Peak windows
Semester breaks (May–June, November–December) are busiest. Rates may rise and trucks book out fast.
If you can, avoid the very first and last days of term and opt for weekday slots or the tail end of holidays to save money.
Parking passes
On-campus halls (e.g. NUS Kent Ridge, NTU Hall, SIM dorms) usually require a temporary parking permit; apply via your hall office at least a week before.
Private rentals in Bukit Timah, Clementi, Geylang, etc., may have height or loading restrictions. Check with your landlord or condo management before moving day.
Small loads (3–5 boxes + a folding table): SGD 100–150
Medium loads (8–12 boxes + a single bed frame): SGD 180–250
Full rooms or long-distance (e.g. NUS→Woodlands): SGD 300–400
Remember extras like stair-carry fees (SGD 5–10 per floor), distance surcharges (>15 km @ SGD 1–2/km), and parking fines (~SGD 70).
Sort by category
Daily essentials (clothes, bedding, toiletries): use your suitcase or a reusable tote.
Books & documents: use small boxes (≤10 kg each) and label “Books.”
Electronics: wrap in bubble wrap or towels; fill any gaps with crumpled paper.
Flat-pack furniture (e.g. folding desks, chair): disassemble, bundle parts together, and wrap in old sheets.
Supplies source
Ask your hallmates for leftover boxes, or grab second-hand cartons via Carousell/Shopee (SGD 0.50–1 each).
Pick up bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels from Daiso or FairPrice.
Inventory list
Photograph each packed box and keep a simple Google Sheet: “Box # – Contents.”
Mark boxes clearly—e.g. “Fragile,” “Textbooks,” “Kitchen.”
Self-drive van rental
Good for very light moves. Vans cost ~SGD 50–70 for four hours, but you’ll handle all loading/unloading yourself. Works if you’re at city-centre schools like SIM or Kaplan.
Professional movers
Ideal for medium-to-large loads or long distances (e.g. NTU→Changi).
Includes 2–3 movers and usually covers basic liability. Book at least two weeks in advance during term breaks.
MRT + ride-hailing
If you only have a few boxes, you can take them on the MRT (check size limits) and call a Grab/GoGoVan for short hops. This avoids peak-hour van rates but requires more coordination.
Elevator logistics
Student residences often require elevator booking (and a refundable deposit of SGD 20–50).
Some condos ban moving vans from the drop-off point—plan for “last 50 m on foot.”
Mini-storage
If you leave Singapore for vacation, services like RedBox or Lock+Store rent lockers (~SGD 30–40/month for 3 ft³). Great for books or seasonal items.
Sea freight coordination
For shipping belongings home, look for “household goods consolidation” providers that pick up locally and ship in a container. Book at least 4 weeks ahead of peak holiday season.
First priority: bedding and change of clothes—so you can rest comfortably.
Next: toiletries and simple kitchenware (instant noodles, utensils)—so you can eat right away.
Then: set up your study corner (desk, lamp) to stay on top of assignments.
Finally: electronics and décor; connect your router and chargers.
Campus tips
NUS Kent Ridge: UTown and Science Canteen are nearby for cheap packaged meals on moving day.
NTU Jurong: Many HDB room rentals nearby—check Carousell groups for “moving help.”
SIM & Kaplan (City Campus): CBD parking is tight; aim for 9–11 am or 2–4 pm slots to avoid lunchtime and evening peak.
Peer support
Join your school’s Facebook/Telegram groups; students often post “free moving help” requests in exchange for small meals.
Look out for hall or polytechnic “student mover volunteer” programs—some institutions run volunteer schemes each break.
Insurance: ask movers if they include “moving insurance” or if you need to top up separately.
Bulk-item disposal: HDB flats offer free collection by appointment for unwanted furniture—book via OneService app.
Tech setup: snap photos of your home-network cables before unplugging to avoid confusion on reassembly.
Payment: besides cash, many movers accept PayNow, GrabPay or credit cards (check for processing fees).
Singapore’s top-rated mover, dedicated to professional, reliable, and seamless moves.
