Moving house often starts with excitement. A new space, a fresh start, maybe a better location. But once planning begins, boxes pile up, quotes start coming in, and one question quickly takes over: how much does it cost to move house in Singapore?
This is where many people feel stuck. One mover quotes a few hundred dollars, another quotes much more, and it’s not always clear what’s included. When comparing moving house price estimates, the differences can feel confusing and stressful.
The reality is that moving costs aren’t random. From our experience as local movers in Singapore, prices are typically influenced by factors such as home size, volume of belongings, accessibility, and additional services. Understanding these elements makes budgeting far more straightforward. This guide breaks down moving house costs in Singapore clearly, helping you plan confidently and avoid unexpected charges on moving day.
Average Cost of Moving House in Singapore
In Singapore, most house moves cost anywhere from SGD 300 to SGD 3,000 or more. The gap looks large at first, but it makes sense once you look at what’s involved.
A small HDB flat with basic furniture is quick to move and usually stays on the lower end of the scale. On the other hand, a landed home with multiple floors, heavy furniture, and packing support takes more time, manpower, and vehicle capacity, which pushes the cost up.
As a general guide, smaller homes often cost under SGD 600, medium-sized family homes usually fall between SGD 700 and SGD 1,500, and large or landed properties can exceed SGD 3,000. These figures reflect the typical cost of moving house under normal conditions, without luxury add-ons.
In the end, the final bill usually reflects the cost of movers based on labour, vehicle size, and the amount of transport space required rather than a flat rate.
See Moving Kaki’s moving packages for transparent pricing and flexible options.
Estimated Moving Costs by Property Type in Singapore
The table below shows realistic moving costs, based on property size, typical lorry space requirements, and what’s usually included in a standard house move. These ranges reflect common moving rates offered by professional movers across Singapore.
| Property Type | Estimated Cost (SGD) | Typical Transport Needs | What’s Usually Included |
| Studio / 1-Room HDB | $250 – $500 | Single vehicle trip | Basic loading and unloading |
| 2-Room HDB | $350 – $600 | Single vehicle trip | Light wrapping, simple dismantling |
| 3-Room HDB / Condo | $450 – $800 | One to two trips | Standard furniture assembly |
| 4-Room HDB / Condo | $600 – $1,200 | Multiple vehicle trips | Full furniture dismantling |
| 5-Room / Executive Flat | $800 – $1,600+ | Higher transport volume | Large household move |
| Landed Property | $1,000 – $4,000+ | Multiple trips and vehicles | Multi-storey move, specialised equipment |
These figures reflect standard house moving services in Singapore under normal access conditions. Prices may vary depending on the mover’s price structure and the services you add on.
Extra Moving Costs People Often Forget
Even when the base quote seems reasonable, additional charges for moving house can add up quickly. Here are the most common extras people overlook:
1. Packing & Materials
Cost Range: SGD 50 – SGD 200+
Full packing services, including boxes and bubble wrap, typically cost extra. Handling packing yourself helps reduce the overall cost of moving house by lowering the total moving volume.
2. Storage & Disposal Fees
Cost Range: SGD 50 – SGD 300+
Temporary storage is often needed when renovation timelines change. Disposal fees may apply if you’re clearing bulky furniture.
3. Weekend & Public Holiday Surcharges
Cost Range: SGD 50 – SGD 150+ per hour
Higher demand during peak periods increases moving company prices, especially at month-end.
4. Last-Minute Booking & Distance Fees
Cost Range: SGD 50 – SGD 200+
Urgent bookings or long-distance relocations can increase the overall movers’ cost due to additional travel and scheduling pressure.
5. Special Items & Lift Access Charges
Cost Range: SGD 50 – SGD 500+
Items like pianos, safes, or antiques require special handling and equipment, which affects pricing.
What Affects the Cost of Moving in Singapore?
Two homes can look identical on paper yet cost very different amounts to move. That’s because pricing depends on how the move works on the ground.
1. Type of Home
HDB flats, condos, and landed houses all come with different layouts. Landed homes usually cost more due to stairs, heavier furniture, and longer loading times. Multiple floors also mean more time and manpower for each trip.
2. Distance Between Locations
Short-distance relocations are usually cheaper than cross-island moves, even with similar volumes. Longer distances increase travel time, fuel usage, and overall scheduling costs for movers.
3. Volume of Belongings
Most movers calculate pricing based on how much space your items take up in the vehicle. The more items you have, whether appliances, large furniture, or multiple boxes, the higher the cost. More belongings mean higher moving rates and more manpower to load and unload them.
4. Floor Level and Lift Access
Walk-up units increase labour time, which directly impacts pricing. Limited lift access or narrow staircases can slow down the move and require extra crew support.
5. Packing and Unpacking Services
While convenient, professional packing adds to your total bill. The cost depends on the number of boxes, materials used, and the level of care needed for fragile items.
If you prefer to work with professionals, Moving Kaki provides reliable packing and unpacking services in Singapore, helping homeowners manage packing, transport, and heavy items with less stress.
6. Special or Bulky Items
Items like pianos, safes, antiques, or oversized furniture often require additional handling and specialised equipment, adding to the cost. These items typically need more manpower and extra precautions to prevent damage during transport.
How to Save Money When Moving House in Singapore
Saving money doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means planning smartly.
Ways to reduce expenses include:
- Moving on weekdays to avoid peak surcharges
- Decluttering early to reduce the amount of transport space needed
- Packing smaller items yourself
- Comparing quotes to understand the true moving company prices
Small adjustments like these can significantly lower your total cost of moving house without increasing stress. If you want to keep your moving costs lower, check out our guide on reducing moving costs in Singapore, which covers practical ways to cut expenses without adding stress.
Conclusion
Moving house doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you know what to expect. Understanding typical price ranges, what affects moving costs, and which extras can increase your bill puts you back in control of your budget.
While every move is different, most costs come down to volume, access, timing, and service level. With early planning, clear communication, and realistic expectations, you can manage your moving expenses confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.
A well-planned move not only helps keep costs under control, it also makes the entire transition into your new home smoother and far less stressful, whether you handle most of the process yourself or choose to work with professional movers in Singapore.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to move a house in Singapore?
Weekday moves with fewer items to transport are usually the most affordable. Decluttering and self-packing help keep costs low. Booking early and avoiding month-end dates can also help you secure better rates.
2. Do movers charge by lorry load or by hour?
Most movers charge based on the space required in the vehicle, factoring in labour and access conditions. The final cost depends on how much you’re moving and how complex the job is. Additional services may increase the total even if the transport size stays the same.
3. Can moving costs be negotiated in Singapore?
Yes. Flexible dates and reduced service scope often lead to better deals. Movers are usually more open to adjustments during off-peak periods. Getting multiple quotes makes it easier to compare and negotiate confidently.
4. How far in advance should I book house movers in Singapore?
Two to four weeks in advance is ideal, especially during peak periods. Early booking gives you more choice in time slots and movers. It also reduces the risk of last-minute price increases.
5. Is packing included in house moving services, or does it cost extra?
Basic furniture wrapping is often included, but full packing services typically cost extra. Costs depend on the number of items and materials used. Always confirm the scope in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
