Quick answer
Start planning your Dubai move about 4 weeks out: book movers and a free survey and declutter; at 3 weeks sort DEWA and documents; at 2 weeks pack non-essentials, label boxes and confirm your building's move permit and service-lift booking; at 1 week confirm the crew, quote and pack an essentials bag; on moving day let the crew pack, dismantle and load, then do a final walkthrough; and after the move reassemble, unpack essentials first and book a move-in deep clean.
4 weeks before — book & declutter
- Confirm your moving date and give written notice to your landlord.
- Book your movers and a free pre-move survey so your quote is exact.
- Declutter room by room — sell, donate or bin what you won't move. Less volume = a lower quote.
- Decide what to move yourself vs. what the crew packs (full or partial packing).
3 weeks before — utilities & documents
- Arrange your DEWA (Dubai), SEWA (Sharjah) or ADDC (Abu Dhabi) move-out / transfer and settle the final bill.
- Redirect internet and TV; update your address on deliveries, banking and subscriptions.
- Collect passports, Emirates IDs, tenancy contract (Ejari), and warranties in one folder you keep with you.
- Book any specialist handling (piano, safe, gym equipment) and storage if there's a gap between homes.
2 weeks before — pack & permits
- Pack items you rarely use; label every box by room and mark fragile boxes clearly.
- Book the move permit and service lift at BOTH the old and new building (many Dubai towers/communities require it).
- Take photos of electronics and their cable setups before disconnecting.
- Use up freezer food and open groceries so there's less to move.
1 week before — confirm & prepare
- Confirm the crew, arrival time and your fixed, all-in quote with Servia.
- Pack an essentials bag: chargers, medicines, documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, snacks and water.
- Defrost and dry the fridge/freezer the night before.
- Confirm parking and access for the moving truck at both ends.
Moving day — hand over & check
- Let the crew pack the rest, dismantle furniture and load the truck.
- Keep your essentials bag and valuables with you, not on the truck.
- Do a final walkthrough — every cupboard, wardrobe, balcony, storeroom and the AC filters.
- At the new home, point the crew to each room so furniture lands in the right place.
After the move — settle in
- Reassemble beds and wardrobes and unpack the essentials bag first.
- Test appliances, water heater and AC; report any issue early.
- Book a move-in / move-out deep clean and a handyman for curtains, TV mounts and lights.
- Update your address on your Emirates ID records, deliveries and RTA/Salik if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I plan a move?
About 4 weeks: book movers and a free survey, give landlord notice and declutter. Lock weekend/month-end slots 3–5 days ahead; mid-week moves can be same-day or next-day.
Do I need a move permit in Dubai?
Many towers and communities require a move permit and a booked service lift via building management, sometimes with a refundable deposit. Arrange it at both addresses about a week ahead.
What about DEWA when moving?
Arrange your DEWA/SEWA/ADDC move-out or transfer a couple of weeks before, settle the final bill, and set up the new connection so power and water are on when you arrive.
What goes in the essentials bag?
Chargers, medicines, documents, a change of clothes, toiletries, basic tools, snacks and water, plus anything valuable — so you're not searching boxes on night one.
Keep planning your move
Ready to book your move?
Send your date and both addresses — Servia arranges a free survey and a fixed, all-in quote so your move runs to plan.
Servia, Dubai, UAE · +971523633995 · [email protected] · Movers and packers across all 7 UAE emirates