When moving home, the heavy lifting poses a huge problem. Therefore, pre-booking the lifts is a must for a smoother transition and lower surcharges. But what if you are moving to a building with no lifts at all?
The shophouses in Singapore are a cultural heritage with only over 6000 left across the island and no more to be built. Thus, they possess old infrastructure, narrow hallways and no elevators. So, you need to hire a professional moving service in Singapore that can handle such a move.
Read this blog to learn about all the things that you need to be mindful of when hiring the best international moving service in Singapore for moving into a shophouse.
How Much Do Movers Charge For Staircase Carry Fees?
There are several surcharges implied on a move, and the most common is stair carry. When moving to a home with no elevators, it cannot be evaded.
Charges Apply Per Flight of Stairs
Most Singapore movers levy a fixed surcharge of S$20 to S$50 per item for every floor climbed manually.
Bulky Items Double the Staircase Fee
Heavy items like safes, pianos, or triple-door fridges face steep premium rates due to physical risk.
Fees Accumulate Rapidly Across Floors
Moving a full HDB flat up a 4-story walk-up can easily add S$300 to S$600 extra to your base quote.
Always Declare Staircase Needs Upfront
Failing to mention stairs triggers hefty last-minute penalties or crews refusing to lift your items.
Rates Vary Across Different Companies
Compare multiple quotes, as some boutique movers bundle staircase labour cheaper than major commercial firms.
Moving into a landed property does require a big budget, but knowing the right pricing, you can negotiate for a reasonable price.
What Are The Physical Limits Of Moving Into A Shophouse?
A heritage home has its own challenges, the top-most being a huge moving budget, which can increase significantly with just a dent or scratch.
Narrow Spiral Staircases Block Long Sofas
Historic shophouse stairwells feature tight turns that make moving king-size mattresses impossible.
Low Overhead Ceilings Restrict Tall Wardrobes
Antique doorways and low wooden beams prevent upright transit of tall wardrobe frames.
Uneven Heritage Steps Increase Trip Risks
Vintage wooden or tiled steps vary in height, demanding extreme concentration from moving crews.
Intense Tropical Heat Accelerates Fatigue
Lifting heavy cartons up enclosed, unventilated stairwells leads to rapid worker exhaustion.
Zero Staging Space in Narrow Alleys
Shophouse frontages usually face busy main roads or tight alleys with zero space to park big lorries.
This way, you can hire a reliable moving service in Singapore and move most cost-effectively. Also, declutter thoroughly to lower move volume and save more.
How Do I Protect Old Wooden Shophouse Floors?
Buy a padded cover or use a corner protector when transporting goods into these heritage buildings. Ensure that the shared spaces remain undamaged during the move.
Lay Thick Corrugated Cardboard Sheets
Cover heritage timber floors with heavy cardboard paths to prevent deep scratches from boots.
Never Drag Heavy Furniture Across Planks
Ensure movers lift items completely off the ground to protect old lacquer coatings from rubbing.
Use Soft Rubber Wheels on Trolleys
Ban hard plastic trolley wheels; specify soft rubber rollers to distribute weight gently.
Wipe Up Sweaty Footprints Immediately
Dropping sweat on unsealed vintage wood can leave unsightly water stains if left to dry.
Wrap Furniture Legs in Thick Felt Pads
Stick soft pads under all table and chair legs before setting them down on delicate wood surfaces.
The moving process can be really complicated as there are no elevators and the narrow hallways. But with experienced movers, you can be assured of a safe move.
What Parking Permits Do I Need For Shophouse Roads?
It’s better to seek the best international moving service in Singapore for a move of such a move. You should avoid any damage or causing traffic jams, as you may get fined.
Check for Strict LTA Yellow Zig-Zag Lines
Most shophouses sit on double yellow lines where parking triggers instant camera fines.
Apply for URA Loading Bays Early
Secure a temporary parking permit from the Urban Redevelopment Authority to park your lorry legally.
Coordinate with Adjacent Café Shop Owners
Warn neighbouring businesses about moving trucks blocking their foot traffic or outdoor seating.
Move During Off-Peak Midnight Hours
Schedule your transit between 10 PM and 6 AM when heritage street traffic drops to absolute zero.
Utilise Smaller 10-Foot Lorries Only
Large 24-foot trucks cannot navigate tight conservation alleys; use multiple small vans instead.
These houses are situated in some of the high-end neighbourhoods of the country, so plan your move carefully. As you may have to pay some hefty fines.
FAQs
What is the quickest way to move a house?
Skip decluttering, pack and simultaneously get rid of the redundant items. Hire an on-demand moving van and transfer your goods on the same day.
How much do movers cost in Singapore?
A short-distance move costs a minimum of SGD 900 and up to SGD 2000.
What is the procedure for moving house?
Check for all the red flags in movers and get a binding quote for the move so that you can get a fixed price for the move.
How can I avoid being scammed by a moving company?
Check reviews and get multiple quotes before booking with a moving service to avoid getting scammed.
What is the cheapest long-distance moving option?
A “van-only” rental through on-demand apps is the cheapest for moving within the island. For an international move, it’s sea freight LCL (Less than Container Load).
Takeaways
Moving into a heritage home with narrow hallways and wooden interiors can be a great challenge. But moving bulky items without a lift can make moving even more difficult unless you hire an experienced moving service in Singapore.
Such a move may have you spending a fortune on the move, especially the additional stair carry charges. So, ensure that you book early and prepare all the permissions and padded covers to protect the wooden interiors of your new heritage home.
