Relocating to a new home or office in Dubai, UAE, can be an exciting chapter, but it comes with logistical challenges especially when it comes to budgeting for moving services. One of the most common questions people ask is, How much to pay movers per hour? Understanding the cost structure of movers is crucial for effective planning and avoiding unexpected expenses. Movers’ hourly rates in Dubai vary based on factors such as property size, distance, and additional services like packing or handling specialty items.
Whether you’re moving within the city or to a nearby emirate, knowing how much movers charge per hour helps you make informed decisions and compare quotes from reputable companies. This guide will break down hourly rates, factors influencing costs, and the best times to move. With this information, you can ensure a hassle-free relocation experience while staying within your budget.
How Much to Pay Movers Per Hour?
The cost of movers per hour can vary depending on the size of the move, the type of service you choose, and additional requirements.
| Service Type | Hourly Rate (AED) |
| Standard Moving Service | 150 – 200 |
| Packing & Moving Combo | 200 – 300 |
| Furniture Assembly | 250 – 350 |
| Specialty Items Moving | 300 – 400 |
| Full-Service Moving | 400 – 500 |
| Office Relocation | 500 – 800 |
Standard Moving Service (AED 150 – 200)
This service covers the basic transportation of your belongings from one location to another. It’s an economical option ideal for smaller moves, such as a studio apartment, or when you prefer to handle packing and organizing yourself. Standard moving is perfect for individuals or families on a budget who only need assistance with moving large items.
Best For:
- Studio apartments or small households
- Budget-friendly moves
Packing & Moving Combo (AED 200 – 300)
The packing and moving combo combines two essential services: carefully packing your belongings and transporting them to your new location. Movers will use high-quality packing materials to ensure the safety of your items during transit. This option is great for those seeking a hassle-free experience without the need to manage packing independently.
Best For:
- 1-2 bedroom apartments
- Individuals who prefer professional packing for fragile items
Furniture Assembly (AED 250 – 350)
Moving large furniture, such as beds, wardrobes, or dining tables, can be challenging. The furniture assembly service includes disassembling and reassembling furniture to make moving bulky pieces easier. This service is particularly useful for families or offices with complex furniture setups.
Best For:
- Large homes or villas
- Moves involving multiple heavy or intricate furniture items
Specialty Items Moving (AED 300 – 400)
For delicate or high-value items, such as pianos, artwork, or antiques, specialty moving services are the best choice. These services involve specialized equipment and trained professionals who ensure your valuables are handled with care during packing, transit, and unloading.
Best For:
- Owners of valuable or fragile items
- Moves requiring high precision and attention
Full-Service Moving (AED 400 – 500)
The full-service moving option is a comprehensive solution that includes packing, loading, moving, unpacking, and even furniture reassembly. It’s a hands-free and stress-free approach ideal for busy professionals or large families who want the entire moving process managed by experts.
Best For:
- 3+ bedroom homes or villas
- Families or individuals who want a completely managed moving experience
Office Relocation (AED 500 – 800)
This service is specifically customized for businesses and involves the efficient transportation of office furniture, electronic equipment, files, and documents. Professional movers ensure that office relocations are quick and organized to minimize downtime and disruption.
Best For:
- Small and large offices moving
- Businesses prioritizing minimal operational interruptions
What Are the Average Hourly Rates of Movers?
Movers’ hourly rates can also depend on the number of bedrooms in your home.
| Number of Bedrooms | Number of Movers | Average Hourly Rate (AED) |
| Studio Apartment | 2 | 150 – 250 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2-3 | 200 – 300 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 3-4 | 300 – 400 |
| 3-Bedroom Villa | 4-5 | 400 – 500 |
| 4+ Bedroom Villa | 5+ | 500+ |
Studio Apartment (AED 150 – 250)
- Number of Movers: Usually, 2 movers are sufficient for a studio apartment.
- Hourly Rate: The cost ranges from AED 150 to AED 250 per hour.
- Ideal For: Small moves with limited furniture and belongings, such as moving from a single-room apartment.
1-Bedroom Apartment (AED 200 – 300)
- Number of Movers: Typically, 2-3 movers are required for a 1-bedroom apartment.
- Hourly Rate: Movers charge between AED 200 and AED 300 per hour.
- Best For: Small families or individuals moving with moderate belongings. This is a popular option for couples or single professionals.
2-Bedroom Apartment (AED 300 – 400)
- Number of Movers: For 2-bedroom apartments, 3-4 movers are generally needed.
- Hourly Rate: The average hourly rate increases to AED 300 – 400.
- Ideal For: Families with more furniture and belongings requiring careful handling and additional manpower.
3-Bedroom Villa (AED 400 – 500)
- Number of Movers: Moving a 3-bedroom villa requires 4-5 movers due to the larger space and heavier items.
- Hourly Rate: The cost ranges from AED 400 to AED 500 per hour.
- Best For: Families or individuals relocating from larger homes with multiple rooms, heavy furniture, and valuables.
4+ Bedroom Villa (AED 500+)
- Number of Movers: Large villas with 4 or more bedrooms require a team of 5 or more movers.
- Hourly Rate: The rate starts from AED 500 per hour and can increase based on the complexity of the move.
- Best For: Large families or individuals moving from luxury properties, often with specialized moving requirements such as delicate items or oversized furniture.
Key Takeaways:
- Rates Increase with Property Size: Larger homes require more movers and time, leading to higher hourly rates.
- Efficiency in Numbers: The number of professional packers and movers assigned ensures that the job is done efficiently and safely within a reasonable time frame.
- Plan Accordingly: Knowing the expected costs helps you plan and budget effectively for your move to Dubai.
By providing clarity on the average hourly rates of movers in Dubai, this table ensures you’re better prepared for your next relocation, whether it’s a small apartment or a large villa.
What Factors Can Affect Movers’ Hourly Rate?
Understanding these factors helps you better prepare for the costs associated with moving to Dubai. To avoid unexpected charges:
Truck Access
The accessibility of your property plays a crucial role in determining the ease of the move. For instance:
- Easier Access: If you’re moving out of a single-family home with a wide driveway, the moving truck can easily park close to the entrance, reducing labor time and overall costs.
- Challenging Access: Conversely, urban apartment buildings with limited or no parking space may require movers to park further away, which increases the time and effort involved, resulting in additional charges.
Long Carry Fees
If the moving truck cannot park near your home’s entrance, movers may need to carry your belongings a significant distance to load them into the truck. This extra effort, commonly referred to as a “long carry,” often comes with a surcharge per hour.
- Example: Carrying items from a high-rise apartment with no designated loading area to a truck parked on a distant street can increase the total cost.
Elevator Usage
Moving to or from an apartment building with elevators can also influence costs. While elevators may save movers from carrying items up and down stairs, they still need to transport boxes and furniture between your apartment and the elevator itself. This extra time and labor may result in an additional charge.
- Tip: Reserving an elevator for your move in advance can speed up the process and potentially reduce costs.
Packing and Unpacking Services
Many professional movers offer packing and unpacking services as an add-on to their standard rates.
- Benefits: These services save you time and ensure your belongings are packed securely.
- Cost Implications: While convenient, opting for these services can significantly increase your total moving expenses.
Furniture Disassembly and Assembly
Large furniture items, such as beds, wardrobes, and dining tables, often need to be disassembled before moving and reassembled at the new location.
- Additional Labor: Movers typically charge more for handling furniture disassembly and assembly due to the extra time and skill required.
Stairs and Multi-Level Homes
Properties with stairs, whether it’s a multi-level home or an apartment building without an elevator, can add complexity to the move.
- Surcharges: Movers may charge extra depending on the number of flights of stairs and the amount of heavy lifting required.
- Tip: If possible, inform the movers in advance about the layout of your property to get a more accurate estimate.
Final Words
So, How much to pay movers per hour? Determining how much to pay movers per hour is crucial for budgeting your relocation in Dubai. By understanding the average costs and the factors that influence movers’ hourly rates; such as the size of your property, additional services, and peak seasons you can better plan your move while avoiding unexpected expenses.
Strategic planning, like scheduling your move during off-peak times or opting for weekday services, can help reduce costs. Additionally, knowing when to include services like packing or disassembly can streamline the process and ensure a hassle-free experience.
To get the most value for your money, it’s essential to request quotes from multiple moving companies, compare their offerings, and choose the one that meets your specific requirements. With proper preparation and the right moving partner, you can make your relocation smooth, efficient, and cost-effective.