Are you relocating to a new house in Dubai? Don’t let your food products become an afterthought. Spices that become clumpy in humidity, frozen goods that spoil in transit — improper food handling can result in waste, fines, and customs issues. Having handled 1,000+ moving jobs in several parts of the UAE, we know how to move food without worrying—here’s how to do it!
Why Food Requires Special Attention During a Move
Food might be the last thing you think about regarding relocation checklists, but in Dubai’s climate, it only takes a few blunders to destroy your entire pantry. Perishables can rot in mere hours when left in a hot truck, spices lose their kick in humidity, and customs is picky about certain items. One client recently had AED 800 worth of gourmet cheeses confiscated at the border as they weren’t properly sealed — don’t let this happen to you.
What to Do with Food Before Moving: A Strategic Approach
1. Perishables (Meat, Dairy, Fresh Produce)
✅ Do This:
- Eat or donate before moving — most perishables will not survive transit.
- If the destination is local, use cooler boxes with ice packs (but never dry ice, unless you are a professional).
- Confirm whether your new building will let refrigerator stuff stay during move-in.
❌ Avoid This:
- Raw meat in a non-sealed container (risk of seepage and spoilage).
- Assuring frozen items will remain frozen in shipment (Dubai’s heat melts things quickly).
2. Dry Goods (Spices, Grains, Pasta)
✅ Do This:
- Spices should be moved to airtight glass jars so humidity can’t get at them.
- This prevents spills: wrap rice and flour bags with plastic sealing wrap.
- Mark boxes with “FRAGILE – KEEP DRY” so movers will treat them with care.
❌ Avoid This:
- Storing spices in flimsy plastic bags (they will absorb moisture and lose flavor).
- Packing close to cleaning chemicals (taints food smell).
3. Frozen & Refrigerated Items
✅ Do This:
- 48 hours before moving, defrost and clean your fridge (many buildings in Dubai fined for leaks).
- For short distances, use insulated thermal bags with gel packs.
- For long-distance moves: eat or throw out—the majority of frozen food will not make it.
❌ Avoid This:
- Transporting ice cream or frozen meals without professional cooling.
- Open fridge doors during movement (results in fungus growth).
Dubai’s Hidden Food Moving Rules
Customs Restrictions
- Prohibited items: Poppy seeds, certain dairy products, and large amounts of saffron.
- DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: DOCS FOR HALAL CERTIFICATION FOR MEAT.
Building Policies
- No fridge defrosting in corridors (a common feature in Business Bay towers).
- Do not dispose of or throw expired food into any bins in the building (fines up to AED 500 in some communities).
Timeline for a Smooth Food Transition
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Begin eating down freezer and pantry stock.
- If moving outside the country, research customs rules.
1 Week Before Moving
- Use heavy-duty boxes for non-perishables.
- Plan food delivery to your new place.
Moving Day
- Have a “first-night essentials” box with snacks, tea, and easy meals.
The Bottom Line
Transporting food in Dubai goes beyond packing — it requires climate awareness, customs compliance, and careful planning. You’ll avoid spoiled groceries, unexpected fines, and last-minute stress rambling through parks if you follow these steps.
Need Help? Our expert packing team moves food every day—get a quote today!