Questions to Ask Movers Before You Book (Estimates, Insurance, Timeline, Crew Size)

After helping 1,000+ customers vet moving companies across Dubai, we've seen every trick in the book: quotes that double on moving day, "insurance" that covers nothing, crews that show up three hours late with the wrong truck. The difference between a smooth move and a disaster almost always comes down to what you ask before you book. This guide gives you the exact 28 questions that separate trustworthy movers from potential nightmares, plus the red-flag answers that should send you running.

What Has Changed in Mover Vetting for 2026?

The Dubai moving industry has evolved significantly, and your vetting process needs to keep pace. Here is what is different this year:

• Digital verification is easier: DED's online portal now provides instant license verification with QR codes -- you can verify any company's trade license in under 60 seconds
• Insurance requirements updated: New Dubai Municipality regulations require movers to clearly disclose coverage limits upfront, including per-item and aggregate caps
• Review authenticity tools: Google and Facebook have improved fake review detection, making ratings more reliable than ever before
• WhatsApp Business verification: Legitimate companies now have verified WhatsApp Business accounts with green checkmarks -- a quick credibility signal
• Payment protection: More movers accept card payments through regulated payment gateways, giving you chargeback protection
• Written contract enforcement: Dubai Consumer Protection Department now actively pursues complaints against movers who deviate from written agreements

These changes make it easier to separate licensed from unlicensed movers in Dubai, but only if you know which questions to ask.

Why Does Asking the Right Questions Matter?

The questions you ask before booking professional movers in Dubai can mean the difference between a seamless relocation and a costly disaster. Based on our internal data from 2024-2025, customers who asked fewer than five questions before booking were 4x more likely to report issues on moving day -- including price inflation, damaged items, and significant delays.

Common problems that proper vetting prevents:

• Hostage situations: Movers loading your belongings then demanding a higher price
• Uninsured damage: Broken items with no recourse for compensation
• Hidden charges: Stair fees, long-carry charges, and "fuel surcharges" that were never mentioned
• No-shows: Companies that take a deposit and disappear on moving day
• Underqualified crews: Day laborers with no training handling your valuables

For a deeper dive into choosing the right company, see our comprehensive guide on how to choose movers in Dubai.

Question Category	Number of Questions	Risk If Skipped
Company Credentials	4	Unlicensed/unaccountable operator
Insurance & Liability	4	No compensation for damage
Quote & Pricing	5	Surprise charges, price inflation
Operations & Crew	6	Delays, wrong equipment, understaffing
Logistics & Building	3	Permit issues, building fines
Specialty Items & Protection	4	Damaged valuables, deposit loss
Communication & Documentation	2	No recourse for disputes

What Company Credentials Questions Should You Ask?

These four questions establish whether you are dealing with a legitimate, accountable business or a fly-by-night operation. In Dubai, where hundreds of unlicensed movers operate through social media ads, credentials verification is non-negotiable.

1. "Are you licensed to operate in Dubai?"

Why ask: Unlicensed operators have zero accountability. If something goes wrong, you have no legal recourse through Dubai's consumer protection channels.

Good answer: "Yes, here's our DED trade license number: [specific number]. You can verify it on the DED portal."

Red flag: Vague response, inability to provide a license number, or claiming they "don't need one." Every moving company operating legally in Dubai must hold a valid DED trade license with the correct activity code.

How to verify: Visit the DED's online business directory, enter the license number, and confirm the company name and activity match. This takes under 60 seconds and can save you thousands of dirhams.

2. "How long have you been operating in Dubai?"

Why ask: Experience matters, especially for commercial moves and complex relocations. Companies with multi-year track records have established processes and trained crews.

Good answer: Specific years of operation with verifiable track record

Acceptable: Newer company with experienced staff who previously worked at established firms

Red flag: Cannot confirm when they started or provides inconsistent information

3. "Can I see your reviews and references?"

Why ask: Past performance is the strongest predictor of future service quality. A company with hundreds of genuine reviews has a reputation to protect.

Good answer: Points to Google Business Profile (4.5+ stars), Facebook reviews, and offers to provide references from recent customers

Red flag: No online presence, only very recent reviews (possible fake review campaign), or reviews that all sound suspiciously similar

4. "Are your workers full-time employees or day-hire contractors?"

Why ask: Full-time employees receive ongoing training, know the company's procedures, and have accountability. Day laborers hired per job often lack training in proper handling techniques.

Good answer: "We employ full-time, trained movers who are covered under our insurance and labor cards"

Concern: Day laborers hired from labor camps on a per-job basis, which often indicates a cost-cutting operation

What Insurance and Liability Questions Should You Ask?

Insurance is where many customers get caught off guard. A mover saying "we'll take care of it" is not the same as having documented, enforceable coverage. These four questions pin down exactly what protection you have.

5. "What insurance do you carry?"

Why ask: Goods-in-transit insurance is the only real protection for your belongings during a move

Good answer: "We carry goods-in-transit insurance covering up to AED [amount] per shipment, underwritten by [insurance company name]"

Red flag: "We're very careful" or "We've never damaged anything" -- these are not insurance policies

6. "What's covered if something gets damaged?"

Why ask: Understanding whether coverage is replacement value, depreciated value, or per-kilogram compensation makes a huge difference. A 50-inch TV covered at AED 5 per kilogram is essentially uninsured.

Good answer: Clear written policy specifying replacement value or repair cost coverage with defined limits

Follow-up: Always ask for the written policy document before booking

7. "What's NOT covered by your insurance?"

Why ask: Exclusions can be extensive and often include the items you care about most

Common exclusions: Items packed by the owner, high-value items not declared in advance (jewelry, art, collectibles), certain fragile items like chandeliers or marble tabletops, and items with pre-existing damage

Pro tip: If you have high-value items, ask whether additional coverage is available and at what cost

8. "What's the claims process and timeline?"

Why ask: A claims process that takes six months or requires original purchase receipts for every item is effectively no process at all

Good answer: "Report damage within 24-48 hours, submit photos, and we process claims within 7-14 business days"

Red flag: No documented process, or the company becomes evasive when you ask for specifics

What Quote and Pricing Questions Should You Ask?

Pricing is the number one source of disputes between customers and movers in Dubai. According to our data, 67% of moving complaints involve unexpected charges that were not discussed during the quoting process. These five questions protect your wallet. For a full breakdown of what moving costs in Dubai, read our movers cost guide.

9. "Is this quote fixed or can charges be added on moving day?"

Why ask: The difference between a binding and non-binding quote can be thousands of dirhams

Good answer: "This is a fixed quote based on our survey. The only extras would be [specific, documented list]"

Red flag: Vague "approximately" pricing or "it depends on the day" -- these are setups for price inflation

10. "What exactly is included in this price?"

Why ask: Two quotes for AED 2,000 can include very different services. You need an apples-to-apples comparison.

Should include: Labor, truck rental, basic wrapping materials, furniture disassembly/reassembly, fuel, and transit insurance

Clarify: Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap), specialty item handling, and any waiting-time charges

For a detailed look at typical inclusions, see our moving cost breakdown for Dubai.

11. "What could cause extra charges?"

Why ask: Even with a fixed quote, legitimate extras can arise. The key is knowing them in advance.

Common extras: Stair carry (no elevator or elevator too small), long carry distance from unit to truck (over 50 meters), waiting time due to building elevator scheduling, after-hours or weekend surcharges, and storage if there is a gap between move-out and move-in dates

Good answer: Provides a specific list with per-unit rates for each potential extra

More details in our hidden moving charges guide.

12. "What's your payment schedule and accepted methods?"

Why ask: Payment terms reveal a lot about a company's legitimacy and your level of protection

Typical for reputable movers: 20-30% deposit to confirm booking, balance upon completion and your satisfaction

Red flag: Demanding 50%+ upfront, cash-only payments (no paper trail), or refusing to provide a receipt. Card payments through regulated gateways give you chargeback protection if something goes wrong.

13. "What's your cancellation and rescheduling policy?"

Why ask: Visa delays, tenancy issues, and landlord handover problems are common in Dubai. You need flexibility.

Good answer: "Free cancellation or rescheduling with 48 hours' notice. Full deposit refund with 72 hours' notice."

Check: Whether deposit is refundable, the notice period required, and any rescheduling fees

What Operations and Crew Questions Should You Ask?

Operational questions reveal whether a mover can actually execute the move efficiently. An undersized crew or wrong truck means your "4-hour move" becomes an all-day ordeal.

14. "How many people will be on the crew?"

Why ask: Crew size directly affects speed, safety, and your total cost if you are being charged hourly

Typical crew sizes for Dubai moves:

• Studio/1BR apartment: 2 movers
• 2BR apartment: 3 movers
• 3BR apartment or small villa: 4 movers
• Large villa (4BR+): 5-6 movers
• Commercial/office moves: 4-8 movers depending on scope

15. "What size truck will you use?"

Why ask: The right truck size means one trip. Two trips double your time and can double your cost.

Common sizes: 3-ton (studio to 2BR apartments), 5-ton (2-3BR apartments), 7-ton (villas and larger homes)

Critical follow-up: "Will everything fit in one trip?" If not, ask how much the second trip costs.

16. "How long will the move take?"

Why ask: You need to plan your day, coordinate handovers at both properties, and manage building elevator bookings

Good answer: A specific estimate with a reasonable buffer, such as "4-5 hours including packing, transit, and unloading"

Follow-up: "What happens if it takes longer than estimated? Am I charged extra?"

17. "What time will you arrive?"

Why ask: Building management at locations like Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai towers typically restrict moving to specific hours (often 9 AM to 5 PM or 10 AM to 6 PM). Your movers need to arrive within this window.

Good answer: A specific time window such as "8:00 to 8:30 AM" with confirmation they will call 30 minutes before arrival

Red flag: "We'll come in the morning" without a specific time

18. "Do you handle furniture disassembly and reassembly?"

Why ask: Most wardrobes, beds, dining tables, and shelving units need disassembly to move safely through Dubai's building corridors and elevators

Good answer: "Yes, included in the quote for standard furniture. IKEA and complex custom furniture may take additional time."

Clarify: Whether they bring the right tools and whether reassembly is at the destination or just "dropped off"

19. "What packing options do you offer?"

Why ask: Packing is where damage most commonly occurs. Professional packing significantly reduces breakage rates.

Options typically available:

• Full packing: The movers pack everything, including kitchen, fragiles, clothes, and electronics
• Partial packing: Movers handle fragiles and kitchen items; you pack the rest
• Loading only: You pack everything; movers load, transport, and unload

Learn more about professional packing and moving services.

What Logistics and Building Coordination Questions Should You Ask?

Dubai's high-rise dominated landscape creates unique logistics challenges. Building management rules, NOC requirements, and elevator scheduling can derail a move if not handled properly.

20. "Do you handle building move-in/move-out permits?"

Why ask: Almost every residential building in Dubai requires a moving permit from building management. Without one, security will turn your movers away at the door.

Good answer: "We'll guide you through the process and provide our trade license and insurance certificate, which most buildings require"

What you need to know: Typically the tenant applies for the permit and provides the mover's documents. Some buildings charge AED 500 to AED 2,000 as a refundable moving deposit. You will also usually need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your landlord or property management company.

21. "Have you moved in my specific building or area before?"

Why ask: Local knowledge prevents costly surprises. A mover who knows your building's service elevator dimensions, loading dock rules, and parking restrictions will work far more efficiently.

Good answer: Specific familiarity with your building's rules, elevator capacity, and parking arrangements

Especially important for: High-rise towers (40+ floors), Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai buildings with strict management companies, and gated communities with security protocols

22. "How do you handle elevator scheduling?"

Why ask: Service elevator booking is critical for high-rise moves. Without a reserved elevator, your movers will wait (and you may be charged for waiting time), or they will need to carry items through stairwells.

Good answer: "You'll need to book the service elevator through building management. We recommend booking a 4-6 hour window. Here's what information they'll need from us."

Pro tip: Book the service elevator for 1-2 hours longer than the estimated move time. If the elevator is not available and movers must use stairs, expect significant surcharges.

What Specialty Item Questions Should You Ask?

Not all movers can handle every item. Specialty pieces require specific equipment, training, and often additional insurance coverage.

23. "Can you move my [piano/safe/artwork/gym equipment]?"

Why ask: A 300kg safe or a grand piano requires specialized dollies, straps, and experienced handlers. Movers who casually agree without discussing logistics are likely not equipped for the job.

Good answer: "Yes, we have [specific equipment]. Here's the additional cost and what we need from you to prepare."

Red flag: "Sure, no problem" without asking about weight, dimensions, floor level, or elevator access. This response suggests they have not thought through the requirements.

24. "How do you handle fragile and high-value items?"

Why ask: Fragile items account for the majority of damage claims. The handling method matters enormously.

Good answer: Describes specific procedures -- double-boxing for glassware, custom crating for artwork, anti-static wrapping for electronics, and inventory lists for high-value items

Ask to see: The actual packing materials they use. Newspaper and thin plastic wrap are not adequate for valuable fragiles.

What Property Protection Questions Should You Ask?

Building damage during a move comes out of your security deposit, not the mover's pocket -- unless you have established responsibility upfront.

25. "How do you protect floors, walls, and door frames?"

Why ask: Scratched marble floors, dented door frames, and scuffed walls are common moving-day casualties in Dubai apartments. Repair costs can easily exceed AED 2,000-5,000.

Good answer: "We use padded floor runners on all hard floors, corner protectors on walls and door jambs, and elevator padding if the building requires it"

Red flag: No mention of protective measures at all

26. "How do you wrap and protect furniture?"

Why ask: Furniture protection method directly correlates with damage risk. Shrink-wrap alone can trap moisture and damage wood finishes on longer moves.

Good answer: "Moving blankets first, then shrink wrap over the blankets. Corner protectors on all edges. Glass surfaces get cardboard protection."

Minimum acceptable: Moving blankets and shrink wrap for all upholstered and wooden furniture

What Communication and Contract Questions Should You Ask?

These final two questions ensure you have a point of contact when things go sideways and a written record for dispute resolution.

27. "Who do I contact on moving day if there's an issue?"

Why ask: The person who answered the phone during booking may not be available on your moving day. You need a direct line to someone who can resolve problems in real time.

Good answer: "Here is the crew leader's direct number, and our office dispatch is available from 7 AM to 9 PM"

Red flag: Only a general office line with no guarantee of availability

28. "Will I receive a written contract with all terms?"

Why ask: Verbal agreements are nearly impossible to enforce. A written contract is your only real protection if a dispute arises.

Expect: A confirmation document (email or contract) that includes the move date, detailed service list, itemized pricing, payment terms, cancellation policy, insurance coverage summary, and signatures from both parties

Non-negotiable: Never proceed with a move based solely on a WhatsApp message or verbal phone quote

What Questions Should Professional Movers Ask You?

A reputable moving company will ask you just as many questions as you ask them. This two-way exchange is a strong sign of professionalism. Be suspicious if they don't ask about:

• Access at both locations: Elevator availability, stair count, parking distance from entrance
• Large or specialty items: Safes, pianos, pool tables, oversized artwork, heavy gym equipment
• Fragile or high-value items: Electronics, antiques, glassware collections, chandeliers
• Timeline requirements: Must-vacate deadlines, key handover times, building management restrictions
• Building rules and permits: Whether you have obtained the moving permit and NOC, service elevator booking status
• Items they won't move: Hazardous materials, plants, perishable food, gas cylinders (per Dubai Municipality regulations)

A mover who quotes you a price without asking any of these questions is guessing -- and you will likely pay for that guess on moving day through delays and surcharges.

How Should You Compare Multiple Moving Quotes?

We recommend getting at least three quotes before booking. Here is how to compare them effectively:

Comparison Factor	What to Look For	Weight
Total price (all-inclusive)	Fixed quote with all services itemized	High
Insurance coverage	Documented policy with clear limits	High
Crew size and truck	Appropriate for your move size	Medium
Reviews and reputation	4.5+ stars with 100+ genuine reviews	High
Included services	Packing materials, disassembly, wrapping	Medium
Cancellation policy	Free cancellation with 48+ hours notice	Low
Payment terms	Max 20-30% deposit, card accepted	Medium

Important: The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A quote that is 30-40% below competitors is a red flag -- it typically means corners will be cut on crew size, equipment, or insurance coverage. For more on typical pricing, see our Dubai movers cost guide.

What Is the Essential Pre-Booking Question Checklist?

Print or screenshot this checklist and work through it with every mover you contact. Every item should be checked before you commit:

• ☐ DED trade license number verified on official portal
• ☐ Goods-in-transit insurance confirmed with coverage limits documented
• ☐ Fixed, all-inclusive quote received in writing (email or contract)
• ☐ Potential extra charges listed with specific rates
• ☐ Crew size confirmed and appropriate for move
• ☐ Truck size confirmed (single trip expected)
• ☐ Estimated timeline discussed with buffer
• ☐ Specific arrival time window agreed
• ☐ Cancellation and rescheduling policy documented
• ☐ Payment terms agreed (max 20-30% deposit)
• ☐ Specialty and fragile items discussed with any additional costs
• ☐ Moving day contact number provided (crew leader or dispatch)
• ☐ Building permit requirements discussed
• ☐ Written contract or confirmation received with all terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What If Movers Cannot Answer Some Questions?

Vagueness on fundamental questions about insurance, pricing, or licensing is a significant red flag. Professional movers deal with these questions daily and should provide clear, confident answers without hesitation. If a company dodges your questions, they are either hiding something or lack the professionalism to manage your move properly. Move on to the next company on your list.

Should You Get Every Answer in Writing?

Yes, without exception. Pricing, included services, insurance coverage, cancellation policy, and payment terms should all be documented in writing before you confirm a booking. A simple email confirmation is the bare minimum. A proper service agreement or contract is the gold standard. Verbal promises made over the phone or WhatsApp are virtually impossible to enforce if a dispute arises.

Is It Okay to Ask Many Questions?

Absolutely. Professional movers expect detailed questions and will answer them confidently, often volunteering additional information. A company that becomes impatient, evasive, or pressures you to "just book now" is showing you exactly how they will handle problems on moving day. The best movers welcome thorough vetting because it sets clear expectations for both sides.

How Many Quotes Should I Get Before Booking?

We recommend a minimum of three quotes from different companies. This gives you a realistic price range, helps you identify outliers (both too high and suspiciously low), and lets you compare service quality based on how each company handles your questions. For a fair comparison, provide the same information to each company and use the checklist above consistently.

Ready to Start Asking Your Moving Questions?

Our team at Movers Dubai welcomes every question on this list and more -- thorough vetting is exactly how we have built trust with thousands of customers across Dubai. We are confident in our answers because we have the credentials, insurance, and track record to back them up.

Don't leave your move to chance. Take these 28 questions to every mover you speak with, compare the answers side by side, and choose the company that gives you the clearest, most detailed responses.

Get a free, no-obligation quote or call us directly at +971 55 301 3309. We will answer every question on this list -- and any others you have. Your peace of mind is worth the extra five minutes of vetting.