By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 11 October 2026
A local house move in Singapore typically costs about $350 to $1,600 for an HDB flat, according to price guides published by movers in 2026, depending on flat size and whether you pack yourself. A 4-room HDB move is quoted at roughly $500 to $900 if you pack, or $700 to $1,300 for full service. Condos cost about 10% to 20% more than a similar HDB flat, and landed homes start from around $1,500. Expect extra charges for weekends and month-ends (around 10% to 25%), stairs, pianos and safes, and disposal. Condos often require a refundable lift deposit. Always get three written quotes.
Moving day is exciting and exhausting in equal measure. Knowing the price list in advance takes at least one worry off your plate.
Quick facts
- HDB 3-room: about $350 to $600 self-packed, $500 to $900 full service.
- HDB 5-room: about $700 to $1,200 self-packed, $900 to $1,600 full service.
- Typical crew: a 10ft to 14ft lorry with two to four movers for an HDB flat.
- Weekend and month-end premium: about 10% to 25%.
- Condo service-lift deposit: about $500 to $1,000, refundable.
- These are movers’ published ranges, not fixed prices; your quote depends on volume and access.
What a move costs, by home type
| Home | You pack | Full service (packing included) | Typical lorry and crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB 3-room | $350–$600 | $500–$900 | 10–14ft lorry, 2–3 movers |
| HDB 4-room | $500–$900 | $700–$1,300 | 14ft lorry, 3 movers |
| HDB 5-room | $700–$1,200 | $900–$1,600 | 14ft lorry, 3–4 movers |
| Condo, 3 bedrooms | Not quoted | $1,200–$1,800 | Varies |
| Landed, small terrace | Not quoted | $1,500–$2,500 | Varies |
| Landed, 3-storey semi-detached | Not quoted | $3,500–$4,500 and up | Varies |
Source: a mover’s 2026 cost guide, updated August 2026. Another 2026 guide quotes broadly similar HDB ranges. Use them to sense-check quotes, not as a promise.
The extras that push the price up
| Extra | Typical published charge |
|---|---|
| Weekend or last days of the month | About 10% to 25% more |
| Stairs, no lift | About $50 to $150 per flight |
| Long carry at a condo | About $80 to $200 per trip |
| Full packing service | About $200 to $600 on top |
| Piano | About $250 to $500 |
| Safe over 100kg | About $200 to $450 |
| Disposal, full lorry load | About $400 to $700 |
| Condo service-lift deposit | About $500 to $1,000, refundable |
A worked example: a 4-room HDB move
A family packs its own boxes and moves on a Saturday at month-end, with an upright piano and a half-lorry of old furniture to dispose of. Using the midpoints of the published ranges:
- Base move, self-packed: midpoint of $500–$900 = $700.
- Weekend and month-end premium at 20%: $140.
- Piano: midpoint of $250–$500 = $375.
- Half-lorry disposal: midpoint of $150–$400 = $275.
- Estimated total: $700 + $140 + $375 + $275 = $1,490.
Moving midweek in the middle of the month instead would remove the $140 premium. Your real quote will depend on how much you own and the access at both ends.
How to compare quotes
- Ask for a site visit or a video survey so the quote reflects your actual belongings.
- Get at least three written quotes listing the lorry size, number of movers, hours, packing scope and every surcharge.
- Ask what happens if the job overruns, and whether overtime is billed by the hour.
- Check the mover’s insurance cover for damage and breakage, and what it excludes.
- Book condo lift slots, and any loading bay, early with management.
- Ask whether disassembly and reassembly of beds and wardrobes are included.
The WahLiao Verdict
Declutter before you ask for quotes, because every box you do not move is money saved; then book a midweek, mid-month slot if your dates allow. Pack the easy things yourself and pay movers for the heavy and fragile items. Choose the clearest written quote, not just the cheapest, and photograph valuable furniture before it leaves the house.
Questions people ask
When is the cheapest time to move?
Movers’ guides point to midweek days in the middle of the month. Weekends and month-ends carry premiums.
Do I need to pay a deposit at my condo?
Many condos ask for a refundable service-lift deposit, quoted at around $500 to $1,000. Check with your management office.
Is it cheaper to pack myself?
Usually. Published guides show full-service packing adding roughly $200 to $600.
What if something breaks?
Ask about the mover’s insurance before booking and note any damage immediately on moving day. Disputes over small sums can go to the Small Claims Tribunals.
Sources: Aspect Mover, 2026 moving cost guide, updated August 2026; KakiList, movers cost guide, April 2026. These are industry-published ranges; quotes vary. The Big Buy explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Moving House in Singapore: The Checklist · Home Cleaning Services and Hourly Rates · Back to The Big Buy
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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