Planning a move and wondering what it will cost? In Dubai, basic moving services for a small apartment can start around AED 500–800, while larger or full-service moves can range from AED 3,000–10,000+, depending on distance, size, and extras. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what moving and junk-removal services include, how full-service moving companies operate, what factors drive prices up or down, and how combining junk removal Dubai with moving can save you both money and time.
The answer can vary widely, but with the right information, you can predict costs, plan your budget, and decide whether a full-service move is worth it.
This in-depth guide will help you understand:
- What moving services actually cover
- How full-service moving works (step by step)
- The true cost of moving services in Dubai
- Factors that influence pricing
- Advantages & disadvantages of full-service moving
- How to get accurate quotes and save money
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to approach your next move — whether you’re moving across town or across the UAE.
What Is a Moving Service?
A moving service is any professional help you hire to relocate your belongings. At the most basic level, a mover provides a truck and a crew to load and transport your items. But moving services can be much more:
- Transportation only: You pack and disassemble; the company loads, drives, and unloads.
- Partial service: You pack your boxes; the movers handle furniture wrapping, loading, transporting, and unloading.
- Full service: The company does everything — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking, disposal of materials.
At JunkRemovalC.com, many clients use our removal crews not just for junk disposal but also for moving heavy furniture and clearing homes or offices before a relocation.
What Is a Full-Service Moving Company?
A full-service moving company is like a one-stop shop for moving. Instead of hiring separate people to pack, haul, drive, and clean up, you hire one company to do it all. Full-service movers typically:
- Provide all packing materials and supplies
- Pack up all your items (including fragile items and special furniture)
- Disassemble large furniture and reassemble it later
- Load everything safely into the truck
- Transport it to the new address
- Unload, unpack, and set up
- Dispose of used packing materials
This saves you time and stress — you simply point to what needs to go where.
How Does a Full-Service Moving Company Work?
Here’s what happens when you hire a full-service mover like JunkRemovalC:
- Initial Contact / Free Quote
- Fill out a form on the Request a Quote page with your current and new address, number of rooms, and special items.
- Upload photos or a list to help the company estimate accurately.
- Survey & Estimate
- For larger moves, a representative may visit or do a virtual survey to see what you have.
- You receive a written estimate breaking down labor, materials, transport, and any add-ons.
- Packing Day
- The team arrives with boxes, padding, and wrapping materials.
- Fragile items are protected; furniture is disassembled and wrapped.
- Loading
- Items are systematically loaded to maximize truck space and prevent damage.
- Any unwanted junk can be taken for disposal at the same time (a plus point of a removal-and-moving company like ours).
- Transport
- Professional drivers handle logistics, road permits, and safe transport to your new location.
- Unloading & Setup
- Items are carried to each room as directed.
- Furniture is reassembled; boxes can be unpacked if you opted for that.
- Post-Move Clean Up
- All packing debris is removed, leaving your new home ready to live in.
Understanding this process shows why full-service moves cost more — you’re paying for manpower, materials, expertise, and convenience.
How Much Does a Moving Service Cost?
The question “How much for moving service?” doesn’t have a single answer because every move is unique. Here are the main cost drivers:
- Distance: Local (within Dubai) vs. inter-emirate or long-distance moves.
- Volume/Weight: The more stuff, the bigger the truck and crew needed.
- Packing: If you want the company to pack for you, expect higher cost.
- Special Items: Pianos, safes, chandeliers, fine art, or oversized furniture removal Dubai need special handling.
- Access: Stairs, narrow hallways, no elevator, or tricky parking increase time and labor.
- Timing: Weekend or urgent moves cost more.
- Insurance: Adds peace of mind but also adds cost.
Typical Price Ranges in Dubai
| Size / Type of Move | Transport Only (You Pack) | Partial Service | Full Service |
| Studio / 1-Bed Apt (local) | AED 500-800 | AED 900-1,500 | AED 1,500-2,500+ |
| 2-3 Bed Apt (local) | AED 1,000-1,800 | AED 1,800-2,800 | AED 3,000-5,000+ |
| 4-5 Bed Villa (local or inter-emirate) | AED 2,500+ | AED 3,500+ | AED 6,000-10,000+ |
Cost of Full Service Moving – Why It’s More Expensive
A full-service move can cost 30–100% more than a transport-only move because:
- All packing materials are provided by the company.
- Multiple crew members spend hours packing/unpacking.
- Time saved for you = labor costs for them.
- Specialized equipment (hoists, lifts, protective padding) is included.
For busy professionals, families, or elderly clients, that premium is often worth it for a stress-free experience.
Pros & Cons of Full-Service Moving
Advantages
- One company handles everything → less coordination stress.
- Professional packing reduces breakage.
- Insurance options give peace of mind.
- Fast turnaround: you can often move in one day instead of several.
- Combine removal + moving (for example, JunkRemovalC can clear unwanted junk and move the rest).
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost.
- Less control over how things are packed if you’re particular.
- Scheduling may require more lead time.
Tips to Save Money on Moving Services
- Declutter first: Use a junk removal service to get rid of unwanted items before you move. Less volume = cheaper move. See our Junk Removal Services page for details.
- Book early: Last-minute moves cost more.
- Be flexible: Mid-week or off-peak days can be cheaper than weekends.
- Get multiple quotes: Even within Dubai, prices can vary by thousands of dirhams.
- Ask about bundling services: Some companies offer discounts if you combine packing, moving, and junk removal.
FAQs
For a small local move, AED 500-800; for larger or full-service moves, AED 3,000-5,000 or more.
It’s a company that packs, loads, transports, unloads, unpacks, and disposes of materials for you.
Expect 30–100% higher than a transport-only move; the exact cost depends on distance, volume, and any additional extras.