How Movers and Packers Work (Step-by-Step: Survey → Packing → Loading → Delivery)

First time hiring movers? Not sure what to expect or how to prepare? This guide walks you through every stage of a professional move—from first call to final furniture placement—so you can relax knowing exactly what's happening and when. Our teams complete 150+ moves monthly across Dubai, and this is the exact process we follow every time.

What Has Changed in the Moving Process for 2026?

Video surveys via WhatsApp are now standard, digital tablet-based inventories generate instant quotes, GPS tracking shows belongings in transit, and e-signatures speed up all paperwork.

Professional moving has evolved significantly. Here's what's new:

• Video surveys now standard: Most companies offer instant video walkthroughs via WhatsApp, making quotes faster and more accurate without waiting for in-person visits
• Digital inventories: Leading movers use tablet-based inventory systems that generate instant, itemized quotes and delivery checklists
• Real-time tracking: Some companies now offer GPS tracking so you know exactly where your belongings are during transit
• E-signatures: Contracts and delivery confirmations are increasingly digital, speeding up paperwork
• Pre-move checklists via app: Expect WhatsApp or email reminders about building permits, elevator bookings, and preparation tasks

What Are the Key Stages of Professional Moving?

Professional moves follow a structured sequence: inquiry and quote, pre-move survey, booking and preparation, packing day, loading day, transit, unloading and delivery, unpacking (optional), and completion with payment. Each stage involves specific crew roles, equipment, and quality control checkpoints that ensure nothing is missed.

Hiring professional movers in Dubai means handing over a complex logistics operation to experts. But understanding how the process works helps you prepare better and get more value from the service. Whether you are moving within Dubai Marina or relocating from Downtown Dubai to the suburbs, the core process remains the same.

What Happens During the Initial Inquiry and Quoting Process?

You provide basic move details (origin, destination, size), the mover asks about timing and special items, then gives a preliminary estimate based on information provided.

What Happens

• First contact: You provide basic move details (origin, destination, approximate size)
• Initial assessment: Mover asks about timing, special items, access restrictions
• Preliminary estimate: Rough price range based on information provided
• Channel options: Most Dubai movers accept inquiries via phone, WhatsApp, website forms, or email

Your Role

• Be honest about volume—underestimating leads to problems on moving day
• Mention any challenging items (piano, safe, oversized furniture, gym equipment)
• Disclose access issues at either location (narrow corridors, no elevator, distant parking)
• Share your preferred moving date and any flexibility you have

Want to understand pricing before you call? Read our complete guide to moving costs in Dubai for typical price ranges by apartment size.

What Happens During the Pre-Move Survey?

Surveyors visit in-person or via video to assess volume, check access and specialty items, identify disassembly needs, and provide accurate written quotes with crew and truck recommendations.

In-Person Survey

• Surveyor visits your home at a scheduled time
• Walks through every room, including storage, balcony, garage, and maid's room
• Notes furniture sizes, fragile items, disassembly needs
• Checks access: elevator size, stair width, parking distance, building entry restrictions
• Takes 30-60 minutes depending on home size
• Photographs specialty items for the crew briefing

Video Survey

• You video call and walk through your home via WhatsApp or Zoom
• Surveyor guides you on what to show—open drawers, closets, and storage areas
• Faster (15-30 minutes) but may miss some details behind closed doors
• Good for smaller moves, repeat customers, or when scheduling is tight

After the Survey

• Written quote with itemized breakdown sent within 24 hours
• Recommended crew size and truck configuration
• Timeline estimate for packing, loading, and delivery
• Special equipment needs identified (crane, hoist, extra padding)

What Happens During Booking and Preparation?

After quote acceptance, movers confirm crew and truck, order special equipment, prepare materials, and assign a team leader—while you handle building permits, elevator bookings, and access arrangements.

What the Moving Company Does

• Confirms crew and truck availability for your chosen date
• Orders special equipment if needed (piano board, appliance dolly, artwork crate)
• Prepares packing materials for your inventory—sourced from Dubai-based suppliers for freshness and strength
• Assigns a team leader for your move who reviews the survey notes
• Sends pre-move reminders 48 hours and 24 hours before the scheduled date

What You Should Do

• Apply for building moving permits at both locations (most Dubai buildings require 48-72 hours notice)
• Book elevator slots—service elevators are often shared and time-limited
• Notify building management at origin and destination and obtain NOCs if required
• Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck
• Prepare an essentials box (documents, medications, valuables, phone chargers, snacks)
• Declutter items you no longer need to reduce volume and cost

What Happens on Packing Day?

Professional packers arrive with supplies, work room-by-room (starting with kitchen), individually wrap all items, label every box, empty drawers, bag hardware, and disassemble furniture as needed.

For full-service packing services, this may happen the day before or morning of the move. On larger moves—particularly villas—packing is almost always a separate day.

How Professional Packers Work

1. Setup: Team arrives with boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes, and stretch film
2. Room-by-room: Packers work systematically, usually kitchen first (most complex and fragile)
3. Wrapping: Dishes individually wrapped in acid-free paper, glasses packed with cell dividers, fragile items double-boxed
4. Labeling: Every box labeled with room, contents summary, and handling instructions. See our box labeling guide for the system professionals use
5. Furniture prep: Drawers emptied, hardware bagged in zip-locks and taped to the furniture piece
6. Disassembly: Beds, dining tables, wardrobes, and shelving units taken apart as needed

Packing Materials Used by Professional Crews

Understanding what materials movers bring helps you judge quality. Here is what a well-equipped crew carries:

Material	Purpose	Typical Quantity (2BR)
Standard cartons (medium)	General household items	25-35 boxes
Small cartons	Books, heavy items	10-15 boxes
Wardrobe boxes	Hanging clothes	3-5 boxes
Bubble wrap rolls	Fragile item protection	2-3 rolls
Packing paper (acid-free)	Wrapping dishes, glassware	5-10 kg
Stretch film	Securing furniture parts, drawers	2-3 rolls
Moving blankets	Furniture surface protection	10-15 blankets
Packing tape	Sealing boxes	5-8 rolls
Corner protectors	Furniture edges	20-30 pieces

What They Won't Pack

There are items that professional movers will not handle for safety or legal reasons. For a detailed list, read our guide on items movers won't pack or transport.

• Hazardous materials (chemicals, propane, aerosols, paint thinners)
• Perishable food items
• Plants (can be transported but not packed in sealed boxes)
• Personal documents and valuables (unless specifically requested and insured)
• Items in unsafe or deteriorating containers

Specialty Item Handling

Certain items require extra care and sometimes specialized crews. Packing fragile items like chandeliers, artwork, and antiques involves custom crating, foam-in-place packaging, or climate-controlled wrapping. Grand pianos need a piano board and at least four trained movers. Aquariums must be drained and transported empty with filters packed separately.

Who Does What? Crew Roles Explained

A typical Dubai moving crew includes defined roles. Understanding who does what helps you communicate effectively on moving day.

• Team Leader / Foreman: Manages the crew, conducts walkthroughs with you, makes loading decisions, handles paperwork, and serves as your primary point of contact
• Packers (1-3 people): Trained specialists who wrap, box, and label your belongings room by room
• Movers / Loaders (2-4 people): Handle heavy lifting, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and truck loading and unloading
• Driver: Operates the truck, plans the route, and is responsible for the vehicle and cargo during transit

For a standard 2BR apartment, expect a crew of 3-4. Villas and commercial moves may require 6-8 crew members or more.

What Happens on Loading Day?

Crew arrives at 8-9 AM, does walkthrough, positions truck, lays floor protection, loads large furniture first, strategically stacks with padding between items, straps everything, then does final sweep.

Crew Arrival

• Team arrives at scheduled time (usually 8-9 AM to beat Dubai heat)
• Team leader does walkthrough with you to confirm inventory and priorities
• Truck positioned as close as building allows—security and loading bay access confirmed
• Floor protection laid down in corridors, elevator, and doorways (runners, corner guards, door frame padding)

Loading Strategy and Truck Configuration

Loading is not random. Experienced crews follow a specific strategy to maximize space and prevent damage:

1. Heavy base layer: Appliances and heaviest furniture (sofas, wardrobes) go against the truck walls first
2. Mattresses as dividers: Placed vertically between furniture sections to act as padding
3. Strategic stacking: Heavy boxes low, lighter boxes on top, fragile boxes at the very top or in protected pockets
4. Gap filling: Soft items (pillows, cushions, blankets) used to fill voids and prevent shifting
5. Strapping: Ratchet straps secure items to truck anchor points every 1-2 meters
6. Final sweep: Team leader checks every room, closet, balcony, and storage unit before departure

Equipment Used During Loading

• Furniture dollies: Four-wheel platforms for heavy dressers and appliances
• Hand trucks (sack trucks): Two-wheel upright movers for stacked boxes
• Appliance dolly: Specialized dolly with straps for refrigerators and washing machines
• Piano board: Heavy-duty skid board with straps for pianos and safes
• Furniture sliders: Placed under heavy items to glide across floors without scratching
• Lifting straps: Forearm straps that use leverage to lift heavy items with less back strain

Loading Time Estimates

• Studio: 1-2 hours
• 1BR: 2-3 hours
• 2BR: 3-4 hours
• 3BR: 4-6 hours
• Villa: 6-8+ hours

Timing affected by elevator waits, floor level, and parking distance. High-rise buildings in areas like Dubai Marina can add 30-60 minutes due to shared elevator schedules.

How Does Building Coordination Work in Dubai?

Dubai building management plays a significant role in moves. Most residential towers and commercial buildings require advance coordination:

• Moving permits: Buildings issue time-limited permits (often 8 AM - 5 PM or designated moving days only)
• Elevator booking: Service elevators must be reserved—some buildings allow only 2-4 hour slots
• Security clearance: Crew members may need to present Emirates IDs and the moving company's trade license
• Deposit: Some buildings require a refundable damage deposit (AED 1,000-5,000) before allowing the move
• NOC (No Objection Certificate): Required from the landlord or property manager confirming approval of the move
• Parking allocation: Loading bays or designated parking spots arranged in advance to avoid fines

Your moving company should guide you through this process. Experienced Dubai movers know the specific requirements of major buildings and can prepare documentation accordingly.

What Happens During Transit Between Locations?

Driver takes the optimal route avoiding low bridges and weight restrictions while you travel separately to the new location—transit takes 15-60 minutes within Dubai or 1-3 hours to other Emirates.

Route Planning

• Driver takes the optimal route avoiding low-clearance bridges, weight-restricted roads, and school zones during peak hours
• Experienced drivers know which routes to avoid during Friday prayer times and evening rush
• Some companies offer GPS tracking links via WhatsApp so you can follow the truck in real time

Transit Time

• Same building: Immediate (elevator use only)
• Same area: 15-30 minutes
• Cross-Dubai: 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Other Emirates: 1-3 hours

During Transit

• Confirm new location access is ready—elevator booked, parking available
• Meet building security if required and share the moving permit
• Have keys ready for the new home
• Ensure elevator is available and held for your use

What Happens During Unloading and Placement?

Team confirms access and lays floor protection, unloads large furniture first, places boxes in labeled rooms, reassembles beds and wardrobes, and positions furniture where you direct.

Unloading Process

1. Access confirmed: Team checks elevator dimensions, route to apartment, and floor protection needs
2. Floor protection: Runners and door frame guards laid in new location corridors
3. Strategic unloading: Large furniture first, carried directly to designated rooms
4. Box placement: Boxes delivered to their labeled rooms—kitchen boxes to kitchen, bedroom boxes to bedroom
5. Reassembly: Beds, dining tables, wardrobes, and shelving units rebuilt using the bagged hardware
6. Positioning: Furniture placed where you direct—have your layout plan ready

Your Role During Unloading

• Direct furniture placement (have a floor plan or at least a clear idea ready)
• Note any damage as items come off the truck—photograph immediately
• Sign inventory acknowledging delivery of each numbered item
• Check box counts match the loading inventory sheet

What Does Optional Unpacking Service Include?

Unpacking includes opening all boxes, removing wrapping, placing items in cabinets as directed, and removing all packing materials—but does not include organizing, hanging pictures, or deep cleaning.

What Unpacking Includes

• Opening all boxes and removing all wrapping material
• Placing items on shelves, in cabinets, and in closets as directed
• Breaking down and removing all cardboard, paper, and packing materials
• Wiping down furniture surfaces after unwrapping

What It Does Not Include

• Organizing your belongings in a specific order
• Hanging pictures, mirrors, or mounting TVs
• Deep cleaning of the new home
• Setting up electronics or reconnecting appliances

How Do Quality Control and the Final Walkthrough Work?

Before the crew leaves, the team leader conducts a formal walkthrough with you. This is your final opportunity to flag anything before signing off.

• Walk through every room together and verify all furniture is in place
• Check that reassembled furniture is stable and functional (open drawers, test bed frames)
• Count all boxes against the master inventory list
• Inspect walls, floors, and door frames for any transit-related damage
• Document any issues with timestamped photos—both you and the team leader should have copies

What Happens at Payment and Feedback?

After the walkthrough, you sign the delivery receipt confirming all items received, and then complete final payment. Most Dubai movers accept cash, bank transfer, or card payment.

Completion Checklist

• All items delivered and accounted for on the inventory list
• Furniture assembled and functional
• Any damage documented with photos and noted on the delivery receipt
• Delivery receipt signed by both parties
• Final payment made (cash, card, or bank transfer)

After the Movers Leave

• Check all furniture for hidden damage (backs of cabinets, undersides of tables)
• Test electronics and appliances—plug in and power on
• Open a sample of boxes to verify contents are intact
• Report any issues within 24-48 hours while the move is still fresh in records
• Leave a review if service was good—it helps other customers and the crew

How Does Insurance and the Claims Process Work?

Reputable movers carry goods-in-transit insurance and third-party liability coverage. Here is how the claims process typically works if something goes wrong:

1. Immediate documentation: Photograph damage at the time of delivery and note it on the delivery receipt
2. Written notification: Email the moving company within 24-48 hours with photos and a description of the damaged item
3. Assessment: The company sends a representative or requests additional photos for evaluation
4. Resolution: Options include repair, replacement, or financial compensation depending on the item's declared value and coverage terms
5. Timeline: Most claims are resolved within 7-14 working days for straightforward cases

Always confirm insurance coverage and limits before booking. Ask whether the policy covers replacement value or depreciated value—the difference can be significant for high-value items.

What Does Post-Move Support Look Like?

A good moving company does not disappear after delivery. Post-move support should include:

• A follow-up call or message within 24-48 hours to check satisfaction
• A clear claims process with a dedicated contact person
• Assistance with disposal of packing materials (some companies collect used boxes for free)
• Referrals for related services like deep cleaning, handyman, or storage

What Is a Typical Moving Day Timeline for a 2BR Apartment?

A typical 2BR move: crew arrives 8 AM, loading begins 8:30 AM, completes by noon, arrives at the new location 12:30 PM, unloading and assembly finishes by 4 PM, final walkthrough and payment by 4:30 PM.

Time	Activity	Duration
8:00 AM	Crew arrives, walkthrough with team leader	30 min
8:30 AM	Floor protection laid, loading begins	3.5 hours
12:00 PM	Loading complete, final sweep of old home	15 min
12:15 PM	Transit to new location	30-45 min
1:00 PM	Arrive at new location, security and elevator check-in	15 min
1:15 PM	Unloading and furniture placement begins	2.5 hours
3:45 PM	Reassembly of beds, tables, wardrobes	30-45 min
4:15 PM	Final walkthrough and inventory check	15 min
4:30 PM	Sign-off, payment, crew departs	15 min

For a detailed guide on preparing for the day itself, read our complete moving day guide.

What Makes Professional Movers Different from DIY Moving?

Professional movers bring specialized equipment (dollies, straps, padding), training in proper lifting and truck loading, goods-in-transit insurance, and third-party liability coverage. Based on our data from hundreds of moves, professional crews complete the same job in roughly 40% less time than untrained helpers, with significantly fewer damage incidents.

Equipment

• Proper furniture dollies and hand trucks
• Moving blankets and quilted padding
• Ratchet straps and tie-downs rated for cargo securing
• Specialty tools (piano board, appliance dolly, stair climber)
• Floor runners and wall/door frame protection

Training

• Proper lifting techniques to prevent injury and damage
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly knowledge across major brands (IKEA, Pottery Barn, local carpenters)
• Truck loading optimization—maximizing space while minimizing movement risk
• Fragile handling protocols for glassware, electronics, and artwork
• Customer service and communication during stressful moving situations

Insurance

• Goods in transit coverage for your belongings
• Third-party liability for property damage (walls, floors, elevators)
• Worker compensation for crew members

Not sure how to evaluate moving companies? Our guide on how to choose movers in Dubai covers the key questions to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need to Be Present During the Move?

Yes, you or a trusted representative must be present at both locations to direct furniture placement, answer questions, and sign delivery documents—movers cannot make placement decisions alone.

How Long Does a Typical Move Take?

A 2BR apartment takes 6-8 hours total including loading, transit, and unloading. Villas typically require 1-2 days depending on size and complexity. Studio and 1BR moves can be completed in 3-5 hours.

Should You Tip the Movers?

Tipping is appreciated but not required in Dubai. AED 25-50 per mover is the current norm for good service—more for exceptionally careful work or difficult conditions like extreme heat or high-floor moves without a service elevator.

What Should You Do If Something Gets Damaged?

Document damage immediately with timestamped photos, note it on the delivery paperwork before signing, report to the company within 24 hours via email with photos attached, and file a formal claim per their process. Do not discard the damaged item until the claim is resolved.

Can Movers Move Everything in One Trip?

With a proper pre-move survey, movers bring the right truck size—multiple trips are rare when professional estimates are based on an actual inventory assessment. If the survey was done via video and items were missed, a second trip may be needed at additional cost.

What Is the Difference Between Packing and Loading?

Packing means wrapping items and placing them into boxes; loading means carrying boxes and furniture onto the truck—they are separate services that can be booked independently or bundled together for a discount.

How Far in Advance Should You Book Movers?

Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for standard moves. During peak season (end of month, summer, and end of school year), 3-4 weeks notice is recommended. Last-minute moves are possible but may cost more and offer less crew availability.

Are You Ready to Book Professional Movers?

Now you know exactly what to expect when hiring professionals—the difference between a stressful and smooth move comes down to choosing movers who follow this process properly, communicate clearly, and treat your belongings with care.

Get a free quote and experience how professional moving should feel. We'll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and handle the heavy lifting—literally. Or call +971 55 301 3309 to speak with our team now.