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Al Basma Express — Local Moving & International Shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Frequently asked questions

Everything our customers ask before booking

We’ve gathered the questions we hear every day and answered them honestly — including the ones some companies avoid. If you can’t find your question, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer you.

💰 Prices & payment

How do I get a furniture moving price?
Send us the number of rooms, the property type and the floor at both locations through the quote request form or WhatsApp. Then we come for a free survey and give you a written price that doesn’t change after agreement. To learn what determines the price, see the Prices & How We Price page.
Is the survey free?
Yes, free in every case and with no obligation. If you choose another company afterwards, you owe nothing.
Why don’t you publish a fixed price list?
Because any fixed number would be wrong in most cases. A two-bedroom apartment on the first floor with a wide entrance is completely different from a two-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor with no elevator on a narrow street. We prefer a free survey, then a price specific to your situation.
Do you issue a VAT invoice?
Yes, a certified VAT invoice suitable for individuals and companies — useful if your employer reimburses your moving costs.
How can I reduce the cost?
In three ways: get rid of what you don’t need before the move so the volume drops · pack small items and clothes yourself and leave the large and delicate items to us · choose a date away from peak seasons such as the end of the school year and summer.

📦 Packing, disassembly & assembly

Is packing included in the price?
In the full package, yes: blankets, stretch film, cartons and tape for fragile items. If you’d rather pack your furniture yourself, we offer a moving-only package at a lower price and show the difference in the written quote.
Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Yes, with specialist technicians, not general laborers. We number the parts during disassembly to guarantee reassembly in the same order, and we provide an assembly guarantee.
Do I need to empty wardrobes before you arrive?
Yes, empty drawers and cabinets of clothes and small items. It reduces weight, protects your belongings and speeds up the work. For hanging clothes we provide special wardrobe boxes on request.
Do you assemble furniture I bought from a store?
Yes, we assemble new furniture from its original boxes following the manufacturer’s manual, whether local or imported.

🚚 Moving day & execution

How long does an apartment move take?
A two-bedroom apartment usually takes four to six hours including disassembly, packing, loading and reassembly. Villas and full floors may need a day or two, and we pin this down precisely after the survey.
What if there’s no elevator?
Our crew is trained to carry by hand to upper floors, and we provide an external furniture lift when needed. Tell us the floor and whether there’s an elevator at both locations so the price is accurate from the start.
Do you offer same-day moves?
It depends on crew and vehicle availability. For urgent requests, message us on WhatsApp directly and we’ll honestly tell you the earliest available slot — we never promise a date we can’t keep.
Do you move heavy items such as safes and pianos?
Yes, and we don’t turn down an item because it’s difficult. We move it with the right equipment and crew — tell us about it during the survey so we can prepare what’s needed.
What can’t be moved with household furniture?
Flammable materials, compressed gases and chemicals — for safety reasons. We advise carrying jewelry, original documents and medicines with you personally. Full details are on the What Can’t Be Moved page.

🌍 International shipping

How long does shipping to the UAE take?
It depends on the shipping method, the pickup and delivery points and customs procedures. We give you a written estimate in the quote and update you immediately if there’s a delay at the port or border.
What’s the difference between a full container and shared shipping?
A full container is dedicated to your shipment alone, so it’s faster and safer. With shared shipping you share a container with other shipments and pay only for your volume — it’s cheaper, but consolidation and deconsolidation take longer.
What documents are needed to ship a car?
A valid registration, a driving license or ID, a clearance letter from the finance company if the car is financed, and a power of attorney if the owner isn’t present. We guide you step by step and handle the release and clearance formalities.
Can items be left inside a car when it’s shipped?
No. Port regulations and shipping lines prohibit carrying personal belongings inside the vehicle, and doing so can delay the shipment or incur a fine. We ship your belongings separately as part of our sea freight service.
Who pays customs duties in the destination country?
Usually the consignee, and they vary with the type of goods and local regulations. We explain this in the quote before shipping so there are no surprises.

🛡️ Guarantee & storage

What if something is damaged during the move?
We provide insurance coverage for shipments. We also recommend photographing your furniture before the move — it helps with any claim. Any visible damage is recorded on the delivery report before signing, and the compensation procedure set out in the contract is followed.
Do you offer temporary storage?
Yes — climate-controlled warehouses and private monitored units, with contracts starting from one month. Useful if handover of your new home is delayed or you’re traveling.
Can I access my belongings while in storage?
Yes, by appointment during working hours. Let us know a day ahead so we can prepare your unit and make access easy.
How do I track my shipment?
Send your shipment number or invoice number from the shipment tracking page, and we’ll update you on its status and stage. Or send the number directly on WhatsApp.

Didn’t find your question?

Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer clearly and without exaggeration — even if the answer is that our service doesn’t suit your case.

💬 Ask us on WhatsApp
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