The prospect of settling into a new home often brings a wave of excitement, quickly followed by the practical considerations of the move itself. Particularly, how to transport all your furniture and personal belongings. What are your options and how much do they cost? Here’s our ultimate guide to moving house in Singapore.
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself
For those with a hands-on approach or a keen eye on the budget, undertaking a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) move by renting a vehicle is a popular choice. This path offers maximum control but requires careful planning and considerable effort.
Renting Vans And Lorries
The first step in a DIY move is selecting an appropriate vehicle. The choice largely depends on the volume of furniture and personal belongings.
- Vans: These are well-suited for smaller moves, such as relocating from a studio or one-bedroom apartment, or when only a few bulky items need transporting. They can typically accommodate items like a dismantled single bed, a small refrigerator, or a washing machine. Cargo volumes generally range from approximately 4.3 cubic metres to 6.2 cubic metres.
- 10ft Lorry: A step up from a van, the 10ft lorry is often adequate for a one-bedroom home or moves involving slightly more furniture. It can usually carry around 1 tonne of goods, including items like a queen-sized bed, larger appliances, and a good number of boxes.
- 14ft Lorry: For those moving from two or three-bedroom homes, a 14ft lorry offers more space, capable of handling king-sized beds and more extensive furniture sets. These lorries typically have a capacity of around 3 tonnes.
- 24ft Lorry: While available, these larger lorries are less commonly required for typical HDB or condominium moves unless the household is exceptionally large.
It is important for individuals to assess their inventory accurately to choose a vehicle that is neither too small, necessitating multiple trips, nor too large, leading to unnecessary expense.’
Driving License: What You Need to Drive
In Singapore, a Class 3 Driving License is generally sufficient for renting and operating most vans (like the Toyota Hiace) and 10ft lorries. Some sources even suggest that a Class 3 license may permit the operation of 14ft lorries. However, this is subject to the vehicle’s unladen weight and the specific policies of the rental company.
Therefore, it is crucial to confirm the exact license requirements with the rental provider before booking.
For expatriates planning a DIY move, a valid foreign driving license, if not in English, must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). These documents are typically valid for driving in Singapore for up to 12 months, after which conversion to a Singapore driving license is mandatory.
Rental companies usually have minimum age requirements, typically between 22 to 25 years, and may require at least one to two years of qualified driving experience. The assumption that a Class 3 license is universally sufficient for any van or small lorry can lead to complications if the chosen vehicle has specific restrictions or if the rental company’s policy differs. Diligent verification is key.
Typical Rental Rates
Rental costs for moving vehicles in Singapore vary based on the vehicle type, rental duration, and whether a driver is included.
- Hourly Rentals (With Driver): This is a common option, particularly for those who prefer not to drive themselves. Rentalorry, for instance, offers 14ft lorry rental at $60-$75 per hour for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Per Trip / Simple Transport: For straightforward point A to B moves, Rentalorry offers services starting from S$60 with a van. GoGoX provides van rentals with a base price of S$25-S$39 and 10ft lorries from S$42-S$71. These base prices typically cover the driver loading and unloading from the vehicle, with door-to-door service incurring extra charges.
- Daily/Monthly Self-Drive Rentals: This option suits those who want complete control over a longer moving period. Van Rental Singapore lists monthly rates for vans starting from S$1,000 to S$1,350, depending on the contract length and age of the van. For shorter-term needs, Shariot offers van sharing from S$6.90 per hour , while daily rentals for cars and vans can range from S$70 to S$126. Some estimates place daily van rental costs between S$100 and S$200.
While DIY moving is often pursued for cost savings, beware of “hidden costs.” Expenses such as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), fuel, potential parking fees, the purchase or rental of moving equipment, and the significant investment of personal time and physical exertion can accumulate. These factors might make the actual cost of DIY higher than initially anticipated if not managed carefully.
DIY: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Potential Cost Savings: This is often the primary motivation, as it eliminates the labor costs of a professional moving crew.
- Control and Flexibility: The mover dictates the schedule, packing pace, and handling of items, with the option for multiple trips if necessary.
- Convenience: Renting a vehicle for an entire day can allow for a more relaxed moving pace compared to the fixed schedules of professional movers.
Cons:
- Significant Physical Effort and Time: The entire process, from packing and heavy lifting to driving a larger vehicle, navigating, and unpacking, falls on the individual.
- Risk of Damage or Injury: Without professional experience, there’s a higher chance of damaging furniture or sustaining personal injuries.
- Hidden Costs: Beyond the rental fee, costs for fuel, ERP, parking, moving supplies, and the value of one’s own time can add up.
- Stress: Managing all logistical aspects of a move can be overwhelming.
Option 2: Professional Moving Services
For those seeking a less strenuous moving experience, particularly for larger homes or when time is a constraint, hiring full-service professional movers is a common solution. These companies typically manage most aspects of the move.
What Do Full-Service Movers Offer?
Professional moving companies in Singapore offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to make relocations as smooth as possible. These often include:
- A pre-move survey to assess the volume of items and logistical requirements.
- Packing of all household goods, including fragile items, often using materials they provide.
- Dismantling of furniture (e.g., beds, large tables) and reassembly at the new location.
- Loading items onto the moving vehicle, transportation, and unloading at the destination.
- Insurance coverage for belongings during transit, offering financial protection against damage or loss.
- Some companies also offer unpacking services and temporary storage solutions if the new home isn’t immediately ready.
- Specialized handling for delicate or bulky items such as pianos, artwork, or gym equipment.
The Price Tag: Understanding Mover Quotations
The cost of hiring professional movers in Singapore is influenced by several factors:
- Volume and Weight of Belongings: The more items to be moved, the higher the cost.
- Size of Home: Quotes are often based on the type of dwelling (e.g., studio apartment, 3-room HDB, 5-room HDB).
- Distance of the Move: While less of a major factor for local moves within Singapore compared to international relocations, it can still play a role.
- Accessibility: Challenges such as the absence of a lift (requiring items to be carried via stairs) or long pushing distances from the vehicle to the residence can increase labor costs and the price.
- Special Handling: Items requiring specialized care, like pianos or antiques, or complex furniture that needs dismantling and reassembly, will typically incur additional charges.
- Packing Services: Opting for full packing services by the movers will be more expensive than if the client packs their own belongings.
- Timing of the Move: Scheduling a move during peak periods (e.g., weekends, month-ends) or requiring services outside of standard working hours may lead to higher rates.
- Insurance Coverage: The level of insurance selected can also affect the final quotation.
Average Cost Estimates in Singapore:
- Studio apartment: Approximately S$375.
- 3-room HDB flat: Around S$500.
- 4-room HDB flat: Approximately S$700 , with some estimates ranging from S$800 to S$1,200.
- 5-room HDB flat: Around S$900.
- General range for professional moves: S$350 to S$1,500.
- Some budget movers might offer rates like S$300 per 15ft lorry load for door-to-door service.
It is always advisable to obtain a detailed, itemized quotation. Inquiring about potential extra charges for unforeseen circumstances (e.g., extended carrying distances, stair access only, disposal of items) is crucial. Many negative moving experiences stem from unexpected charges. Thus, quote transparency is paramount.
A reputable mover will be upfront about all potential costs, often after an on-site survey for larger moves.
Hiring Professionals: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Convenience and Reduced Stress: Movers typically handle most aspects of the move, saving significant time and physical effort.
- Efficiency and Expertise: Experienced crews are generally faster and possess the knowledge to handle various items safely and effectively.
- Safety and Insurance: There is a reduced risk of damage to belongings or personal injury. Goods are usually insured during transit.
- Proper Equipment: Professional movers come equipped with the necessary tools, packing materials, and appropriate vehicles.
Cons:
- Cost: This is generally the most expensive option for moving.
- Less Control: Clients entrust their possessions to others, and scheduling might be less flexible compared to a DIY move.
- Effort in Selection: Finding a trustworthy and competent mover requires research and careful vetting to avoid unreliable operators.
Option 3: On-Demand Van Services
A practical middle ground between a full DIY move and hiring professional movers is the use of on-demand “man with a van” services. Companies like Lalamove and GoGoX offer app-based platforms for booking transport, suitable for smaller moves or when only a few pieces of furniture need shifting.
On-Demand Services Like Lalamove & GoGoX
These services are typically booked via a mobile app, offering quick, on-demand, or scheduled transportation for goods. They are particularly well-suited for:
- Transporting a few large items (e.g., a newly purchased sofa, refrigerator).
- Small studio or single-room moves.
- Picking up bulky items bought from platforms like Carousell.
- Situations where individuals are budget-conscious but require assistance with heavy lifting and transportation.
These services effectively fill a niche for moves that are too substantial for a personal car but may not warrant the expense or scale of a full-service moving company.
How They Work & What They Cost
Vehicle Options: Both Lalamove and GoGoX offer a range of vehicles, typically including vans (e.g., 1.7m or 2.4m vans) and lorries of various sizes (e.g., 10ft, 14ft, and even 24ft lorries).
Driver Help & Manpower: This is a critical area where services differ, and users must pay close attention to what is included in the base price versus what constitutes an add-on.
- Lalamove: For van services, the driver’s assistance with loading and unloading (items typically limited to 25kg per item if driver is alone) is often included in the door-to-door service. Additional helpers can be requested for a fee (e.g., +S$30 to +S$60).
For lorries, the driver’s help is usually an extra charge (e.g., +S$30 for 10ft/14ft lorries), and additional helpers also incur fees (e.g., +S$40 each). For lorry moves requiring comprehensive assistance, selecting their “Moving Services” option during booking is essential.
- GoGoX: The base price for van and lorry rentals typically includes the driver loading and unloading items from the vehicle only.
Full door-to-door service, where the driver assists in moving items into the house, is an additional service with associated manpower fees. For example, a van driver’s assistance for door-to-door might be S$15, while a lorry driver’s help could range from S$30-S$60. Additional helpers also come at an extra cost, typically S$30-S$60 each.
Pricing Structure:
- Lalamove: Pricing is calculated dynamically within the app based on the pickup and drop-off locations, selected vehicle type, and any additional services chosen (like extra helpers, wrapping, or assembly/dismantling, which are quoted by the driver via customer service). Additional stop charges apply, ranging from S$8 to S$20 depending on the vehicle.
- GoGoX: Pricing starts with a base fare determined by vehicle type and distance, with manpower fees added separately. Additional surcharges can apply for trips to CBD areas, secured zones, extended waiting times, and other specific conditions.
The attractive low base rates of on-demand services can escalate if multiple add-ons are required (e.g., several helpers, packing, navigating stairs, CBD delivery). Users should carefully assess their needs to get a realistic final cost, as it can sometimes approach that of a budget full-service mover.
Is This For You? Best Scenarios for On-Demand Services
On-demand “man with a van” services are most suitable when:
- Moving only a few large furniture items.
- Relocating a small studio apartment or a single room, especially if most packing is done by the individual.
- Budget is a primary concern, but some assistance with heavy lifting and transport is necessary.
- Quick or same-day service is needed.
- The individual prefers not to drive a large rental vehicle themselves.
Compared to full-service professional movers, on-demand services are generally cheaper but less comprehensive. For instance, the client often handles all packing, and the service focuses primarily on transportation and basic loading/unloading.
Conclusion
Moving furniture in Singapore, whether to a new HDB flat or a condominium, involves several options, each with its own set of considerations.
The “best” method ultimately hinges on individual circumstances:
- The budget allocated for the move
- The volume and nature of the furniture
- The time available
- And your willingness and ability to undertake the physical demands of packing and lifting.
Regardless of which option you choose, always plan early. Whether it involves booking a rental vehicle, obtaining multiple quotations from professional movers, decluttering and arranging disposal for unwanted items, or notifying building management of the impending move.
Early and thorough planning is the secret ingredient to a significantly less stressful and more organized relocation experience in Singapore.
