Shifting house in Dubai can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Whether you are relocating to a new apartment in the Marina or moving your family to a villa in Mirdif, the process comes with a long to-do list. Packing, finding movers, getting permits, and even sorting out cleaning can quickly become stressful if you don’t plan ahead.
This guide is made to help you make the move smooth, whether you are a resident changing neighborhoods or someone newly arriving in the city. From understanding rules and finding reliable movers, to cleaning your old space and setting up your new one—we’ve got you covered.
1. Know the Rules Before You Move
In Dubai, moving house isn’t just about packing up and calling a truck. Most buildings—especially apartments and gated communities—have rules about shifting. These can affect your moving day if you don’t prepare in advance.
- Move Permits: Many buildings require a move-out and move-in permit. You usually get this from the building’s management or security desk. Without it, movers may not be allowed inside.
- Elevator Booking: If you live in a high-rise, you may need to reserve the service elevator. Some buildings even require a refundable deposit for any potential damage during the move.
- Community Restrictions: Certain areas only allow moves during weekdays or working hours. Night moves or Friday relocations might be restricted or require special permission.
Our advice? Contact both your old and new building management at least 5–7 days before the move. This gives you time to prepare any paperwork, avoid fines, and prevent last-minute stress.
2. Choose the Right Moving Company
There’s no shortage of moving companies in Dubai, but not all are the same. The right mover depends on how much help you want and your budget. Let’s break it down:
- Basic Movers: These teams usually just provide transportation and loading. You do all the packing yourself. Great for tight budgets but more work for you.
- Full-Service Movers: They handle packing, labeling, furniture dismantling, and reassembly. Some even unpack your essentials. Perfect if you want less hassle.
- Specialist or International Movers: Ideal for large villas, sensitive items, or moves from abroad. They come with insurance and professional tools.
Here are a few things to check before hiring:
- Is the company licensed to operate in Dubai?
- Do they provide a written quote and clear pricing?
- Are past customers satisfied? (Google Reviews help!)
- Do they include insurance for damages?
Some movers also offer cleaning or pest control as part of the package, which can be super convenient. And if you need a recommendation, click the contact button on the right-middle of this post—we’d be happy to help.
3. Clean Your Old Place Before Leaving
In Dubai, it’s common practice—and often a lease requirement—to return your home in the same condition you received it. That means deep cleaning before you hand over the keys. If you want to get your security deposit back without hassle, don’t skip this step.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Kitchen: Clean the oven, stove, sink, and cupboards. Remove grease and food stains.
- Bathrooms: Scrub tiles, taps, toilets, and shower areas. Don’t forget grout and exhaust fans.
- AC vents and filters: Dust can build up here and affect air quality.
- Floors and carpets: Vacuum and consider professional cleaning for carpets or rugs.
Many people hire professional cleaning companies like Bio-On for end-of-tenancy cleaning. Professionals use municipality-approved methods to ensure everything passes inspection. Also, taking before-and-after photos is a smart way to document your work.
4. Don’t Forget Utilities and Internet
Moving means switching off and on various services, so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid surprises:
- DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority): Schedule disconnection at your old place and connection at your new home. It usually takes a few days, so plan accordingly.
- Internet and TV Providers: Contact Etisalat or Du early to transfer or set up new connections. Some require appointment bookings.
- Gas and Chiller: If your home uses gas or district cooling, inform the providers to disconnect and reconnect your accounts.
- Other Services: Think about cable subscriptions, security systems, and any other regular deliveries.
It’s best to handle these at least 3–5 days before your move to ensure everything works smoothly on your first day in the new home.
5. Get Settled in Your New Home Faster
Once you arrive at your new Dubai home, the goal is to settle in comfortably and quickly. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:
- Unpack essentials first: Keep a box of daily necessities handy—things like chargers, towels, toiletries, and basic kitchen items. This helps you avoid scrambling to find what you need on day one.
- Check for pests and air quality: Especially in older buildings, it’s wise to have your new place inspected or treated for pests if needed. Good ventilation or air purifiers can help with dust and humidity.
- Schedule a move-in cleaning: Even if the place looks clean, a professional deep clean can make it truly fresh and ready for living. Companies like Bio-On offer move-in cleaning services tailored for Dubai homes.
- Set up utilities and services: Confirm that electricity, water, internet, and cooling systems are working properly to avoid early disruptions.
Following these steps helps reduce stress and creates a welcoming environment, making your new house feel like home faster.
Conclusion
Shifting house in Dubai can be a big task, but with the right planning and support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From understanding permits and choosing movers to cleaning your old place and settling in your new home, each step plays an important role in making the process smooth.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you need trusted help with cleaning, moving, or any other part of your relocation, just click the contact button on the right-middle of this post. We’re here to connect you with the best services and advice for your Dubai move.
