Complete Moving Checklist for Abu Dhabi (8-Week Plan)
You signed the lease on your new villa. Your move-out date is circled on the calendar. Now comes the part most Abu Dhabi residents discover too late: moving here involves way more than packing boxes.
Miss one administrative step—Ejari cancellation, ADDC disconnection, move-out permit—and you’ll either lose part of your security deposit or watch your scheduled movers sit idle while you scramble for documents.
This 8-week plan walks you through every task, in order, so nothing gets forgotten.
Week 8: Notify and research (60 days before move)
Notify your landlord officially. Check your contract for the exact notice period. Most Abu Dhabi leases require 60 to 90 days written notice before moving out. Send notification via email and WhatsApp, keeping records of both. Some landlords require formal typed letters—confirm their preference immediately.
Research your new community’s rules. Different areas have different requirements. Yas Island properties (Aldar management) require online portal applications. Saadiyat Island, Al Raha, and Reem Island towers each have specific move-in procedures. Contact your new building management now to understand their documentation requirements.
Book preliminary moving quotes. Contact three
movers and packers in Abu Dhabi
for estimates. Send photos or videos of your home. Mention any access challenges (narrow streets, no loading dock, tight elevators). Get itemized quotes in writing showing what’s included versus extra charges.
Start school transfer process (if applicable). Abu Dhabi schools require Transfer Certificates, Emirates IDs, vaccination records, and recent report cards. Schools need 30 days minimum to process transfers, so starting at week 8 prevents last-minute stress. Contact your new school’s admissions office to confirm documentation and seat availability.
In Arabic searches, residents ask “كم مدة إشعار تنهية الإيجار” (how long is rental termination notice). Standard answer: 60-90 days per most Abu Dhabi contracts.
Week 7: Secure permits and declutter
Apply for move-out permit from current building. Most Abu Dhabi communities and towers require official move-out permits. You’ll typically need: tenancy contract copy, Emirates ID, passport copy, mover’s trade license, and landlord’s NOC (No Objection Certificate). Application processing takes 3 to 7 days depending on building management.
Aldar properties (Yas Island, Saadiyat) require online portal applications with uploaded documents. Marina towers, Corniche buildings, and older communities may use paper forms submitted to building management offices.
Declutter ruthlessly. Moving costs increase with volume. Sell furniture you don’t love on Dubizzle or Facebook Marketplace. Donate usable items to charities. Schedule a junk removal appointment for broken furniture or unwanted appliances you’ve been storing.
Finalize moving company choice. Compare the three quotes you received. Choose based on itemized services, insurance coverage, and reviews—not just lowest price. Book your preferred date and time. For
, expect to pay deposits to secure your slot during peak seasons.
Order packing supplies if DIY packing. Boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Hardware stores and supermarkets sell moving boxes, or request used boxes from grocery stores for free.
Week 6: Administrative clearances begin
Schedule ADDC/utility final bill. Contact Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) to schedule your final utility bill for move-out day. You can call their customer service or visit a branch. Request confirmation in writing showing your disconnection date and estimated final bill amount.
Contact district cooling provider. If your apartment uses Tabreed or other district cooling, schedule disconnection now. This step gets forgotten constantly, causing delays in security deposit refunds. Request a clearance certificate showing no outstanding payments.
Notify internet provider (Etisalat/Du). Schedule line disconnection or transfer to your new address. If you’re mid-contract, ask about early termination fees versus transferring service to your new home.
Update mailing address. Notify your bank, insurance companies, employer HR department, and government entities (like ADPD if you have vehicle registration) of your address change. Update your Emirates ID address through ICP app or typing centers.
Week 5: School and vehicle logistics
Finalize school transfers. Submit all required documents to new school: Transfer Certificate from current school, Emirates IDs, passport copies, vaccination cards, birth certificate (attested if from abroad), and recent school reports. Complete any required placement testing.
Update vehicle registration (if needed). If you’re moving within Abu Dhabi, no change needed. Moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi requires re-registering vehicles at Abu Dhabi traffic department. Check if your car insurance policy requires address updates.
Request transfer certificate from current school. Schools issue Transfer Certificates within 30 days of request, but starting early prevents complications. Ensure all school fees are cleared before requesting the certificate—outstanding payments block issuance.
Confirm move-out permit approval. Follow up with building management if you haven’t received approved move-out permit. Some communities require seeing the approved permit before scheduling final move-out inspections.
Week 4: Packing begins and inspections scheduled
Start packing non-essentials. Off-season clothes, books, decorative items, and rarely-used kitchen items. Label boxes clearly by room and contents. Keep an inventory list of packed boxes.
Schedule move-out inspection. Contact your landlord to schedule the official move-out inspection for the day after your move. This inspection determines if any damages reduce your security deposit. Schedule early to ensure landlord availability.
Arrange for
confirmation. Confirm your moving company booking: date, time, number of movers, truck size. Verify if they provide boxes or if you’re responsible. Ask about insurance coverage details.
Handle fragile item packing. Electronics, glassware, artwork, and valuable items need special care. Consider having professional movers pack these items even if you’re handling the rest yourself. Moving companies offer partial packing services.
Photograph your current home. Take dated photos showing the condition of walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures. These protect you during the final inspection if landlord claims damages you didn’t cause.
Week 3: Final utility and clearance coordination
Confirm ADDC final bill date. Call ADDC again to reconfirm your disconnection is scheduled correctly for move-out day. Ask how long after disconnection you’ll receive the final bill and security deposit refund (typically 2-4 weeks).
Obtain district cooling clearance certificate. Visit your district cooling provider’s office if you haven’t received the clearance certificate yet. This document is mandatory for Ejari/Tawtheeq cancellation and security deposit refund.
Pack most of your home. By week 3, everything except daily essentials should be boxed. Kitchen (except basics), bathrooms (except toiletries), closets, and all rooms should be 80% packed.
Arrange temporary accommodation if needed. If your move-out date and new place availability don’t align perfectly, book temporary accommodation or storage.
sometimes require gap periods between properties.
Update your new building about move-in timing. Provide your new building management exact move-in date and time. Some communities require advance booking of service elevators or loading dock times.
Arabic searches like “شهادة خلو طرف التبريد” (district cooling clearance certificate) spike as people realize they need this document for Tawtheeq cancellation.
Week 2: Critical final preparations
Complete packing essentials box. One box containing: toilet paper, soap, towels, phone chargers, basic tools, snacks, and first-day essentials. This box travels in your car, not the moving truck. Label it clearly “OPEN FIRST.”
Defrost and clean refrigerator. Do this 24-48 hours before moving day. Clean appliances help during final inspection. Empty and dry refrigerator completely to prevent mold during transport.
Arrange for
day logistics. Book service elevator time if required. Reserve parking for moving truck. Notify building security of moving company details. Confirm your building doesn’t restrict moving during certain hours.
Cancel or transfer remaining services. Gym memberships, meal delivery subscriptions, cleaning services—cancel what you don’t need or transfer to new address where applicable.
Pack survival bags. Each family member gets a bag with 2-3 days of clothes, medications, toiletries, and valuables. These bags stay with you, not in the moving truck.
Week 1: Move execution week
Reconfirm everything. Call moving company 48 hours before to reconfirm timing. Double-check ADDC disconnection is scheduled. Verify move-out inspection appointment with landlord.
Final cleaning. Clean the property thoroughly the day before your move. Many landlords deduct cleaning fees from deposits if the property isn’t left clean. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and floors.
Moving day coordination. Be present when movers arrive. Walk through the packing plan. Point out fragile items. Verify inventory list as items load. Keep important documents and valuables with you.
Supervise unloading at new place. Guide movers where furniture goes in each room. Check off inventory as items unload. Inspect for any damage before movers leave.
Conduct move-out inspection. Walk through empty property with landlord. Note any agreed-upon damages. Get signed inspection report. This protects both parties regarding security deposit.
Post-move: Weeks 9-10
Cancel Tawtheeq registration. In Abu Dhabi, landlords typically cancel Tawtheeq automatically, but confirm this happened. You’ll need utility clearance certificates completed for this process.
Collect security deposit. Follow up with landlord on security deposit refund timing (typically 2-4 weeks after clearances complete). Reference your move-out inspection photos if disputes arise.
Update Emirates ID address. Complete address change officially through ICP app or typing centers. Government correspondence needs your current address.
Register at new location. Complete any required new building registrations. Update school bus routes if applicable. Register vehicles if you moved between emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I apply for a move-out permit in Abu Dhabi?
Apply 2-3 weeks before your move date. Most Abu Dhabi buildings process permits within 3-7 days, but allow extra time for potential document issues or management delays. Marina towers and gated communities like Yas Island require advance booking.
What is Tawtheeq and do I need to cancel it?
Tawtheeq is Abu Dhabi’s tenancy contract registration system (similar to Dubai’s Ejari). Your landlord typically handles cancellation automatically, but confirm this happens after you’ve completed utility clearances and the move-out inspection.
Can I get my ADDC deposit back immediately?
No. ADDC processes final bills and refunds 2-4 weeks after disconnection. You’ll receive the refund via bank transfer once final consumption is calculated and any outstanding amounts are deducted.
What happens if I forget district cooling clearance?
Forgotten district cooling clearance blocks security deposit refunds and Tawtheeq cancellation. This is the most common mistake. Schedule disconnection early (6-8 weeks before moving) and obtain the clearance certificate immediately.
Do I need special permits for moving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
You need move-out permits from your current Abu Dhabi building and move-in permits from your new Dubai/other emirate property. Different emirates have different systems, so start permit applications 3-4 weeks early.
كيف ألغي الماء والكهرباء في أبوظبي؟ (How do I cancel water and electricity in Abu Dhabi?)
اتصل بشركة أبوظبي للتوزيع (ADDC) قبل أسبوعين من الانتقال لتحديد موعد الفاتورة النهائية. ستحتاج عقد الإيجار والهوية الإماراتية. سيتم إرجاع التأمين خلال 2-4 أسابيع. (Call Abu Dhabi Distribution Company ADDC two weeks before moving to schedule final bill. You’ll need tenancy contract and Emirates ID. Deposit refund takes 2-4 weeks.)
How much notice does my landlord need in Abu Dhabi?
Most Abu Dhabi tenancy contracts require 60-90 days written notice. Check your specific contract for exact terms. Notify via email and keep records. Some landlords require formal typed letters from typing centers.
What documents do movers need for my move-out permit?
Typical documents include: your tenancy contract, Emirates ID, passport copy, landlord’s NOC, and the moving company’s trade license and insurance certificate. Requirements vary by building—confirm with your property management.