How to choose a mover in Singapore: questions to ask and red flags
How to choose a mover in Singapore: what a good quote includes, questions to ask about insurance and damage, and red flags to avoid.
Updated 2 min read
Knowing how to choose a mover saves money and stress: the cheapest quote isn't always the best value. A good mover arrives on time, protects your things and your home, and charges what they quoted. Here's how to tell them apart before you book.
What a good quote looks like
A good quote is in writing and includes:
- the company's registered name and UEN
- the date, start time and both addresses with floor levels
- what's included: manpower, lorry size and trips, packing materials, wrapping, dismantling and reassembly
- what costs extra, and how much: disposal, long carry, stairs, waiting time, weekend or public holiday surcharge
- the payment terms: deposit, balance, and how you can pay
If two quotes differ a lot, the difference is usually in what's included. Our moving costs guide shows how to compare them like for like.
Questions to ask every mover
- Can you survey first, on site or by video? It gives a firmer price.
- How many crew and what size lorry? Too few people means a longer, slower move.
- What happens if something is damaged? Ask about insurance, limits per item, and the claim process.
- Will you protect floors, doors and lifts? Essential in new flats and condos.
- Do you dismantle and reassemble beds and wardrobes? Some movers charge extra or don't do complex items.
- Who's my contact on the day? You want a name and number.
Red flags
- A price far below every other quote. Expect it to grow on the day.
- No written quote, or a quote with no company name or UEN.
- Pressure to pay most of the price before the move.
- Vague answers about extras: "we'll see on the day".
- No answer about damage or insurance.
You can check a company's UEN on ACRA's Bizfile. If a dispute with a business can't be resolved, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) offers advice and mediation.
Before the movers leave
Walk through both homes with the crew lead. Check that everything has arrived and that furniture is reassembled. Photograph any damage and raise it before you sign off or pay the balance.
How ServeGig helps
Movers on ServeGig are vetted before they can receive requests, including a check of their registered business. Describe your move once and up to 3 of them contact you with quotes, so you can compare using the questions above. Try movers in Hougang or Woodlands.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check that a moving company is legitimate?
Ask for the company's registered name and UEN and check it on ACRA's Bizfile. Make sure the written quote carries the same company name, and that you have a contact who will be there on the day.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
It depends on the mover. Ask whether they carry insurance, what it covers, the limits per item, and how to make a claim. For valuable items, ask whether extra cover is available or check your own home insurance.
What are the warning signs of a bad mover?
A price far below every other quote, no written quote, no company name or UEN, pressure to pay most of the price up front, and vague answers about what costs extra.
Should the mover survey my home first?
For anything bigger than a small move, yes. An on-site or video survey lets the mover see your furniture and access, so the price is firmer and there are fewer surprises on the day.
Sources
Facts checked against these sources on 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the source or provider before you rely on them.
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