Dubai house moving checklist

Moving in Dubai has an admin layer that catches people out, utilities, tenancy registration and building permissions all have their own timelines, and missing one can stop your move on the day. This checklist is ordered by when things actually need doing.

Four weeks before

1. 1Give notice on your current tenancy, check your contract, as 90 days is common in Dubai and a late notice can cost a full renewal.
2. 2Book your movers. Month-end and the last weekend book out first.
3. 3Start the clear-out. Whatever you do not move, you do not pay to move.
4. 4If you are storing anything between handovers, confirm the dates now.

Two weeks before

1. 1Request the move-out NOC from your current building management, and the move-in NOC from the new one. Most Dubai buildings require both.
2. 2Book the service lift at both ends if you are in a tower, slots go quickly at month-end.
3. 3Arrange the DEWA final reading and closure for the old property, and activation for the new one.
4. 4Transfer or cancel internet. Etisalat and du both need notice, and relocation is usually cheaper than cancelling and restarting.
5. 5Register the new Ejari once your tenancy contract is signed.

One week before

1. 1Confirm the moving crew, arrival time and the final quoted price in writing.
2. 2Pack a "first night" box: chargers, medication, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and the kettle.
3. 3Photograph the back of your TV and any complex cabling before it is disconnected.
4. 4Empty, defrost and dry the fridge and freezer, 24 hours is the minimum for a clean defrost.
5. 5Update your address with your bank, RTA, school and any subscriptions.

The day before

1. 1Charge your phone and a power bank. Moving day drains both.
2. 2Set aside passports, Emirates ID, tenancy contracts and valuables, these travel with you, not on the truck.
3. 3Confirm parking access for the truck at both addresses.
4. 4Label which boxes you want opened first at the new place.
5. 5Take meter readings and photograph them.

Moving day

1. 1Walk the crew supervisor through the property before anything is loaded, flag fragile and high-value items then.
2. 2Keep the first-night box and valuables with you, not in the truck.
3. 3Do a final sweep of every cupboard, the balcony and the storage room before the truck leaves.
4. 4Check the inventory before signing anything.
5. 5At the new place, direct boxes to rooms as they come in, it takes seconds and saves hours.

After the move

• Confirm the DEWA final bill on the old property is settled and closed.
• Check reassembled furniture is stable before loading it up.
• Report any damage within the window stated on your quote, do not leave it a fortnight.
• Register the new Ejari if you have not already.