Moving home and have special or fragile items?

We all know moving homes is stressful, whether it’s within Singapore or overseas. But worrying about moving fragile items, or anything high value or extra-large or bulky, can add a whole level of stress. Personal belongings like antiques, artwork, glassware, mirrors and musical instruments need a lot more attention and care. We spoke to four relocation companies in Singapore who specialise in moving these kind of specialty items.

Sir Move Services

Looking for relocation companies in Singapore? Leave moving fragile items, high-value pieces, art and glassware to the team at Sir Move Services – with each move, they use corrugated card boxes that can be scaled up and down and designed to custom fit any piece of furniture or household item. Bubble wrap, shrink wrap, special paper and cardboard are also part of the standard protection materials that they use. This relocation company recommends deciding at your pre-move meeting about what should be custom-crated, particularly items such as statues, big television sets, grand pianos, art, mirrors and any other large and fragile high-value items. In addition to crating, you should consider insuring the pieces of value so they’re covered both for damage or loss. 

Any moving tips to share?

“My big tip for moving day is to ensure that you have completed all your decluttering and sorting before the movers arrive. This will enable you to have a ‘helicopter’ perspective in terms of giving instructions and focusing on specific items you may be anxious about.”

What’s the most unusual object you’ve moved?

“Our team has packed and protected cars, scooters, boats, concert pianos, life-size terracotta warrior statues, life-size model ships and more.”

49A Joo Chiat Place
6534 7345 | sirmove.com

Assalaamu’alaikum Enterprise (AE)

If you’re looking for relocation companies in Singapore, call the experienced team at AE. Aiming to make moving house as hassle-free as possible, they even allocate a dedicated Move Manager to liaise closely with you for a smoother and less stressful move. Highly valuable and fragile items like artefacts, fine china, wine glasses, chandeliers, large frames and mirrors are packed by AE with extra protective materials such as bubble wrap, styrofoam, newsprint paper and cardboard. For international moves, they offer customised crating and door-to-door services. AE’s trucks are fitted with GPS, so you can monitor the movement of your items at any time. They also have tailgated trucks to make moving heavy and bulky items like pianos, gym equipment, massage chairs and even safes easier. As many relocation companies go, they have plenty of experience in all kinds of moves; from huge government, corporate, consulate and international moves to overland moves into Malaysia.

Any moving tips to share?

“Arrange an on-site appointment with AE. Highlight to your Move Manager any fragile items or unusual ones first and they will make recommendations on types of packing. Their job is to guide you through every stage of the move for a worry-free experience.”

What’s the most unusual object you’ve moved?

“We’ve moved a few consular vehicles internationally! We also packed and safely moved a pure jade sculpture worth $300,000 for a client staying at Sentosa Cove.” 

19 Mandai Estate, #07-03
9239 9425 | aelogistics.com.sg

Collin’s Movers

Collin’s Movers offer professional help in all relocation needs, moving all types of items, from bulky goods, antiques and sculptures to statues and paintings. They even have professionally trained people that manage piano moves. Their dedicated team ensures that moving house is done in a smooth and efficient way and that all the items are kept safe by using necessary quality packing materials. Move coordinators also monitor the moving trucks, which are equipped with GPS tracking systems.

Any moving tips to share?

“It’s very important to use the correct packing materials, such as wrapping items with bubble pack, styrofoam and crating for greater protection. Also, make sure you arrange the necessary equipment for oversized items, such as a pallet jack or a crane.”

What’s the most unusual object you’ve moved?

“The most challenging item that we had to move was an oversized sculpture. We had to check about the access, door size, engage more manpower and also arrange for a crane to bring the item down.”

22 Jurong Port Road
6873 9595 | collinsmovers.sg

CM Relocation

CM Relocation moves household goods and personal effects, including delicate and fragile items like chinaware, artwork (sculptures and paintings), glass and stemware, antiques and luxury furniture. Before moving house, the team will conduct a pre-move survey to assess your needs and propose a suitable package. Once confirmed, a move manager will be assigned to coordinate the logistics of your move, including documentation and tracking of your items. This relocation company can also arrange shipment insurance on your behalf and provide storage if required.

Any moving tips to share?

“When moving a refrigerator, switch it off and disconnect it the night before to allow the evaporator enough time to defrost. This helps to minimise risk of damage when moving. You should also disinfect and clean the fridge so there won’t be an odour from stale food particles. For washing machines, clean them and leave them open to dry for the night. Once your machine is dry, switch off the water supply and disconnect the water inlet hose before the movers arrive.”

What’s the most unusual object you’ve moved?

“Two mass spectrometers (scientific equipment that can split atoms) from Singapore to Adelaide by air freight!”

#08-09 The Elitist, 25 Bukit Batok Crescent
6265 7664 | cmrelocation.com

Sanelo

Relocation may bring you new opportunities, but it also takes you out of your comfort zone. That’s why the Sanelo team highly recommends getting professional help, no matter the distance or size of move. With 130 years of experience under its belt, Sanelo specialises in providing customised end-to-end mobility services for both local and international moves. From packing and moving, to unpacking and settling in, they have a team of experts who can offer support at any hour of the day. In addition, essential services like storage, immigration and cultural training are also part of the company’s full-service package. 

Any Moving Tips to Share?

“Generally, make a list of everything you need, give a timeline to each item, and check it off upon completion. Choose a neighbourhood that suits the needs of both you and your family. Engage a moving company to make the process convenient. 

For international moves, make sure to gain an understanding on the climate, safety rate, and culture of the country you’re moving to. Ensure that you can fulfil the immigration requirements and reside there lawfully. Draw up a realistic estimate of your monthly expenditure, based on the average cost of living. Finally, discover key industries of that country and identify in-demand job opportunities.”

What’s the most unusual object you’ve moved?

“A fake polar bear that we shipped from Singapore to Turkey!”

2 Bukit Merah Central, #09-04
3138 5273 | sanelo.com

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