Moving Services in Singapore: Full Guide
Prices checked October 2026 against the published price lists of 526 contractors listed on Homees, MOM's 2025 wage data and Qanvast's 2026 report. How we price →
*Detailed reference for moving services in singapore. Looking to hire? See [vetted contractors and current prices](/services/moving).*Best International Movers in Singapore
Key takeaways
- International moves run S$2,000–S$10,000+ depending on volume and destination.
- Look for FIDI/IAM accreditation and real customs experience for your destination.
- Sea freight (weeks, cheaper) vs air freight (days, premium) — most homes mix both.
- Marine insurance on declared value is non-negotiable.
An overseas move has a hundred failure points — customs, containers, insurance. Here's what international moving costs and why accreditation beats the cheapest quote.
When planning to move out of your home, it's essential to take care of tasks such as packing, scheduling with international movers, and move out cleaning. To learn more about move out cleaning and how to prepare your home for your move, check out our article on move out cleaning.
Types of International Relocation Services
International movers can offer a wide range of services. A few of the services of international moving companies include:
- Innovative packing materials and methods
- Storage services
- Pet relocation service
- Vehicle relocation service
- All-risk insurance
- Employee relocation
- Immigration assistance
- Arranging work permits and visas
- Accommodation search
- School search
- Language and cultural training
- Dismantling and subsequent assembling of all required furniture
- Wooden crating for all required furniture
- Customs clearance and freight management
What Defines A Good International Mover
There are a few traits which good international moving companies provide. It can be summarised as:
Network and partners
Having a strong network of partners in many countries can ensure your relocation experience is better as well. International movers usually engage different partners to work on different stages of your move. Having a strong network of partners in different countries usually minimises the chances for errors and ensures your move is a smooth one.
Insurance
Most international movers have insurance cover for your move. This should be a basic requirement, and if the company doesn't provide this service, it's a major red flag.
Accreditation
Accreditations and certifications, though not foolproof, may help in ensuring you engage a reliable mover. These accreditations typically require some standards and it helps filter better companies from the rest. Some accreditation includes:
- AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association)
- IAM (International Association of Movers)
- HHGFA (Household Goods Forwarders Association)
International moving process
International relocation companies typically engage you in the following manner:
- The first point of contact: They will talk to you regarding your needs and find out more about what you need to move
- Home inspection and quotation
- Packing and wrapping
- Transport (sea, air or land)
- Unpacking and possible assembly of furniture
Do-It-Yourself or Hire Movers?
While cost is probably not the main concern for most of us, some of us want to save money. The best case, of course, is to hire movers. But the pricing and the additional worries about them damaging your items during relocation can add to headaches.
If saving money is your main concern, then renting a truck and moving on your own is the most suitable for you. However, long-distance moving takes a long time and probably requires a great deal of physical fitness and energy to keep up with the work.
Those who have gotten a good moving company and report a good experience will tell you that it is well worth every penny. On the other hand, those who hired movers that are careless or less than reliable will may advise you against hiring one.
Our advice is for you to save trouble, time and energy and directly hire a reliable long-distance mover. You can find a list of great international movers who can fulfil your needs, many of which have been reviewed by dozens of satisfied past customers.
Short Distance Moving vs Long Distance Moving
Short moves are generally applicable to the whole Singapore, and smaller, locally licensed movers can usually do the job. Local movers usually know the area and can assist in almost all aspects of local moving, be it home or commercial moving. You should still do your homework – check reviews, complaints, licenses, and insurance.
Long-distance moves (also called interstate or international movers) cost more due to more fuel use and higher levels of regulations. These international moving companies have to liaise with different parties to ensure your items are being shipped to the desired location in a timely and safe manner.
Packing and Unpacking
Packing and unpacking can take up a significant amount of time and energy. You can easily find cartons and boxes on second-hand sites, and even sell them after your moving project is done (if they are in good condition)
Packing
While some companies include packing within the job, others charge extra for providing the manpower to help you pack for moving. If you have the moving company do your packing for you, you can expect to add another 25% to 30% to the cost of your move. The charges vary depending on the size of the project. One good tip is to properly label the boxes and indicate where the boxes are supposed to go, so that when you unpack you can save the trouble and effort of doing repeated work.
Unpacking
So you have completed the packing and moved to the ideal location, the next step is to unpack your items. If you've labelled everything, you know which room it's supposed to go into and you know what's in which box. This could save you significant amounts of time, but even then, unpacking can be as chaotic as any part of the moving. Similar to packing, some companies offer unpacking services while others charge extra for the service.
DIY Long-Distance Moving Tips
If you decide to do long-distance moving on your own, here are some tips that can smoothen your long-distance relocation experience.
- Planning and packing: When it comes to moving, you will want to ensure that every aspect of the moving has been settled and the process is according to schedule. The last thing you want is to over-exert yourself and break or misplacing some of your home items. An example is piano moving, where professional experience is needed.
- Get packing materials ready: As the number of things to be moved over a long distance is likely to be more than a dozen, ensure that you have plenty of packing material and a way to label your boxes clearly. Always pack one room at a time, and keep the boxes from each room together when you load them; this will be a huge help when it comes time to unload!
- Moving checklist: Ensure that your home moving is complete using a moving checklist. It ensures that you don’t miss out on critical elements during moving which may delay the entire process.
Long-Distance Moving Tips (When Hiring Movers)
During long-distance moving, especially international relocation, trust and brand are very important.
Although there are hundreds of international relocation or long-distance movers, only the top 10-20% of the international movers have consistently good reviews.
Trusts and reviews go a long way, and an important thing to note is that not all expensive movers are the best in the industry. What it does mean is that you should get moving service quotes from several different companies and pick the one that you feel will do the best job rather than the one that charges the least.
Good communication is important when working with movers. When you find a company that you feel comfortable communicating with, you’re more likely to have a good experience.
Other Long-distance Moving Tips
You can check out a list of screening questions to ask while choosing local and international movers, here are a few samples:
- Do you need a storage service to store some of the items? During the time of moving, some things may not be immediately accommodated, and it is important to have a storage specialist to help you for the time being.
- Do you need furniture removal specialists for some of the unwanted items?
- Is there any piano or heavy object? If yes, it is important to inform professional movers early so they can prepare. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you have the proper equipment for the job.
If you're planning an international move and want to declutter before packing, consider hiring junk removal services to safely and efficiently dispose of any unwanted items so you can focus on what's important - settling into your new home.
How International Movers Help You In Packing and Relocating
The first and most important aspect of international moving is packing. If things are not packed properly, they can easily get damaged during the move.
All your hassle of moving your stuff to the new location will go in vain if they get damaged on the way. This is where professional movers come in and pack the things in such a way that there is minimal to no chance of damage during transportation.
International movers utilise several types of equipment that aid the process of safe packing and transport. These include break-free cartons, anti-static bubble wrap, sealing tapes, packing peanuts, wraps, and different sizes of boxes.
This equipment is utilised by highly trained and specialised personnel who excel in the art of packing. They use specific packing strategies and materials to ensure that everything reaches the destination unharmed. Special attention is given to the packing of fragile and valuable items such as glass items, artwork, electronics, antiques, china, and metal items.
The movers are experts in identifying which items should be packed together based on their sizes, textures, materials, and weight. Different sizes of cartons are available with the movers to accommodate all kinds of items. Proper packing materials and cushioning are used during packing to guarantee damage-free transport to the destination.
When you hire international movers, you also have the option of using only some of their services. You can opt for only their packing services and use the transport service from some other company.
On the contrary, you can pack yourself and hire international movers to transport your goods to the new location. You can even avail of their complete package in which they pack your goods, move it to the new location, and unpack it for you as well.
In the case that you want to hire only the moving service and pack your items yourself, there are certain tips through which you can make this task easier for you. These are discussed in the next section.
Tips For Packing For Relocation
Although the task of packing all your goods for relocation is quite tedious and long, with a few guidelines, you can complete this task in the best possible manner. Some of these tips are listed below:
- The most important things which you require for packing are the proper packing materials and equipment. These include boxes and cartons of different sizes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing tapes, and plastic sheets.
- Use bubble wrap to encase all delicate items and further secure them in boxes by using blankets, cushions, and packing peanuts.
- Start by picking one room so you declutter along the way. Organise everything about where everything will go. As you fill in the boxes with the items from a room, label and number the boxes. In a separate notebook, write the details of what exactly you are putting in each numbered box. This way, you will be 100% sure of where each thing is exactly.
- Pay attention to the weight of the boxes. Big boxes should not be too heavy to not cause difficulty while lifting. Keep light stuff in big boxes and heavy stuff in smaller boxes.
- Keep one or two boxes for the necessary stuff which you will require urgently. This could be the stuff which you use while you pack, making it the last to pack and the first to unpack when you reach the destination. This could include necessary kitchen items, bedding, pillows, and other necessary stuff.
- Keep a suitcase or bag of necessary items such as clothes, snacks, and toiletries with you and hand-carry it so that even if the move is delayed because of some issue, the necessary stuff will still be with you.
Best International Movers In Singapore
If you are internationally relocating from Singapore to any destination, there are several good reviewed international movers you can hire to help you with the relocation.
They comprise a set of professionals who are equipped with the requisite knowledge and techniques through which they offer hassle-free, high-quality, and trusted domestic and international moving services.
They make their utmost efforts to provide valuable advice and accommodate their clients in every possible way. If you hire reputed international movers in Singapore for your relocation, you can be assured that all your luggage and goods will reach the destination in immaculate condition.
Questions to ask before hiring an international moving company
General questions
- Do you have international accreditation such as AMSA and IAM?
- Do you have a network of established international partners? Which countries are they from?
- How long has your company been established?
- How many staff does your company have?
- Can you provide an estimate or a quotation for my international relocation?
- Is it chargeable for having a site survey?
- How long will it take for a surveyor/relocation consultant to finish assessing my house?
- Is the moving quotation free?
- What can I expect when the site surveyor comes to my house for a quotation?
- After completing the site assessment, when will I receive my quotation?
- Can I get an estimate or a quote over the phone or email for home moving?
- Can the movers pack valuable items for you?
- What happens to the packing materials after unpacking?
- Does the mover reinstate your apartment?
- Will there be any hidden costs? What are the possible additional costs?
- Does the mover provide storage services?
- Does the relocation specialist provide handyman services?
- Does the professional relocation help in assembling/dismantling?
Compare and review the best international movers in Singapore
You can now compare, get quotes and engage reliable international moving professionals on Homees almost instantly. View their gallery and portfolio, and compare prices of similar projects in your proximity. Find out more about commonly-asked questions about international movers in Singapore. Find local house movers in Singapore today.
Best Movers in Singapore
Key takeaways
- Local moves run S$250–S$500 for a studio up to S$1,200–S$2,500+ for large homes.
- Get the quote itemised — men, hours, wrapping, dismantle/reassembly, stair and long-carry charges.
- Check insurance coverage for transit damage, especially for valuables and fragile items.
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for month-end and weekend slots — they go first.
Moving day is stressful enough without a crew that shows up late, under-mans the job, or surprises you with stair charges at the door. Here's what moving should cost and how to hire a crew you won't have to chase. Full pricing in our moving cost guide.
House movers are on the rise as more people don't see the need to spend huge amounts of time and effort in moving home themselves - the time and cost are simply not worth it.
Moving Cost Calculator - Moving Prices, Estimates in Singapore 2023
We have prepared a cost guide for you. The average cost to engage a mover in Singapore can range anywhere between $300 to $1,500, depending on many factors.
Moving cost calculator
(This calculator is in beta-phase and is only an estimate)
In general, a useful guide is:
| Type of Piano | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Regular Upright Piano | $80 - $120 |
| Baby Grand Piano | $250 - $350 |
| Digital Piano | $70 - $100 |
| Type of Disposal & Junk Removal | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Smaller Jobs (eg. removing a few items) | $50 - $500 |
| Bigger Jobs (eg. clearing whole house/office) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Type of International Move | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Small Move (eg. 2-room HDBs, Studio Apartments) | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Big Move (eg. 4-room HDB) | $8,000 - $25,000+ |
- Average 3-room flat: $500, 3-5 hours
- Average 4-room flat: $700, 4-6 hours
- Average 5-room flat: $900, 5-7 hours
- Packing (carton boxes and wrappers): To prevent damage to your items, walls, and flooring, some professionals may include the cost for boxes, labour for packing and unpacking, and any specialty containers such as mattress boxes.
- Transportation cost: This calculation can be based on many factors – the type of truck used (10ft truck vs. 14 ft trucks), destination, the weight of the shipment, and the number of trips it takes. You need to clarify this clearly with your moving professional to prevent any misunderstanding in the future.
- Temporary storage: If you are looking for temporary storage to store your items, these could add extra costs to your project.
- Insurance surcharges: Due to increases in the insurance for trucks, a mover may offset some of this increased cost with a surcharge. It doesn't protect your goods. It just helps defray the price for the truck that's moving your property.
- Third-Party Charges: This includes appliance servicing, crating certain items, and disassembling and reassembling certain exercise equipment and playground equipment. Movers typically don't perform these services; they outsource the job and pass the cost along.
- Assembling and disassembling: Some movers may include these services in packages while others charge extra for these.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers?
Keep in mind that moving companies have different pricing structures. While some may charge by the hour, others may charge by trip or by the number of items being moved.
Based on our research, the cost of hiring movers in Singapore is usually around $250 to $1500.
| Type of Mover | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Cheap Movers | $250 - $500 |
| Mid-Tier Movers | $500 - $1,500 |
As for per-hour charges, the average moving rate is from $100 to $150 per hour. Many different factors can determine how much it costs to move, so continue reading to learn more. For example, when moving bulky items (such as a piano) or fragile items, be ready to pay more for the extra manpower or care required. Plus, timing is everything — moving during the busy season almost always costs more.
Household Moving Costs
When it comes to house moving, one of the more reliable metrics to estimate the cost of moving is the size of your home. Note this is merely an estimate as the final moving quotation is dependent on many factors.
| House Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $250 - $500 |
| 2-Room HDB Flat | $300 - $600 |
| 3-Room HDB Flat | $400 - $800 |
| 4-Room HDB Flat | $500 - $1,000 |
| 5-Room HDB Flat | $600 - $1,200 |
| Condominiums & Private Apartments | $800 - $1,500 |
| Landed Property | $1,000 - $2,500+ |
Based on our findings, below are the average prices for a typical Singapore homeowner based on average hourly rates charged by local moving companies; including the truck rental cost and the hourly rate charged by professional movers.
When looking for movers, the cost is only one of the many factors to take into account. It is also useful to be familiar with the process of finding and hiring movers, including the different types of estimates you might encounter. This guide is designed to give you all the basics, so you have a reasonable idea of what to expect. Other important points include finding the right mover and avoiding falling victim to a moving scam.
Piano Moving Prices
The cost of moving a piano in Singapore depends on a few other factors, but in general:
| Type of Piano | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Regular Upright Piano | $80 - $120 |
| Baby Grand Piano | $250 - $350 |
| Digital Piano | $70 - $100 |
Piano movers take several precautions to prevent damage to your piano during the move. This includes wrapping the piano in padded blankets, securing it to a piano board or dolly, using straps to keep the piano in place, and using specialised covers to protect the piano's keys and pedals.
Additionally, experienced piano movers will take care to avoid any sharp turns or bumps during transportation to prevent any damage to the instrument. In general, the cost of moving a piano in Singapore is determined by factors such as the type of piano, distance between locations, and accessibility to lifts.
Piano moving from Jie Transport Service
Factors that can affect prices include proximity to the moving vehicle and the presence of lifts. You can find out more about the piano moving screening process in this article. It is best to talk to a few companies to compare quotations. For time wise, it usually takes 2-6 hours to move a piano.
This article provides further information on the screening process for piano moving services. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services offered.
Hire Piano Movers
Disposal and Junk Removal Prices
Make sure to check with the company beforehand as some junk removal companies may charge additional fees for certain items like electronic waste or hazardous materials.
The prices for disposal and junk removal services are influenced by various factors, including the location, quantity, and nature of items to be disposed of, as well as whether there are any stairs to reach the customers.
| Type of Disposal & Junk Removal | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Smaller Jobs (eg. removing a few items) | $50 - $500 |
| Bigger Jobs (eg. clearing whole house/office) | $500 - $1,500 |
Hire Junk Removal Services
International Moving Prices
| Type of International Move | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Small Move (eg. 2-room HDBs, Studio Apartments) | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Big Move (eg. 4-room HDB) | $8,000 - $25,000+ |
Some additional costs that may be involved in international moving include customs fees, insurance, storage, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. Additionally, you may want to check if the company is licensed and has experience with international moves to ensure that your belongings are transported safely and efficiently.
home moving from Joy Movers
Independent Movers vs. Professional Moving Companies vs. DIY - Which One Should I Pick?
In most countries, you can find two distinct types of movers - the local independent and professional ones. Local independent movers don’t have the overhead or some of the regulations that govern larger interstate moving companies. What it means to you is that engaging them typically costs less ad can result in some cost savings for you.
In contrast, professional moving companies may be more reliable as they have several full-time staff and can react to home moving demands. When it comes to quality, they are typically better (trained full-time staff) and usually have lesser problems because of the system in place.
Engaging a Professional House Mover - Pros & Cons
There are two general types of moving services: Full-Service and Self-Packing. Whichever type you choose you can expect an on-site inspection for the estimate. Both services will load all your items onto the truck and offload them at the destination. There are companies in Singapore that provide only transport services, that is, if you engage them for your moving, be expected to pack and load the items up the trucks yourself or hire someone else.
Why not pay a home mover who can move my heavy objects, transport them efficiently in their trucks and save us so much time and energy? To ensure you get the best value for money, check out our home moving cost guide with current market rates. While you can do the moving yourself, for the less experienced ones, we may end up with scratches or dents on our furniture or items simply because we don't have the right technique to move them safely.
House movers can protect your home items when moving and minimize the chances of damage. Besides, they can save your hours as well as the massive amount of effort when it comes to home moving.
Should I Hire Movers or DIY? - Pros & Cons
Movers can save your time and energy, also insures your household goods, and get the job done professionally. Do note that not all movers provide the manpower to pack/assemble/disassemble the goods, make sure you have communicated your needs to them early.
DIY is doable, but you take on all the potential problems, which include:
- Break downs and delays.
- Taking time off to pack and move.
- Underinsured or noninsured moves.
- Broken items.
| Type | Cost* | Size | Load weight | Load size | Size of bed that can fit | Estimated time for loading and unloading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hiace Van | About $60 per hour with driver included | 2.5m (length) by 1.5m (width) by 1.25m (height) | Up to 1.06 ton of goods. | About 40 jumbo (59cm by 46cm by 55cm) boxes | A queen size bed will be able to fit in there. | 0.5h per load |
| 10 Ft Open Lorry | About $70 per hour with driver included | 3m (length) by 1.5m (width) by 1.8m (height) | Up to 1.5 ton of goods. | About 60 jumbo (59cm by 46cm by 55cm) boxes | A king size bed will be able to fit in there. | 45 mins per load |
| 14ft Box Covered Lorry | About $80 per hour with driver included | 4m (length) by 1.8m (width) by 2m (height) | Up to 2.5 ton of goods. | About 150 jumbo (59cm by 46cm by 55cm) boxes | 2 queen size beds will be able to fit in there. | 1h per load |
To save money, you can consider hiring cheap movers. However, before hiring, it is also important to view mover reviews and check their background and ratings.
Questions to ask before hiring a mover:
Though every move is different, there are questions that everybody should ask a mover before hiring them. Peace of mind, safety, affordability, less time consumption, and a hassle-free move are some of the reasons to hire a mover. It could go wrong if you recruit the wrong moving company. Be sure that the answers they give you are clear and concise and don't be afraid to ask for more details if you don't understand something.
- Is the moving company properly licensed?
In some cases, even highly reputed companies do not hold a valid license due to some reason. For instance, if a company is newly established, the chances are it might be operating under some other name, and hence its illegality hasn't been disclosed yet. So it's essential to investigate the proper license to stay out of any legal hassles while shifting to a new place. Homees lists movers checked before listing, with their Google reviews (Verified ones carry a registry number); ask any provider for their licence and insurance before you book. Before contacting the movers, it is best to double-check with them their available license and insurance.
- What kind of liability coverage do the movers in Singapore provide? Are you a legitimate company and insured?
-
- What items are covered?
- When are the items covered during the moving process?
- What kind of situations or accidents will be covered?
- What is the maximum claimable amount?
- What's the procedure for claiming the claimable amount?
- What's the real value of purchasing coverage from a professional mover?
- Do the movers have enough experience in your specific type of move? The experience in the moving industry and flawless track record are evidence of a successful professional mover. So be sure to ask whether or not they have ample experience in the specific type of move. As there are different types of movers, such as home or commercial movers, to handle various relocating needs, you must learn about different moving companies to choose the one that meets your requirements.
- What are the moving costs and estimates, and is there any additional charge? The price matters when it comes to employing a moving company for your relocation. Most of the movers provide their quote by the weights of the goods and your moving distance. You shouldn't opt for a company whose quote is based on cubic feet. For a long-distance move, the estimate must be based on weight, while for short distances, the hourly rate is often used. Moreover, make sure to have the estimate in writing from the moving company. Also, inquire if there are any hidden costs included in the estimation. Some movers can ask you to pay in mid of the moving process, so asking this question before your decision will help you avoid surprises after the move is successful.
- Expertise to move special equipment? Ensure that the house mover can move your items safely and understands the different important components of that item. You can contact specialized furniture movers or piano movers for your more fragile or heavy furniture. Also, they should have the right truck size and moving equipment such as ramps, lifts, etc to handle your items. Equipment such as a piano, safety deposit box, or any other fragile/heavy items at home must be clarified before moving, and asking if the home mover can deliver it reduces the chances of the need to increase the cost or add a service charge on the day of moving.
- How does your house moving company charge? In Singapore, some movers may charge by the hour, others charge by the number of movers, the number of trips, or even by weight or vehicles required. Clarify this and agree on a charging metric before engaging movers.
- Protection provided to your home such as the floor, items, belongings, and walls. Due to the wheels of the trolley or the shifting of heavy items, moving may cause dents, scratches, and other damage to your floor. However not all house movers in Singapore provide boxes or carton boxes or protection during home moving (although most of them do). Check with your house movers whether the floor, items, and walls are protected. Most professionals will have a trolley with rubber wheels to minimize the impact on the floor. Some will offer you additional floor protection at an additional charge such as creating proper pathways with carpets. Other parts of your home include walls and doors. A good moving professional will alert you of these potential problems or have prevention packaged in.
- Is the professional a mover or a broker? A broker can't give you a binding estimate. They can give you a ballpark figure, but movers will be the ones to provide you with an actual price.
- Are the staff full-time workers or part-timers? Most movers hire additional part-timers during peak periods. However, if most of the entire company is based on hired part-timers, it could be something you want to take note of. In general, part-timers are less dependent than full-timers, and you may wish to engage another moving company should the entire team consist of part-timers. Whichever one is used, be sure that background checks have been done on the employees.
- What are your payment terms? It is generally not advisable to engage movers who only accept cash or request 100% payment upfront as a deposit. A reasonable deposit is about 25% of the total estimated moving costs and payment of the remainder at the end of the moving project.
- What are the items you will not move? Movers will likely not move or handle any hazardous items such as chemicals, aerosol cans, gasoline, and volatile substances. Other things include personal documents, cash, coin collections, firearms and other weaponry, heirlooms, small antiques, and valuable electronics.
Site survey and quotation
- How do you give a quotation? Movers generally do a site survey, if not request photos or a list of more noticeable items. Any mover who gives you an estimate over the phone without actually seeing your house, however, should be avoided.
- Is it chargeable for having a site survey? It depends on the movers – some do charge while others give a free quote. Generally, those that provide site studies provide a better estimate than those by photos or through a phone call.
- After finishing the site assessment, when will I receive my quotation? It generally takes 1-2 days for the mover to give you a quote.
- How long does your surveyor/relocation consultant finish assessing my house? It could take 15 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the requirements and the mover.
- What are the extra charges? An estimate is generally for the move itself. It may not include insurance surcharges, fuel surcharges, awkward objects (pianos, etc.), flight charges, parking charges, etc.
General Moving
- How long will the move take? You must know when you are going to get your belongings to your new destination. So negotiate a definite date and time of the day to receive your belongings. It may not be possible to predict an exact hour, but you must know when to expect the arrival of your materials to be able to meet the moving truck. In case you delay on the road for some reason, will the movers arrange additional storage for your belongings? If yes, ask how much the mover is going to charge for it.
- Who is responsible for loss or damage? If you've packed your things yourself, you may not get reimbursed for damage done to poorly-packaged items. It is best to beforehand with your movers.
- Will there be any hidden costs? What are the possible additional costs? Some movers may lure you with low prices and then mark up with all sorts of "additional costs." Be sure to clarify what are the possible "extra charges" to ensure you are not getting ripped off at the end of the project by the movers.
- What storage facility does movers Singapore have for storing your belongings? If you are up to a long-distance move, ask the company if they provide storage service. Usually, larger or reputed companies offer storage facilities to their customers to save their time and money. If you are moving, but your office or apartment is not ready yet, you can take the benefits of the storage facility of the moving company. It will be great if you can visit the storage unit once and check the facilities. Ask the movers if their storage unit is under constant monitoring and supervision and temperature-controlled conditions. This is important because the inappropriate temperature can damage your furniture and other precious material.
- What deposits do they collect, and what is the cancellation policy of the movers? Some situations may force you to cancel the move or change the date. So, be prepared to face such scenarios beforehand and ask about the moving company's cancellation policy. Find out if you have to pay any deposit and whether it is refundable or if you need to cancel the move or change the date. The deposit should not exceed 20 % of the total moving price. The company should reimburse you if they fail to perform your move or make it happen on the agreed moving date.
- Does the mover help in assembling/dismantling? Figure out whether the moving service of the company is limited to packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. If you don't have time for unpacking the material and arranging them by yourself, you must consider the moving company that includes the disassembling and unpacking of items once it reaches their destination. Ask them about the material movement process they will follow and let them explain the dismantling or disassembling process for furniture and other items.
- What happens to the packing materials after unpacking? While most moving companies offer the disposal of packing materials after a move, some companies do not offer this service. In the case that the moving company you engaged does not offer post-moving junk removal, you can easily dispose of your packing materials at nearby recycling bins, which are placed in many easily accessible places all over Singapore. For large packing materials like crates, it is advisable to engage a junk disposal company to assist you with the removal of these items. It is also advisable to engage professional cleaners to do move-out cleaning.
- Does the professional mover provide handyman services? It is important to discuss with your house mover if they provide handyman services before a moving project, so you can have one on standby if their services are required. Handyman services usually incur extra charges from your moving company, and they should be clear on these extra costs beforehand to avoid “hidden charges”. If your moving company provides these services, you will save on another handyman’s transport and troubleshooting fees.
Insist on an onsite inspection or comprehensive list of items
A good moving company will ensure that they have taken note of everything that is involved in moving. That includes the items to move, the size of the hallway, the presence of a lift or stairs, the distance to the vehicle, and many more.
While it may be common for some home movers to ask you to take a photo of your home to give a quote, we highly recommend you engage movers who come down for a site assessment before quoting. It is crucial because what kind of expertise is required, how long it will take to move, what equipment is required, how much manpower is required, and how much they will charge you will ultimately depend on several factors.
A reliable moving company will also provide a binding estimate that will not change unless more items and services are added. If they accept a comprehensive list of items without a site quotation, ensure that everything else other than the additional item will not be charged. A good moving company will not give a quote without an onsite inspection or a comprehensive list of items. Companies that don’t will usually add additional charges on the day of moving.
- Can you send me three recent references that I can contact? Call a few clients to verify references.
- Is your company properly insured and licensed? Ask these professional interstate movers for their registration number and license or any other applicable certificates.
- How many years have you been in the industry? What experience does the moving crew have? Typically the longer a company has been in operation, the more reliable they are. This is especially useful when moving delicate or expensive items.
- What extra steps do you take with fragile items? Any professional should be able to immediately tell you what extra steps they take during packing.
- Is the moving crew company employed or subcontractors? You should ask about the entire process in advance to figure out whether they are subcontracting their work. If this is true for the company that you are hiring, ask for the subcontractor’s name and a complete list.
- What is the moving timetable, including packing, pickup, and arrival dates? Legitimate companies will give you specific dates for the move. Any vague answers to this question are a red flag.
- Do they provide the manpower and materials for moving? This depends on the movers. Most movers will provide cartons and other packing materials like bubble packs, newsprints, and tapes. However, they are usually sold at cost.
- Do you provide assembling and dismantling functions? Most movers do provide dismantling and assembling of general furniture. However, do clarify this with your mover as they may have different policies and rules in assembling and dismantling furniture.
- Is there any additional charge for multiple drop-offs/pickups? This will vary between different movers, and we advise you to ask the movers personally.
Comparing Moving Quotations
A piece of advice for any large home projects (or frankly, any large ticket items) is for you to compare and get quotes from multiple moving companies. Some movers may charge significantly less due to their pricing model (per-trip charges instead of per-hour charges, for example), so it is vital to contact a few movers for quotations. When it comes to asking professionals, these tips can help you better communicate the project with them:
- Site assessments: Depending on the company, some will choose to do site surveys for a quotation. This estimate and walkthrough may take around 30 minutes. It is the most accurate way for moving professionals to do site surveys as opposed to giving estimates via pictures or phone calls.
- Make sure the same person is present for each estimate: By doing so, the chances for them to change estimates and quotations can be reduced.
- Be mindful of the details: Humans are often careless and may overlook some items. Go through your garage, attic, basement, and anyplace else on your property, even if you're sure there's nothing out of there that you want.
- Ask questions: There are a ton of questions to ask movers. An example is making sure they handle your items with care, such as fragile items, jewellery, and irreplaceable, priceless items.
- Check prohibited items: If you have a hobby that involves chemicals, such as darkroom photography, the moving company may not be willing to transport your film-developing chemicals.
- Preparing For Your Move: Most of us will be surprised at the number of things we have accumulated over the years, especially when we have lots of items and personal belongings to pack and move. This is a great time for you to trim your possessions, decide which items are important for you and which can be left behind. For many individuals, selling to a second-hand buyer can be a great option, and platforms like Carousell do just that. Another option is to donate to a local charity.
How do moving companies set prices on services?
trucks from Trio Movers
Most companies use the following as a guide to their pricing:
- Moving services
- Volume of items
- Labour via staircase
- Long pushing distance
- Before/after working hours
- Storage
- Volume of items
- Duration
- Packing/unpacking moving services
- Number of carton boxes to pack/unpack
- Disposal services
- Volume of items
- Disposal fee
- Handyman services
- Complexity of job
- By the hour
What are the payment options available?
The following payment methods are common amongst movers in Singapore:
- Cash
- Cheque
- Bank transfer
- Secure online payment such as Paypal or DBS PayLah!
What type of move do you want?
There are a few steps when you move. Depending on your budget and preference, you may opt for different combinations. The five stages are:
- Packing
- Moving (with or without vehicle provided)
- Unpacking
- Cleaning up
- Storage services
You need to know what you are moving
Be clear on what you are moving and what you are leaving behind. Usually, when you ask for a quote, house movers will come to your home to assess the items that you will be moving.
Most movers, according to industry standards, do not charge for viewing and quoting at your home. Even if they do charge, they will offset it once you engage them to move your home.
One way to avoid having multiple house movers visit your home is to create a comprehensive list of your items and give it to movers who offer quotations based on such lists.
If you do not want multiple house movers to come to your home, you can also list down your items comprehensively and pass them on to movers who allow quotations based on a list of things.
It is better to have the professional come down to your house to give a quote. Moreover, they will be able to assess things that cannot be addressed via the phone, such as:
- Whether big furniture requires dismantling before moving
- Whether the layout of the house will result in a more complicated moving
- Items that could be accidentally left out by you via the phone
This Checklist also covers the more important points, such as:
- Involvement of stairs
- Prevention of Flooring scratches
- Insurance
- Big items that are involved (Piano Moving, Bed dismantling)
- Things to take note of when speaking to the professionals
Most quotation includes labour, transportation, basic dismantling & assembling of furniture, and necessary protection using stretch film for furniture and electronic goods. Clarify with the house mover what is covered, and whether more is required during the move such as packing, unpacking etc.
If you would like your items to be insured during the move, make sure to check your insurance status. If you are not protected, you can purchase insurance from the movers directly.
However, if you are not willing to pay for insurance, then you will need to do an extra step of checking their reviews to see what past customers have commented about their service. Make sure that you are engaging a trustworthy professional.
Factors That Affect Home Moving Cost
The amount of money you can expect to spend on moving depends on a variety of factors —most notably, your current location and the distance of your move. In summary, the factors are:
- Manpower and help needed
- Moving van & truck rental costs
- Ease of access to a location
- Bulky & fragile items
- Wrapping and packing
- Dismantling of bulky items
- Temporary storage
- Hoisting
Manpower and help needed
The more help you need, the more you can expect to pay.
While most of us can do most of the packing, loading and unloading ourselves, often such tasks are too time-consuming or require too much effort. Hiring a mover to settle these tasks for us saves time and also helps us move more quickly. Generally, the cost for manpower during a move is around $50 to $150 per hour per worker.
The price which the moving company charge depends on:
- How big is your house is
- The number of furniture you want to pack
- Types of material for packing fragile items
You can always save costs by packing, disassembling and reassembling the items yourself. That being said, do converse with the movers before hiring them!
Moving Van & Truck Rental Costs
For some of us who may want to experience moving or save money, you can consider renting a truck or van when moving.
Moving vans
Common van models include the following:
- Toyota Hiace Van
- Toyota Liteace Van
- Nissan Urvan
- Nissan NV200
- Nissan NV350 Panel Van Auto
- Nissan NV350 Panel Van Manual
- Mitsubishi L300 Van
- Internal length: 2.1m
- Internal Width: 1.4m
- Internal Height: 1.2m
- External Length: 3m
- External Width: 1.6m
- External Height: 2m (Make sure the car park clearance height is higher than 2.1m)
Trucks
For 10ft trucks, the basic rental cost typically costs between $50-$60 per hour, and a surcharge of around $25/h may be added after 6 pm.
For 15ft trucks, the basic rental cost typically costs between $55-$65 per hour, and a surcharge of around $25/h may be added after 6 pm.
Lorry
For lorries, rental typically ranges between $130 to $200 per day, depending on the size and availability of the lorries available.
Common lorry dimensions include:
- 1 ton
- 2 ton
- 4 ton with tailgate
- 5.5 ton with tailgate
- 9 ton with tailgate
- 10ft
- 14ft
- 24ft
Ease of Access To A Location
How easy it is to access the pickup or dropoff location is also a critical factor.
When moving locally, the extra time needed, given your specific access limitations can affect the overall cost of the move. This usually will cost around $50 to $500 per hour.
Homes that are further away from loading/unloading areas, as well as condominiums that require movers to carry items over a distance, require more time and effort. As such, an additional cost of around $50 to $200 per hour will be charged.
Properties requiring special equipments such as cranes, hoists or other heavy-duty machinery to move items to and from upper floors or balconies will cost extra, ranging from around $200 to $500 per hour.
We recommend you speak to movers and packers in Singapore and have a site inspection prior to the day of the move to provide a quote for any additional costs, provide an estimate of how long the move will take, and prepare any additional materials needed on moving day.
Timing of The Move
Like all industries, there are high seasonal demands as well as lull periods in the home moving industry. Generally, the peak moving season in Singapore is from May to August, which coincides with the school holidays and the end of the financial year.
Moving companies may be busier during this season, which can make it more difficult to schedule your move. Additionally, if you need to move during the peak season, it's important to book your moving company well in advance to ensure that you can secure a spot.
Moving prices may change depending on the time of the move, subject to the mover’s discretion.
Chances are, there will be an additional cost for moving on weekends or holidays like Saturdays and Sundays. Depending on the company, moving during weekends or public holidays will have extra charges of around $50 to $150 per hour.
It depends on individual movers. Some may require a surcharge on Sundays and public holidays, while some quote the surcharge depending on the volume of work.
Bulky & Fragile Items
For bulky and fragile items, it is important to take extra caution and include bubble wrapping of these furniture and fragile items before moving. Some moving companies may charge additional fees for this. These charges depend on the size and weight of the items, and the distance it needs to be moved.
- Bulky items (eg. sofa, bed, wardrobe): $150 - $500
- Complex items (eg. pianos, pool tables): $500 - $1,500+
Packing & Wrapping
Bubble wrapping of furniture and fragile objects is usually included when you engage in a moving company. If you choose to pack your belongings yourself or your company does not provide such a service, you'll need to purchase packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. You can easily buy some packing and wrapping items from Carousell. The cost of these items can be found further down this article.
Some companies provide packing services if you don't want to pack your belongings yourself. Although this means you’ll have to pay extra, it can save you time and ensure that your items are packed safely and securely.
Dismantling of Bulky Items
While some movers may do it for free (usually those that charge a bit more), other movers may not provide this service for you. The cost of dismantling bulky items is around $50 to $300 per item, depending on the size and complexity of the item, and the expertise required to take it apart safely.
For example, dismantling a bed frame will cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 while dismantling a large cabinet will cost $200 to $300.
Temporary Storage
Some moving companies may be able to provide warehouse storage space as well. If you require temporary storage for your belongings, some moving companies offer complimentary warehouse facilities for a certain number of days while some will cost you extra.
- Small Units: $50 - $150 per month
- Large Units: $150 - $500 per month
Some reputable firms in Singapore offering storage include Storhub, Extra Space, Lock and Store, D'Storage and Box Park.
You can refer to our storage rental cost guide for more details.
Hoisting
If you have large or bulky objects that cannot be disassembled and cannot be taken out of your home through doors, elevators, or staircases, an additional expense may be incurred to lift them with a hoist.
Depending on the difficulty, height of the building and size and weight of the item, the cost will vary for different companies. A rough estimate for hoisting services will be around $200 to $500.
Moving Insurance
The cost of insurance depends on the value of your belongings and the level of coverage you require. Most professional moving services include basic liability coverage as part of the price. You'll have to pay more if you're looking for full value protection.
On average, you will have to pay between 1-3% of the total value of your belongings. For example, if your belongings are valued at $50,000, you have to pay between $500 to $1,500 for moving insurance.
How to Avoid Scams
With so many moving projects a year, there will bound to be cases of scams and frauds involved.
Avoid falling prey to fraudulent criminals by recognizing the warning signs and quickly moving on to another company.
- Asking for a deposit: Some movers may require a deposit, however, if the sum is too large, it is a cause for suspicion.
- Listing a P.O Box or a residential address: Verify the address on the company website to make sure it is legitimate.
- Asking for a really low price: The most common moving scam in Singapore is that companies offer really really low prices then ransom the victim's possessions to receive extra money, if not adding extra moving costs to the bill without the client knowing.
If the moving company is on Homees' directory you can always leave a review at the mover's profile.
Happy moving!
Compare and review the best local movers in Singapore
Homees has a directory of the best local movers in Singapore. You can compare and view a list of home movers that can suit your house-moving needs. When it comes to shifting heavy or fragile items in your home, hiring a mover can take away a lot of frustration and worries. View the profile of local moving companies, read the reviews from previous customers to understand the background of prospective moving professionals, how they rate their work, and message the professionals directly to ask any specific questions.
If you're planning to move to a new home or apartment in Singapore, one important consideration is ensuring that your furniture is transported and assembled correctly. While many moving companies offer furniture assembly services as part of their packages, it's important to choose a reputable company with experience in handling and assembling a wide variety of furniture pieces.
One option for ensuring that your furniture is assembled correctly during your move is to work with a professional furniture assembly service in Singapore. These experts can help you disassemble your furniture for transportation, and then reassemble it once it arrives at your new home. This can save you time and frustration, as well as ensure that your furniture is set up correctly and securely.
When is the best time to move houses in Singapore?
The best time to move is during the off-peak season which is from November to January. Demand for moving services will be lower and thus, resulting in lower costs and more availability. Moving during the off-peak season is also less stressful due to fewer people moving which means you can have more available dates to choose from. However, if you are moving from May to August, which are the peak seasons, make sure to book your moving company at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred moving date and time.
How long does it take to move houses in Singapore?
The length of time required for moving depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the distance between locations, and the type of services needed. Moving to Singapore usually takes a minimum of a few hours up to a full day.
For those living in small apartments and studios, it will take 3-4 hours to move. If you have a larger home like a 3-room HDB and landed property can take 6-12 hours to move depending on the amount of furniture.
If you’re moving out of the country, it can take a day to several weeks depending on location.
How can I prepare to move my house in Singapore?
Prepare a checklist of all the task needed to complete, such as booking a mover, packing your belongings, and notifying utilities and other services of your move. You can also take this chance to declutter and donate or sell any items you no longer need such as old books and clothing to make the move easier and more cost-effective.
What should I do with my pets during house moving?
Before the move, acclimate your pets to their travel carrier and ensure they are comfortable in them. Make sure to update your pets’ identification tags and microchip information with your new address.
Keep your pet away from moving activities to prevent them from accidents or stressing them out by keeping them in a safe and comfortable location such as a closed room or pet daycare. Some companies offer pet transportation services that specialises in moving pets safely and comfortably. These services will cost a few hundreds to thousands depending on the size of your pet, the distance needed to transport and level of service.
- Cats & Small Dogs: $300 - $600
- Large dogs: $1,000
When your pet arrives at your new home, make sure they settle into their new environment. Provide them with familiar toys, bedding and food. Give them plenty of attention and affection during this period of time.
What should I do if I need to reschedule or cancel my move?
If you need to cancel your move, we advise you to do so as soon as possible. Most moving companies have a cancellation or rescheduling policy so it is important to check the terms and conditions in your contract. Do note that extra fees will be charged by some companies so you'll have to make sure to understand them before making any changes to your moving plan.
How can I ensure a smooth move?
Plan and prepare for your house move in advance. Communicate with your moving company clearly and be flexible to unexpected changes or challenges. Lastly, take care of yourself and your family during the move by getting enough rest and stay hydrated.
