Quick Answer
Book your movers five to seven days ahead for an apartment and two weeks for a villa, then secure the building move-in permit and service-lift slot at least 48 hours before the move. Close old DEWA or ADDC accounts around the handover date and book internet installation separately, because fibre activation can take up to five working days.
Two Weeks Before: Contracts and Permits
Confirm the handover date of your new home and read the community or building move-in rules. Most UAE towers require a move-in permit, a tenancy contract copy and a third-party insurance certificate. Ask your moving company for the licence and insurance documents early — building management often needs 48 hours to approve them.
Book your movers before month-end. The last week of the month is the busiest period for relocations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and lift slots in popular towers fill quickly.
One Week Before: Utilities and Services
Schedule the DEWA (Dubai) or ADDC/AADC (Abu Dhabi) final meter reading for the day after your move, and open the new account with the tenancy contract and Emirates ID. In the northern emirates the equivalent providers are SEWA, FEWA and AADC depending on the property.
Book the internet transfer with your ISP at least five working days ahead; fibre activation in a new building can take longer if the ONT box is missing. Arrange building access for the moving truck, and if you live in a gated community, register the vehicle plate and crew names with security.
Moving Day: Sequence That Avoids Rework
Pack a first-night box with chargers, bedding, toiletries, medicine and a change of clothes, and keep it in your car rather than the truck. Photograph the meter readings and the condition of both properties before the crew starts.
After unloading, walk through each room with the crew leader before signing the completion sheet. Note any item that needs follow-up in writing on the same day, while the inventory and photographs are still fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book movers in the UAE?
Do I need a move-in permit from my building?
What should I keep out of the moving truck?
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