Complete Guide to Moving House in Singapore 2026
Moving house is one of life's most significant transitions, yet it remains one of the most stressful experiences for Singapore homeowners and tenants. Whether you're relocating from an HDB flat to a condominium, moving within the same estate, or upgrading to a landed property, the complexity of coordinating logistics, managing regulations, and protecting your belongings requires careful planning and expert guidance. At Homejourney, we understand that moving isn't just about transporting furniture—it's about ensuring your family's safety, protecting your valuables, and making the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.
This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about moving house in Singapore, from understanding costs and timelines to navigating building-specific regulations and choosing the right moving service provider. We've created this definitive resource to help you avoid common mistakes, understand your options, and make informed decisions that prioritize both your budget and peace of mind.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: What You Need to Know
- Understanding Moving Services in Singapore
- Moving Costs Breakdown by Property Type
- Singapore-Specific Regulations and Restrictions
- Planning Timeline: When to Start
- Pre-Move Checklist and Preparation
- Choosing the Right Moving Service Provider
- Moving Day: Step-by-Step Guide
- Post-Move Procedures and Address Changes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Summary: What You Need to Know About Moving House in Singapore
Moving house in Singapore involves more than just hiring a lorry and movers. The process is shaped by unique factors: compact urban spaces, building-specific regulations, lift booking requirements, and strict timelines for condominiums. Understanding these factors upfront helps you avoid costly delays and unexpected complications.
Key facts about moving in Singapore:
- Average moving costs range from $600 for a small 1-bedroom flat to $1,500+ for a 5-room HDB or large condominium
- Condominiums have strict moving windows: weekdays 9am-5pm and Saturdays until 1pm only
- HDB flats require lift booking through your town council, often available only during specific hours
- Most moving companies require 2-4 weeks advance booking, especially during peak periods (month-end, school holidays, year-end)
- Additional services like packing, dismantling, and storage can add $200-$500 to your total cost
- Decluttering before moving can reduce costs by 20-30% and simplify the entire process
At Homejourney, we've partnered with verified moving service providers across Singapore to help you find reliable, transparent, and trustworthy movers. Our platform allows you to compare quotes, read verified reviews from real Singapore homeowners, and book your move with confidence—all in one place.
Understanding Moving Services in Singapore
Professional moving services in Singapore have evolved significantly to meet the unique demands of urban relocation. Understanding the different types of services available helps you choose the right solution for your specific situation.
Types of Moving Services Available
Residential Moving Services Explained
Residential moving services are specifically designed for homeowners and tenants relocating between properties. These services typically include packing of household items, furniture dismantling and protection, safe transportation, and placement of items at your new location. A standard residential move involves 2-4 trained workers who handle your belongings with care, use appropriate wrapping materials to prevent damage, and coordinate logistics to ensure everything arrives safely.
What makes residential moves in Singapore unique is the need to navigate building-specific requirements. If you're moving into a condominium, the MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) has strict rules about moving hours and access. If you're moving from an HDB flat, you'll need to coordinate lift bookings through your town council. These requirements can significantly impact your moving timeline and should be factored into your planning.
Office and Commercial Moving Services
While this guide focuses primarily on residential moves, it's worth noting that professional movers also offer specialized commercial relocation services. These include IT equipment handling, phased office moves to minimize business disruption, and coordination of multiple locations. If you're relocating your home office or small business, discuss your specific requirements with your moving provider to ensure they can handle sensitive equipment properly.
Packing and Unpacking Services
Many moving companies offer professional packing services as an add-on. This service is particularly valuable if you're time-constrained or have fragile items requiring expert handling. Professional packers use proper materials (cartons, bubble wrap, foam), label items systematically, and ensure efficient unpacking at your destination. Costs typically range from $150-$300 depending on the volume of items and complexity of packing required.
Moving Costs Breakdown by Property Type in Singapore (2026)
Understanding the cost structure of moving services helps you budget accurately and identify where you might save money. Moving costs in Singapore vary significantly based on property type, volume of items, and additional services required.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Property Type
What Affects Your Moving Costs
Distance and Accessibility: Moving within the same estate costs less than moving across Singapore. Properties with easier access (ground floor, ample parking) cost less than those requiring multiple lift trips or narrow stairwells.
Volume of Items: The amount of furniture and belongings directly impacts costs. A single lorry trip costs significantly less than multiple trips. This is why decluttering before moving can save you $200-$400.
Additional Services: Packing, dismantling, assembly, and storage services are typically charged separately. While these add to your total cost, they can save you time and prevent damage to valuable items.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Periods: Moving during month-end, school holidays, or year-end can cost 10-20% more than moving during quieter periods. If possible, scheduling your move for mid-week and mid-month can result in better rates.
Special Requirements: Moving fragile items, antiques, or artwork may require specialized handling and insurance, adding $100-$300 to your costs. Similarly, moving to or from upper-floor units in condominiums may require additional coordination and cost.
Singapore-Specific Regulations and Restrictions You Must Know
Singapore's unique urban environment and building regulations create specific requirements for moving that differ significantly from other countries. Understanding these regulations helps you avoid fines, delays, and conflicts with building management.
HDB Moving Regulations
While HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats don't have restrictions on when you can move in or out, there are important practical considerations. You must book the lift in advance through your town council, and lift availability varies by estate. Most HDB estates allow lift bookings only during specific hours (typically 9am-5pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays). Peak periods like month-end and school holidays can have limited lift availability, so booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance is essential.
Additionally, you're responsible for ensuring the lift is protected during the move. Most town councils require you to arrange protective coverings for lift walls and floors. Failure to do so may result in fines or damage charges. Your moving company should be familiar with these requirements and include lift protection in their service.
Condominium Moving Restrictions (Critical)
Condominiums have significantly stricter moving regulations that directly impact your moving schedule and costs. Movers are allowed to work only during weekdays from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays up to 1pm. Moving on Sundays and public holidays is strictly prohibited. This restriction is enforced by the MCST and violations can result in fines or legal action.
Before booking your move, you must:
- Submit a moving form to both your current and new condominium's MCST at least 1-2 weeks in advance
- Obtain special access cards and car park labels for your movers to use resident parking instead of visitor parking
- Arrange for protective coverings for common areas, lifts, and corridors
- Confirm the exact moving time with the MCST to avoid conflicts with other residents
These requirements add complexity to condo moves but are essential for maintaining good relationships with your building management and avoiding costly fines. Most professional moving companies are experienced with these requirements and can guide you through the process.
Landed Property Considerations
Landed properties (terrace houses, semi-detached homes, bungalows) generally have fewer regulatory restrictions but present unique logistical challenges. Access may be limited by narrow driveways, low gates, or tight turning radiuses. Confirm with your moving company that their lorries can access your property safely. Some properties may require temporary removal of gates or careful maneuvering, which can extend moving time and costs.
Environmental and Waste Disposal Regulations
Singapore has strict regulations on waste disposal. Items like old furniture, electronics, and renovation waste cannot simply be discarded. The National Environment Agency (NEA) requires proper disposal of bulky waste. Professional moving companies are familiar with these requirements and can arrange proper disposal as part of their service. Attempting to dispose of items illegally can result in fines of up to $5,000.
Planning Timeline: When to Start Your Moving Preparation
Successful moves are built on proper planning. Starting early reduces stress, helps you secure better rates, and ensures all regulatory requirements are met. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of what you should accomplish.
8-12 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start Your Property Search: If you haven't already secured your new property, begin searching immediately. Use Homejourney's property search tools to explore options that match your budget and lifestyle requirements. Consider proximity to schools, workplaces, and essential services when making your decision.
Assess Your Current Inventory: Walk through your current home and take stock of what you own. Measure large furniture pieces and note their condition. This inventory will help you plan your move and decide what to keep, sell, or dispose of.
Start Decluttering: Begin the process of sorting items into categories: keep, sell, donate, or discard. Decluttering early gives you time to sell items online (through platforms like Carousell or Facebook Marketplace) and donate items to organizations like the Salvation Army. Reducing your volume by 20-30% can save you $200-$400 on moving costs.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Finalize Your New Property: Complete all negotiations, inspections, and legal procedures for your new property. Obtain a copy of the floor plan from your property agent or developer. This is crucial for planning furniture placement and identifying any access issues.
Get Furniture Measurements: Measure all large furniture pieces (sofas, beds, wardrobes) and compare them against your new home's floor plan. Ensure they can fit through doorways and, if you're moving to an apartment, that they can be transported in the lift. This is one of the most common issues that causes moving delays and damage.
Research Moving Companies: Begin researching moving service providers. On Homejourney, you can compare multiple providers, read verified reviews from real Singapore homeowners, and understand their pricing structure. Look for companies that are experienced with your property type (HDB, condo, or landed property) and have positive customer feedback regarding reliability and care.
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Get Moving Quotes: Contact 3-4 moving companies and request detailed quotes. Provide accurate information about your current property, new property, and the volume of items you're moving. Compare not just prices but what's included in each quote. The cheapest option isn't always the best if it excludes essential services.
Book Your Moving Service: Once you've selected a moving company, book your preferred date and time. During peak periods (month-end, school holidays, year-end), availability fills up quickly. Booking early secures your date and may qualify you for better rates.
Arrange Lift Bookings: If you're moving from or to an HDB flat, contact your town council to book the lift for your moving day. If moving to a condominium, submit your moving form to the MCST and request approval for your moving date and time.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Notify Service Providers: Inform your utilities provider (SP Group for electricity and water), internet service provider, insurance companies, and any subscription services about your move. Most require at least 2 weeks' notice.
Prepare Change of Address Notifications: Compile a list of all organizations that need to know about your address change: banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, government agencies, and subscription services. Some can be updated online; others require phone calls or letters.
Arrange Additional Services: If you need packing, storage, or disposal services, confirm these arrangements with your moving company. Discuss any special requirements (fragile items, valuable artwork, electronics) that need extra care.
1-2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Finalize Logistics: Confirm all details with your moving company: date, time, number of workers, lorry size, and any special requirements. Provide them with access information for both properties, including parking details, lift booking times, and any building-specific restrictions.
Complete Utility Transfers: Finalize arrangements for electricity, water, gas, and internet disconnection at your old property and connection at your new property. Schedule these to occur just after your moving day to avoid disruptions.
Deep Clean Your Old Property: If you're renting, begin cleaning your old property. For move-out cleaning, consider professional services to ensure you meet your landlord's requirements and recover your security deposit. Homejourney offers move-out cleaning services that are specifically designed to meet landlord standards and include documentation for deposit recovery.
Moving Week
Final Preparations: Confirm your moving date and time with your moving company one final time. Ensure all utilities are scheduled for disconnection and connection. Pack a separate suitcase with essential items you'll need on moving day and the first few nights.
Last-Minute Decluttering: Do a final sweep of your property. Discard or donate any remaining items you don't plan to move. This reduces your moving volume and simplifies the process.
Prepare Your New Home: If possible, visit your new property to clean it, arrange for any necessary repairs, and prepare it for your arrival. This makes the move-in process much smoother.
Pre-Move Checklist and Preparation
A comprehensive pre-move checklist ensures you don't overlook critical tasks. Here's everything you need to prepare before moving day arrives.
Property and Inventory Preparation
- Create a detailed inventory of all furniture and major items with descriptions, measurements, and approximate values for insurance purposes
- Take photos and videos of your current property and valuable items as documentation for insurance claims if damage occurs
- Measure doorways, hallways, and lifts at both properties to ensure large furniture can be moved without damage
- Obtain floor plans from your property agent or developer and plan furniture placement in advance
- Check access routes at both properties for any obstacles, low ceilings, or tight corners that might affect moving
- Arrange for protective coverings (if required by your building) for lifts, corridors, and common areas
Administrative and Utility Preparations
- Notify your utilities provider (SP Group) at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule disconnection and connection
- Contact your internet service provider to arrange disconnection and reconnection at your new property
- Inform your insurance company about your move and update your address
- Update your address with your bank and credit card companies
- Notify your employer and professional associations of your address change
- Update your address with government agencies (this will be done after moving, but start gathering required documents now)
- Change your address with your mobile phone provider and any subscription services
- Arrange for mail redirection through SingPost if needed
Packing and Organization
- Declutter thoroughly to reduce moving volume and costs
- Gather packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape) or arrange for your moving company to provide them
- Start packing non-essential items 2-3 weeks before moving day
- Label all boxes clearly with room destination and contents for efficient unpacking
- Use color-coding (colored tape or markers) to match boxes with their destination rooms
- Create a "first night" box with essential items: toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, and a change of clothes
- Keep valuables separate: jewelry, important documents, electronics, and sentimental items should be hand-carried, not transported by movers
Building-Specific Preparations
For HDB Flats:
- Book the lift through your town council at least 2-4 weeks in advance
- Arrange for protective coverings for the lift (your moving company can assist)
- Notify your town council of your exact moving date and time
- Confirm any building-specific rules or restrictions with your town council
For Condominiums:
- Submit your moving form to your current condominium's MCST at least 1-2 weeks in advance
- Submit your moving form to your new condominium's MCST at least 1-2 weeks in advance
- Request special access cards and car park labels for your movers
- Arrange for protective coverings for common areas, lifts, and corridors
- Confirm the exact moving time with the MCST (remember: weekdays 9am-5pm, Saturdays until 1pm only)
- Notify the MCST of your moving company's name and contact information
Choosing the Right Moving Service Provider
Selecting a reliable moving company is one of the most important decisions in your relocation process. The right mover can make your experience smooth and stress-free; the wrong one can result in damaged belongings, missed appointments, and unnecessary costs.
What to Look for in a Moving Company
Experience with Your Property Type: Look for companies experienced with your specific property type (HDB, condo, or landed property). Companies familiar with HDB regulations, condo MCST requirements, and landed property access challenges will navigate these complexities more efficiently.
Verified Customer Reviews: On Homejourney, all moving service providers are verified and reviewed by real Singapore homeowners. Read reviews carefully, paying attention to comments about punctuality, care of belongings, professionalism, and value for money. Look for patterns in feedback rather than relying on a single review.
Transparent Pricing: Avoid companies that provide vague quotes or have hidden charges. Your quote should clearly itemize: base moving cost, additional services (packing, dismantling, storage), and any extra charges for special requirements. At Homejourney, all quotes are transparent with no hidden fees.
Insurance and Liability Coverage: Confirm that the moving company carries liability insurance. Ask about their coverage limits and what happens if items are damaged during the move. Reputable companies will have clear policies and documentation of their insurance coverage.
Professional Equipment and Materials: Quality moving companies use proper equipment (dollies, furniture sliders, protective coverings) and materials (bubble wrap, foam, cartons) to protect your belongings. Avoid companies that use makeshift or inadequate materials.
Responsive Communication: From your first inquiry through moving day, a good moving company should be responsive and professional. They should answer your questions promptly, provide clear information, and be flexible about your specific requirements.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- How many years have you been operating in Singapore?
- What experience do you have with my property type (HDB/condo/landed)?
- What's included in your base moving cost, and what's charged separately?
- Do you provide packing materials, or should I purchase my own?
- What protective coverings do you use for lifts and common areas?
- What's your liability coverage if items are damaged?
- Can you provide references from recent customers?
- What's your policy if the move takes longer than estimated?
- Do you handle special items (artwork, antiques, electronics) with extra care?
- Are you available on my preferred moving date?
How Homejourney Helps You Choose
Homejourney's platform makes choosing a moving service provider straightforward and safe. We verify all service providers, maintain transparent pricing, and facilitate real reviews from Singapore homeowners. You can compare multiple providers, see their exact pricing, read verified customer feedback, and book with confidence. Our commitment to user safety means you're protected throughout your moving experience.
Moving Day: Step-by-Step Guide
Moving day is the culmination of weeks of planning. Proper execution ensures everything goes smoothly and your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Before the Movers Arrive
- Clear pathways: Remove obstacles from hallways, doorways, and staircases to allow smooth movement of furniture
- Protect your property: Lay down cardboard or protective coverings in hallways and on floors to prevent scratches and damage
- Prepare access: Ensure gates, doors, and lifts are accessible. Have access cards and keys ready for your movers
- Finalize packing: Complete packing of all items except those you're using on moving day
- Prepare the "first night" box: Keep your essential items suitcase easily accessible
- Take final readings: Note meter readings for electricity and water for your final bills
- Do a final walkthrough: Check all rooms, closets, and storage areas to ensure nothing is left behind
When the Movers Arrive
- Greet the team: Welcome your movers and confirm the moving plan with the team leader
- Point out fragile items: Identify items requiring special care (artwork, electronics, antiques)
- Confirm the inventory: Review the list of items being moved to ensure nothing is missed
- Assign a supervisor: Designate someone to supervise the move and answer questions from the movers
- Stay organized: Keep important documents, valuables, and your "first night" box with you, not with the movers
- Take photos: Document the condition of items as they're loaded for insurance purposes if needed
During the Move
- Monitor progress: Periodically check how the move is progressing and address any issues immediately
- Protect your property: Ensure protective coverings remain in place in lifts and common areas
- Manage access: Coordinate with building management if needed, especially in condominiums
- Keep communication open: If issues arise, discuss them calmly with your movers and work together to resolve them
- Provide refreshments: Offer water or light snacks to your movers—it's a thoughtful gesture that often results in better service
At Your New Property
- Direct furniture placement: Guide movers on where furniture should be placed using your pre-planned color-coded system
- Inspect items: As items are unloaded, check them for any damage that occurred during transport
- Verify the inventory: Confirm that all items on the inventory list have been delivered
- Check for missing items: Do a thorough walkthrough of your new property to ensure nothing was left behind
- Document any damage: Take photos of any damaged items immediately and report them to your moving company
- Settle payment: Once you're satisfied with the move, settle payment with your movers. If they've done an excellent job, consider leaving a tip
After Moving Day
- Keep documentation: Retain all moving company receipts and documentation for your records
- File insurance claims if needed: If items were damaged, file claims with your insurance company within the specified timeframe
- Leave a review: Share your experience on Homejourney to help other homeowners make informed choices
- Return rental items: If you rented packing boxes or other items, arrange for their return and refund
