An Essential Guide to Packing, Moving, and Storage in Dubai

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Originally Posted On: https://www.movingservicesdubai.com/an-essential-guide-to-packing-moving-and-storage-in-dubai/

Millions of Americans move overseas each year. Some move for work, some move for love, and others just want to see the world. According to a recent United Arab Emirates census, over 50,000 American ex-pats live in the UAE, and that number is growing.
If you are considering an international move to Dubai, you need to know you have options for moving and storage. Moving locally is difficult, but international moves are notoriously tricky.
This helpful guide will cover everything you need to know about packing, moving, and storage for your international move to Dubai.

Moving overseas to a new country is scary and exciting all at the same time. Nonetheless, it can also be a daunting experience. There is a lot to consider when planning an international move.

Moving internationally will take careful planning, researching, and budgeting. It can also be expensive, so it is a good idea to start saving months in advance of your big move. Research the cost so that you know exactly what you are getting into before you move.

It’s also important to understand a little bit about the way of life, weather, cost of living and to have a few Arabic phrases in your back pocket. The cost of living in Dubai is largely similar to other countries; it depends on which part of town you live in and what type of lifestyle you lead.

In the trendier popular areas, rental prices can be quite high, but if you move to a less trendy area, you can find a good quality rental for much less.

Tax-free living makes Dubai one of the best places in the world to live. People in Dubai do not pay payroll taxes, taxes on food, or any other goods. This saves ex-pats a lot of money.

Dubai isn’t as restrictive as many people believe. However, a certain standard of behavior is maintained. People cover up from the knees to the shoulders in public places to show respect. Swearing, rude gestures, picking fights, and public displays of affection are not seen in public in Dubai.

Out of respect for the country’s Islamic heritage, alcohol consumption is restricted to hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants. To avoid trouble never, ever drink and drive. Dubai is also one of the safest cities in the world and boasts a very low crime rate.

First things first, you’ll need proper travel documents. Before you can apply for a visa you will need a valid passport.

If you will be living in Dubai for the foreseeable future, you may want to go ahead and renew your passport a bit early to make sure it stays valid while you are living in the country for a longer time.

You can also renew it at the U.S. Embassy or consulate-general in-country so don’t fret if you forget. Next, you need to apply for your visa. Entry to UAE is subject to immigration approval, and it may take 3 to 4 days to approve your visa request.

Your work or university may be able to help you with this process. Many companies in Dubai have HR departments that help ex-pats from all over the world get their work visas in time for their move.

When living abroad, you also need to consider the healthcare system. Dubai has a very high standard for its healthcare. Its modern facilities offer healthcare for free or at a very low cost.

You will have the choice to purchase private medical insurance which ensures you the best healthcare Dubai has to offer.

There are many great international moving and storage companies in Dubai. You will need to decide the best way to move your belongings overseas.

There are a few options for moving your stuff overseas. Let’s take a look at those options. 

International moving and storage companies – Hiring a traditional international moving and storage service is a popular option for relocating your things to Dubai. If you are taking large items like furniture, sofas, bedroom sets, or even your vehicle, this method can help you move all of those items.

If you are not moving with large items, then this method can be expensive. Try your best to sort through your stuff and sell, donate, or give away items that you don’t need to take with you. This can help make your move more organized and less expensive.

Container shipping – Container shipping is another option for international moves. Sea freight is cheaper than air freight, but you should be aware this option will be very slow. It can take several months to receive your shipping container in Dubai.

International moving companies also deliver your household items straight to your door. Container shipping generally requires you to arrange transportation to and from the ports on your own.

Air Freight – Air freight is much faster than container shipping. Airfreight is priced by weight and volume, and it can add up quickly depending on how much you have to move. With air freight, you will also have to arrange transportation of your items to and from the airport by yourself.

Experts recommend that you separate your belongings into two groups: things you will need immediately and things that you can wait six weeks or so for. Take things you can’t live without on the plane and leave the rest to your international moving company.

International moving and storage can seem complex but in a lot of ways, it is just like a local move. Talk to your moving company and ask them if they provide door-to-door service.

You don’t want your stuff getting stuck at the port or airport. It’s best to know ahead of time if your stuff is coming straight to your door. Oftentimes, when an international mover quotes a really low price, it is because they do not offer door-to-door service, so keep that in mind.

Ask your moving and storage company if they offer insurance. Reputable movers will have insurance.

Be sure you understand what the insurance covers and does not cover. A policy may not cover loss or theft but might include coverage for damaged goods.

Ask about the coverage amount, too. If the maximum the insurance covers is $20,000 and you are moving over $100,000 worth of household goods, then the insurance won’t cover very much if something goes wrong.

When you are moving internationally packing is a little more complex than putting all of your items into boxes. Moving your things internationally requires a declaration of household goods.

Moving companies can provide you with this and help speed the process of moving your things through customs. To do this the moving company generally needs to pack for you. They could be held legally liable if anything you move with them is illegal.

Ask if packing is included in the price of your move. Unpacking is not a customs requirement and is usually left off the quote, but if you want to make your move smoother be sure to ask about unpacking too.

As previously stated, it can take a while before you receive all of your belongings. Go through your items carefully and take anything you need when you get there with you on the plane. You can also ship some must-have items to yourself for quicker delivery.

Make sure you set aside travel documents, including visas and health documents in a safe place where they can be easily accessed when you arrive.

Next, take pictures of your home before you begin packing so the movers will be able to see where everything needs to be arranged once you get to your new home. Taking pictures can alleviate a lot of stress and serves as a great point of reference.

Remember, the less you take with you the better. Go through all of your items and decide what needs to be moved. If you are temporarily moving, consider storage options for items you don’t need to move.

Storing items temporarily can help reduce the number of items you need to move and the cost of your move. There is storage in Dubai that can hold your items if you want them to be with you too.

Buy good quality boxes and other packing materials. Spending a little extra on sturdy boxes can help ensure all of your items arrive undamaged.

Experts agree that you should pack the kitchen last and unpack it first when you arrive in your new home. To pack glassware use generous amounts of bubble wrap and packing paper.

Layer extra paper or bubble wrap around the inside of the box before you place your warped items into the box. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and mark boxes with glassware as fragile on the outside of the box.

Staying organized during an international move can be challenging. Create a moving binder and keep all of your receipts and contracts in one place. Then whenever you need to find a document, you will find it in your moving binder.

Include moving checklists, utility phone numbers, donation receipts, and all paperwork from your moving company in this binder.

A moving checklist is very helpful. Moving has many different moving parts, and keeping a list can help you keep track of items you have completed and what still needs to be completed.

You probably are already labeling your moving boxes by room but if you want to kick it up a notch you color coordinate your boxes. Color coordinating labels can be easily made with colored tape on the outside of your boxes. This can help the movers place all of your boxes in the appropriate rooms in your home.

As you pack each box, make a list of the items inside. This will help you keep track of your belongings and make it easier to unpack. One method is to assign each box a number and write an itemized list for each numbered box.

You can tape a copy to the outside of the box and keep one copy in your moving binder. This will also let you know how many boxes you have in total and make sure nothing is left behind or lost during the move.

It’s a good idea to have a packing strategy. Decide which rooms need to be packed first. Start with less essential items and work your way up that way you will not be missing your items before your move.

Pack the most important items last and make sure to take all essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, baby or pet necessities, ID cards, and credit cards with you in your bag on the plane.

If you can’t unpack immediately after your move you could rent a storage unit in Dubai and unpack at your leisure.

Just make sure you have all of your essential boxes with you at home. Unpack other boxes that contain items for guest rooms or winter clothing at a later time.

Local storage in Dubai is also perfect if you are moving into a condo or a smaller space. Many storage options are also climate-controlled and some offer delivery service to your home.

Storage facilities are a safe and convenient option. You can rest assured knowing that your belongings will be right where you left them. Storage centers also provide flexibility for you to come and get your items as you need and whenever you need them.

Have some time to unpack over the weekend? Pick up some boxes from your storage unit in Dubai and unpack them at your new home. Storage is a perfect solution to help you keep your move organized and manageable.

Dubai Has Moving and Storage Options

Moving overseas to Dubai can be a tricky situation. Luckily there are lots of great options for moving and storage in Dubai that will help you get moved in and set up in your new home.

Moving Services Dubai is a fully licensed and insured that is here to help with residential and commercial moves worldwide. Our friendly, professional staff speaks English and will treat your valuable belongings with care. we can also help you in handyman services, our partner handymendubai is well-known repairmen provider in Dubai

If you are looking for a courteous Moving Services Dubai that will help move you in on time and with care, contact Moving Services Dubai today.