "What could cause extra charges?"

Why ask: Prepare for contingencies

Common extras: Stair carry, long distance from truck, waiting time, after-hours

Good answer: Specific list with rates

More in our hidden charges guide.

12. "What's your payment schedule?"

Why ask: Understand cash flow and protection

Typical: 20-30% deposit, balance on completion

Red flag: 50%+ upfront or cash only

13. "What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?"

Why ask: Life happens

Good answer: Clear policy (e.g., "Free cancellation 48 hours before")

Check: Deposit refund conditions

Operations Questions

14. "How many people will be on the crew?"

Why ask: Affects speed and capability

Typical:

• Studio/1BR: 2 movers
• 2BR: 3 movers
• 3BR+/Villa: 4-5 movers

15. "What size truck will you use?"

Why ask: Right truck = one trip

Common sizes: 3-ton (apartments), 5-7 ton (larger homes)

Ask: "Will everything fit in one trip?"

16. "How long will the move take?"

Why ask: Plan your day

Good answer: Specific estimate with buffer

Follow-up: "What if it takes longer?"

17. "What time will you arrive?"

Why ask: Plan your schedule, building access

Good answer: Specific time window (e.g., "8-9 AM")

Ask: "Will you call before arriving?"

18. "Do you handle furniture disassembly and reassembly?"

Why ask: Most furniture needs this

Good answer: "Yes, included for standard furniture"

Clarify: IKEA, complex items, specialty furniture

19. "What about packing—do you offer it?"

Why ask: Understand your options

Options:

• Full packing (everything)
• Partial (fragiles/kitchen only)
• Loading only (you pack)

Learn about professional packing services.

Logistics Questions

20. "Do you handle building permits?"

Why ask: Most Dubai buildings require move permits

Good answer: "We can guide you" or "We handle it for AED X"

Usually: Customer handles, movers advise

See our building approval guide.

21. "Have you moved in [my building/area] before?"

Why ask: Local knowledge helps

Good answer: Familiarity with building rules, elevator, parking

Especially important: High-rise buildings, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown

22. "How do you handle elevator scheduling?"

Why ask: Critical for high-rise moves

Good answer: "You'll need to book service elevator; here's what we need..."

More in our elevator booking guide.

Specialty Item Questions

23. "Can you move my [piano/safe/artwork/gym equipment]?"

Why ask: Not all movers handle specialty items

Good answer: "Yes, we have equipment and experience. Here's the extra cost..."

Red flag: "Sure, no problem" without discussing requirements

24. "What about fragile items?"

Why ask: Protection matters

Good answer: Describes wrapping, boxing, handling procedures

Ask to see: Packing materials they use

Protection Questions

25. "How do you protect floors and walls?"

Why ask: Building damage = your deposit

Good answer: "We use floor runners, corner protectors, door jamb covers"

26. "How do you wrap furniture?"

Why ask: Protection method affects damage risk

Good answer: "Moving blankets, shrink wrap, corner protectors for all furniture"

Communication Questions

27. "Who do I contact on moving day if there's an issue?"

Why ask: Need direct line for problems

Good answer: Specific contact (crew leader or office number)

28. "Will I receive written confirmation?"

Why ask: Documentation protects both parties

Expect: Email confirmation with date, services, price, terms

Questions They Should Ask You

Good movers ask questions too. Be suspicious if they don't ask about:

• Access at both locations (elevator, stairs, parking)
• Large or specialty items
• Fragile items
• Timeline requirements
• Building rules or permits

Checklist: Questions Before Booking

• ☐ Trade license verified
• ☐ Insurance coverage confirmed
• ☐ Fixed quote in writing
• ☐ Extras clearly listed
• ☐ Crew size confirmed
• ☐ Truck size confirmed
• ☐ Timeline discussed
• ☐ Arrival time set
• ☐ Cancellation policy clear
• ☐ Payment terms agreed
• ☐ Specialty items discussed
• ☐ Moving day contact provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What if they can't answer some questions?

Basic questions should get clear answers. Vagueness on insurance, pricing, or licensing is a red flag.

Should I get answers in writing?

Yes, especially pricing, included services, and cancellation policy.

Is it okay to ask many questions?

Absolutely. Professional movers expect questions and answer confidently.

Ready to Start Asking?

Don't leave your move to chance. Our team at Movers Dubai welcomes every question—it's how we've built trust with thousands of customers.

Get a free, no-obligation quote or call us directly at +971 55 301 3309. We'll answer every question on this list and any others you have. Your peace of mind matters.