Guide

Dubai Moving Checklist

5 min read • Updated December 2025

Everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. From giving notice to your landlord to updating your address, this checklist ensures you don't miss anything important.

Quick Answer

Moving Timeline

Give Notice

60-90 Days

before lease ends

Book Movers

2-3 Weeks

in advance

Moving Cost

AED 500-4K

depending on size

DEWA Transfer

3-5 Days

processing time

8+ Weeks Before Moving

Planning phase

□
Review your lease terms
Check notice period (usually 60-90 days), early termination penalty, and move-out requirements.
□
Give written notice to landlord
Send via email AND registered post. Keep confirmation as proof.
□
Start apartment hunting (if renewing elsewhere)
Browse Bayut/Property Finder. Schedule viewings. Compare areas and prices.
□
Create inventory of belongings
Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. Start decluttering early.
□
Research moving companies
Get 3+ quotes. Check Google reviews and ask expat groups for recommendations.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving

Securing your new place

□
Sign new tenancy contract
Review terms carefully. Negotiate cheque payments and move-in date.
□
Pay deposit and first cheques for new apartment
Keep copies of all payments and signed documents.
□
Book moving company
Confirm date, time, and get written quote. Pay deposit if required.
□
Start selling unwanted items
List on Dubizzle/Facebook Marketplace. Less to move = less cost.
□
Arrange Ejari for new apartment
Landlord should provide title deed. Register via Dubai REST app or typing center.

2-3 Weeks Before Moving

Utilities and packing

□
Apply for DEWA at new address
Via DEWA app/website. Need: Ejari, Emirates ID, tenancy contract. Request disconnection at old address for move-out date.
□
Schedule internet installation
Contact Du or Etisalat. May take 1-2 weeks. Book early to avoid delays.
□
Start packing non-essentials
Books, decorations, off-season clothes. Label boxes by room.
□
Notify building management
Both old and new buildings. Book service elevator if needed. Check move-in/out rules.
□
Confirm moving company details
Reconfirm date, time, address, and contact number.

1 Week Before Moving

Final preparations

□
Pack majority of belongings
Leave only essentials for last few days. Label all boxes clearly.
□
Deep clean current apartment (or book cleaners)
Professional cleaning costs AED 200-500. Worth it to ensure full deposit return.
□
Clear DEWA and chiller dues
Request final bill. Pay any outstanding amounts.
□
Schedule final walkthrough with landlord
Arrange inspection for move-out date. Discuss deposit return timeline.
□
Collect keys for new apartment
Do walkthrough, document any existing damage before moving anything in.
□
Update delivery addresses
Amazon, Noon, Talabat, pharmacies, subscriptions.

Moving Day

The big day

□
Take photos/video of old apartment
Document condition for deposit dispute protection. Include timestamp.
□
Supervise movers loading
Point out fragile items. Keep valuable items (documents, jewelry) with you.
□
Final check of old apartment
All cupboards, balcony, storage. Nothing left behind.
□
Return keys to landlord/agent
Get written receipt confirming key return and apartment condition.
□
Take photos/video of new apartment BEFORE unloading
Document pre-existing damage for your protection.
□
Supervise unloading and check for damage
Report any damage to movers immediately. Take photos.
□
Test utilities at new place
DEWA working? AC functioning? Hot water? Report issues immediately.

First Week After Moving

Settling in

□
Complete Ejari registration
Must be done within 14 days of signing contract. Needed for visa, DEWA, etc.
□
Report any apartment issues to landlord
Document in writing (email/WhatsApp). Issues found after move-in are your leverage.
□
Follow up on security deposit from old apartment
Most landlords return within 1-4 weeks. If delayed, send written request.
□
Update Emirates ID address
Via ICP website/app. New Ejari should automatically update it.
□
Update bank address
Visit branch or update via banking app. Important for statements and cards.
□
Notify employer of new address
HR needs this for visa and official records.
□
Unpack and organize
Prioritize kitchen, bedroom, bathroom. Living areas can wait.
□
Explore your new neighborhood
Find nearest supermarket, pharmacy, laundry, restaurants.

Hiring Moving Companies

Tips for a smooth experience with movers.

✅

Do

•
Get 3+ written quotes
•
Check Google reviews and expat groups
•
Ask if they provide packing materials
•
Confirm insurance coverage for damage
•
Get everything in writing (quote, date, time)
•
Be present during the move

❌

Don't

•
Pay full amount upfront
•
Book without checking reviews
•
Leave valuables with movers
•
Accept verbal-only quotes
•
Forget to tip workers (AED 50-100 each)
•
Sign delivery receipt without checking items

ℹ️Estimated Moving Costs

• Studio: AED 500-800
• 1BR: AED 800-1,500
• 2BR: AED 1,200-2,500
• 3BR+/Villa: AED 2,000-4,000+
Prices vary by distance, floor access, and time of year. Summer is cheapest.

Getting Your Deposit Back

Maximize your chances of a full deposit refund.

Document move-in condition thoroughly

Photos/videos with timestamps. Report any existing damage immediately in writing.

Maintain the apartment well

Address minor issues promptly. Don't make unauthorized modifications.

Deep clean before move-out

Professional cleaning (AED 200-500) is worth it. Includes oven, AC filters, bathrooms.

Document move-out condition

Photos/videos after cleaning. Compare to move-in photos to prove condition.

Do walkthrough with landlord

Get written confirmation of condition. Agree on any deductions before leaving.

Follow up in writing

If deposit not returned within 2-4 weeks, send formal request. File with RERA if needed.

⚠️Know Your Rights

Landlords can only deduct for actual damage, not normal wear and tear. Faded paint, minor scuffs, and carpet wear from regular use are NOT deductible. If disputed, file with Rental Dispute Center (RERA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about moving in Dubai.

Check your tenancy contract for the specific notice period. Most Dubai contracts require 60-90 days written notice before the lease end date. If you don't give proper notice, the lease may automatically renew for another year. Send notice via email AND registered post to have proof.

Typical moving company costs:

Studio move: AED 500-800
1BR apartment: AED 800-1,500
2BR apartment: AED 1,200-2,500
3BR apartment/villa: AED 2,000-4,000+

Prices depend on volume, distance, and time of year. Get 3 quotes and verify company reviews.

DEWA transfer process:

Clear all dues at your old address
Request move-out on DEWA app or website
Apply for new connection at new address
Submit: Ejari, Emirates ID, tenancy contract
Pay deposit if applicable (usually transferred from old account)

Allow 2-3 working days for activation. Best to apply 1 week before move-in.

Usually no. If you break the lease early, most contracts allow the landlord to keep your security deposit plus charge an early termination penalty (typically 2 months rent). However, if the landlord agrees to release you without penalty (in writing), you should get your deposit back minus any legitimate deductions for damage.

Ejari transition steps:

Cancel old Ejari — Landlord should do this after move-out
Register new Ejari — Within 14 days of new lease signing
You need: Tenancy contract, title deed copy, Emirates ID, passport

Keep your old Ejari certificate until the new one is processed—you may need it for DEWA transfer.

Hire movers if:

You have heavy furniture or appliances
Moving to/from a high floor without service elevator
Don\'t have a vehicle for multiple trips
Time is more valuable than cost

DIY if:

Minimal belongings (suitcases only)
Moving within same building/area
Tight budget and have help available

Update your address on:

Emirates ID: Within 30 days via ICP app (address linked to Ejari)
Bank accounts: Visit branch or update via app
Employer: Inform HR for visa records
Car registration (RTA): Update during renewal
Subscriptions/deliveries: Update manually

Document everything with photos/videos when you move in (before unpacking). If damage exists before you move in, report it to the landlord immediately in writing (email/WhatsApp with photos). This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you move out. Keep move-in documentation for your entire tenancy.