Moving Checklist for Dubai: 4 Weeks to Moving Day

A move in Dubai has a few local steps that are easy to forget until the last minute: building permits, DEWA, Ejari, internet transfer and getting your deposit back. This checklist breaks the job into simple stages so nothing gets missed.

4 weeks before

• Confirm your moving date with your landlord or developer, and with the new building.
• Get moving quotes. Ask for a survey (in person or by WhatsApp video) so the price is fixed, not an estimate.
• If you are renting the new home, make sure the tenancy contract is ready to register with Ejari. You will need it to connect DEWA.
• Start clearing out. Sell, donate or throw away anything you don't want to pay to move.

2 weeks before

• Ask both buildings what they need for a move-out and move-in permit, and book the service lift.
• Book your movers and confirm the time, number of crew and what is included (packing, dismantling, assembly).
• Request your internet and TV transfer or a new connection from your provider, as appointments can take several days.
• Check if your new home uses district cooling (chiller) and open an account with the provider if needed.

1 week before

• Apply for DEWA move-out (final bill) for the old home and activation for the new home.
• Pack the things you rarely use: books, decorations, seasonal clothes and spare kitchenware.
• Use up food in the freezer and plan simple meals for the last few days.
• Arrange parking for the moving truck at both addresses if needed.

1 day before

• Pack an essentials bag: documents, chargers, medicines, toiletries, a change of clothes and snacks.
• Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer.
• Keep valuables, cash, jewellery and important papers with you, not in the truck.
• Take photos of the old home's condition to help with your deposit return.

On moving day

Be available at the start to show the crew what goes and what stays, and at the end to check the old home is empty. At the new home, tell the team which room each piece of furniture goes in. Good movers will label boxes by room, so unpacking starts in the right place.

After the move

Hand over the keys and access cards, follow up on your security deposit, and update your address with your bank and any deliveries. Then unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first, so the first night in your new home is comfortable.