Planning to move homes in Dubai soon and wondering about the cost? Well, the cost of moving in Dubai depends on the size of your belongings as well as many other factors. The experts at ServiceMarket have put together this guide just for you. It will help you understand the expenses involved in the process of moving and how most movers and packers in Dubai determine the cost.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Moving in Dubai
Movers and packers in Dubai take the following factors into account when calculating the cost of moving – and so should you:
#1. Size of Your Belongings
The more space your belongings take up the fewer items the shipping or moving company can move at a single time. So while the cost of transportation remains the same, the number of customers the company can serve decreases. Therefore, they will cover that lost potential earning by charging higher for bigger moves.
For international moves, shipping is calculated by volume in general, but by weight, if your belongings are being flown in via plane. When moving locally, most local movers and packers measure by volume and the number of trips and staff required.
#2. The Distance to Your New Home
Travelling is a given when you’re moving from one home to another, and some companies calculate their costs according to the distance they will cover when moving your belongings. So the greater the distance, the further your belongings need to travel, and the more fuel, manpower, and other costs your movers will incur that you will have to cover.
In the case of really long distances (for international movers in particular), the route that the moving company plans to travel will have an impact on the price. So, different international moving companies often quote different prices even for the same destination. Hence, it pays off to shop around a bit. Remember, on ServiceMarket you can easily get quotes from multiple companies for your move in one go!
#3. Staff Requirements
Of course, these companies don’t just run themselves. There are real human costs to everything. These costs can include the staff needed to carry your packages to the van, to drive that van to the ship, plane, or directly to your new home, to organize everything, and so on.
Assembly and disassembly of furniture will require more labor and extra packing will obviously bring both the material and labor cost up. And like we’ve previously mentioned, a larger shipment size will cost more. Sometimes if you want a speedy local move, companies will offer to send more staff and trucks to get the move done quicker, but this obviously costs more.
#4. Services and Packaging
Packaging can add to your costs depending on a number of factors, such as material, the services involved in wrapping and securing your belongings, and what items you want packed by your mover. So if you go for full packaging, then that means you want everything down to the cutlery wrapped in newspapers and padding. This is understandably more expensive than partial packaging, which means you only need your movers to handle the bulky stuff while you pack the smaller, more delicate items yourself.
For shipping companies, this is done from either door-to-door, door-to-port, or port-to-port. You should take into account what you want and what your needs are when thinking of which company to hire and then hire the right one.
#5. Moving to Another Emirate
The cost of shifting from Dubai to another Emirate is higher than that of relocating within Dubai.
#6. Service Levels Provided By Movers
FIDI-accredited movers and packers in Dubai usually have higher rates as they provide premium services. You won’t have to worry about facing delays, damages, losses, hassles, or hidden charges if you go for such companies. They’re also affiliated with insurance providers, allowing you to get insurance for your expensive items.
#7. Moving Day
Movers in Dubai may charge more for busier days. Most Dubai residents move homes on the weekend, and Saturday is the most popular day. However, doing it on Fridays may cost more as it’s a non-working day.
#8. Additional Charges
There may be extra charges if your movers and packers need to climb stairs or use special packing materials for sensitive items like paintings, or other breakables. You may also pay extra if you need to move heavy items, like a grand piano. Specialized movers often charge more but don’t try to cut costs by choosing companies that are not experienced or licensed. The benefits of a safe and professional move far outweigh the one-time cost you will have to cover. Also, if the belongings you are moving are very valuable, having transit insurance is a must!
What’s Included in the Service?
When you request a quote, the moving company in Dubai will first carry out a survey of all your furniture and other belongings. On the day you are to move, they will disassemble the furniture and pack everything properly. Everything will then be transported safely in a truck. After reaching your new home, the movers will reassemble the furniture and unpack other items unless you want to do so yourself.
How Much Time Do Moving Services Take?
Typically, it takes a day to move the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. For larger homes, it can take two to three days. So be sure to plan accordingly.
Typical Cost of Moving
The cost of moving in Dubai typically ranges from:
- Studio apartment: AED 800 – 1000
- One-bedroom apartment: AED 1100 – 1500
- Two-bedroom apartment: AED 1800 – 2,400
- Three-bedroom villa: AED 4,000 – 5,000
Consider requesting quotes from different movers to get an accurate estimate.
How Can You Cut Down on Your Moving Cost?
Since one of the main factors that affect the cost of shifting is the size of your furniture and other belongings, you should try to declutter. You can also consider donating, selling, or getting rid of all the things you don’t need anymore. Doing so can help you cut down on the cost significantly. Another effective way to save money is to request and compare quotes from multiple companies in Dubai. You’d be surprised how much comparison shopping can help you save!
It’s never a good strategy to just go along with the first quote you come across or opt for the cheapest option without checking the accreditations and reviews of that company. Get free quotes from multiple moving companies in Dubai and compare them not just in terms of the cost but also the level of services they are providing.
Other Expenses to Consider
There are many other expenses that you should take into account when you are moving in Dubai:
#1. Transferring Utilities and Telecom Connections
To transfer your DEWA connection to your new home, you will have to pay an administrative fee of AED 120. Plus, there’s a fee for the telecom connection that you will have to pay. It will cost you around AED 100.
#2. Move-Out
Painting Services
You may need to repaint and repair your old home to return it to its original condition so that you can get the full security deposit back from your landlord. If you get a one-bedroom apartment repainted back to white or off-white, the cost will be around AED 750 – 850.
#3. Move-In Pest Control, Sanitization, and Handyman Services
To make your new home comfortable, safe, and hygienic, you may also want to book some additional home services. For example, to avoid encounters with common pests like cockroaches, ants, and bed bugs, you can book a move-in pest control service. It will cost you around AED 299 for a two-bedroom apartment. Sanitization services for a studio apartment cost as low as AED 299. You will also need help with a variety of tasks such as TV mounting, changing light bulbs, hanging curtains, and installing shelves. For these tasks, you can book move-in handyman services for just AED 150 per hour.
#4. Storage
You may also need to rent storage space on a temporary or long-term basis. For example, if you are shifting from a bigger to a smaller apartment and you don’t have space to fit all of your belongings or need some time to figure out what to do with them, then you always have the option to get a storage unit. Depending on your preferences, needs, and budget, you can go for a shared or self-storage unit in Dubai, with the former being more affordable. One to two cubic meters of shared storage in Dubai will cost you around AED 200 to 300. And three to five cubic meters will cost between AED 400 and AED 600.
Conclusion
ServiceMarket only features vetted and licensed movers and packers in Dubai to make sure you can have a hassle-free experience and peace of mind throughout your process of moving in Dubai. You can easily request free quotes from multiple moving companies. What’s more, you can read customer reviews and check accreditations online to make an informed decision.
