Moving homes: Tips

As we have been spending more and more time at home, many of us have realised the importance of having the right space to suit their needs. Whether you want to purchase a new home or even rent one, moving to a new home during these times needs to be done a little differently, with a lot more focus on hygiene & sanitation. We've gathered some tips from Abdulla bin Sulayem, the CEO of Seven Tides, the developer behind Anantara The Palm to share his top tips.

While recent partial reduction on movement restrictions across the country have allowed increased freedom, residents are advised to adhere and ensure the continuation of strict precautionary and preventive measures being taken against COVID-19. People who are looking to move house can do so but should still follow protocols and the step-by-step process outlined by the government. 

Home is now not only where we live, but where we work and where we teach our children, and as such, we are seeing consistent demand for home moves with residents either looking for properties with more space or private outside space, or indeed some who are looking to downsize. Despite the social distancing measures implemented by the UAE Government to curb the spread of coronavirus, moving firms across the country are still operating with residents allowed to move home between the hours of 6am and 8pm as long as they follow the essential government guidance. With property transactions continuing to take place across the UAE and residents still listing enquiries into new homes, here are some top tips to ensure a safe and secure home move during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Virtual Viewings

Virtual viewings are recommended under the current circumstance, particularly if you are already familiar with the community you are looking to move to and the type of properties you like. 

However, if you plan on viewing properties in person, it is important to be socially aware of the precautions that we all need to take when venturing out and to follow and respect guidelines such as wearing a face mask, keeping gloves handy and maintaining physical distance of at least two meters away from others. 

Where possible, wait until current residents have officially moved out of the property you would like to view, ensure it has been deep cleaned and sanitised before attending, and use your own vehicle when travelling to and from these viewings. To schedule a virtual viewing of any of our properties, please contact us.

2. Seek Approval From Property Management

Once you have decided on a new property, it is important that you speak to both your current and new property management team to check if they are allowing tenants to move and, if so, to obtain a full list of their guidelines to ensure a safe and efficient transition between both properties.

3. Apply For Move In/Move Out Permits

For every home move in the UAE, tenants are required to obtain a move out and move in permit from their landlord/building/community. In order for these permits to be granted, a written request from the tenant is required, which specifies the date and time of the move, name of the removal company as well as their trade license number, third-party insurance copy and the exact vehicle registration of the removal truck which will be used. Once these details have been submitted to both your old and new property management company, a permission clearance letter will be provided. Moving is permitted during 8am to 6pm currently. Please have a look at how to get a moving permit here.

4. Select a moving & removal company

Before selecting a company to perform your move, you should enquire about the additional steps they are taking to ensure social distancing measures and the highest standards of hygiene are being followed, in compliance with the UAE authority’s directives. Ask about masks, gloves and any other protective gear that they will be using while handling your furniture and transferring it to their vehicles for transport. As with every move, you should also pre-agree a cost as well as enquiring about their hours of operation and the numbers of employees who will be deployed for your move.

5. Cancellations & registrations

Before making your move, be sure to cancel all current utility connections and apply for new connections as well. Ejari, DEWA, Du and Etisalat all offer cancellation and new application/registration services online.

6. Sanitise Your New Home

Before moving into your new home, it is more important now than ever before, to fully sanitise the property or hire a Dubai Municipality-approved deep cleaning company to disinfect and sterilise, in order to minimise the rise of infections. 

If you find yourself in the position of needing to move home during COVID-19, make sure you are fully aware of all the regulations and legalities and more importantly, follow all the required and recommended guidelines to ensure the safety and health of your family during the move.