Real Stories: UAE Expats Share Their Best Moving Company Experiences

Relocating to or within the UAE can be an exciting journey, but it also comes with a fair share of logistical challenges. Whether moving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, or settling into the UAE for the first time from abroad—perhaps even relocating with the help of a Flyttfirma Malmö—choosing the right moving company is often the key to a smooth transition.

To help others navigate this crucial decision, we reached out to expatriates across the UAE who shared their real-life moving experiences. From seamless international transitions to stress-free local moves, here are some of the best stories expats had to tell—and the moving companies that earned their trust.

From Manchester to Dubai: “They Handled Everything—Even My Dog”

Name: Sarah Whitmore
From: United Kingdom
Moved To: Dubai Marina

Sarah had been living in Manchester when she accepted a job offer in Dubai. With a 6-week window to move her entire life—and her golden retriever, Max—she was understandably overwhelmed. After researching several international moving companies, she chose Move One Relocations.

“What impressed me most was their end-to-end service. They didn’t just pack and ship my items. They helped me with customs paperwork, and they even coordinated Max’s transport and quarantine. I had zero stress.”

The team provided her with regular updates throughout the shipping process and delivered all her items intact and on schedule.

Dubai to Abu Dhabi: “Punctual, Professional, Polite”

Name: Rajiv Menon
From: Dubai (JLT)
Moved To: Abu Dhabi (Khalifa City)

Rajiv, an IT consultant, moved with his wife and two children from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. He was particularly worried about the handling of fragile electronics and his custom-built home office setup.

He opted for TruKKer, a popular UAE-based logistics company that offers app-based booking and transparent pricing.

“They arrived right on time. The packing was meticulous—everything from my monitors to my espresso machine was bubble-wrapped and labeled. The crew even helped me reinstall my workstation at the new house.”

Rajiv said he appreciated the digital tracking and the no-surprise invoice.

A Family Move From South Africa to Sharjah: “It Felt Like a Partnership”

Name: Pieter and Lindiwe van Dyk
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Moved To: Sharjah

Relocating with three kids is no easy feat, but Pieter and Lindiwe say their experience with Allied Pickfords exceeded expectations.

“What made the difference was the communication. They assigned a move coordinator who kept in touch daily—before, during, and after the move. It felt like we had someone in our corner the entire time.”

From documentation and customs clearance to temporary storage solutions, the company managed every aspect seamlessly.

A Solo Move to Al Ain: “Affordable and Efficient”

Name: Maria Gomez
From: Dubai
Moved To: Al Ain

Maria, a school teacher from Spain, had to move from her apartment in Dubai to a villa in Al Ain within a week. With limited time and a tight budget, she turned to Flyttfirma Malmö a local moving and storage provider.

“I was surprised by how affordable they were, especially considering the high-quality service. They packed everything quickly and safely, and even gave me a discount on storage for items I didn’t need right away.”

Maria says the move was done in under a day and the team left everything spotless afterward.

A Complicated Move with a Happy Ending: “They Saved My Move”

Name: Ahmed El Sayed
From: Cairo, Egypt
Moved To: Dubai Silicon Oasis

Ahmed, an Egyptian graphic designer, faced multiple delays due to visa issues and flight rescheduling. His original moving company canceled last minute, and he was left scrambling.

After a frantic online search, he came across E-Movers, a company with excellent reviews.

“They stepped in at the last minute and made what could have been a nightmare into a smooth ride. I was especially impressed with how they handled fragile artwork and tech equipment.”

Ahmed praised the team’s flexibility and their willingness to work outside regular hours.

Things Expats Look for in a UAE Moving Company

From the stories above, several common themes emerge about what expats value most in a moving service:

Clear Communication: Regular updates, a dedicated coordinator, and transparent policies help reduce anxiety.
Professional Packing: Damage-free delivery starts with careful packing—especially for electronics and valuables.
End-to-End Services: From customs paperwork to pet transport, all-in-one services are a huge bonus.
Punctuality and Speed: Movers that show up on time and finish on schedule win serious points.
Affordability: While most expats are willing to pay for quality, fair pricing remains essential.

Tips for Choosing the Right Moving Company in the UAE

If you’re planning your own move soon, here are a few tips gathered from the experiences shared:

Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle on the first offer—compare at least three companies.
Check Reviews: Use platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and local expat forums.
Ask About Insurance: Always clarify what’s covered in case of damage or loss.
Look for Certification: Companies affiliated with FIDI, IAM, or BAR often follow higher standards.
Book Early: Especially during peak moving seasons (summer and end-of-school year), slots fill fast.

Final Thoughts: The Right Company Makes All the Difference

Moving—especially internationally—can be one of life’s most stressful events. But as these expat stories reveal, the right moving company can transform a daunting experience into a manageable, even pleasant, process.

Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a new adventure, choosing a reliable, communicative, and professional moving company in the UAE is one of the smartest investments you can make.

As Sarah Whitmore summed it up:

“In the end, it wasn’t just about boxes and furniture. It was about feeling supported during a huge life transition—and that’s exactly what a great moving company provides.”