Moving from another country to the UAE, especially to a city like Dubai, can be an overwhelming experience. In fact, with any international move, you not only have to cope with the feelings of nostalgia, but you also have to handle the whole process of moving and transitioning in a short period of time. This can make the process quite stressful. That is why, many people seek the assistance of international movers and packers. They make the process a lot easier and less stressful.
In addition to booking an international moving company, you must take care of a few other things if you want to avoid any delays, and the consequent frustrations as well as extra expenses.
10 Tips for Moving to the UAE
For those who don’t have friends or family to help, the following are great tips to make the moving process, as well as your transition, easier.
1. Only Pack the Necessary Items
As a first step, make a list of all the items that you need to take with you. The rule of thumb is to leave behind anything that is expensive to ship and can be bought easily when you reach your destination. Since shipping costs are calculated based on volume, this usually includes bulky inexpensive items of furniture, such as beds, large wardrobes, heavy kitchen appliances like refrigerators, etc.
2. Book a Reputable Moving Service
By choosing an experienced and reliable moving company, you can avoid delays, hidden charges, damage to your items, and losses. It is a good idea to select an international moving company with an FIDI certification. You can easily shortlist suitable service providers by checking their reviews on ServiceMarket. In addition, you can get free quotes from multiple movers in the UAE online in just a couple of clicks. You may consider buying transit insurance to protect your belongings.
3. Sort Out Your Paperwork in Advance
Many people face delays because they move to the UAE unprepared. Make sure you have all the required documents ready before your move. To apply for your residency visa, you will have to get many of your documents attested, including but not limited to educational transcripts/degrees, marriage certificate/agreement (if you wish to put your spouse under your sponsorship for a residency visa), birth certificates of your dependent children, etc. Starting this process well before your move to the UAE will save you time.
4. Give the Necessary Notice Period
Moving to another country involves winding up so many things, including severing many of your previous connections and affiliations. You should inform your landlord, current employer, kids’ schools, and bank in advance. You will also need to get all utilities disconnected. It is a good idea to write down a full list of all the people and companies you need to notify, and the required notice periods for each so that you don’t forget anything important.
5. Set Up a Bank Account Before Landing
Not many people know that they can start the process of setting up their UAE bank account before they arrive. Doing so enables you to immediately start managing your finances when you reach there. HSBC offers diverse on-arrival services1, including meeting you at the airport, guiding you through the immigration process, and a porter service to help you with your luggage. HSBC also provides you with a free mobile phone line (SIM Card)2 and an array of discount offers to help you settle in.
6. Pick the Best Way to Transfer Money
Many people, especially expats, want to know about the quickest and most affordable way to transfer their money. If you are among those, it is a good idea to open an account with the same bank in the UAE as your home country. This way, you may view all your accounts online, see live exchange rates, and transfer money faster and at any time.
You will not have to physically go to an exchange house. HSBC is one of the few banks in the UAE that allows you to do all of this and also transfer money online securely and within as little as 6 seconds3. In addition, fee-free transfers are also available for some currencies. This makes it a great option if you plan to send some savings back to your home country frequently.
7. Shortlist Schools for Your Children
It is always a good idea to finalize schools for your kids in advance and then pick a residential area near their school. Be sure to do so as soon as possible, since many of the popular schools in the country have long waiting lists. You can increase your kid’s chances of getting admission to a good school by applying to multiple schools in the UAE. KHDA’s website is a great place to start your research as they have all the UAE schools listed with details such as their curriculums, school ratings, and facilities.
8. Find a Suitable Accommodation
Decide whether you want to rent or buy a property in the UAE. This decision depends on your budget, requirements, and duration of stay in the country. Some employers arrange for temporary accommodation while you initially sort out your residency visa and get settled into your new job. If this is not part of your package, you might have to arrange for temporary accommodation yourself.
9. Determine Your Cash Inflows and Outflows
You may have to bear huge expenses such as paying your rent upfront in just one or two payments, school fees, etc. when you move to the UAE. So, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what your cash inflows and outflows will be. Determining that will make it easier for you to be prepared for possible shortfalls.
10. Apply for a Personal Loan If Required
Moving to another country can put a lot of financial pressure on families, which is why some expats apply for personal loans soon after arriving. You can consider applying for a personal loan4 to pay for your kids’ school fees, buy furniture and appliances for your new home, and your rent payments.
Why You Should Hire International Movers and Packers
The process of moving from one place to another along with your belongings and little ones can be a tremendous challenge. Relocation companies and professional movers are a huge help, especially for those who don’t have close friends or family near them. Here are three big reasons why you should hire expert movers:
- These professionals are exceptionally skilled at what they do and know what they are doing.
- They are careful and responsible for your things. So, there is a lesser chance of damage during the process.
- They make the whole process efficient and secure giving you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Apart from hiring international movers and packers, all the aforementioned tips will also make the moving process less overwhelming. The right planning and execution can do wonders for big transitions like this. So, make a list of all the things that need to be done in advance.
To book the best international movers and packers in the area, contact ServiceMarket, or simply visit their website. Based on the criteria of requirements given to them (the location, schedule, budget, etc.), they will help you connect with the best professionals for the job.
1 These services are arranged through Marhaba, an independent company, and are available to only HSBC Advance and Premier customers.
2 The complimentary mobile SIM Card is provided through Du. Du terms and conditions apply.
3 Global Transfers is only available for HSBC Advance and HSBC Premier customers.
4 Residency visa and Emirates ID are required to be able to apply for a personal loan.
