How to Choose Moving Costs in Singapore Provider in Singapore: Quick Answer
To choose a reliable moving costs in Singapore provider, shortlist 3–5 licensed movers, insist on a site survey before confirming the moving quote, compare what is included (boxes, wrapping, dismantling, insurance, stairs, parking), and prioritise safety, reviews, and transparency over the lowest movers price or relocation fee.
This cluster guide supports Homejourney’s main relocation and moving costs pillar content by giving you a tactical, step-by-step framework to select a safe, trustworthy mover for your HDB, condo, or landed move in Singapore. For a full price breakdown, also see: Moving Costs in Singapore 2025: Homejourney’s Safe, Realistic Price Guide Moving Costs in Singapore 2025: Homejourney’s Safe, Realistic Price Guide and Moving Costs in Singapore 2025: Complete Price Breakdown with Homejourney Moving Costs in Singapore 2025: Complete Price Breakdown with Homejourney .
Typical Moving Cost Singapore: What You Should Expect
From experience helping families relocate between HDBs in Yishun and Jurong, and condos in areas like Paya Lebar and Tanjong Rhu, most local moves in Singapore fall within these ballpark ranges (for reference only, always confirm with the mover):
- 1–2 room studio / small 2-room flat: about S$200–S$400 (one 10–15 ft lorry, basic labour)
- 3-room HDB / 1-bed condo: about S$300–S$700 depending on volume and services
- 4-room HDB / 2–3 bed condo: about S$600–S$1,200
- Landed home / large condo: S$1,000–S$2,000+ depending on number of trips and packing
Deal sites and comparison articles show many basic packages starting from about S$149–S$300 per 15 ft lorry load, often including boxes and wrapping for bulky items (for example, some budget movers advertise S$155–S$298 nett per truckload with labour and cartons included)[2]. These are usually suitable for smaller apartments or partial moves.
For international relocation, costs can easily go above S$5,000–S$12,000 or more depending on destination and container size[5], which is why you should never decide based on price alone. Safety, insurance, and proper documentation are critical.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose a Safe, Trustworthy Mover in Singapore
1. Define Your Move Profile Before Asking for Quotes
Before you look at any moving quote, be very clear about your own needs. This is where many people under-estimate costs and end up facing last-minute top-ups.
Write down:
- Property types: e.g. 4-room HDB at Sengkang to 3-bed condo in Clementi
- Lift access & distance: Is there a direct lift landing? How far is the lobby from the loading bay? (In older HDBs like some blocks in Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio, long corridors and split levels can add manpower fees.)
- Parking constraints: For CBD or town condos (e.g. River Valley, Tanjong Pagar), check if lorries can enter the basement, and whether a height limit applies.
- Volume of items: Rough idea of number of large furniture, appliances, and boxes.
- Special items: Piano, marble tables, large aquarium, safes, fragile antiques.
- Services needed: Packing/unpacking, dismantling/assembly, disposal, temporary storage, night move.
Insider tip: In dense areas like Tiong Bahru or Joo Chiat, narrow streets and limited parking can increase labour time. Tell the mover your exact block, street, and whether loading bays are shared with shops or offices.
2. Shortlist Movers with Strong Safety & Trust Signals
Homejourney always recommends prioritising safety, transparency, and track record over the lowest movers price. When evaluating providers:
- Business legitimacy: Check ACRA registration, website, and Singapore contact number.
- Clear company address: Avoid providers that only use prepaid mobile numbers and no physical or warehouse address.
- Reviews from Singapore customers: Look for consistent recent reviews mentioning punctuality, careful handling, and honest billing.
- Insurance coverage: Ask what happens if they damage your built-in wardrobe or scratch marble flooring in a new launch condo from Projects Directory .
- Safety culture: Do they use trolleys, proper straps, and thick blankets, or just bare hands? This makes a big difference for heavy lifts in old walk-up apartments.
Insider tip: For older HDB estates with strict Town Council rules, confirm the mover will handle lift padding and protection boards (sometimes you must book lift usage slots). This can prevent fines or complaints from neighbours.
3. Always Request a Site Survey Before Confirming Price
For anything more than a small studio, a physical or video site survey is the best way to lock in an accurate moving cost in Singapore.
Ask the mover to:
- Inspect both origin and destination (or at least get clear videos of access routes, lifts, and loading bays).
- Measure or visually assess bulky items like fridges, wardrobes, king beds, and sofas.
- Confirm number of trips, size of lorry (10 ft vs 15 ft), and manpower needed.
Insider tip: If you are moving into a brand new BTO in Punggol, Sembawang or Tengah, check HDB and BTO group chat updates for the latest on lift operations and loading bay readiness. Sometimes only one lift is active, which can extend move time and costs.
4. How to Read and Compare Moving Quotes Properly
Two movers can quote S$500 and S$700, yet the S$700 quote may actually be cheaper overall once you factor in packing, insurance and time saved. Here is how to compare moving quotes line by line.
- Base movers price: Is it per truckload, per item, or a fixed lump sum? Many budget movers quote per 15 ft lorry load from about S$150–S$300[2].
- Included materials: Number of carton boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, wardrobe boxes.
- Included services: Packing, dismantling, assembly, protection for floors and walls, labelling.
- Staircase / no-lift fees: Per floor charge if there is no lift access or if large items can’t fit in the lift.
- Long carry fees: Extra charge if the distance from unit to lorry exceeds a certain number of metres.
- Penalty / waiting time: Overtime or waiting charges if key collection at HDB/condo is delayed.
- Insurance & liability: Is damage to items or building covered? Up to what limit?
Insider tip: In tight condos like some in Robertson Quay or Tanjong Rhu, long corridors and multiple lift lobbies can trigger “long carry” fees. Ask specifically if your quote already includes these.
What A Safe, Transparent Moving Quote Should Include
A trustworthy provider in Singapore, aligned with Homejourney’s safety-first values, should be willing to put everything in writing. Before you pay any deposit, make sure the quote clearly lists:
- Full addresses of origin and destination units (including unit numbers and postal codes).
- Date and estimated time window (e.g. 9am–1pm) and what happens if rain or delays occur.
- Number of lorries and movers assigned.
- Scope of work: packing vs transport only; dismantling and reassembly list.
- Itemised charges: base fee, materials, additional services, staircase charges, surcharges.
- Insurance details and claims process.
- Payment terms: deposit amount, accepted methods (PayNow, bank transfer), and when balance is due.
