Moving Cost Guide In Singapore [Updated 2023]

With more than 1.1 million homeowners, according to HDB statistics, there are more than an estimated 100,000 house moving occurring in Singapore every year. If you have experienced home moving before, you know how stressful it can be, whether it’s DIY home-moving or engaging a professional house mover.

Engaging the right service makes moving a lot easier, but it can add a whole new layer of stress to the process. Simplify your move by researching what to expect from hiring the right house mover.

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.

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.

Moving Cost Calculator – Moving Price Estimates in Singapore (2024)

Here is a moving cost calculator for you to estimate the cost of house-moving.

(This calculator is currently in beta phase. All prices are estimated.) 

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.

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.

 

Hire Moving Experts

Piano Moving Prices

The cost of moving a piano in Singapore depends on a few other factors, but in general:

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.

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

 

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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.

 

Hire Junk Removal Services

 

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International Moving Prices

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.

 

 

Hire International Services

 

 

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How do moving companies set prices on services?

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.

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:

 

Hire Piano Movers

 

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Cost of moving by yourself

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

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.

*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.

Should I move with or without a house mover?

Our advice is to move with a professional house mover. Most of us are not moving experts. Renting a lorry to move may end up incurring higher costs as we spend hours away moving the items.

Taking into account your sweat and effort, and possible problems that may result from inexperienced moving, consulting a moving professional is definitely the option to go for.

Below are a few factors on why you should engage in a professional house mover:

• Professional Expertise: A professional house mover has the expertise and experience to handle your move efficiently and safely. They also have the necessary equipment, packing materials, and transportation to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move.
• Time and Convenience: You can save time and energy by allowing them to take care of the move for you.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: Professional house movers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle your belongings with care to reduce the risk of damage or loss.
• Insurance: Many companies offer insurance options to protect your belongings. This can give you peace of mind and help prevent financial loss in the event of damage or loss.

We would advise you to take charge of packing and unpacking your personal items. This ensures that your items will not be misplaced, stolen or damaged during the move.

Tips on Hiring Movers

When it comes to hiring a reliable mover, due diligence and planning go a long way.

Although you can find moving companies through Google or in the phonebook (if you are ancient enough), it is easier if you seek reputable online mover reviews rated by hundreds if not thousands of past customers.

You can read more about frequently-asked questions when hiring a mover, some of the more crucial tips before hiring a mover include:

• Checking the credentials for prospective movers by contacting them to get their license/company numbers, doing business as (DBA) names, and the number of years they have been in business. You can also check with the Singapore government agencies such as the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), or the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) to verify their credentials.
• Getting estimates from multiple movers. We will suggest getting at least 3-5 movers quotations before confirming one to make sure you are getting the most competitive prices and to find the movers that meet your needs. Remember to ask for a written estimate that includes all costs and fees, such as packing materials, insurance, and additional services.
• Communicate your needs and expectations to let them know if you have any fragile or valuables that require special handling.
• Get a written contract that includes all the details such as services, costs and insurance. This is to protect your interests and avoid any disputes and misunderstandings. Some of the key elements to be mentioned in the written contract include moving details, services, pricing, insurance, payment terms, cancellation policy and liability. Make sure to read the contract carefully before signing.

 

 

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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!

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.

Are you looking for a reliable moving company?

Homees provides reliable moving companies for you to engage with.  You can find the following moving services offered on Homees:

• local movers
• international movers
• piano moving
• junk removal
• storage space 

Related Articles

• Storage Space Rental Cost Guide in Singapore [Updated 2022]
• Your Ultimate Easy Moving Checklist – From Start to Finish

This article was published first in September 2018, updated on May 21st, 2019, and in March 2021.