Relocating to the UAE? This Is How We Sent Our Luggage Hassle-Free
Affiliate Disclosure: We’ve personally used Send My Bag and genuinely recommend their service. This article contains a referral link using it gives you 5% off your first order and helps support Thrive in UAE at no extra cost to you.
When you’re preparing for your move to the UAE, packing is only half the challenge. The real question is what should you actually take with you, and how do you get it there safely and affordably?
When we relocated, we faced the same problem how to move everything without paying airline excess baggage fees or dragging multiple suitcases through busy airports.
After trying different options, we found Send My Bag, a luggage delivery service that made the whole process so much easier. We actually use them ourselves, and that’s why we now recommend them to others moving to the UAE.
Between airline baggage limits, expensive excess fees, and the logistics of carrying multiple suitcases, it can feel overwhelming to decide what’s worth sending and what’s best to buy once you arrive.
Our Honest Take on Furniture and Larger Items
One of the most common questions we get at Thrive in UAE is whether it’s worth shipping furniture when relocating.
From our experience and after speaking to many families who’ve made the move our honest advice is don’t, unless it’s something truly special or high-value that you can’t easily replace.
Most everyday furniture can be bought in the UAE at a similar or even better price, and you’ll save a lot of time, cost, and effort by furnishing your new home once you arrive. Stores like IKEA, Pan Emirates, Home Centre, and Home Box offer great options across all budgets.
When we relocated, we did send a few slightly larger electrical appliances, but looking back, we’d now only send clothes and a few small electricals if needed. It keeps things simpler and avoids the risk of damage or customs issues.
A Simple Way to Ship Your Belongings: Meet SendMyBag
Once you’ve decided what to take, one of the easiest ways to send luggage to the UAE is through SendMyBag a trusted international luggage delivery service that ships suitcases, boxes, and bags door-to-door across more than 100 countries.
Instead of dragging heavy suitcases through airports, you simply book online, hand your bags to the courier, and track your delivery right to your new home or hotel in the UAE.
Why We Recommend SendMyBag
At Thrive in UAE, we’ve personally used SendMyBag for our own relocation and it’s a service we genuinely recommend to families moving here.
Here’s why:
✅ Affordable international shipping – often cheaper than airline excess baggage fees
✅ Door-to-door delivery – no dragging bags to the airport or queues
✅ Full tracking – see exactly where your shipment is at every stage
✅ Customs support – clear guidance for UAE import forms
✅ Responsive customer service – friendly and helpful whenever you need assistance
It’s ideal for families, professionals, and students who want a stress-free way to send personal belongings overseas.
What You Can (and Can’t) Send
SendMyBag is designed for personal items, not large household goods or furniture. You can send:
Suitcases or travel bags
Cardboard boxes of clothes, shoes, or books
Sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, etc.)
Baby or children’s items
Small electrical items (such as a hairdryer, kettle, or games console)*
*Note: small electrical items can usually be sent, but they may not be insured, so it’s best to pack them carefully and only include non-essential items.
How to send your suitcase in 5 easy steps:
Use my link to receive a 5% discount off your first order with Send My Bag
Select the countries you’re sending from and to
Enter your dimensions
Place your order
Prepare your suitcase / box
Delivery usually takes around 2–5 working days, depending on your location.
Get 5% Off Your First Shipment
As a Thrive in UAE reader, you can enjoy an exclusive 5% discount on your first SendMyBag booking.
Your discount will apply automatically at checkout once you click through our link.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to a new country is exciting but packing doesn’t need to be stressful.
Sick of playing the waiting game at the baggage carousel when you land? Now, you can skip it completely and send your items ahead of your arrival with Send My Bag.
For most families, it’s best to ship your clothes and essentials, and buy furniture once you arrive. It’s one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to move your belongings abroad and one we’ve happily used ourselves.
