Why Choosing the Right Mover Matters
Hiring the wrong moving company in Dubai can turn a straightforward relocation into a nightmare. Damaged furniture, hidden charges, late arrivals, and — in worst cases — companies that disappear with your deposit are all problems that Dubai residents report. The good news is that these issues are entirely avoidable if you know what to look for.
We have been operating in Dubai's moving industry for years. In this guide, we share exactly what separates a professional, reliable mover from an unreliable one — and the 10 specific things you should check before signing any agreement.
1. Verify the DED Trade Licence
Every legitimate moving company in Dubai must hold a valid trade licence issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). This licence confirms the company is legally registered to provide moving and relocation services in the emirate.
How to verify: Ask for the company's trade licence number and check it on the Dubai DED website or the Invest in Dubai portal. The licence should list "moving services," "relocation," or "furniture transport" as a permitted activity. A company operating without a valid DED licence is operating illegally.
2. Check for Insurance Coverage
Professional movers carry transit insurance that covers your belongings during the move. Ask these specific questions:
- What type of insurance do you carry? (Basic liability vs comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance)
- What is the maximum coverage per shipment?
- What is the claims process if something is damaged?
- Can I purchase additional coverage for high-value items?
A company that cannot provide clear answers about insurance is a company you should avoid. At SAMA Movers, we carry comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance and explain the coverage clearly before every move.
3. Read Recent Reviews — But Read Them Properly
Online reviews are useful, but you need to read them critically:
- Check Google Maps reviews (hardest to fake) rather than only the company's website testimonials.
- Look for specifics: Reviews that mention specific crew members, buildings, or situations are more likely to be genuine than generic "great service" comments.
- Check the dates: A company with many reviews from 2-3 years ago but few recent ones may have changed ownership or quality.
- Look for patterns: If multiple reviews mention the same problem (late arrival, hidden charges, damaged items), take that seriously.
4. Get a Detailed Written Quote
A professional moving company will provide a detailed, itemised quote — not a vague estimate over WhatsApp. The quote should include:
- Date and time of the move
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- List of items or description of scope (e.g., "2-bedroom apartment, full contents")
- Packing materials included or charged separately
- Number of crew members and trucks
- Any additional services (disassembly, reassembly, packing)
- Total cost with VAT
- Payment terms and accepted methods
Red flag: If a company refuses to provide a written quote or gives you a price that seems dramatically lower than competitors, proceed with extreme caution. Low-ball quotes are the most common tactic used by unreliable movers — they quote low to win the job, then add charges on moving day when you have no choice but to pay.
5. Ask About Their Equipment
The condition of a company's equipment tells you a lot about their professionalism:
- Trucks: Should be clean, well-maintained, and appropriately sized. Ask whether they use their own fleet or rent trucks on demand.
- Packing materials: Professional movers use new, high-quality boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and stretch film — not recycled boxes and newspaper.
- Moving blankets and straps: Every truck should be equipped with padded blankets, ratchet straps, and dollies for heavy items.
- Uniform: Crews should wear branded uniforms and ID badges. This is a basic indicator of a structured operation.
6. Confirm the Crew Size
Ask how many crew members will be assigned to your move. Under-staffing is a common problem with budget movers:
- Studio or 1-bedroom: 2-3 crew members
- 2-bedroom apartment: 3-4 crew members
- 3-bedroom apartment or villa: 4-5 crew members
- Large villa or office: 5-7 crew members
Fewer crew members means a longer move, more fatigue, and a higher risk of damage.
7. Understand the Payment Terms
Be cautious about payment structures:
- Avoid paying 100% upfront. A deposit of 10-20% to confirm the booking is normal. The remainder should be paid after delivery and inspection.
- Cash-only companies: Professional movers accept bank transfers, credit cards, and cash. A company that insists on cash-only may not be properly licensed.
- VAT: Legitimate companies charge 5% VAT and provide a tax invoice. If the quote excludes VAT, ask for clarification.
8. Ask for References or Case Studies
A confident moving company will happily share references or examples of similar moves. If you are moving from a high-rise apartment in Dubai Marina or relocating an office in Business Bay, ask if they have handled moves in that specific building or community. Building-specific experience matters because every tower has different elevator sizes, loading dock rules, and management requirements.
9. Clarify the Damage and Claims Process
Before hiring any mover, understand what happens if something goes wrong:
- Is there a formal damage reporting process?
- How quickly are claims resolved?
- What documentation is needed (photos, receipts)?
- Is there a time limit for reporting damage after the move?
At SAMA Movers, we conduct a pre-move inventory check and a post-delivery walkthrough with every client. Any damage is noted immediately and resolved within 48 hours.
10. Trust Your Instincts
After checking all the practical details, trust your gut feeling. A good moving company should be responsive, transparent, and professional from the first enquiry. If getting basic information feels like pulling teeth, imagine how moving day will go.
Red Flags to Watch For
Walk away if you encounter any of these:
- No DED trade licence or refusal to share it
- No written quote — only verbal estimates
- Price significantly below all other quotes (more than 30% lower)
- Requesting 100% payment before the move
- No physical office or address (only a mobile number)
- Generic or stock-photo website with no real team photos
- Aggressive sales pressure or "today only" discounts
- No insurance or refusal to discuss damage coverage
How to Compare Moving Quotes in Dubai
We recommend getting quotes from at least 3 companies. When comparing:
- Ensure all quotes cover the same scope of work.
- Check whether packing materials are included or extra.
- Verify crew size and truck type for each quote.
- Compare insurance coverage and damage policies.
- Read the fine print for additional charges (stairs, long carry, waiting time).
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Our packing services and furniture moving are included in our all-inclusive pricing, so the quote you receive is the amount you pay.
Ready to work with a licensed, insured, and reviewed moving company? Get your free quote from SAMA Movers — transparent pricing, no hidden charges, guaranteed.
How do I verify if a moving company in Dubai is licensed?
To verify a moving company's licence in Dubai, ask for their DED (Department of Economic Development) trade licence number and check it on the Dubai DED website or the Invest in Dubai portal. The licence should list moving services, relocation, or furniture transport as a permitted activity. Any company operating without a valid DED licence is operating illegally and should be avoided.
How much deposit should I pay a moving company in Dubai?
A deposit of 10 to 20 percent of the total quote is standard practice when booking a moving company in Dubai. Never pay 100 percent upfront. The remaining balance should be paid after delivery and your inspection of all items. Professional movers accept bank transfers, credit cards, and cash, and will provide a VAT-inclusive tax invoice.
What should a moving company quote include?
A professional moving quote should include the date and time, pickup and delivery addresses, itemised list of services, number of crew and trucks, packing materials, furniture disassembly and reassembly, total cost with 5% VAT, and payment terms. If a quote lacks these details or seems vague, request a revised version before proceeding.
