Hire The Best Movers in Singapore In 2024

Moving to a new home or office can be both exciting and stressful, especially in a bustling city like Singapore. 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. With Singapore’s unique living spaces, from HDB flats to condos and landed properties, finding the right moving company is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience. Having a reliable mover who understands the local landscape and regulations is essential to ensure a smooth loving experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best movers in Singapore, understanding moving costs, and preparing for a successful move. We will also provide you with a list of the best movers in Singapore in 2024.

Types of Moving Services Available in Singapore

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 and 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 in Singapore 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, they also insure your household goods, and get the job done professionally. Do note that not all movers provide the manpower to pack/assemble/disassemble the goods, so 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:

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.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Mover in Singapore

What type of move do you want?

The process of moving involves several steps. Depending on your budget and preference, you may opt for different combinations and keep them in consideration while choosing the best mover in Singapore. 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 to get an approximate quote for the services. 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. However, it is better to have the professional come down to your house to give a quote so that they will be able to assess things that cannot be addressed via the phone, such as:

• Whether big furniture like bedframes 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

Finalise Prices and Quotes

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.

Check For Insurance

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.

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

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)

Hire A Mover – Our Top Picks of 11 Best Moving Companies In Singapore (2024)

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.

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Moving Prices in Singapore

In general, a useful guide is:

• 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.

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.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Movers’ Services

Most companies use the following as a guide to finalise 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!

Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Mover In Singapore

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.

• 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?

• 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. To streamline your moving process, you can refer to our Ultimate Easy 2023 Moving Checklist.

• 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.

• Does the moving company provide protection 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.

• 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.

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.

 

 

Find the Best Movers on Homees

Hiring professional movers in Singapore is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth, stress-free relocation experience, whether you’re moving within the city or internationally. Through this guide, we have tried to emphasise on the importance of hiring professional movers in Singapore and how they bring expertise, efficiency, and the right equipment to handle your belongings safely and efficiently, saving you time and reducing the risk of damage. With the right movers, you can focus on settling into your new space and enjoy a seamless transition to your new home or office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book a moving company in Singapore?

It is generally recommended to book a moving company at least 2-4 weeks in advance. During peak seasons, such as the end of the year, holidays, or weekends, booking 4-6 weeks ahead is advisable to secure your preferred date and time.

Do movers in Singapore offer packing services?

Yes, many movers in Singapore offer packing services as part of their packages. They provide packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. You can also opt for full packing services where the movers pack and unpack all your belongings for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Are my belongings insured during the move?

It depends on the moving company you choose. Some movers include basic insurance coverage in their packages, while others may offer it as an add-on. It’s important to clarify what is covered under their insurance policy and whether you need to purchase additional coverage for valuable or fragile items.

What should I do if my belongings are damaged during the move?

If your belongings are damaged during the move, contact the moving company immediately to report the issue. Most professional movers will have a claims process and may provide compensation if the damage is covered under their insurance policy. Documenting the damage with photos before and after the move can help support your claim.

Are there any regulations for moving in and out of HDB flats and condos?

Yes, moving in and out of HDB flats and condominiums in Singapore often requires following specific regulations, such as booking the elevator and using protective coverings for lift interiors. Condominiums may also require a moving permit or booking in advance to avoid fines. It’s advisable to check with your building management before scheduling your move.

Do movers provide dismantling and reassembling services?

Yes, most professional movers in Singapore offer dismantling and reassembling services for items like beds, wardrobes, and other large furniture pieces. This service is often included in the moving package, but it’s best to confirm this with your mover to avoid additional charges.

How can I save money on moving costs?

To save on moving costs, consider the following tips:

• Declutter before the move to reduce the number of items being transported.
• Pack smaller items yourself and only use movers for large or fragile items.
• Book during off-peak periods, such as weekdays or non-holiday times, to take advantage of lower rates.
• Compare quotes from several moving companies to find the best deal without compromising on quality.

How long does a typical move take?

The duration of a move depends on the size of your home and the complexity of the move. For example, moving the contents of a 3-room HDB flat may take between 3-6 hours, while larger properties or long-distance moves could take a full day. Discuss the estimated time with your movers to plan accordingly.