Essential Guide to Smooth Moving in Singapore: Tips from MOVE MOVE MOVERS

As a nation where nearly 30% of the population consists of expatriates, many foreigners find themselves needing to rent and relocate frequently. Some people move once a year, others even more frequently, making the moving process a daunting task.

Having moved three times in four years due to job changes and my children’s schooling, I have experienced various moving services and faced numerous pitfalls. Therefore, I’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate the moving process in Singapore more smoothly.

There are three main types of moving service providers in the Singapore market: emerging online logistics platforms, traditional logistics companies, and specialized moving companies. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons:

1. Online Logistics Platforms

For my first move in Singapore, I chose a well-known platform, LaLaMov*. These platforms integrate offline logistics resources through an online model, offering immediate quotes with transparent pricing for additional services. While the initial costs seemed low, I quickly learned about the hidden charges:

The quoted price was only for a standard truck; an enclosed truck cost extra.
Extra charges were applied for using a hydraulic tailgate.
Assistance from the driver in moving items was not included in the base price.
Only two hours of moving service were included, with additional fees for extra time.
Despite requesting Chinese-speaking staff due to my limited English proficiency, the workers were non-Mandarin speaking, complicating communication.
Near the end of the move, the driver informed me that not all my items could fit in the truck, leaving me to transport the last few boxes by taxi.

The actual cost was two to three times more than the initial quote, resulting in a frustrating moving experience.

2. Traditional Logistics Companies

After my first ordeal, I opted for a logistics company found on a local BBS forum for my second move. These companies often take on moving jobs to utilize their vehicles and staff more effectively. However, their lack of specialized moving equipment and experience led to significant issues:

Limited equipment like dollies meant repeated handling of furniture, causing damage.
Absence of hydraulic tailgates necessitated manual lifting, risking further damage.
The staff were inexperienced with delicate items like pianos, resulting in additional costs for tuning and repairs.

Despite negotiating a four-hour service based on my previous experience, the job took over five hours due to inefficient handling and route errors by the driver.

3. Specialized Moving Companies

For my third move, I chose a professional moving company, MOVE MOVE MOVERS, which proved to be a superior choice due to:

Use of specialized moving vehicles with automatic tailgates, minimizing damage.
Efficient handling with sufficient dollies and protective measures to ensure furniture safety throughout the move.
Fixed pricing based on inventory, rather than hourly rates, providing more predictable costs.

However, the competitive market has led some companies to attract customers with low initial quotes followed by additional charges, tarnishing customer experience.

4. Standardized Moving Services

At MOVE MOVE MOVERS, we have developed standardized service protocols to streamline the moving process and protect our customers from common pitfalls. Our transparent pricing model is based on vehicle size (10-ft and 14-ft trucks), and we discuss potential issues with customers in advance to ensure a smooth move. Additionally, we handle any apartment deposit issues directly, releasing the funds only when the customer is satisfied with the move, thereby eliminating the risk of withheld deposits due to accidental property damage.

Trust MOVE MOVE MOVERS for a hassle-free, efficient moving experience in Singapore.