11 Best Movers In Singapore [Prices, Reviews, Updated 2023]

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1. 11 Best Movers In Singapore [Prices, Reviews, Updated 2023]

Every year, thousands of homeowners engage professional house movers in Singapore to move from one location to another. From international moving to local home moving, most Singaporeans have at least one moving house experience and it is becoming part of our lives.

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.

11 Best Movers In Singapore (Our Top Picks)

Companies

Services

Where to find

Homees Concierge Service


Homees Concierge Service Team - tell us what you need and we'll help get it solved. Talk to us today by giving us a call or Whatsapp us now.

994 Bendemeer #03-04 Singapore 339943

CYC Movers

- Office Moves
- House Moves
- International Moves
- It Infrastructure Move
- Furniture Logistics
- Storage Solutions

19 Greenwich Drive #06-00A Kerry Logistics Centre

The Trio Movers

- Residential / Commercial & Industrial Relocation

- Packing & Unpacking Services

31 Woodlands close “Woodlands horizon” #02-10 Singapore 737855

Red Sun Movers Pte Ltd

- Residential Relocation
- Commercial & Industrial Relocation
- International Relocation (Specialist in Malaysia)
- Long, Short Term Storage & Disposal Services

11 Woodlands Close 'Woodlands 11' #09-17 Singapore 737853

Tip Top Movers & Logistics Pte Ltd

Professional House Moving
Office Relocation
Unwanted Goods Disposal
Professional Piano Moving
Packing And Unpacking Service
Storage

3016 Ubi Road 1 #02-143 Singapore 408708

Joy Movers & Logistics

- Residential relocation / Commercial relocation
- Free on-site assessment
- Free dismantling and assembly service
- Free protective wrapping for furniture and boxes before moving out 

545078

4D Movers

- House Moving
- Commercial Relocation
- Storage Services
- Disposal Services
- Professional Piano Moving Services

24/7

Moovaz

- Corporate moving
- Local move
- International relocation

75 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #02-05

Exped Moving Services

- Residential Moving
- Office/Commercial Moving
- Warehouse/Factory Moving
- Server, Machine, Piano, Organ, Pool Table and Safe Box - Moving
- Long and Short Term Warehouse Storage Facilities
- Packing and Unpacking
- Dismantling and Fixing
- Ad-Hoc and Disposal

2 Jalan Rajah, #07-18, Golden Wall Flatted Factory Singapore 329134

Smart Moving Services

- Residential/Office/Commercial
- Free Boxes provided
- Disposal Service
- Packing/Unpacking service
- Event&Road Show Setup
- Piano Moving Specialist
- Provide Site Survey
- Shrink Wrapping Service
- Long Term Delivery Service

N.A.

Shalom Movers

- Residential move
- Office move
- Storage and disposal
- Express delivery
- Packaging
- International moving

10 Kaki Bukit Road 1, KB Industrial Building, #01-25 Singapore 416175

Movers_101

-House Relocation
- Commercial Relocation
- Piano Relocation
- Disposal Services
- Long Term / Short Term Storage Facilities

N.A.

 

Hire Moving Services In Singapore

 

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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

Note this is merely an estimate as the final moving quotation is dependent on many factors. When giving estimates, the mover should be willing to break down clearly what their estimates include. Some of the factors are:

  • 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.

CTA 3

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

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

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.

Self-Packing Companies

Full-Service Companies

  • Load the truck with the boxes you packed

  • Make no guarantees on the safety of your items

  • Often don’t offer insurance

  • Costs less – recommended only when your homeowner’s insurance covers possessions during the move.

  • Packs all your household goods for you

  • Insure your goods at varying levels (sometimes costs extra)

  • May help unpack at your destination (usually costs extra)

  • Costs more – puts the full weight of liability in the hands of the movers

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.

Say, you want to save costs on hiring movers in Singapore. Here are some of the prices when renting a lorry or truck for your own moving:

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.

Home moving process

FAQs, Cost-Saving Tips & Common Mistakes

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? 

The first and the most crucial question that you need to ask your mover is whether they have a valid license or not. Hiring a mover without investigating the license may get you into trouble as many rogue movers in Singapore can make you a victim of moving scams. All professional interstate movers must have a registration number and license. You might have chosen the best house movers; however, it doesn’t mean that they must be operating legally.

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 is constantly improving and ensuring their service providers are licensed and insured. 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? 

This is one of the most important questions to ask while hiring home movers in Singapore. Ask whether the moving company is insured and liable for the damage. Find more about essential liability protection before signing the contract. Look for movers who provide full value protection that makes the mover liable for the replacement value of any damaged or missing item. If you want, you can even ensure your valuables are based on the cost instead of their weight. Ask the movers to explain all the provisions and differences in the available insurance plans. Most moving companies provide insurance coverage from third-party providers. There are many insurance types. Clarify with the movers:

    • 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?

Some movers may assign you under another company/personal name, causing discrepancies. If the answer is “no,” move on to the next company.

  • 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.

three professional movers unload a truck

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

sample home moving checklist

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?

trio movers trucks

trucks from Trio Movers

Most companies use the following as a guide to their pricing:

  1. Moving services
    1. Volume of items
    2. Labour via staircase
    3. Long pushing distance
    4. Before/after working hours
  2. Storage
    1. Volume of items
    2. Duration
  3. Packing/unpacking moving services
    1. Number of carton boxes to pack/unpack
  4. Disposal services
    1. Volume of items
    2. Disposal fee
  5. Handyman services
    1. Complexity of job
    2. 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 To Know Before Engaging A Professional Mover?

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

Download this moving inventory checklist.

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

You need to make sure that the quote is final based on the viewing or the list of items. You need to make sure you and the professional list all the items that you want to be moved. Also, ensure that the professional has finalized the quote, and no further adjustments will be made.

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

Whether or not this rate includes standard packing material is dependent on the moving service you hire.

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

Cargo van dimensions include:

  • 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)

The typical basic rental cost for a cargo van in Singapore can range between $45-$55 per hour, and a surcharge of around $20/h may be added after 6 pm.

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

Lorries can also come in the following categories:

  • 10ft
  • 14ft
  • 24ft

While this is the cheapest alternative to hiring a moving company, many factors should be considered before a final decision is made to exclude moving professionals; including the length of the move, size of the vehicle and weight of the household items being moved.

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

Note that some storage facilities may charge additional fees for access, climate control, insurance, and other services.

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.

Truck under bridge

Cost of Moving Bulky Items

Moving a piano may cost an extra $150 to $800, although it can cost up to $2,500 extra if the movers need to lift the piano with a crane (extreme cases).

Heavy, bulky items take up extra space in the moving truck, and they are often hard to handle.

You can expect to pay more for bulky items such as:

Type of Bulk Item

Estimated Price

Piano

$80 - $800

Pool Tables

$450 - $1,000

Sofas

$80 - $200

Fridge

$80 - $150

Wardrobe

$120 - $250

 

Hire Piano Move

Cost of moving by yourself

If you are looking to pack by yourself, here is an estimated cost of materials that you may require.

Item

Cost

Quantity

Boxes

$2.5-$4 (from small to large sizes)

20

Shrinkwrap

$13

2

Bubblewrap (20 ft)

$9/roll

2

Corrugated paper (20 feet)

$10/roll

1

Silica gel $0.3/packet

$0.3/packet

10

Packing peanuts $36/packet

$36/packet

1

Brown packing tape

$2.50

6

Marker Pen

$1.50

3

Newsprint (100 sheets)

$10/pack

1

Penknife

$2.20

1

Scissors

$2

1

Van Rental

$60/h

2 Hours

Total = $306.7

They usually allow boxes to be sent to your house directly with a transportation fee if you want to pack the items into a box by yourself. Some companies do buyback boxes that are still in good condition if you engage them for moving service – so do ask them!

If you are looking to move by yourself, you may require a vehicle rental and driver.

Type

Cost

Size

Load Weight

Load Size

Size of Bed that Fits

Estimated Time of Loading/ 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

*At different timings (e.g. evening or night times), prices may be higher.

If you have items that exceed the size of the lorry, opt for the open lorry to manage those items.

Things to note:

  • Do take note of both the size and the weight of the items. If the load is too heavy, the suspension of the lorry may get damaged, which may eventually result in a higher cost.
  • Take note of the height limit of your loading area. Ensure that the pickup point and drop off point can fit the height of the lorry. If not, you will have to arrange for a smaller lorry.

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 possible, write down all the services promised for the quoted fee and get the company to sign off on this when they visit your home for a quotation. If you are a victim of possible scams, you can always report to the Singapore police or let online users know about your story.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions on Moving in Singapore

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

Alternatively, you can ask a friend or family member to take care of your pets during the move.

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.

 

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