Moving house is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful life events, and in Singapore there are extra layers to manage: lift bookings, management office notifications, tight tenancy handover dates and the sheer heat and humidity that makes a poorly planned move miserable.
This checklist from RR Handyman Service walks you through a well-organised Singapore move, from eight weeks out to the day after, so nothing gets forgotten and nothing gets broken.
Eight Weeks Before Moving Day
- Confirm your dates. Align your key collection date, tenancy end date and moving date. Leave a buffer of at least three days between moving out and handing over the old place.
- Book your mover. Good moving companies in Singapore get booked out around month-end and weekends. Book early.
- Start decluttering. Be ruthless. Anything you have not used in a year is unlikely to be used in the new place.
- Plan disposal. Arrange dismantling and disposal for bulky items you are not taking, such as old sofas, mattresses and wardrobes.
- Notify your landlord or tenant. If you are renting, serve notice in writing as required by your agreement.
- Start collecting boxes. Ask supermarkets, or request carton boxes from your mover.
Four Weeks Before Moving Day
- Book the lift. For HDB, contact the Town Council. For condominiums, contact the management office. Lift bookings usually require a deposit, which is refunded if no damage occurs.
- Notify your management office. Confirm the moving date, time window, loading bay access and any renovation or moving fees.
- Arrange utilities. Schedule the transfer or activation of electricity, water and gas at the new address.
- Update your address. Notify your bank, employer, insurance provider, SingPost and any subscription services.
- Plan your packing. Decide what you will pack yourself and what the movers will handle.
- Arrange disposal of old furniture. Book dismantling and clearance if you have not already done so.
Two Weeks Before Moving Day
- Confirm the mover in writing. Get the final scope, price, arrival time and crew size in writing.
- Begin packing non-essentials. Books, decorative items, off-season clothing and stored items first.
- Label every box. Write the destination room and a brief description of contents on each box.
- Arrange handyman services at the new place. Book any installation or repair work, such as curtain tracks, TV mounting or door adjustments.
- Book cleaning. Arrange an end-of-tenancy clean for the old place and a pre-move clean for the new one.
One Week Before Moving Day
- Pack your essentials box. Toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, medication, basic tools and snacks. Keep this box with you, not in the moving truck.
- Defrost and clean the fridge. Do this at least twenty-four hours before the move so it is not dripping.
- Disconnect appliances. Washing machine, dryer, TV and computer equipment.
- Dismantle furniture. Beds, wardrobes and shelving should be taken apart and hardware bagged and labelled.
- Take photos of electronics wiring. Photograph the back of your TV, router and computer setup so you can reconnect everything easily.
- Confirm the lift booking. Call to reconfirm with the Town Council or management office.
Moving Day
- Protect the old place. Lay cardboard or mats along the main path to prevent scratches on floors and doorways.
- Do a final walkthrough. Check every cupboard, wardrobe, storeroom and bathroom before the truck leaves.
- Hand over keys. If you are renting, complete the handover inspection and return the keys.
- Direct the crew at the new place. Point out where each labelled box should go, and which room is which.
- Inspect items on arrival. Note any damage before signing the delivery confirmation.
- Reassemble essential furniture first. Beds and wardrobes, so you have somewhere to sleep and store clothes.
- Test the utilities. Run the taps, flush the toilets, and check that electricity and water are working.
The Day After Moving
- Unpack the kitchen and bathroom first so daily life can resume.
- Do a second check for damage and report anything to the mover immediately.
- Dispose of empty boxes responsibly, either through your mover or at a recycling point.
- Meet your neighbours and note down the rubbish collection schedule.
- Register with the nearest clinic, and update your address with the relevant government agencies if required.
Packing Tips for Singapore's Climate
- Wrap electronics in bubble wrap and keep them away from direct sunlight in the truck.
- Avoid packing candles, aerosols or anything heat-sensitive in a closed vehicle.
- Place desiccant sachets in boxes containing clothing, books or leather goods.
- Do not pack liquids in the same box as electronics, in case of leakage.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes to avoid overloading.
Typical Moving Costs in Singapore
| Service | Typical Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| HDB 3-room flat, basic move | $350 – $600 |
| HDB 4-room flat, basic move | $450 – $800 |
| 5-room or executive flat | $600 – $1,200 |
| Condo, larger unit | $700 – $1,500 |
| Full packing service | Add $250 – $800 |
| Furniture dismantling and reassembly | Add $80 – $250 per item |
| Piano or safe moving | $250 – $800 |
| Disposal of unwanted furniture | $150 – $600 depending on volume |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a mover in Singapore?
Two to four weeks is recommended for standard moves. During peak periods such as month-end and school holidays, book earlier.
Do I really need a lift booking?
Yes. Both HDB and condominiums require advance booking for lift use during a move. Moving without a booking can result in being turned away by security or incurring a fine.
Can I move on a Sunday or public holiday?
HDB moves are typically not permitted on Sundays and public holidays. Condominium rules vary, so check with your management office.
Should I tip my movers?
Tipping is not standard practice in Singapore, but it is appreciated if the crew does an especially careful job.
What if something breaks during the move?
Report it immediately, with photos, before signing the delivery confirmation. Discuss coverage with your mover beforehand, especially for high-value or fragile items.
Book a Reliable Moving Service in Singapore
RR Handyman Service provides house moving, office relocation, packing, dismantling and reassembly across Singapore. We handle lift bookings, building coordination and protective wrapping, so your move is smooth from door to door.
Call or WhatsApp +65 8624 3080 or email rrhandymansg@gmail.com for a free moving quotation.
