How to compare moving company quotes

Moving-company quotes in Singapore are easiest to compare when every mover receives the same inventory and access information. “Move a three-room home” is not enough: one unit may have heavy furniture, a narrow lift and a long carry from the loading bay, while another is mostly boxes. Build a shared brief, ask what is included and record who is responsible if the move runs late or an item is damaged.

What should the inventory include?

List each large item with approximate dimensions, boxes by size and any fragile or valuable pieces. Mark what will be dismantled, packed and reassembled, and by whom. Walk the route at both addresses: lift booking, stairs, loading-bay access, vehicle restrictions, distance from door to truck and available moving hours. Tell movers about a piano, built-in item or awkward stairway before they quote. A photograph helps, but ask whether an on-site or video survey is needed for a firm price.

For an illustrative move, a household has 25 boxes, a sofa, a dining table, two beds and a washing machine. The destination has a reserved lift but the loading bay is 80 metres from the entrance. These quantities are fictional and not an estimate of truck size. One mover might include dismantling the beds while another charges separately, so a base price means little until the scope is matched. The CCCS price-transparency guidance supports asking for the complete payable amount and its conditions; it does not set moving rates.

What should appear on each written quote?

Ask for vehicle and crew size, number of trips, packing materials, protective wrapping, dismantling and reassembly, travel, parking, toll or permit costs if any, waiting time, stairs, overtime, taxes and disposal of packing waste. Ask what changes the price and whether additional work requires your approval. A fixed quote should identify the inventory and access facts it assumes. If the mover proposes hourly billing, ask for the minimum charge and a worked example of the total if the move takes two hours longer than expected.

Get the damage and claims process in writing. What is the company's responsibility if it damages a wall or item, what evidence must you keep, how soon must you report it and what exclusions apply? Do not assume “insured” means every item is covered at replacement value. Take date-stamped photos of fragile or expensive items and the moving route before work begins, without turning an ordinary handover into an accusation. CASE's consumer resources are a route to advice if a dispute arises; a particular outcome depends on the contract and evidence.

How should move day be organised?

Name one person at each address. Keep essential documents, medication and small valuables with the family. Label boxes by destination room and a simple number, and make a short list of items that must be assembled first. Confirm the lift booking, building rules, exact arrival time, contact number and payment method with the mover a day before. At delivery, walk through the inventory and note a missing or damaged item promptly on the handover record. Keep the signed quote and messages until the claim period has passed.

The product-comparison brief helps keep two offers on the same terms, before you check out covers written conditions, and comparing guides collect other service decisions. You may send TBYB a moving-quote question for editorial guidance; we do not arrange movers or promise a referral. We would ask before sharing your details with a provider.

Common questions