Moving house is part of expat life. If you’re feeling out of your comfort zone, it can also be an acutely stressful time. It may be tempting to choose the most expensive mover, but that would be a mistake, say the guys at relocation company Move Move. Instead, choose the best movers in Singapore for your needs.
Choose the best movers, not the most expensive
When choosing the best mover for your family’s particular needs, pricing transparency becomes hugely important, says Mengfei, head of operations and customer support at Move Move.
As he points out, the entire industry is quotation-based. That’s because house moves are infinitely customised, being tailored to each family’s unique needs. With every move being so different, fixed pricing is impossible. So it can come as a nasty shock to customers when the final bill contains unexpected add-ons. Staircase surcharges, for example, or for the disposal of unwanted items.
Pricing transparency and standardisation
Beware of hidden costs, says Mengfei’s colleague, Sky. In particular, watch out for mover quotations that don’t clearly indicate the company’s inclusions and exclusions. Apparently, it’s a common ploy among some movers to hide exclusions in obscure or lengthy terms and conditions. Most customers don’t have the time or patience to peruse these properly.
“We never do that,” says Sky. “Instead, we have a transparent price list for all kinds of moves – be it from or to an HDB apartment, a condo or even a warehouse – with clear inclusions and exclusions. Special items like hospital beds, pianos and gym equipment are reflected on our detailed price list. Any exclusions are spelt out briefly and clearly, so there can be no misunderstanding.”
What’s more, everybody benefits from a consistent pricing policy. According to Sky, “Every customer deserves a fair price.”
Choose professional movers in Singapore
Do your research, and don’t fall prey to unprofessional practices. Mengfei says that these are not uncommon. Less reputable companies have been known to send inexperienced drivers, in lorries that are not properly equipped, and with staff with little or no relevant experience. “Some may even be ‘freelance’ staff – or the company itself may not be an actual moving business. They may even send an open truck with no shelter for your possessions.” By the time this becomes evident, it may be too late.
The guys at Move Move pride themselves on their up-to-date and well-equipped lorries, each one with a tailgate for power lifting. The same goes for their professional mover teams. “They’re all well trained and work for us full-time,” says Mengfei. No freelancers here!
Though it’s a relatively young company, it has chosen its largely Chinese and Malaysian staff for their wide experience in the industry. They may have worked for other reputable companies in Singapore; some are experienced in furniture dismantling and assembly; some are heavy vehicle drivers, or have done cargo lorry deliveries.
Stay in touch and stay safe
When choosing movers, you want them to be contactable – and in these days of instant WhatsApp connectivity, that really shouldn’t be too much to ask, says Sky. A company that can only be reached by email, or only during office hours, may not be your ideal choice.
He adds that Move Move’s team leaders have many years of experience in this industry, and all training is done on site. What’s more, the company has achieved the accolade of “bizSAFE 3” in a nationally recognised workplace safety and health programme.
So, there’s a lot to consider before making your next move. But when it comes to entrusting your family’s treasured possessions to a mover, it would be a shame not to make the necessary effort to choose the best mover for you… wouldn’t it?
Want more helpful tips? Head to our Living in Singapore section.
