Dubai Moving Companies Guide
Whether you're moving across Dubai or relocating internationally, choosing the right moving company makes a huge difference in stress levels and costs.
This guide covers local movers, international relocation services, DIY options, and tips to ensure a smooth move.
Moving Costs in Dubai
| Move Type | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR (local) | AED 500-1,500 | Same day |
| 2-3BR apartment (local) | AED 1,500-3,500 | Same day |
| Villa (local) | AED 3,000-8,000+ | 1-2 days |
| International (sea) | AED 15,000-40,000+ | 4-8 weeks |
| International (air) | AED 30,000-80,000+ | 1-2 weeks |
Local Moving Companies
For moves within Dubai. Prices vary based on distance, volume, and services included.
The Box
AED 800-3,000+
Popular expat choice. Transparent pricing, professional service.
Best for: Apartments, quality service
ServiceMarket
Varies
Comparison platform. Get quotes from multiple movers.
Best for: Price comparison
Movesouq
AED 500-2,000+
Budget-friendly option. Good for simple moves.
Best for: Budget moves
Helper Manpower
AED 100-150/person
Labor-only option. You rent truck, they provide muscle.
Best for: DIY with help
Always get 3+ quotes for comparison. Prices can vary significantly for the same move. Ask specifically what's included: packing materials, disassembly/reassembly, insurance coverage.
What Affects Moving Costs
Price Increases
- 📦 More items/furniture
- 🏢 High floor without elevator
- 📍 Greater distance
- 📋 Packing services needed
- 🔧 Disassembly/reassembly required
- 🚗 Difficult parking/access
- 📅 End of month timing
Ways to Save
- ✓ Pack yourself (save 20-30%)
- ✓ Move mid-month
- ✓ Declutter before moving
- ✓ Book in advance
- ✓ Get multiple quotes
- ✓ Disassemble furniture yourself
- ✓ Be flexible on timing
International Relocation
For moves to/from Dubai. These companies handle shipping, customs, and door-to-door service.
Crown Relocations
Global network. Full relocation services including visa help.
Best for: Corporate relocations, full service
AGS Movers
French company with strong Middle East presence.
Best for: Europe/Africa moves
Allied Pickfords
Well-established international mover.
Best for: Australia/UK moves
ISS Relocations
Regional specialist with competitive rates.
Best for: Middle East regional moves
Sea vs Air Freight
Sea Freight
- • Takes 4-8 weeks
- • Much cheaper per kg
- • Good for large shipments
- • Ideal for furniture
Air Freight
- • Takes 1-2 weeks
- • Expensive per kg
- • Good for essentials
- • Ideal for small shipments
UAE has restrictions on certain items: alcohol (requires license), pork products, certain medications, religious materials, and some electronics. Your moving company should advise on customs requirements. Prohibited items will be confiscated.
DIY Moving Options
For smaller moves or budget-conscious movers.
Pickup Truck Rental
Rent a pickup and do it yourself. Works for small moves with friends to help.
- • Cost: AED 200-500/day
- • Providers: Budget, Thrifty, ekar (hourly)
- • Need UAE driving license
- • You handle loading/unloading
Labor-Only Services
Hire workers to help load/unload while you provide transport.
- • Cost: AED 100-150 per person
- • Book via ServiceMarket or TaskRabbit
- • Good for heavy items
- • You arrange transportation
Delivery Apps
For single items or small loads.
- • Careem Box, Fetchr, Shipa
- • Good for boxes, small furniture
- • Track in real-time
- • Quick same-day delivery
Moving Day Checklist
Before the Move
- ☐ Book movers 1-2 weeks ahead
- ☐ Declutter and donate/sell items
- ☐ Confirm move date with new building
- ☐ Notify old building of move-out
- ☐ Start packing non-essentials
- ☐ Take photos of furniture condition
- ☐ Prepare a "first night" essentials box
- ☐ Update address with employer
Moving Day
- ☐ Final meter readings (old place)
- ☐ Check all rooms and storage
- ☐ Keep valuables and documents with you
- ☐ Supervise loading
- ☐ Final walk-through at old place
- ☐ Hand over keys
- ☐ Supervise unloading at new place
- ☐ Check for damage immediately
Take photos and video of your belongings before the move, especially valuable or fragile items. If anything is damaged, you'll need evidence for insurance claims. Note any existing damage on the mover's inventory list.
Insider Tips
Tip movers appropriately
AED 20-50 per mover is customary for good service. Provide cold water/drinks—Dubai moves are hot work.
Book elevator time
Many buildings require advance booking of service elevators for moves. Check with building management.
Consider timing carefully
Early morning (7-8am) is best to avoid traffic and heat. Avoid Friday afternoons (prayer time) and late month (highest demand).
Get everything in writing
Confirm price, date, time, and services included in writing before moving day. Avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studio/1BR: AED 500-1,500. 2BR apartment: AED 1,000-2,500. 3BR apartment: AED 1,500-3,500. Villa: AED 3,000-8,000+. Prices vary by distance, floor level (if no elevator), amount of furniture, and whether packing is included. Always get 3+ quotes.
For small moves (studio, few items), DIY with a pickup truck rental (AED 200-500/day) can save money. For larger moves, professionals are worth it—they handle packing, heavy lifting, and insurance. The stress saved is usually worth the cost difference.
For regular moves: 1-2 weeks ahead is usually fine. End of month (when most leases end) is busiest—book 2-3 weeks ahead. During summer, many expats leave, so moving companies are busy with clearances. International moves: book 4-8 weeks ahead.
Most professional movers offer basic liability coverage (often limited). Ask about their insurance policy and consider additional coverage for valuable items. Take photos of everything before the move. Some home insurance policies cover moves—check yours.
Keep with you: important documents (passport, Emirates ID, contracts), jewelry and valuables, medications, electronics/laptops, one change of clothes, phone chargers, and anything you'll need immediately. Also pack a "first night" box with essentials.
Yes, several Dubai companies specialize in international moves including shipping, customs clearance, and door-to-door service. Expect to pay AED 15,000-50,000+ depending on volume and destination. Sea freight takes 4-8 weeks; air freight is faster but much more expensive.