Day three. Moving in day.
We checked out of the hotel, loaded the car, drove to the apartment, and waited for Home Center to deliver our furniture. Here's what that actually looks like.
The Morning
Got up, loaded everything from the hotel room into the car, checked out, and drove to the apartment.
Then we waited for delivery.
Everyone Has Your Number
The moment anyone finds out you're moving in:
"You just moving in? You need blinds? You need internet?"
Suddenly everyone's got your phone number. Brokers for Etisalat, Du, blinds, curtains – they're all working hard for commission. Be prepared for your phone to ring constantly.
The Facebook Group That Saved Us
Sara joined "Real Brits in Dubai" on Facebook. Game changer.
- Fast responses
- Great community
- Practical recommendations
- Helped us choose internet provider
- Recommended Dragon Mart for balcony furniture
If you're relocating – join these groups before you arrive.
Furniture Arrives
Home Center delivered. Finally: we have a couch.
After three days of hotels and no furniture, sitting on our own sofa felt like luxury.
(Missing one piece of the modular sofa – arriving later. But still. A couch.)
The Windy Balcony Problem
We hung bedding on the balcony to dry.
Nearly lost all of it.
"It's windier than expected. We nearly lost all the bedding because it was so windy."
The Solution
- Pegs. Always use pegs.
- We weighted down the drying rack with water bottles
- Looks like a monstrosity, but it works
When we stayed here for 6 weeks previously, we never used pegs and nothing blew away. This time? Different story. Pegs are essential.
Room by Room Progress
Living Room
- Sofa: Installed (sand colour – risky with two kids, but Sara's favourite)
- Table: In place
- Dining chairs: Coming Monday (grey, not cream – Reggie's favourite food is Nutella)
- Bright placemats: Home Center find
Workspace Corner
Remember the dead space I spotted on day one? Now it's a desk. iMac will sit here.
Riley's Room
The boys don't know they're getting their own rooms yet. We're setting up a surprise.
- IKEA day bed: Grey, pulls out to double
- Gaming desk: Computer goes here
- Gaming chair: From IKEA
- Drawers: Separate purchase
- Cup holder: Already used it
- Lamp: Installed
Plan: When the boys arrive in July, pull out the day bed and say "Tada! Here's your room!" – making them think they're sharing. Then reveal Reggie has his own room too.
Reggie's Room
- IKEA bed: Different variation, high sleeper
- Same gaming chair: As Riley
- Little organiser: For iPad and wallet
"How much do you miss Reggie right now?" "So much. So much. And Riley."
Master Bedroom
- Bed: Just delivered from Home Center
- Hydraulic lift: Storage underneath
- Still need: Bedside drawers (need to measure)
Still Outstanding
- Bedside drawers (need to measure space)
- TV unit for lounge
- Balcony furniture (heading to Dragon Mart)
Three big things left. Then we're done.
The Sleep Situation
Reality check:
"In the three nights we've been here, I've probably got less sleep than I would get in one normal night at home."
Moving is exhausting. Budget for recovery time.
Celebration Dinner
After non-stop work, we treated ourselves.
Headed to Urla in Downtown – a restaurant Adam visited on a work trip and knew Sara would love.
Moving in day treat. Well deserved.
Home Center Love
We keep saying it: Home Center is our favourite.
- Great quality
- Helpful staff
- Good delivery
- Assembly included
We tried stuff on their display tables. They didn't rush us. Felt like personal shopping without pressure.
What We'd Tell You
- Join Facebook groups early – Real Brits in Dubai was invaluable
- Use pegs on the balcony – It's windier than you think
- Expect your phone to ring constantly – Everyone's selling something
- Home Center is worth it – Our go-to store
- Budget for no sleep – Moving is exhausting
- Celebrate the wins – Moving in day dinner matters
More of This Journey
- Full furniture cost breakdown
- When the family arrived
- Work with Sara – We've been through it all
Day 3 done. Three more things to buy. Then we wait for the boys. 🏠