Planning an international move from Abu Dhabi? Whether you’re heading home after a contract, relocating for work, or starting a new adventure abroad, moving internationally as an expat involves a lot more than just packing a few boxes. From logistics and paperwork to customs regulations and finding a reliable moving company, there are plenty of moving parts, literally.
This guide outlines the essential steps to ensure your move is smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant with international relocation requirements.
1. Choose a Reliable International Moving Company Early
Not all movers are equipped to handle international relocations. You’ll want a company based in Abu Dhabi that specialises in overseas moves, not just domestic ones. Look for:
- Experience with customs and documentation
- Packing and crating expertise for fragile or high-value items
- Air and sea freight options
- Inventory tracking and itemised packing lists
- Temporary storage options in Abu Dhabi or at your destination
At Easytruck, our international moving service takes care of everything from door to door, including packing, storage, freight, and delivery abroad.
2. Understand the Shipping Options: Air vs Sea
International shipping typically happens one of two ways:
- Air Freight: Fast, ideal for smaller or time-sensitive shipments. More expensive per kilo.
- Sea Freight: Cost-effective for larger loads. Slower, allow 4 to 8 weeks depending on destination.
Your moving company should help you decide what’s best based on your timeline and the volume of goods. Most expats use sea freight for furniture and boxes, and air freight for essential or urgent items.
3. Sort Out Your Paperwork & Customs Documents
International relocation comes with admin, and missing a single document can delay your shipment at customs.
Key things to prepare:
- Copy of your passport and residence visa
- Inventory list (with values) of all items being shipped
- Proof of address at destination
- Work or immigration documents if applicable
- Vaccination or medical records (for some countries)
Your moving partner should help with customs paperwork and declarations. At Easytruck, we manage all documentation and guide you through country-specific requirements.
4. Consider Storage Before and After the Move
What happens if there’s a gap between your move-out and your departure flight? Or if your new home abroad isn’t ready yet?
Mobile POD storage can be a lifesaver. With Easytruck, we pack and load your items into sealed wooden PODs at your villa or apartment in Abu Dhabi. They’re stored in a climate-controlled warehouse until you’re ready for shipping or delivery. Once you’re settled abroad, we’ll arrange final delivery at your convenience.
5. Insure Your Belongings Properly
Even the most careful moving team can’t control weather delays or port handling mishaps. International moves involve long distances, multiple transfers, and months in transit, so insurance is a must.
Be sure to:
- Ask your mover what coverage is included
- Check if high-value items (art, jewellery, electronics) require additional coverage
- Review policy exclusions for water damage, breakage, or loss
At Easytruck, we offer optional item-level compensation and can assist you with transit insurance for international shipments.
6. Prepare Yourself for Departure
While your movers handle your furniture, don’t forget your personal checklist:
- Cancel or transfer utilities, phone contracts, and tenancy agreements
- Notify your bank, school, and employer
- Backup digital files and photos
- Pack a carry-on bag with essentials for your first few days abroad
Give yourself a few buffer days in Abu Dhabi after the movers come, especially if you’re flying out later, it gives you time to finalise paperwork and hand over keys without stress.
Start Your International Move with Confidence
Relocating overseas from Abu Dhabi doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right team supporting you, you can trust that your belongings will arrive safely, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
At Easytruck, we’ve helped thousands of expats move in and out of the UAE with full-service international relocation solutions. From packing and customs paperwork to secure storage and delivery abroad, we make the process seamless from start to finish.
