How Much Do Movers Cost for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Dubai? (Realistic Ranges + Examples)
Planning a 2BHK move in 2026? Get real price ranges, understand what affects your quote, and see actual examples from recent Dubai moves.
Moving a 2-bedroom apartment and need to budget accurately? The "average cost" you see online is often useless because it doesn't account for YOUR specific situation. Based on 800+ 2BHK moves we've completed across Dubai, this guide gives you realistic ranges, area-specific pricing, and the factors that push your quote up or down.
What Is the Average Cost to Move a 2BHK in Dubai in 2026?
A 2-bedroom apartment move in Dubai costs AED 1,900-3,000 for standard local relocations in 2026. With full packing and specialty items, the range extends to AED 3,800+. This makes the 2BHK the most commonly quoted home size among residential moving services in Dubai.
These figures are based on our internal data from January 2026 and reflect standard service levels. For comprehensive pricing across all apartment sizes, see our main guide on how much movers cost in Dubai.
What Has Changed in 2BHK Moving Costs for 2026?
Moving a 2BHK in Dubai now costs 8% more than in 2024, with packing services and high-rise premiums driving the largest increases.
Recent market shifts you should know about:
- Price increase: 2BHK moves now range AED 1,900-3,800 (up ~8% from 2024)
- High-rise premium: Buildings over 30 floors increasingly charge their own moving fees on top of mover costs
- Packing costs up: Material costs have pushed full-packing services up 10-15%
- Booking lead time: Popular move dates now book out 2-3 weeks in advance
- Video surveys: More companies offer instant video assessments, improving quote accuracy for 2BHK moves
How Does the Cost Vary by Dubai Area?
Where your 2BHK is located significantly impacts the final price. Buildings in Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai typically cost more due to strict building management rules, limited elevator slots, and higher floor levels. Meanwhile, communities like JLT, JVC, and Sports City tend to be more affordable.
| Area | Typical 2BHK Cost (AED) | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Marina | 2,400 - 3,500 | High-rise access, permit fees, tight parking |
| Downtown Dubai | 2,500 - 3,600 | Building management rules, elevator booking |
| Palm Jumeirah | 2,600 - 3,800 | Distance from mainland, security clearance |
| Business Bay | 2,200 - 3,200 | Mixed-use buildings, parking challenges |
| JLT | 1,900 - 2,800 | Cluster access, relatively easier logistics |
| JVC / JVT | 1,800 - 2,500 | Low-rise buildings, easier access |
| Dubai Sports City | 1,700 - 2,400 | Newer buildings, good loading areas |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 1,700 - 2,400 | Low-rise, ample parking |
| Al Barsha | 1,800 - 2,600 | Mix of villas and apartments |
Why the difference? A 2BHK in Marina's Cayan Tower (75 floors) requires elevator booking, NOC from building management, and specific loading bay time slots. A 2BHK in JVC's Manhattan Tower (ground + 8 floors) may need none of these. That operational complexity adds AED 300-800 to the price.
What Are the Different Price Tiers for 2BHK Moves?
Budget 2BHK moves cost AED 1,600-2,200 (self-pack), standard runs AED 2,200-3,000, and premium is AED 3,000-3,800+. Choosing between these tiers is the single biggest decision affecting your final bill.
| Service Level | Price Range (AED) | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1,600 - 2,200 | Loading, transport, unloading only | Budget-conscious, self-packers |
| Standard | 2,200 - 3,000 | Wrapping, disassembly, floor protection | Most 2BHK moves |
| Premium | 3,000 - 3,800+ | Full packing, specialty handling, unpacking | Busy professionals, high-value items |
Economy Option: AED 1,600-2,200
- Basic service (loading, transport, unloading only)
- 2-3 movers
- You pack everything yourself
- Simple access at both locations
- Short distance (same area or nearby)
Standard Option: AED 2,200-3,000
- Full-service moving with furniture wrapping
- 3 movers + supervisor
- Disassembly/reassembly of beds, tables, wardrobes
- Floor and doorframe protection
- This is what our apartment movers recommend for most 2BHK relocations
Premium Option: AED 3,000-3,800+
- Full packing services + moving
- 3-4 movers + dedicated packing team
- All materials included (boxes, bubble wrap, tissue, wardrobe boxes)
- Specialty item handling (artwork, electronics, fragile decor)
- Unpacking and debris removal available
How Does Timing Affect Your 2BHK Moving Cost?
When you move matters almost as much as where you move. Choosing the right day and time of month can save you 10-25% on your 2BHK relocation.
| Timing Factor | Impact on Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Tue-Thu) | Baseline price | Best availability, lowest rates |
| Friday / Saturday | +10-15% | High demand, book 2+ weeks ahead |
| Month-end (last 5 days) | +15-25% | Peak demand due to lease cycles |
| Mid-month (10th-20th) | Baseline or -5% | Lowest demand window |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | -10-15% | Off-peak season discounts |
| September-October | +10-20% | Post-summer surge, school start |
For detailed strategies on timing your move, see our guide on the cheapest day to hire movers in Dubai. For hourly vs fixed pricing options, check our Dubai movers hourly rate guide.
What Items Are Typically in a 2BHK Apartment?
A standard 2BHK contains furniture for two bedrooms, living/dining areas, and kitchen items filling a 3-ton truck or 60-80 boxes. Based on our data from hundreds of 2BHK moves, here is the typical inventory movers use to estimate.
Living Room
- 3-seater sofa + 2-seater or armchairs
- Coffee table + side tables
- TV unit + TV (50-65 inches)
- Bookshelf or display cabinet
- Rugs, lamps, decor items
Master Bedroom
- King or queen bed + mattress
- 2 nightstands
- Wardrobe or built-in wardrobe contents
- Dresser + mirror
Second Bedroom
- Double or single bed + mattress
- Desk + chair (often used as home office)
- Wardrobe contents
- Bookshelf or storage unit
Kitchen & Dining
- 20-40 boxes worth of kitchen items
- Small appliances (microwave, toaster, blender, coffee machine)
- Dishes, cookware, utensils, glassware
- Dining table (4-6 seats) + chairs
This typically fills a 3-ton truck or requires 60-80 boxes plus furniture. If you have significantly more or fewer items than this list, your quote will adjust accordingly.
How Does Furniture Quantity Affect Your 2BHK Moving Cost?
Not all 2BHKs are created equal. A minimalist 2BHK with IKEA furniture will cost significantly less to move than a fully furnished 2BHK with heavy hardwood pieces and a home gym.
- Lightly furnished (40-50 boxes + basics): AED 1,600-2,200
- Standard furnished (60-80 boxes + full furniture): AED 2,200-3,000
- Heavily furnished (80-120 boxes + extras): AED 3,000-3,800+
Pro tip: Decluttering before your move is the single most effective way to reduce costs. Every box you eliminate saves AED 15-25 in packing materials and labor time.
What Factors Push Your 2BHK Moving Quote Higher?
Floor level, distance, packing services, specialty items, and building restrictions can add AED 200-1,500+ to your base moving quote. Here is a detailed breakdown.
1. Floor Level
| Scenario | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Ground floor with elevator | Baseline price |
| Mid floor (5-15) with elevator | +AED 100-200 (time) |
| High floor (15-30) with elevator | +AED 200-400 (time + coordination) |
| Very high floor (30+) with elevator | +AED 400-600 (multiple trips, wait times) |
| Walk-up (no elevator) | +AED 300-600 (labor intensive) |
Elevator access is crucial. Many Dubai towers restrict service elevator use to specific hours, and some charge AED 500-1,000 as a refundable building deposit. See our elevator booking guide for details.
2. Distance Between Locations
| Route | Typical Add-on |
|---|---|
| Same area (JLT to JLT) | Included in base |
| Nearby areas (Marina to JBR) | Included in base |
| Mid-distance (Marina to Business Bay) | +AED 100-200 |
| Cross-Dubai (Marina to Silicon Oasis) | +AED 200-400 |
| Other Emirates (Dubai to Abu Dhabi) | +AED 500-1,000+ |
3. Packing Add-on Costs
| Packing Service | Additional Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Self-pack (movers load only) | Included in base |
| Fragile items only (kitchen, decor) | +300-500 |
| Kitchen packing (full) | +400-600 |
| Full packing (everything) | +800-1,200 |
| Packing + unpacking | +1,200-1,800 |
Learn more about our professional packing services and what materials are included.
4. Specialty Items
- Piano: +AED 500-1,000
- Gym equipment (treadmill, weights): +AED 200-400
- Large artwork or mirrors: +AED 100-300 per piece (custom crating)
- Aquarium: +AED 300-600
What Hidden Charges Should You Watch For?
The quoted price is not always the final price. Some movers add charges that were not clearly disclosed upfront. Based on customer complaints we have reviewed, here are the most common surprise fees for 2BHK moves.
- Building NOC or permit fees: AED 200-500 passed through to you
- Stair carry surcharge: AED 50-100 per flight if elevator is unavailable
- Long carry fee: AED 100-300 if the truck cannot park near the entrance
- Waiting time: AED 100-150 per hour if you are not ready
- After-hours premium: AED 200-400 for moves starting before 8am or after 6pm
- Re-delivery charge: If the new apartment is not ready and items need temporary storage
For a complete list, read our guide on hidden moving charges in Dubai. Always ask for a fully itemized written quote before confirming your booking.
What Do Real 2BHK Moves Cost? Three Actual Examples
Real 2BHK moves range from AED 1,900 for simple relocations to AED 4,200+ for premium moves with full packing and specialty items. Here are three recent examples from our records.
Example 1: Budget-Friendly Move
- From: 2BR JLT Cluster D (15th floor, elevator)
- To: 2BR JVC Manhattan Tower (3rd floor, elevator)
- Items: Standard furniture, 55 self-packed boxes
- Service: Loading, transport, unloading, basic bed assembly
- Duration: 5 hours
- Cost: AED 1,900
Example 2: Standard Full-Service Move
- From: 2BR Downtown Boulevard Point (32nd floor)
- To: 2BR Dubai Hills Park Heights (12th floor)
- Items: Standard furniture + home office + gym equipment
- Service: Full service with fragile packing, disassembly/reassembly
- Duration: 7 hours
- Cost: AED 2,600
Example 3: Premium Move
- From: 2BR Palm Jumeirah Tiara Residence (42nd floor)
- To: 2BR Business Bay Bayz Tower (35th floor)
- Items: High-end furniture, framed artwork, wine collection
- Service: Full packing, specialty handling, unpacking at destination
- Duration: Full day (packing day 1, move day 2)
- Cost: AED 4,200
How Do You Get an Accurate 2BHK Moving Quote?
The most accurate way to price a 2BHK move is through a video survey or in-person walkthrough. Phone and online estimates based on "2BHK" alone are unreliable because two apartments of the same layout can have vastly different volumes of belongings.
Steps to Get a Reliable Quote
- Request a video survey: Walk through each room on a video call so the estimator sees exactly what needs moving
- Show everything: Open wardrobes, show storage rooms, balcony items, and garage contents
- Mention access details: Floor number, elevator availability, parking situation, building permit requirements
- Specify your service level: Self-pack vs partial packing vs full packing
- Get it in writing: A written quote with an itemized breakdown protects you from surprise charges
How to Compare Quotes Properly
When you receive multiple quotes, do not just compare the bottom-line number. Check these details:
- Are packing materials included or charged separately?
- Is furniture disassembly/reassembly covered?
- What insurance coverage is provided?
- Are there any conditions that trigger additional charges?
- What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?
For a deeper dive, see our moving cost breakdown guide.
What Insurance Options Are Available for 2BHK Moves?
Most reputable movers include basic liability coverage (typically AED 50-100 per item) in their standard quote. For a 2BHK with standard furnishings valued at AED 30,000-80,000, consider these options:
- Basic coverage (included): Covers damage due to mover negligence, limited per-item value
- Enhanced coverage (+AED 200-400): Higher per-item limits, broader damage definitions
- Full value protection (+AED 500-1,000): Replacement value coverage for all items
If you own high-value furniture, electronics, or artwork, the additional AED 500-1,000 for full value protection is worthwhile insurance against accidental damage during transit.
How Long Does a 2BHK Move Take?
A typical 2BHK move takes 5-7 hours total: 2-3 hours loading, 30-60 minutes transit, and 2-3 hours unloading with assembly. Add a full day if you opt for professional packing the day before.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Arrival + walkthrough | 15-30 min |
| Furniture wrapping + disassembly | 30-60 min |
| Loading | 2-3 hours |
| Transit | 30-60 min |
| Unloading + reassembly | 2-3 hours |
| Total | 5-7 hours |
How Many Movers Do You Need for a 2BHK Apartment?
A 2BHK apartment requires 3 movers as the standard crew size, with 2 being the minimum (budget, slower) and 4+ for full packing service.
- Minimum: 2 movers (budget option, takes longer, suitable for light inventory)
- Standard: 3 movers (recommended for most 2BHK moves)
- With packing: 3-4 movers + 1-2 packers
More movers means faster completion but a higher hourly rate. Fixed-price quotes include appropriate crew sizing based on the survey.
How Can You Save Money on Your 2BHK Move?
Save 10-25% on your 2BHK move by implementing these strategies. Based on our data, customers who follow at least three of these tips save an average of AED 400-600.
Before Getting Quotes
- Declutter aggressively: Sell or donate items you no longer need. Fewer items means a lower quote
- Take inventory: Know your approximate box count and list large items
- Note access issues: Floor level, elevator status, parking at both locations
- Decide on packing: Self-packing saves AED 800-1,200 on a 2BHK
When Getting Quotes
- Get 3-5 quotes minimum from licensed companies
- Request a video survey or in-person walkthrough for accuracy
- Ask for all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
- Clarify exactly what is and is not included
Smart Timing
- Book mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) for the best rates
- Avoid the first and last week of the month
- Consider summer months (June-August) for seasonal discounts
- Book at least 2 weeks ahead to avoid last-minute premiums
Should You Choose Economy or Premium Service for a 2BHK?
The right service level depends on your budget, the value of your belongings, and how much time you can invest in packing. Here is a practical decision framework:
- Choose Economy if: You have time to self-pack, own mostly standard furniture, are on a tight budget, and both locations have easy access
- Choose Standard if: You want furniture protection and assembly included, have a mix of standard and fragile items, and prefer a hands-off moving day
- Choose Premium if: You own high-value furniture or artwork, have no time to pack, want full insurance coverage, or are moving between high-rise buildings with complex logistics
For most 2BHK moves, the Standard tier at AED 2,200-3,000 offers the best balance of value and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AED 1,500 Enough for a 2BHK Move?
AED 1,500 is below the typical range for a 2BHK move in 2026. It may cover a very basic service with short distance, ground-floor access, and complete self-packing. However, most 2BHK moves require a minimum of AED 1,900. Get multiple quotes to find the best option within your budget.
Why Do 2BHK Moving Quotes Vary So Much?
Quotes vary due to different service levels, insurance coverage, equipment quality, crew experience, and included services. A quote for AED 1,500 and one for AED 3,000 are likely covering very different scopes. Always compare like-for-like by reviewing the itemized breakdown.
Should You Tip Movers on Top of the Quote?
Tipping is separate from the quoted price and is optional in Dubai. AED 20-50 per mover is the current norm for good service. See our tipping guide for detailed guidance.
Can You Reduce Costs by Helping the Movers?
Most professional movers prefer you do not lift heavy items, as it complicates their insurance coverage. However, being organized and completely ready when they arrive saves time on hourly-rate moves and avoids waiting charges.
What If You Have More Stuff Than a Typical 2BHK?
Always request a video or in-person survey. Quotes based on "2BHK" assumptions alone may underestimate your actual volume, leading to surprise charges on moving day. A proper survey captures your exact inventory.
Do Building Permits Add to the Cost?
Many Dubai buildings require a moving permit or NOC, with fees ranging from free to AED 500. Some movers include permit coordination in their quote; others pass the fee through separately. Ask upfront to avoid surprises.
Ready to Get Your 2BHK Moving Quote?
Get an accurate 2BHK moving quote by requesting a video survey or in-person assessment. Every 2BHK is different, and a proper survey ensures your quote reflects your actual belongings, access conditions, and service needs.
Request a personalized quote from our team with no obligation. Or call +971 55 301 3309 for a quick phone estimate. For a general cost overview across all apartment sizes, visit our comprehensive costs guide.
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