It’s time to get excited about your new home and prepare your move-in checklist! This is once you have finalised and signed your tenancy contract, informed your landlord or real estate agent of your move-in date, and all is done.
Having a checklist ensures you’ve got everything organised for a seamless move-in experience to eliminate any oversights or stress. Through this article, you will find a full move-in checklist with all the important steps you shouldn’t miss!
Before Move-in Checklist
- Register your tenancy contract with Ejari
- Book a moving service
- Set up or transfer your DEWA service
- Set up or transfer your Du or Etisalat services
- Register with the district cooling provider, Empower or Emicool
- Register with security
- Get your moving permit
- Book Deep Cleaning Service
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
1. Register with Ejari
Registering with Ejari is the first step on your moving/relocation checklist in Dubai. It’s an online system through which the residents in Dubai can document their tenancy contracts to guarantee both parties’ rights.
You should register your tenancy contract with Ejari once it’s signed by you and your landlord.
Besides, there are some documents that your need to submit to register with Ejari; find them below:
- The original copy of the contract (signed by both parties)
- Copy of Emirates ID
- Proof of paying the security deposit and cheques
- Copy of the landlord and tenant’s passports
- Title of Deed
- Copy of the residency visa
- The unit’s number (9 digits), is registered for DEWA.
In addition, it’s always better to get all the required documents for renting ready to speed up the process. Here’s a full guide on how to download your Ejari Certificate in Dubai to ensure you’ve got it backed up.
2. Book a Moving Service
Booking a professional moving service in Dubai advance offers peace of mind and, more importantly, eliminates the stress of moving home. They will help you in transferring all your belongings with complete safety.
Not just that, if you’ve many tasks to do, they can help you pack your items in a systematic and organized way to unpack them easily. You will find different moving companies in Dubai offering different packages and services.
3. Set up or Transfer your DEWA Services
The Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) is the only entity that offers electricity and water services in the emirate, so all residents should apply for it. If you’re newly moving to the city, then you should set up a new account.
However, in case you’re relocating, then you just need to transfer your DEWA services to the new address. Typically, your new DEWA connection or transferred account can be activated within 24 hours.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to transfer you DEWA account in Dubai to avoid any delays.
This is an essential point on your move-in checklist for the new house, as those are the main residency services.
Setting up your DEWA account
Thanks to the newly integrated systems between Ejari and DEWA, you will receive a DEWA connection process electronically once your Ejari contract has been registered.
Transferring your DEWA account
The ‘DEWA Move To Service’ facilities the entire process of transferring your services to your new address. Again, you can do this online using the Smart Application and submit your new Ejari contract number.
Moreover, DEWA’s Move To service will also transfer your initial DEWA deposit along with the account; this means you don’t have to bear any new deposit costs when moving unless the amount required for the new property exceeds the current one.
For example, if upgrading from an apartment to a villa, then you should check the difference in fee as the security deposit varies as mentioned below:
- Apartment: AED 2,000
- Villa: AED 4,000.
4. Set up or Transfer Your Du or Etisalat Services
Having home internet is the first thing to do once the essential amenities are connected. In Dubai, you can choose between Du or Etisalat for your home internet. To decide easily, you can compare each company’s offers and packages to secure the best value for money possible.
In addition, if you want to ensure the best service and connectivity, you can ask your friends for recommendations.
Get in touch at least a week before your move-in date, and schedule a technician to visit the property on the day of the move-in; this is to ensure you are connected and ready to go.
Having internet access is pretty important nowadays especially if your or any of your family members work or learn online; consequently, don’t miss this step while preparing your move-in checklist in Dubai.
5. Register with the District Cooling Provider
In many communities, chiller services, otherwise known as air conditioning, are provided by a district cooling company, Empower, or Emicool.
To ensure your air conditioning is activated for your move-in day, you will need to register with the respective company.
Registration requirements for each company can be found here:
6. Register Yourself with Security
Whether you’re going to live in a gated community or building, you should register with security to ensure unrestricted movement without question.
Adding this to your move-in to apartment/villa checklist is practical as you might forget such a detail while being busy with the different tasks you have during relocating.
7. Get Your Moving Permit
Once you sign your contract, you should ask the landlord or the real estate agent if the community you’re moving to needs a moving permit. This is because districts in Dubai asks for it while other don’t.
For example, the following areas need moving permits:
- Arabian Ranches
- DIFC
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Emirates Hills
- The Greens, The Springs, and The Meadows
Each community or building will have its own processes in place, along with the documents required.
You can have a look at the documents required in case you need to get a moving permit in Dubai:
- Copy of your passport
- Title of Deed
- A copy of the latest receipt of paying the unit’s services fee
- Copy of the Emirates ID
- A copy of the documented rental contract.
Things to Consider
- Security will request a copy of your move-in permit, so ensure that your moving company also has this ready to ensure a smooth move-in process.
- Whether you are moving to a gated community or an apartment block, there may be additional move-in policies you should be mindful of.
- In some instances, you may be prohibited from moving in on certain days of the week or restricted from using certain lifts or entry points to the building, so be aware of this too.
This should be a top priority on your move-in checklist whether the house is for rental or sale, as otherwise, you won’t be able to get into your unit.
8. Book Deep Cleaning Service
After settling all the services you need, it’s time to get your home ready with a good clean. Since you already have a lot on your table, you can get a cleaning company to do this task for you.
Dubai has different reputable cleaning companies that offer a wide range of services, like:
- Disinfection
- Deep cleaning services
- Carpet shampooing
- Moving in/out of cleaning
- Sofa, curtain, and mattress cleaning services
This could be quite convenient as they will get all your furnishings cleaned.
This is how to prepare for your move-in day in a nutshell, including all the procedures you need to follow. As a new tenant, your move-in checklist is your savior so you don’t get overwhelmed or miss a detail.
Settling into your new home might be a bit exhausting, but it is surely worth the effort, as once everything is set up, you will forget all about those hectic tasks.
Discover All Rental Properties in Dubai
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63,000 AED/year
LAST UNIT LEFT - READY TO MOVE IN - DEWA ONLY AC!!
Sandy Garden, International City Phase 2, Al Warsan 4, Al Warsan, Dubai
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Key Takeaways
Moving into a new home in Dubai requires completing a few essential steps to ensure a smooth transition. Start by registering your tenancy contract with Ejari, arranging movers, and setting up or transferring core services such as DEWA, internet, district cooling, and building security access. Many communities also require a moving permit, so it’s important to check requirements early to avoid delays on move-in day.
Preparing your home ahead of time makes settling in much easier. Booking a deep cleaning service, confirming all utilities are activated, and organising the necessary documents will help you move in without stress. With a clear checklist and proper planning, your move-in experience becomes quicker, smoother, and far more manageable.
FAQs
You should begin arranging services like Ejari registration, DEWA transfer, cooling provider registration, and internet setup at least 1–2 weeks before your move-in date to avoid delays and ensure your home is fully functional on day one.
Yes, most tenants book a deep cleaning service before move-in to ensure the property is fully sanitised and ready for furniture and unpacking.
