What to Do While Movers Work 2026 | Your Role ✓ Tips

You've hired the movers, signed the contract, and moving day has arrived—but now you're standing in your own home feeling completely useless. Should you help carry boxes? Hover over every item? Hide in a corner? This uncertainty can turn an already stressful day into an awkward nightmare. Here's the definitive guide to your role on moving day, so you can stay helpful without getting in the way.

What's Changed in Moving Day Best Practices for 2026

The moving industry has evolved, and so have expectations for homeowners. Here's what's different:

Digital inventory systems: Many movers now use tablet-based tracking—you may be asked to verify items digitally rather than on paper
Real-time GPS updates: Most professional movers now share live tracking links, so you can time your arrival at the new home perfectly
Contactless payment: Card and bank transfer payments are now standard—cash tips are still appreciated but not required
Photo documentation standard: Both you and the movers should photograph items before and after—it's now industry best practice for claim prevention
Building NOC requirements: Many Dubai buildings now require 48-72 hour advance notice for moves, so coordinate early

Your Role During the Move

You've hired professional movers—now what? Many people aren't sure whether to help, supervise constantly, or stay out of the way. This guide clarifies your role and helps you avoid common mistakes.

For overall moving day tips, see our guide on how movers and packers work.

The Short Answer: Be Available, Not in the Way

Your job is to:

Answer questions
Make decisions
Stay accessible
Not interfere with their work

What You SHOULD Do

1. Be Present (Or Have a Representative)

Someone must be there to answer questions
Sign paperwork and authorize decisions
Direct furniture placement at new home
Handle any issues that arise

2. Do the Initial Walkthrough

At the start:

Walk the team leader through your home
Point out items NOT being moved
Highlight fragile or valuable items
Note any pre-existing damage (furniture, walls)
Show the route to elevators/stairs

3. Answer Questions Promptly

Movers will ask about:

"Does this go?" (items that might stay)
"Which box for this?" (if packing)
"How do you want this wrapped?"
"Any special instructions for this?"

Quick answers keep the move efficient.

4. Stay in One Accessible Spot

Pick a central location
Keep your phone charged
Let movers know where to find you
Move out of traffic paths

5. Monitor Progress (Casually)

Occasional check-ins are fine
Note anything concerning
Avoid hovering over every movement

6. Prepare Refreshments

Water: Essential, especially in Dubai heat
Cold drinks: Juice, sports drinks appreciated
Snacks: For longer moves
Lunch: For full-day moves, offering to order food is generous

See our tipping guide for more on appreciation.

7. Handle the Essentials Box

Keep your essentials box with YOU
Documents, medications, valuables
Phone chargers, toiletries
Don't let it go on the truck

8. Manage Kids and Pets

Keep them in a safe, separate room
Or have them stay elsewhere for the day
Open doors and heavy lifting = safety risks

What You Should NOT Do

1. Don't Try to Help Carry

Why not:

Insurance: If you're injured, it's complicated
Liability: If you damage something, whose fault?
Efficiency: Professionals have techniques
Safety: You might not know proper lifting

Exception: Very light items if crew specifically asks.

2. Don't Hover Constantly

Makes movers nervous
Slows them down
Creates awkwardness
Trust the professionals

3. Don't Change Plans Mid-Move

"Actually, pack that differently..."
"Wait, that should go in another box..."
Major changes disrupt workflow
Discuss preferences at the START

4. Don't Leave Completely

Someone must be present
Questions will arise
You need to sign delivery documents
Direct placement at new home

5. Don't Pack Last-Minute Items

Be ready before movers arrive
Frantically packing while they wait costs money
Creates chaos and confusion

6. Don't Leave Valuables Visible

Cash, jewelry, documents should be with you
Not to suggest theft—just best practice
Removes any potential misunderstandings

At the Old Home (Loading)

Your Checklist

☐ Initial walkthrough done
☐ Essentials box separated
☐ Pathways clear
☐ Elevator booked and ready
☐ Drinks available for crew
☐ Kids/pets managed
☐ Phone charged
☐ Keys ready for handover (if applicable)

Before Truck Leaves

☐ Final walkthrough (check every room, closet, balcony)
☐ Check garage, storage, outside areas
☐ Turn off lights and AC
☐ Lock up
☐ Take photos of empty space

During Transit

While movers drive to new location:

Head to new home (you'll likely arrive first)
Confirm new building access is ready
Meet security/building management if needed
Have keys ready
Ensure elevator is available

At the New Home (Unloading)

Your Active Role

Direct traffic: "Kitchen boxes go there, bedroom boxes go there"
Furniture placement: "Sofa here, bed against that wall"
Quick decisions: Don't deliberate for 10 minutes per item

Tips for Efficiency

Put signs on doors ("Master Bedroom", "Office")
Have a floor plan in mind beforehand
Accept "good enough" placement—you can adjust later

As Items Arrive

Mentally note if anything looks damaged
Check major furniture pieces
Verify box counts if concerned
Don't stop the flow for minor inspection

Handling Issues

If You Notice Damage

Point it out calmly to team leader
Take photos immediately
Note it on delivery paperwork
Don't escalate in the moment—document for later

See our claims guide.

If Things Are Taking Too Long

Ask team leader for updated timeline
Verify if it's due to complications or efficiency
Note if paying hourly—time matters more

If You Have Concerns About Handling

Politely ask team leader to address
Don't confront individual workers
Most issues can be resolved through supervision

Time Fillers During the Move

Productive things to do while staying available:

Set up utilities at new home (online)
Update address with banks, subscriptions
Respond to work emails
Plan first-night essentials setup
Order groceries for delivery after move
Clean vacated areas (if energy permits)

End of Move Checklist

Before Signing Off

☐ All items accounted for
☐ Furniture assembled and functional
☐ Major pieces checked for new damage
☐ Any issues documented on paperwork

Payment and Completion

☐ Pay remaining balance
☐ Get receipt/invoice
☐ Tip the crew (if appropriate)
☐ Get moving day contact for follow-up if needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It's a Problem	What to Do Instead
Not being ready	Costs time/money, creates chaos	Pack completely before arrival
Leaving the property	Questions go unanswered	Stay or leave representative
Micromanaging	Slows progress, annoys crew	Trust the process
No plan for placement	Delays unloading	Know where things go beforehand
Phone battery dead	Can't coordinate, take photos	Keep phone charged

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I offer to help carry boxes?

Generally no. It creates insurance/liability issues. Let professionals do their job.

Can I leave for an hour to grab lunch?

Not ideal. If you must, have a representative present. Questions will arise.

How often should I check on progress?

Every 30-60 minutes is reasonable. Casual, not intrusive.

What if I need to take a work call?

Fine, just let movers know you're available if needed. Stay nearby.

Should I follow the truck to the new home?

Not necessary—they have GPS. Better to arrive first and prepare for unloading.

The Bottom Line

Your job is to facilitate, not participate. Be available, make quick decisions, and trust the professionals. The move will go smoother when everyone knows their role.

Ready to experience a stress-free moving day with professionals who respect your time and belongings? Our experienced crews handle everything while you focus on what matters. Get your free quote online or call us now at +971 55 301 3309 to book your move.