- As of May 2026, public UAE and Dubai moving benchmarks show many apartment moves around AED 700-2,500, larger 2-3 bedroom moves around AED 2,000-5,000, and villa moves commonly from about AED 3,500-12,000+ depending on scope.
- A simple man-with-van or small local move can start lower, but full movers and packers quotes should include crew, truck, packing materials, dismantling, loading, transport and reassembly assumptions.
- Before paying a deposit, compare the same inventory, packing scope, building access, cross-emirate distance, waiting-time policy and damage process.
Movers and packers in the UAE can quote very different prices for what sounds like the same move. A studio with a few boxes, a 2-bedroom apartment with full packing, and a villa move with outdoor furniture are not comparable unless the quote scope is written clearly.
This guide gives a UAE-level benchmark for Dubai and Sharjah residents, then explains what changes the final quote: packing materials, crew size, furniture dismantling, building access, cross-emirate distance and damage handling. For city-specific details, compare this overview with the Dubai movers cost guide and the Sharjah movers cost guide.
Movers and packers UAE cost: 2026 quick reference
Use these ranges as planning benchmarks, not fixed prices. A quote can move higher or lower depending on whether the company sends a surveyor, how much packing is included, and whether building approvals or access windows restrict the moving crew.
| Move type | Typical UAE benchmark | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Small local move / few items | Around AED 500-1,200 depending on vehicle and labour | Whether packing, wrapping, dismantling and appliance handling are included |
| Studio or 1-bedroom apartment | Often around AED 700-2,500 | Boxes, crew count, truck size, lift access and packing materials |
| 2-3 bedroom apartment | Often around AED 2,000-5,000 | Inventory volume, fragile items, appliances, furniture dismantling and long carry |
| Townhouse or villa | Commonly from AED 3,500-12,000+ for larger full-service moves | Survey, outdoor items, stairs, multiple floors, truck count and packing team |
| Cross-emirate move | Varies by distance, tolls, traffic and second-trip risk | Route, waiting time, fuel/toll policy, delivery window and building rules at both ends |
What should a moving quote include?
A useful quote should tell you more than the final price. Ask for the number of movers, truck size, number of trips, packing materials, dismantling and reassembly, fragile-item handling, appliance handling, cancellation terms and any waiting-time charges.
- Home inventory: furniture, appliances, boxes, outdoor items, plants and fragile items.
- Packing scope: full packing, partial packing, owner-packed boxes or transport only.
- Materials: cartons, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, mattress covers, tape and labels.
- Furniture work: beds, wardrobes, tables, shelves, TV units and curtains.
- Access: service lift, loading bay, parking distance, stairs and villa gate restrictions.
- Protection: wrapping, floor protection, insurance or written damage process.
Apartment, villa and single-item moves are different jobs
Apartment movers usually work around lift bookings, loading bays and parking rules. Villa movers may need a larger team, more wrapping, extra truck capacity and more time for stairs, outdoor furniture or appliance movement. If you only need a sofa, fridge, washing machine or one cabinet moved, the single item movers Dubai guide may be a better benchmark than a full-home move.
| Situation | Common issue | Ask before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment move | Lift slots, loading bay timing and parking distance | Will the crew wait if building access is delayed? |
| Villa move | Outdoor items, stairs, large furniture and multiple truck trips | Is a survey required before confirming the final price? |
| Single-item move | Cheap transport may exclude wrapping or appliance disconnection | Does the quote include safe lifting, trolley, wrapping and installation? |
| Cross-emirate move | Traffic, tolls, route timing and second-trip charges | Is the price fixed for both addresses and one delivery window? |
Building permits, access and utilities
In Dubai and Sharjah, the moving company is only one part of the moving-day plan. Building management may require a move-in or move-out permit, lift booking, loading-bay approval or security gate pass. Utilities, tenancy documents and handover timing can also affect when the truck can actually unload.
If the home also needs post-move cleaning, compare moving costs with deep cleaning Dubai or regular home cleaning so you do not schedule cleaners before the movers finish unloading.
Questions to ask before paying a deposit
- Is the quote fixed after survey, or can it change on moving day?
- How many movers, trucks and trips are included?
- Are boxes, bubble wrap, wardrobe cartons and mattress covers included?
- Is dismantling and reassembly included for beds, wardrobes and tables?
- Are tolls, parking, access delays, waiting time and second trips included?
- What happens if a TV, mirror, appliance or furniture item is damaged?
- Will the crew remove used packing material after delivery?
How Bestimate helps compare moving quotes
With Bestimate, you can submit one moving brief with both addresses, home size, inventory, packing needs, building access notes and preferred date. Local Pros can then quote against the same information, which makes it easier to compare price, scope, timing and terms.
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Bestimate reviews UAE home-service guides for local pricing context, service-scope clarity, homeowner safety considerations and quote-comparison accuracy.
Price ranges were checked in May 2026 against public UAE and Dubai moving benchmarks. They are planning ranges, not guaranteed quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much do movers and packers cost in the UAE?
As of May 2026, apartment moves often fall around AED 700-2,500 for smaller homes and around AED 2,000-5,000 for larger 2-3 bedroom moves. Villa moves commonly start around AED 3,500 and can exceed AED 12,000 for large full-service jobs with extensive packing and multiple trucks.
Are packing materials included?
Sometimes. Ask whether cartons, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, tape, mattress covers and labels are included, and whether the crew will unpack or remove used materials after delivery.
Do movers dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Many movers handle standard beds, tables and wardrobes, but wall-mounted shelves, curtains, TV brackets, complex wardrobes and appliances may need a handyman or specialist. Confirm the exact items in writing.
What should I do before a cross-emirate move?
Share both addresses, building rules, traffic-sensitive timing and whether permits or lift bookings are needed. Ask whether tolls, fuel, waiting time and second trips are included in the quote.
Is the cheapest moving quote a good idea?
Not always. A low quote can exclude packing, materials, dismantling, waiting time or damage handling. Compare the total written scope, not only the headline price.
