Moving House in Jeddah: Hire Movers & Avoid Scams

Last updated: January 2026

Planning to move house in Jeddah? This is our step-by-step guide to hiring movers and avoiding scams — and the two things that save you the most money and stress are getting at least three written quotes and never paying the full amount upfront. Do those, register your new lease on Ejar, and update your National Address, and the rest of the move falls into place. Here's the full run-through for residents and expats across the city.

Start here: what to sort before you book a mover

The admin you do before moving day decides how smooth the day itself is. Tackle these first.

Register your lease on Ejar

Residential leases in Saudi Arabia must be registered through Ejar. Before you commit, read the contract carefully for the start date, notice requirements, early-termination terms, the security deposit, and the handover condition. A registered lease also makes it easier to link your utilities and update your official records later, so don't skip it.

Get written permission for the move

Ask your landlord or building management for written approval covering the moving date, truck access, lift use, parking, and gate entry. This matters a lot in Jeddah, where many apartment buildings in districts like Al-Rawdah, Al-Salamah, Al-Hamra and Al-Nuzha have tight parking and a single service lift. If you're moving to or from Obhur, factor in the extra drive time along the coast, and if you live in a compound, reserve truck access well in advance — most compounds require prior notice before a moving truck is allowed through the gate.

Transfer your utilities

Since December 2024, new leases must link the electricity and water meters to the tenant. Set this up through the Saudi Electricity Company, the National Water Company, or supported Tawakkalna channels so the accounts for your new Jeddah home are in your name from day one. Photograph the meter readings at both the old and new property on moving day to avoid disputes.

Update your National Address and official records

Once you've handed over the old place, update your records promptly:

• National Address — update it through the SPL app or portal and set your new Jeddah address as the default. Residents can keep up to two addresses; Saudi citizens can keep up to four.
• Absher — update your address under Profile → Addresses.
• Everyone else — tell your bank, employer, insurer, your children's school, delivery apps, and any subscription providers so statements, deliveries and official letters reach you.

How much do movers in Jeddah cost in 2026?

Prices depend on the size of your home, the floors involved, whether there's lift access, and how much packing and assembly you want done. Treat any quote as an estimate until you have the final amount in writing.

Typical whole-home prices

• Studio or one-room move — typically around SAR 550–950
• Two-bedroom apartment — typically around SAR 850–1,450
• Three-bedroom apartment — typically around SAR 1,250–2,100
• Four-bedroom apartment — typically around SAR 1,800–2,950
• Small villa — typically around SAR 2,300–4,000
• Large villa — typically around SAR 3,700–7,350

You'll also see eye-catching starting-from adverts — around SAR 450 for a two-bedroom, SAR 799 for a three-bedroom, SAR 1,099 for a four-bedroom, and SAR 1,399 for a small villa. These are often bare-minimum rates that climb once packing, floors and distance are added, so always confirm what's actually included.

Common extra charges

• Kitchen dismantling and assembly — typically around SAR 150–350, and up to SAR 400–950 for larger fitted kitchens
• Full packing service — typically around SAR 150–300, and up to SAR 300–950 for a whole home
• Furniture lift (external hoist) — typically around SAR 400–950
• Storage — typically around SAR 300–1,250 per month

Air-conditioner removal and reinstallation is often priced separately too, so mention your split units upfront.

How to get and compare quotes

Get at least three written quotations, and give every mover the exact same details so you're comparing like for like:

• Your current and new Jeddah districts
• Floor numbers at both ends and whether there's a lift or stairs only
• Truck and parking access at both properties
• Approximate furniture volume and number of rooms
• Whether you need packing, dismantling, assembly, air-conditioner work, storage, and insurance

Before you pay anyone, get the following in writing: the final amount, VAT status, the exact included services, the payment schedule, and cancellation terms. A reputable company will have no problem putting all of this on a formal quotation.

How to spot and avoid moving scams

Most Jeddah movers are honest, but a few aren't — and the warning signs are usually easy to spot. Verify the company before you hand over a single riyal:

• Check the commercial registration and confirm the business has real Saudi contact details, a proper written quotation, and an invoice.
• Match the bank-account name to the company name before transferring anything.
• Be wary of social-media-only operators who ask you to pay into a personal bank account.
• Distrust unusually low prices and verbal-only promises — if it's not in writing, it doesn't exist.
• Never pay the full amount in advance. Use a documented deposit and keep the balance until everything is delivered and inspected.

If a quote is dramatically cheaper than the three others, treat it as a warning, not a win.

On moving day: protect yourself

A few minutes of preparation protects you if anything goes wrong:

• Photograph everything before loading — furniture, appliances, walls, floors, meter readings and valuable items, at both the old and new home.
• Prepare a signed inventory listing quantities and any existing damage, and have both sides sign it before the truck leaves.
• Keep valuables and documents with you — passports, Iqamas, jewellery and electronics should travel in your own car, not the truck.
• Inspect on arrival before you release the final payment, and note any new damage against your inventory.

Tick off those steps and the hard part is done: your lease is on Ejar, your utilities and National Address are updated, and your belongings are delivered and inspected. All that's left is settling into your new Jeddah neighbourhood. When you're ready to book, browse movers and relocation services on Saudi Living in our Saudi Arabia services listings — and the same directory is where you'll find a plumber, an AC technician or a deep clean once you've landed.

FAQs

How much does it cost to move house in Jeddah?

In 2026, expect roughly SAR 550–950 for a studio, SAR 850–1,450 for a two-bedroom, SAR 1,250–2,100 for a three-bedroom, and SAR 2,300–4,000 for a small villa. Packing, kitchen assembly, a furniture lift and storage all add to the base price.

How many quotes should I get?

Get at least three written quotations, giving each mover identical details so the prices are genuinely comparable. Always confirm the final amount, VAT status and included services in writing.

Should I pay the full amount upfront?

No. Pay a documented deposit and keep the balance until your belongings are delivered and inspected. Only transfer money to a bank account in the company's name, never a personal account.

Do I need permission from my building or compound?

Yes. Get written approval covering the moving date, truck access, parking, lift and gate entry. Many Jeddah compounds require you to reserve truck access in advance.

How do I update my address after moving?

Update your National Address through the SPL app or portal and set your new Jeddah address as the default, then update it in Absher under Profile → Addresses. Also notify your bank, employer, insurer, school and delivery services.

Do I need to re-register my lease and utilities?

Yes. Register the new residential lease through Ejar, and link the electricity and water meters to your name via the Saudi Electricity Company, the National Water Company, or supported Tawakkalna channels.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving