The majority of Singaporeans have had at least one house moving experience, and it is becoming a common daily occurrence. With more and more house moving companies offering their services, it is important to know how to select a reliable and reputable professional house mover in Singapore before you plan your next move.
Do Your Research and Read Reviews
A smart place to begin is by reading articles and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Learn as much as you can about the company’s history, the previous clients they have worked with, and their industry experience. A positive client review is a good reflection of the company. If possible, get some personal referrals from clients who have worked with them before, as you are trusting someone to enter your new home.
Decide which type of Professional Mover is Best for You
Generally, there are 2 main types of professional movers in Singapore, and both service providers will load all your belongings onto the truck and unload them at the destination.
Full Service
- Your belongings will be packed for you.
- Your goods would be insured at different levels (cost structure would differ).
- They may even assist you with unpacking (at an extra cost).
- It costs more because the full responsibility for the safety of your belongings would be borne by the moving company.
Self Packing
- You will do the packing.
- The safety of your belongings is not assured.
- Most of the time, there is no insurance for your belongings.
- It is less expensive.
- It is only recommended if your homeowner’s insurance covers your goods and effects during transportation, loading, and unloading.
Outside of these two types of movers in Singapore, some companies will only offer you transportation services. With such a provider, you are required to pack and load as well as unload and unpack once you arrive at your destination.
9 Things to Consider When Finding a Professional Mover in Singapore
1. Do They Have the Necessary Licenses and Insurance to Operate?
A professional service provider will carry an operating license and will provide you with valid insurance coverage for your belongings during the home moving process. Before contracting a professional mover in Singapore, it is important to make sure that they have a valid license and insurance.
2. Do They Conduct a Pre- Move Assessment?
A professional moving company in Singapore will conduct a pre-move assessment of your home. It is highly recommended that you hire a moving company that comes to your home to conduct an on-site assessment before quoting, rather than relying on a photo of your home. This way, the moving company will be able to offer you a more accurate estimate of the total cost of your move.
3. Do They Provide You with a Binding Estimate and a Clear Pricing Policy?
Professional movers in Singapore will be able to provide you with a standard price list for their services. Some may charge by the hour, while others may charge by the number of trips required, or by the item, or the number of boxes to be moved. Other than that, the binding estimate should reflect the following too.
- The distance from your present house to your new home
- The time it will take
- What equipment will be needed
- The number of items that need moving
- How much manpower will be required
4. Do They Have Experience Moving Special Equipment?
Professional movers would also bring in extra equipment to ensure the safe transportation of fragile valuables such as pianos and heavy furniture. Make sure they have the proper vehicle and moving equipment to handle your items.
5. Do They Provide Flooring and Wall Protection During the Moving Process?
Moving might create dents, scratches, and other damage to your floor and walls. A professional moving company would take steps to safeguard your house, including the flooring, furniture, and other personal effects, as well as the walls.
6. Do They Provide You with a Comprehensive Inventory of Your Belongings?
A reputable moving company will also take an inventory of everything you own to ensure a reliable and safe delivery.
7. What Extra Services Do They Provide?
Some professional movers in Singapore also offer handyman services at an extra cost. This is an added benefit if you have to make any extra repairs around your new house. They may be able to provide other services, such as,
- Refurbishment services
- Installation and dismounting of the television.
- Lighting installation and disassembly Electrical service
8. Do They Provide a Well-Defined Customer Service Process?
By just asking the question, “How do I interact with you and make changes between booking and moving day,” you can learn a great deal about a moving company’s culture and business practices.
You will learn how accommodating they are with changes, what rescheduling deadlines they may have, and whether you will have a single point of contact who is familiar with you and your move and with whom you can communicate. Before deciding, make sure to inquire about each of the home movers on your shortlist.
9. Do They Have Modern Equipment?
Quality movers will train their employees regularly to keep them up to date on industry best practices. A reputable moving company will use modern technologies such as GPS tracking, hydraulic lifting, and accredited contractors, among other things, to demonstrate their devotion to their reputation.
Outside of the above, also look for the following red flags to avoid getting scammed by dishonest moving companies in Singapore.
- They offer substantial discounts or the lowest market price.
- They want a lot of money in cash as a deposit.
- They are reluctant to show clients their licenses and other important documents.
- Customer service doesn’t know a lot about their products and services.
- No physical office address on the website
- They don’t have their own staff then it is likely they hire people on a short-term basis without doing any background checks.
By selecting a professional mover in Singapore you could have a hassle-free house moving experience.
