Whether you’re relocating within an emirate in the UAE, between emirates, or out of the UAE, hiring the correct mover might be the difference between a stress-free relocation and a stressful one.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to make the best decision possible.
Where can one find movers?
You can find out about moving firms in your area in a variety of ways:
- Online search: Most movers have a web presence, and a search for ‘Movers in the UAE’ or ‘Packers and movers near me’ might provide a large number of results.
- In your neighborhood: Some movers leave fliers and contact information at building reception desks, so you may always contact the security staff in your building, or the community management team if you reside in a villa.
- Newspapers: Moving businesses offer their services in newspapers, and looking through the classifieds section will help you find some leads.
- Recommendations: Are you a member of a local Whatsapp group, or has a friend or relative lately moved? You’ll be astonished at how many good recommendations you get if you ask around.
You can check whether or not the company you’re dealing with is registered with the economic department by going to the Abu Dhabi Economic Department’s website or the Dubai Economic Department’s website.
What should one look for?
You must decide if you want packers and movers or just movers, depending on your relocation requirements.
Moving within the UAE
1. Movers
There are a number of small enterprises in the UAE that provide workers that arrive in a little truck at your home. This means you’ll need to find moving boxes, pack all of your belongings the manner you want, and then let the firm handle the heavy lifting. Many companies charge based on the quantity of boxes you have, so this can be accomplished for a very low price.
2. Packers and movers
These are full-service moves in which the company’s team packs all of your belongings, transports them to a new location, and then unpacks and sets up your new house. This will be more expensive, but it will alleviate the stress of moving.
Moving out of the UAE
- Cargo companies – Your belongings can be transported by air or sea cargo to your new residence. While air cargo is faster, it is also more expensive because the charge is based on weight. Sea cargo takes longer to reach its destination – sometimes up to ten weeks – but the charges are based on volume and are therefore more manageable. If you’re moving to a country with direct land access to the UAE, the shipment could also be transported by land. You can pick between door-to-door cargo, in which packers come to your home, pack your belongings, manage all cargo processing, and bring it to your new home, or port-to-port cargo, in which you would be responsible for the packing as well as some cargo processing procedures.
Packing advice
Whether you pack the items yourself or use expert packers, it’s critical to understand how to minimize the risk of harm to your belongings.
- Use the right materials – Moving boxes should be brand new or little used. Use heavy-duty moving boxes if possible. These can be purchased in a variety of sizes from local cargo firms or home furnishing stores.
- Special care for special items – it is critical to use specialized packaging when transporting dinnerware or fragile things. Crockery frequently arrives in boxes with a lot of padding, so keeping the original box with the packing material is great for shipping such delicate items. If not, request that plates, glasses, and dishes be individually wrapped in top-quality wraps by the packers. For packing such products, bubble wrap is ideal.
- Don’t overpack — choose boxes that are slightly larger than the item you’re packaging and leave room for wrapping materials. It’s also crucial not to cram heavy goods together. As much as possible, distribute heavy goods by mixing them with lighter objects that can be put together.
- Pack it tight- Wedge paper or foam peanuts into the space around it to pack it securely. Add a layer of padding on top before closing.
- Start and end with a layer of packing- Use bubble wrap or crumpled paper before you start packing a box and right before you seal it shut.
- Pack items per room – when packing, it’s crucial not to combine items from separate rooms. Ensure that all goods in the children’s room, living room, kitchen, and bathroom have their own boxes.
- Mark each box – It is critical to carefully label each box. Also, keep a separate list with the number of each box and the contents clearly marked.
- Stock up on supplies – Have boxes, wrapping paper, scissors, newspapers, foam peanuts, bubble wrap, and markers on hand.
Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re looking for the correct options when choosing a mover:
1. Perform a background check
Before deciding on a company, do a quick online search for customer reviews. Examine the feedback left on their social media pages or on online discussion groups. It’s always advisable to look at a few options before settling on one. Personal recommendations are the most trustworthy, so if a friend or family member has interacted with a firm and is happy with their service, it is the most trustworthy review.
2. Get an insurance
This is particularly necessary if you are traveling internationally, despite the fact that it is an added cost. If you are not insured, the employer may refuse to pay for damaged items. For relocation insurance quotes, you can contact insurance firms.
3. Don’t choose the cheapest option
It may be tempting to get a good deal, but when it comes to relocating, it is best to pay for quality. Guarantees may be offered by more expensive movers, and this is worth the extra money you would pay.
4. Do not accept delivery of your things without first inspecting them
If you use door-to-door cargo services, double-check that your things arrived in good condition. When a shipment is delivered to your new residence in another nation, many companies require you to sign a “received” form. If the form includes a clause requiring the receiver to acknowledge that the products are in excellent condition, inspect the goods before signing it. This may seem inconvenient, but it protects you legally.
It’s tough to move to a new place. Make sure you make the best option possible by working with reputable and well-established organizations and insuring your belongings against loss.