Moving to a new home in Dubai is pretty exciting! You get to start fresh, enjoy a new place, and maybe even have a better view of the city’s skyline.
But to be honest, many people find this to be one of the most stressful things they do. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you pack, organize, find movers, sort utilities, and update documents.
You’re not the only one who wants to move in 2025. Dubai’s population keeps growing. Every year, thousands of people move there, either to get a bigger apartment on rent, get closer to work, or move into a new villa.
The good news is you can make your move go smoothly, quickly, and without any problems if you have the right plan and checklist.
This Ultimate Home Moving Checklist for Dubai (2025) will help you every step of the way, from the time you decide to move until you’re completely settled in your new home.
Getting Ready for the Move (4 to 6 Weeks Before Moving Day)
It’s not just luck that makes good moves happen. The sooner you start, the easier it will be. The best way to do this is to start getting ready at least four to six weeks before you move.
This gives you enough time to sort, pack, and organize everything without feeling rushed, because the moment rush comes into the picture, there is a high probability that you will forget many important things undone, which might cost you dearly later on.
Make a Plan for Home Moving
Set a moving date that gives you enough time to get ready. If you rent, look at your lease to see what kind of notice you need to give. Most landlords in Dubai want at least 90 days’ notice before you move out.
Write down everything that needs to be done each week, such as hiring movers, canceling or transferring utilities, changing your address, among many other things. A checklist will help you stay on track so that you don’t forget important things behind.
Make a Budget
Moving costs can add up quickly, especially if you hire professional movers and packers in Dubai, buy new furniture, or set up new utilities. Make a budget that is within your range, and includes:
- Fees for the moving company
- Things for packing, like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape
- Transfers from DEWA and Ejari
- Services for cleaning
- Any new things you buy for your new home
Having a budget will help you avoid surprises later on.
Find a Good Moving Company & Book it
There are a lot of movers and packers in Dubai, that handle different types of moving services, be it local or international.
Invest some time to look at and compare their prices per move and reviews. In other words, find providers who are licensed, insured, and have good reviews, which you can easily find on MetaHomes Life Services.
You can find a lot of trusted movers and packers on MetaHomes Life Services. Once you’ve picked your movers, make sure to confirm your booking as soon as you can.
This is especially important if you’re moving at the end or beginning of a month when demand is high, because many people’s contracts end by the end of the month, especially for those with short-term rentals.
Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
Take a look around each room before you start packing and figure out what you actually need. In Dubai, the weather and way of life can make people keep a bunch of stuff they don’t really use, like clothes, old gadgets, and kitchen tools.
Get rid of what you don’t need by selling, donating, or recycling it. This step helps you pack faster and saves you money on your move.
Make a List of Everything You Want to Move
Snap some photos of your valuable stuff, like furniture, electronics, and artwork, for insurance reasons.
If you’re getting movers, this list will help make sure everything gets to your new home safely and ensure proper accountability in case anything gets missing.
Notify Key Parties of Your Move
Tell the right people that you’re moving, like your landlord, DEWA, your internet provider, and delivery services.
This helps avoid any misunderstandings (especially between your landlord and service providers) that may arise as a result of late notification.
If you have kids, let their school know early so they can make plans for transfers or changes to their transportation.
Things to Do Two Weeks Before the Day You Move
It’s time to focus on the details now that your moving date is coming up. You need to pack, transfer utilities, and make sure all your plans are in order.
In the next two weeks, it’s very important to keep everything under control and avoid stress at the last minute.
Begin Packing the Things You Don’t Need Right Away
Start packing up stuff you don’t use every day, like books, decorations, seasonal clothes, and kitchen things you hardly use.
Make sure to label each box clearly with what’s inside and which room it goes to, like “Kitchen – fragile items” or “Bedroom – clothes.”
This easy tip will help you save a ton of time when you’re unpacking. If you hire professional movers and packers in UAE, some of them will take care of all the packing for you. It’s a good idea to get your stuff organized first, that way you know where everything is.
Take Care of Utilities & Services
In Dubai, there are a few important utilities and services you should update or transfer before moving out.
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) – You can easily disconnect or transfer your DEWA account online using their website or app.
Ejari – If you’re renting a property in Dubai, make sure to update your Ejari for your new place. Most real estate agents take care of this, but just make sure it’s done before you move in.
For your internet and TV, just reach out to your service provider, either Du or Etisalat, to set up a transfer or disconnect your service. They typically need a heads-up a few days in advance.
Gas connection – Make sure to set up the disconnection and reconnection if your new place uses gas cylinders or central gas.
Don’t forget to update your address with your bank, insurance company, and any subscription services you have.
Give Your Current Home a Deep Cleaning
Most landlords in Dubai want the apartment to be clean before giving them the keys back. Set up a deep cleaning service; a lot of cleaning companies do “move-out cleaning.”
If you’re moving out of a furnished apartment in Dubai, take pictures of how it looks before you leave so there won’t be any questions about damages or deposits.
Confirm with the Local Moving Company
Call your movers to make sure the date and time of your move are still correct. Give them information of where they can park, how to get into the building, and where to load things.
Buildings in Dubai, especially in areas like Downtown, Jumeirah Village Circle, or Business Bay, often need move permits from the building management. To avoid any forms of delays, make sure to check ahead of time.
Make an “Essentials Box”
Put things you will need right away after moving, like clothes, toiletries, basic kitchenware, chargers, and important papers, in a box or suitcase.
You don’t want to have to dig through boxes to find your phone charger or toothbrush after a long day of moving!
How to Handle Everything on Moving Day
Moving day in Dubai can get pretty hectic. Buildings have their own access schedules; movers show up early, elevators get reserved, and there’s always something unexpected that pops up at the last minute.
If you’ve gotten ready properly, this day doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just a bit of organization can really make a difference.
Get Everything Ready Before the Movers Show Up
Wake up early to kick off your day. Make sure you have everything packed and labeled before the movers arrive.
Make sure to keep your important stuff like documents, jewelry, passports, and cash with you. It’s better not to send those with the movers.
If you’ve got professional movers and packers in Dubai from MetaHomes Life Services, they’ll handle wrapping up your furniture and moving your boxes for you. Just stick around to help them out and make sure everything goes where it needs to.
Check out the Building Rules
In Dubai, especially in places like Al Jaddaf, Business Bay, or Dubai Marina, there are certain rules you need to follow when moving in or out of buildings.
You might need:
- A moving permit from the building management
- To book a service elevator
- You need to pay a security deposit, but you’ll get it back after you move out.
It’s a good idea to double-check these details a few days before your move to steer clear of any last-minute problems.
Take Pictures Before You Go
If you’re renting, make sure to take clear pictures of every room before you give it back. This protects your security deposit and shows how you left it.
It’s easier to avoid unnecessary deductions if you’ve cleaned and fixed everything.
Do a last Check Through
Go through your old home one more time to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind. Look in cabinets, wardrobes, and balconies.
Make sure that:
- Utilities are cut off or moved
- The keys are ready to be given over
- The apartment is tidy and in good shape.
Watch the Unpacking
When you get to your new house, tell the movers where to put your boxes and furniture. This is where having labeled boxes really helps. It saves time and makes it easier to unpack.
Check your furniture for damage after it has been moved. If you notice any problems, let the moving company know right away before they leave.
Set Up the Basics First
Check that your electricity, water, and internet are all working before you do anything else. Unpack your kitchen essentials, bedding, and toiletries first so you can sleep well on your first night.
It can take days to unpack, so start with the things you need the most and work your way down.
After the Move
It’s time to make your new space feel like home after the movers have left and the boxes are in.
This is the point where most people finally let out a sigh of relief, but there is still a little more work to do before you can fully relax.
Unpack with a Plan
Begin by unpacking one room at a time. Start with the most important rooms: the bedroom, the bathroom, and the kitchen.
Unpacking can seem like it will never end, but breaking it up into smaller parts makes it easier. This part will go much more smoothly if you label your boxes correctly.
Don’t try to unpack everything in one day. When you take your time, you’ll be able to make better choices about where things go.
Set up Utilities
Check that your DEWA, gas, and internet connections are all working if you haven’t already.
You might need to let Etisalat or Du technicians into your apartment to finish the setup, so be sure to be there. It’s best to make an appointment for the installation a few days in advance.
Change Your Address Everywhere
Don’t forget to change your address for:
- Credit cards and bank accounts
- Policies for insurance
- Records of work
- Apps for delivery and online subscriptions
Keeping everything up to date will help you avoid confusion or missed deliveries in the future.
Get to Know Your New Area
Take some time to get to know your new neighborhood after you’ve settled in.
Each neighborhood in Dubai is different.
Some have local cafes and jogging paths, while others have malls and waterfronts. It will be easier to get through the day if you know where the closest grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station are.
Get to Know Your Neighbours
A friendly greeting can make a big difference, especially in apartment buildings.
Dubai is home to people from many different cultures, and getting to know your neighbors can help you feel at home much faster.
Sign Up for Your Car Parking & Access Cards
You probably need to register your car to park and activate your access cards if you live in a managed building or gated community.
To do this, go to the building’s reception or management office with your Emirates ID and tenancy contract.
Keep Your Papers and Receipts Safe
Keep all of your moving papers, like receipts, contracts, DEWA bills, and move permits, in case you need them later for any disputes or records.
To help put it all together, here’s a rough timeline you can follow (assuming moving in around 6-8 weeks away):
Weeks Before Move Key Tasks
6-8 Weeks Pick move date, give notice, arrange movers, start decluttering, gather documents, Ejari check
4 Weeks Apply for move permits & NOC, arrange utilities/internet setup, pack non-essentials
2 Weeks Confirm movers, reserve elevator/loading bay, pack more, finalize address change, clean old home
1 Day Essentials box ready, confirm access, pack final items, clean new home if possible
Move Day Supervise moving, check utilities, inspect new home
After Move Unpack essentials, update official records, get deposit back, settle in neighborhood
When should I start getting ready to move?
You should start at least 4 to 6 weeks before you move. This gives you enough time to pack, hire movers, and fill out all the paperwork for your utilities and lease.
Do I need to notify my building when I can move in or out?
Yes, most buildings in Dubai need a move permit from the management office. To set this up, get in touch with them at least a week before you move.
How much do packers and movers cost in Dubai?
It depends on how big your apartment is and what services you need. In general:
- Studio: AED 760–1,000
- One bedroom: AED 1,000–1,400
- 2 Bedrooms: AED 1,500–2,500
- Villas: AED 3,000 and up
Prices may change depending on where you live, what kind of packing materials you need, and whether you need storage. You may check out the local moving and storage service pricing on MetaHomes Life Services.
Is it possible to move my internet and DEWA connections to my new house?
Yes, you can send DEWA online using their website or app. Etisalat and Du both have easy ways to transfer money through their websites.
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