The Complete Dubai Moving Checklist (8 Weeks to Move-In)
Moving in Dubai involves more administration than most people expect. Alongside the physical move there is DEWA to transfer, Ejari to register, internet to move, a building NOC to obtain, and a move-out inspection that decides how much of your security deposit comes back.
This checklist sequences all of it. Work backwards from your move date and nothing lands on you in the final week.
8 weeks before — decide and secure
- Confirm your notice period. Most Dubai tenancy contracts require 90 days' written notice to vacate — check yours now, not later.
- Serve written notice to your landlord and keep proof of delivery.
- Start viewing new properties and shortlist by commute, school run and service charges.
- Book moving surveys with two or three companies. Get written, itemised quotes.
6 weeks before — book and declutter
- Confirm your mover and lock the date. Month-end dates go first.
- Begin decluttering room by room. Sell on Dubizzle, donate to a charity, or arrange disposal.
- If your handover dates do not align, arrange storage now rather than in the final week.
- Notify your children's school of the address change if the move affects transport zones.
4 weeks before — the paperwork
- Register the new tenancy contract on Ejari — you will need it for DEWA and for visa-related processes.
- Apply to open a DEWA account for the new property and schedule closure of the old one for the day after your move.
- Book the internet and TV transfer with du or Etisalat. This is the single most commonly delayed item — allow four weeks.
- Request the moving NOC from both building managements, and ask what documents they require from your mover.
- Update your address with your bank, insurer, RTA and employer.
2 weeks before — prepare the property
- Book any move-out repairs: nail-hole filling, paint touch-ups, bracket removal, AC servicing.
- Arrange a professional deep clean of the old property for the day after the move.
- Confirm the service-lift slot in writing with both buildings.
- Use up frozen and perishable food — none of it travels.
- Order replacement curtain rails or brackets if the new property needs them.
1 week before — pack and confirm
- Pack in this order: storage and guest rooms first, then living areas, then bedrooms, then the kitchen last.
- Label every carton by room and contents, not just by room.
- Set aside an essentials box: chargers, medication, documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, kettle, mugs.
- Photograph the back of your TV and desk cabling before disconnecting anything.
- Confirm arrival time, crew size and the final price with your mover in writing.
- Withdraw cash for tips if you intend to tip the crew — AED 50 to 100 per mover is customary for a job done well.
Moving day
- Be present for the walkthrough before loading starts, and point out fragile and high-value items.
- Keep passports, Emirates IDs, tenancy documents, jewellery and laptops with you — never on the truck.
- Check every room, cupboard, balcony and the maid's room before the truck departs.
- Take final meter readings and photograph them, along with the condition of every room.
- At the new property, direct cartons to the right rooms as they come in — it saves hours later.
- Do the inventory check against the mover's list before signing off.
The first week after
- Close the old DEWA account and confirm the final bill is settled — an unpaid balance delays the deposit refund.
- Complete the move-out inspection with your landlord or agent and get the outcome in writing.
- Chase the security deposit refund. It typically takes two to four weeks.
- Register the new Ejari if you have not already, and update your address on any remaining accounts.
- Book the handyman finishing: curtains, TV mounting, shelving, mirrors.
Planning a move in Dubai?
Get a free survey and a written, fixed-price quote within two hours — no obligation, and no number that changes on the day.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do I need to give my landlord in Dubai?
Most Dubai tenancy contracts require 90 days' written notice before the contract end date if you intend to vacate. Check your specific contract, because some specify 60 days. Serve it in writing and keep proof of delivery — verbal notice is not sufficient.
How long does DEWA take to transfer?
A DEWA account can usually be opened within one working day online once you have a registered Ejari, the tenancy contract and your Emirates ID. Schedule closure of the old account for the day after your move so you are not without power while loading.
When should I book a mover in Dubai?
Three to five days ahead is enough for an apartment and seven to ten days for a villa in an ordinary week. For a month-end move, book two to three weeks ahead — the final week of every month is the busiest period in the Dubai moving calendar.
