Let’s be honest, mums—moving house is up there with toddler tantrums in the supermarket and assembling IKEA furniture with missing screws. Now throw “international move” into the mix and suddenly it’s less dreamy new adventure and more where did I pack the kettle?!

Whether you’re relocating for work, family or a fresh start (or let’s face it—all three), choosing the right moving company can be the difference between a smooth goodbye and a suitcase-fuelled meltdown in T3.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you. We had a chat with Clare McIntyre, a fellow British mum and the fabulous founder of Mac Pack Removals, who’s helped hundreds of families pack up their lives in Dubai and head off with their sanity intact.

Start with the Big Question: Who Can You Actually Trust?

Clare puts it simply: “Price matters—we all have budgets—but don’t get swayed by the cheapest quote on the table. International moving is not the time to go full-on bargain hunter!”

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t leave your toddler with someone just because they were “cheap and available.” Same goes for your belongings. What you want is a company with experience, proper accreditation, transparency, and real reviews from people like us—mums who’ve lived it.

“Your stuff isn’t just stuff,” Clare says. “It’s the school artwork, the wedding china, the 57 different chargers you still can’t identify. You need someone who gets it and handles your things like they matter—because they do. That’s exactly the standard Mac Pack Removals is built on.”

What Do Movers Actually Do? (Besides Make It All Look Easy)

Here’s what you can expect when you go with a professional international moving company:

Clare adds: “The right company makes you feel like you’re not alone. Like someone else has got your back while you sort out school places, vaccinations, and whether your new home even has a tumble dryer.” (Top tip: It probably doesn’t. Start prepping yourself now.)

The 10 Questions Every Mum Should Ask Before Booking a Mover

  1. Are they actually licensed and insured in Dubai? (Yes, really. Check!)
  2. Do they specialise in international relocations—or just claim to?
  3. Are their staff trained and employed directly?
  4. Do they offer proper liability and transit insurance?
  5. Can they show real reviews from actual people? Search the British Mums Dubai Facebook group to get reviews from fellow mums.  
  6. Are their quotes upfront—no nasty surprises?
  7. Will they manage the whole move, start to finish?
  8.  Do they know their customs stuff for your destination?
  9. Can you easily get hold of them via WhatsApp, phone, or email?
  10. Do they understand Dubai, the UAE, and how things really work here?

Red Flags to Run From (Like Your Toddler From a Hairbrush)

Clare warns: “If no one’s heard of the company—even in British Mums —it’s a red flag. And if their website is full of stock images, and you can’t even find their address on Google Maps? Run.”

Also beware of:
  • Super low quotes (Yes, even if they promise ‘door-to-door for AED 900’. Come on.)
  • Unqualified staff (Imagine your Le Creuset getting wrapped in a Carrefour bag…)
  • Terrible communication (Ghosting isn’t just for dating apps.)

“Trust your gut, mum instincts are rarely wrong,” Clare laughs. “If something feels off—it probably is.”

So, Why Do So Many Families Choose Mac Pack?

Because they’re the real deal. And fellow mums are raving about them all over Dubai. Here’s why:

  • Registered with the DED and part of IAM (International Association of Movers)
  • Every staff member is trained, legal, and on payroll (not pulled off Dubizzle yesterday)
  • Trusted marine/transit insurance
  • Loads of glowing reviews on British Mums, Google, and more
  • Friendly, honest quotes
  • WhatsApp-friendly (aka: real-time panic support)

Mum Tip: Download Their Free Moving Checklist

It’s packed with all the “Oh I forgot about that!” bits—including remembering to cancel Etisalat before you fly out. Trust us. We’ve been there.

Grab your free checklist here!

Ready to Ditch the Stress and Book the Pros?

Mac Pack have helped hundreds of families move smoothly out of the UAE, and they’d love to help yours too.

📱 Call: +971 55 946 9222
🌐 Visit: macpackdubai.com
📧 Email: info@macpackdubai.com

When you choose Mac Pack, you get Mac Pack. No middlemen. No nonsense. Just professionals who care.

Read More:

Top Relocation Companies in the UAE

Choosing a Community to Live in

Moving to Dubai Checklist