Guide to Packing & Moving Day in the UAE | MoveConnector

Introduction: Demystifying Your Moving Day

You've decluttered, you've chosen your moving company, and the date is set. Now comes the main event: the packing and moving days. This is where the action happens, and for many people, it can be the most stressful part of a relocation. What exactly do the movers do? How long will it take? What should you be doing while they work?

Understanding the step-by-step process is the key to alleviating this stress. While both local and international moves from the UAE share similarities, they have distinct differences in packing standards, timelines, and procedures.

This guide will walk you through what to expect during the packing and moving process for both a domestic move within the UAE and a major international relocation. Knowing the plan will empower you to stay organized, manage your time, and ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free transition.

Part 1: The Packing Process - Domestic vs. International

The way your belongings are packed is the biggest difference between a local and an international move.

Local (Domestic) Move Packing in the UAE

For a move within Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or between Emirates, the goal is speed, efficiency, and protection for a short road journey.

Timeline: Packing and moving for a standard 1-3 bedroom home is almost always completed on the same day.
The Process:
1. Arrival (Morning): A team of 4-6 packers and a supervisor will arrive, typically between 8-9 AM. After a quick walkthrough with you to confirm which items are moving, they begin.
2. Materials: They will use "soft packing" materials. This includes:
  - Blankets: For wrapping large furniture like sofas, tables, and dressers.
  - Shrink Wrap: Used to secure blankets and protect items from dust and scuffs.
  - Corrugated Cardboard Rolls: For wrapping artwork, glass tabletops, and delicate items.
3. Packing: The team works in parallel. Some will pack loose items from the kitchen and bedrooms into cartons, while others dismantle and wrap furniture. They work quickly and systematically, room by room.
Your Role: Your main job is to be present to answer questions. Point out any particularly fragile items and clearly mark anything you do not want the movers to pack (like your "essentials box" and personal documents).

International Move Packing (Export Packing)

For a move to the UK, USA, Europe, or beyond, the packing standard is significantly higher. Your goods need to withstand a 6-10 week sea journey and rigorous handling. This is known as "export packing."

Timeline: Packing for an international move takes longer and is done 1-3 days before the move-out day.
- 1-2 Bedroom Apartment: 1 day
- 3-5 Bedroom Villa: 2-3 days
The Process:
1. Arrival & Inventory: The packing crew (specialized in export packing) arrives with a supervisor. They begin by creating a detailed, numbered inventory list of everything being shipped—a crucial document for customs.
2. Materials: The materials are more robust. Movers use a 5-ply, multi-layered wrapping technique:
  - Paper/Foam Inner Layer: A clean, soft layer protects the surface.
  - Bubble Wrap: Provides shock absorption.
  - Corrugated Cardboard (5-ply): A thick, rigid outer layer provides structural protection against being crushed inside the container.
3. Systematic Packing: Every single item—from a single glass to the largest piece of furniture—is meticulously wrapped using this method and given a numbered sticker that corresponds to the inventory list. This is a much more deliberate and time-consuming process than local packing.
Your Role: Supervise the process and double-check the inventory list created by the packers for accuracy before you sign it. Ensure the values you declare for insurance are for the replacement value at your destination. Learn more in our Moving Insurance Guide.

Part 2: Moving Day - What to Expect

On a Local Move Day

Loading (Afternoon): Once packing is complete (usually by early afternoon), the crew will load everything onto the truck.
Final Walkthrough: Before the truck leaves, do a final sweep of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
Transit: You will travel to your new home separately. The moving truck will meet you there.
Unloading & Unpacking: The crew will unload all furniture and boxes into the designated rooms. They will unwrap and reassemble all the basic furniture (beds, dining tables, etc.) and place it where you want it. They will also unpack boxes onto flat surfaces if this service is included in your quote.
Sign-Off: Once everything is done to your satisfaction, you will sign a "job completion" form. The entire process is usually finished by early evening.

On an International Move Day (Loading Day)

Container Arrival: For a full container (FCL) move, the shipping container will be brought to your residence on a large truck. For a shared container (LCL) move, your goods are loaded into a smaller moving truck to be taken to a warehouse for crating and consolidation.
Loading: The crew carefully loads all the wrapped items into the container, like a giant game of Tetris, to maximize space and ensure nothing shifts during the voyage.
Sealing the Container (FCL): Once loading is complete, the container doors are closed, and a high-security bolt seal with a unique number is applied. You should take a photo of this seal number for your records. The container is then transported directly to Jebel Ali Port.
The "Goodbye": This is the moment your belongings begin their long journey. Your next interaction with them will be in your new country weeks later.

FAQs: Packing and Moving Day in the UAE

1. Do I need to get move permits for my building? Yes, this is critical in the UAE. You must arrange move-out and move-in permits with both your old and new building management offices several days in advance. Movers will not be allowed to work without them.

2. Should I empty my drawers?

Local Move: For light items like clothing, you can often leave them in the drawers. The movers will wrap the entire dresser.
International Move: All drawers must be completely empty. The furniture will be wrapped and may be tilted or turned on its side during loading.

3. What should I do with my pets and young children on moving day? The safest option is to have them stay with a friend, family member, or at a daycare for the day. A moving site is a hazardous environment with open doors, heavy items, and lots of activity. Read our full Guide to Moving with Pets for more tips.

4. Should I provide food and drinks for the moving crew? While not required, providing cold water is a much-appreciated gesture, especially during the hot UAE summer. Lunch is not expected. Tipping for good service is customary (a common amount is 20-50 AED per crew member, given to the supervisor).

5. What is my most important job on moving day? Your job is to be the Project Manager. Stay out of the way of the heavy lifting, but be available to answer questions, provide direction ("this sofa goes against that wall"), and do the final walkthrough.

Conclusion: A Well-Managed Process

Knowing what to expect on packing and moving day transforms the experience from one of anxiety into a well-managed project. By understanding the roles, timelines, and differences between a local and international move, you can work effectively with your moving crew and ensure that the most physically demanding part of your relocation is handled with professional efficiency.

Ready to experience a truly professional packing and moving day?

Request a Free, No-Obligation Moving Quote Today! Our network consists of pre-screened movers who are experts in both domestic and international relocations from the UAE.

Packing and Moving Day: A Guide to the Process in the UAE