Moving Day Survival Guide Dubai 2026: What to Do (and Not Do)

Moving day doesn't have to be stressful. Follow this step-by-step guide to stay organized, keep the movers efficient, and ensure nothing gets left behind.

What Has Changed for Moving Day in 2026?

Moving day in 2026 features WhatsApp real-time updates, building QR code check-ins, tablet-based digital inventories, photo documentation of furniture condition, and widespread card payment acceptance.

A few updates to be aware of:

• Digital coordination: Most movers now send real-time updates via WhatsApp (ETA, progress)
• Building check-ins: Many buildings require QR code check-in for moving crews
• Inventory apps: Some movers use tablet-based inventory—you'll sign digitally
• Photo documentation: Expect crews to photograph furniture condition before loading
• Payment options: Card payments and bank transfers now widely accepted (not just cash)

What Should You Expect on Moving Day?

Moving day involves directing movers through your home, supervising without hovering, conducting exit walkthroughs at old location, and managing building access at your new property.

Moving day is high-stress. It involves strangers in your home, physical exertion, and tight timelines. But with the right game plan and professional movers, you can direct the chaos into a symphony of productivity.

What Should You Do the Night Before Moving Day?

The night before: clear pathways for movers, defrost your fridge 24 hours early, and pack an essentials bag with toiletries, chargers, medications, and a change of clothes to keep with you.

• Clear Parhways: Ensure the hallway and door areas are clear of obstacles.
• Fridge Defrost: Your fridge should be empty and unplugged 24 hours prior to prevent mold and leaks.
• Essentials Box: Pack a bag with pyjamas, toothbrush, chargers, and medications. Keep this in your car, not the truck.

What Should You Do the Morning of the Move?

Be awake and dressed before the crew arrives (usually 8-9 AM), brief the team leader on items staying vs going and fragile pieces, and arrange for kids and pets to be elsewhere or in a safe room.

• Early Start: Be awake and dressed before the crew arrives (usually 8-9 AM).
• Briefing: Walk the team leader through the house. Point out items that are staying, items that are fragile, and any existing damage to furniture.
• Kids and Pets: If possible, have them stay with a friend. If not, designate a safe "no-go" room for them.

What Should You Do During the Move?

Act as project manager—stand at a central point to answer questions, let professionals handle the lifting, and provide cold water bottles for the crew working in Dubai's heat.

Supervise, Don't Hover

You are the project manager, not a worker. Stand near the door or a central point to answer questions ("Does this lamp go?"), but let the professionals do the lifting. Trust their techniques.

Refreshments

Moving in Dubai heat is exhausting. Having cold water bottles on hand for the crew is a kind gesture that boosts morale and energy.

What Should You Check Before Leaving Your Old Home?

Before the truck leaves, check every closet, cabinet, drawer, balcony, and garden; turn off all ACs and lights; lock doors; and hand over keys if required to building management.

Before the truck leaves for the new house:

• Check every closet, cabinet, and drawer.
• Check the balcony and garden.
• Turn off all ACs and lights.
• Lock the doors and hand over keys (if required).

What Should You Do When Arriving at Your New Home?

Arrive before the truck to ensure elevator is booked and security ready, have your move permit handy, then direct movers at the entrance telling them which room each item goes to.

Building Access

Arrive before the truck to ensure the service elevator is booked and security is ready. Have your move permit handy. Our apartment movers are experienced with building protocols across Dubai.

Directing Traffic

Stand at the entrance. As movers bring boxes in, tell them which room—"Kitchen," "Master Bed," "Living." Color-coded labels on doors help immensely here.

How Do You Handle Payment and Tipping?

After everything is unloaded and reassembled, inspect major furniture for damage, pay the remaining balance as agreed, and tip AED 50-100 per crew member for a full day's good work.

Once everything is unloaded and reassembled:

• Inspection: Do a quick check of major furniture pieces for new scratches.
• Payment: Pay the remaining balance as agreed.
• Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping is common in Dubai for heavy labor. AED 50-100 per crew member is a generous standard for a full day's hard work.

What Is the Right Moving Day Mindset?

Stay hydrated, stay calm, keep your phone charged—your job is making decisions and directing traffic while letting professionals handle the heavy lifting and logistics.

By evening, you'll be sitting in your new home, ready for the next chapter. The chaos of moving day will be a distant memory.

Do You Need Professional Movers?

Professional crews know building protocols, keep things efficient, and make all the difference between a chaotic moving day and a smooth transition to your new home.

Get a free quote from our experienced team, or call +971 55 301 3309 to book your move.