Planning a move in 2025 and trying to work out your moving cost in Singapore? Whether you are shifting from a 3-room HDB in Tampines to a resale condo in Queenstown, or upgrading from a condo in Punggol to a landed home in Serangoon Gardens, the costs can add up quickly – and unexpectedly.
This definitive Homejourney guide gives you a transparent, 2025-updated movers price and relocation fee breakdown, plus practical, local insider tips so you can compare every moving quote confidently and avoid surprise charges. Homejourney’s priority is user safety and trust, so we focus on verified information, realistic examples, and clear disclaimers to help you make safe, well-informed decisions.
Table of Contents
- 1. Executive Overview: Typical Moving Costs in Singapore (2025)
- 2. Core Price Breakdown by Property Type & Size
- 3. Key Factors That Change Your Moving Cost
- 4. Hidden & Extra Fees Most People Miss
- 5. Local vs International Moving Costs from Singapore
- 6. How to Read & Compare a Moving Quote Safely
- 7. Step‑by‑Step Budget Planner for Your Move
- 8. Money‑Saving Strategies (Without Compromising Safety)
- 9. Practical Moving Day Tips from a Local Perspective
- 10. Nearby “Tourism‑Style” Considerations for Newcomers
- 11. How Homejourney Supports Every Step of Your Move
- 12. FAQ: Moving Cost Singapore 2025
1. Executive Overview: Typical Moving Costs in Singapore (2025)
In 2025, a typical local move in Singapore costs roughly:
- SGD 250 – 450 for a small 1–2 room flat or studio, basic move only[3][2].
- SGD 400 – 800 for a 3–4 room HDB or small condo[1][2][5].
- SGD 800 – 1,500 for a 5-room flat or larger condo, especially with more bulky furniture[1][2][3][5].
- From SGD 1,000+ for landed properties or premium full‑service moves[1][3][4].
Most households end up paying somewhere between SGD 300 and SGD 1,000 for a local move, depending on services (packing, dismantling, disposal, insurance) and complexity such as stairs or lack of lift access[3][4].
Important safety note: Cheap does not always mean safe. Reputable movers in Singapore will:
- Provide a written itemised moving quote.
- Do a site visit or video assessment before confirming price.
- Explain insurance coverage and liability clearly[3][4].
Homejourney recommends comparing at least three verified movers, not just on price, but also on safety practices, reviews, and clarity of terms.
2. Core Price Breakdown by Property Type & Size
Below is a Singapore‑specific 2025 price guide compiled from multiple local movers and cost guides[1][2][3][4][5]. Actual prices vary by company, but this gives you a realistic range to plan your budget.
2.1 Average Moving Costs by Home Type (Local Moves)
From experience, moving a typical 4-room resale HDB in Ang Mo Kio (with full furniture, kids’ study desks, and appliances) to a condo in Hougang usually ends up in the $700 – $1,000 range if you include dismantling, basic packing, and protection wrap. If you add full packing of all loose items, the cost can cross $1,200 easily.
2.2 Pricing by Lorry Loads & Hourly Rates
Some movers price based on lorry loads and hours instead of flat packages. According to 2025 mover data[3]:
- $250 – $350 per one lorry load (standard 14ft truck)[3].
- $950 – $1,500 for five lorry loads, suitable for bigger homes[3].
- $70 – $120 per hour for hourly labour + truck models[3].
If you are moving from a compact condo along Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) near Lentor station with minimal furniture, one lorry load is sometimes enough, especially for young couples who started with basic furnishings from IKEA or Taobao.
2.3 Quick Reference Table: What Different Service Levels Cost
3. Key Factors That Change Your Moving Cost
Beyond property size, several local Singapore factors can swing your moving cost Singapore up or down.
3.1 Property Type: HDB vs Condo vs Landed
Costs differ because of access and regulations:
- HDB flats: Usually straightforward, but some older blocks have no lift access to every floor. If movers need to use staircases (for example, in older blocks in Toa Payoh Lorong 4), expect extra manpower charges of $80 – $120 per trip[2][3].
- Condos: MCST rules apply. Movers often have to book service lifts, security slots, and provide insurance / indemnity forms, which can mean extra admin or waiting time[2]. You may also have to pay a refundable deposit to the condo management.
- Landed homes: Multi‑storey movements (especially spiral staircases in older Serangoon or Siglap terraces) add lifting risk and time. Movers may need extra manpower and special equipment, raising costs[1][3][4].
3.2 Distance & Traffic Conditions
In compact Singapore, distance is still a factor. Many movers add a small premium for East‑to‑West or North‑to‑South cross‑island trips. Travel charges are often quoted as:
- $50 – $150 per trip depending on distance and zones[3].
Moving during peak hours (e.g. weekday mornings near the CBD, or evenings along PIE/CTE) can slow things down. Some movers charge 20–30% more for peak periods or weekend evenings[3]. From experience, booking your slot after 10am and ending before 4pm avoids the worst congestion and saves on idle truck time.
3.3 Volume & Special Items
Total volume (measured by lorry load or cubic metres) is one of the biggest cost drivers. Expect surcharges for items such as:
- Pianos: Typically $150 – $300 extra depending on type and stairs involved[3].
- Large fridges, marble tables, fish tanks: Often attract heavy‑item fees.
- Safe boxes: May require special handling or additional manpower.
If you own a big upright piano in a 5-room HDB in Bishan with no direct lift access, most movers will insist on extra manpower and quote you near the top end of ranges.
3.4 Packing Services & Materials
Professional packing can add 25–40% to your relocation fee but saves days of work and reduces breakage risk[2][3][4]. Typical add‑ons:
- Boxes: $30 – $50 for 10–15 boxes; $50 – $80 for 20–30 boxes[2].
- Bubble wrap/shrink wrap for fragile items: sometimes included, sometimes +$30 – $80[2][3].
- Full packing service (movers pack everything for you): often pushes total to $700 – $1,500+ for mid‑to‑large homes[2][3][4].
Local tip: In many estates like Sengkang or Bukit Panjang, neighbours happily give away used moving boxes via residents’ Telegram or WhatsApp groups – ask your block chat before buying boxes.
3.5 Timing: Peak Season & Last‑Minute Bookings
Peak moving periods include:
- End‑month weekends (lease expiry period).
- School holiday months (June and December).
- Pre‑CNY weeks and auspicious dates popular with Chinese families.
During peak seasons, movers often charge 20–30% higher or have limited availability[3][4]. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you more bargaining room and safer time slots.
4. Hidden & Extra Fees Most People Miss
Many complaints about movers in Singapore stem from unexpected charges on moving day. Here are common extras you should clarify upfront.
4.1 Stairs, Long Carry & Poor Access
You may be charged more if movers must:
- Carry items up or down stairs due to no lift access or faulty lifts.
- Walk long distances from lorry parking to block (common in older estates with limited loading bays).
Expect around $80 – $120 extra when regular lift access is not possible[2][3]. If your new BTO in Punggol or Tengah is still surrounded by construction and trucks cannot park near your block, clarify this with movers in advance.
4.2 Condo & Building Management Charges
Condo MCSTs often require:
- Booking of service lifts within fixed time windows.
- Security deposits or administrative fees for moving.
- Proof of public liability insurance from the mover[2].
While these are not paid to the mover, delays due to lift booking or security checks can extend job time and lead to overtime charges. Always confirm your condo’s rules with the management office at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
