Moving in Dubai involves more administration than most people expect. Alongside the physical move there is DEWA to transfer, Ejari to register, internet to move, a building NOC to obtain, and a move-out inspection that decides how much of your security deposit comes back.
Confirm your notice period. Most Dubai tenancy contracts require 90 days' written notice to vacate — check yours now, not later.
8 weeks before — decide and secure
Confirm your notice period. Most Dubai tenancy contracts require 90 days' written notice to vacate — check yours now, not later.
Serve written notice to your landlord and keep proof of delivery.
Start viewing new properties and shortlist by commute, school run and service charges.
Book moving surveys with two or three companies. Get written, itemised quotes.
6 weeks before — book and declutter
Confirm your mover and lock the date. Month-end dates go first.
Begin decluttering room by room. Sell on Dubizzle, donate to a charity, or arrange disposal.
If your handover dates do not align, arrange storage now rather than in the final week.
Notify your children's school of the address change if the move affects transport zones.
4 weeks before — the paperwork
Register the new tenancy contract on Ejari — you will need it for DEWA and for visa-related processes.
Apply to open a DEWA account for the new property and schedule closure of the old one for the day after your move.
Book the internet and TV transfer with du or Etisalat. This is the single most commonly delayed item — allow four weeks.
Request the moving NOC from both building managements, and ask what documents they require from your mover.
Update your address with your bank, insurer, RTA and employer.
Ask your mover to handle the NOC, the certificate of insurance and the service-lift booking at both buildings. A good Dubai mover does this as standard — it is the step that most commonly delays a move on the day.
2 weeks before — prepare the property
Book any move-out repairs: nail-hole filling, paint touch-ups, bracket removal, AC servicing.
Arrange a professional deep clean of the old property for the day after the move.
Confirm the service-lift slot in writing with both buildings.
Use up frozen and perishable food — none of it travels.
Order replacement curtain rails or brackets if the new property needs them.
1 week before — pack and confirm
Pack in this order: storage and guest rooms first, then living areas, then bedrooms, then the kitchen last.
Label every carton by room and contents, not just by room.
Set aside an essentials box: chargers, medication, documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, kettle, mugs.
Photograph the back of your TV and desk cabling before disconnecting anything.
Confirm arrival time, crew size and the final price with your mover in writing.
Withdraw cash for tips if you intend to tip the crew — AED 50 to 100 per mover is customary for a job done well.
Moving day
Be present for the walkthrough before loading starts, and point out fragile and high-value items.
Keep passports, Emirates IDs, tenancy documents, jewellery and laptops with you — never on the truck.
Check every room, cupboard, balcony and the maid's room before the truck departs.
Take final meter readings and photograph them, along with the condition of every room.
At the new property, direct cartons to the right rooms as they come in — it saves hours later.
Do the inventory check against the mover's list before signing off.
The first week after
Close the old DEWA account and confirm the final bill is settled — an unpaid balance delays the deposit refund.
Complete the move-out inspection with your landlord or agent and get the outcome in writing.
Chase the security deposit refund. It typically takes two to four weeks.
Register the new Ejari if you have not already, and update your address on any remaining accounts.
Book the handyman finishing: curtains, TV mounting, shelving, mirrors.
Planning a move?
We can survey your property and put the scope and price in writing.
Request a free quote ↗