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International Removals Costs
Moving Costs, Shipping Options, and How to Save Money
Moving abroad but worried about international removal costs and how they’re calculated? Read further to understand what influences the cost of moving overseas and how you can save money when planning it.
International Removal Costs
International removal costs can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as your destination, the mode of transportation you choose, and the total volume of your belongings.
- Sea freight is the most economical option available, ideal for large moves, even though it might take several weeks.
- Air freight is ideal for urgent and small moves, but it has a significantly higher cost.
Sea vs. Air Freight from Singapore – Example for 500 kg Shipment
| Transport Method | Estimated Cost |
| Sea Freight | SGD 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Air Freight | SGD 5,000 – 10,000 |
Usually the transit time by sea freight takes up to 4-8 weeks, instead of the air freight which only takes 3-7 days.
Disclaimer: These numbers are estimated
If you are wondering how much more or less a 500kg shipment is, consider the table below:
| Item | Approx. Weight |
| 1 Queen-size bed (frame + mattress) | 70–90 kg |
| 1 Sofa (2-seater) | 50–70 kg |
| 1 Dining table + 4 chairs | 60–80 kg |
| 1 Washing machine + 1 Refrigerator | 120–155 kg |
| Boxes of clothes, books, and utensils | 100–150 kg total |
| Small appliances & decor | 40–60 kg |
Disclaimer: These numbers are estimated
Obtain Free Removal Quotes
Get up to 5 tailored quotes for your international move from top-rated removal companies here below.
To better understand the actual cost of your international move, it’s essential to calculate the exact volume of your belongings. You can do so by using our free volume calculator below.
Container Shipping Rates from Singapore
As noted earlier, the volume of your shipment influences the overall cost. For this reason, international movers usually ship household goods using either a 20ft container (suitable for 1–2 bedroom homes) or a 40ft container (ideal for 3–4 bedroom homes).
Here’s an overview of estimated moving costs from Singapore to popular global destinations:
| Destination City | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
| Sydney, Australia | SGD 3,000 – 5,000 | SGD 5,500 – 9,000 |
| London, UK | SGD 4,500 – 7,500 | SGD 8,000 – 12,000 |
| New York, USA | SGD 5,500 – 9,000 | SGD 9,000 – 14,000 |
| Dubai, UAE | SGD 4,000 – 6,500 | SGD 7,000 – 10,000 |
Disclaimer: These numbers are estimated. For a more detailed breakdown of overseas container shipping costs from Singapore, read our guide.
If you want to calculate the cost of shipping your international container, use our container shipping calculator below.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Abroad?
However, the price depends on the chosen mode of car transportation. The two most common ways are:
- Roll-On/Roll-Off: The car is parked in a specialized vessel and is driven off upon arrival.
Pros
Cons
- Container Shipping: The car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container, either alone or with other pieces of furniture.
Pros
Cons
To give you a more concrete idea, here is a table with estimated costs for both methods of shipping a car:
| Destination | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Container Shipping (20ft) | |
| Sydney, Australia | SGD 3,000 – 4,000 | SGD 4,500 – 6,000 | |
| London, UK | SGD 4,000 – 5,500 | SGD 6,000 – 7,500 | |
| Dubai, UAE | SGD 2,800 – 4,000 | SGD 4,500 – 6,000 | |
| Los Angeles, USA | SGD 5,000 – 6,500 | SGD 6,500 – 8,000 |
Hidden or Unexpected Moving Costs
When planning an international move is possible to overlook some unexpected costs such as:
- Customs Duties & Import Taxes: Some countries charge taxes on certain goods, especially high-value items like electronics, alcohol, or vehicles.
- Port Handling & Terminal Fees: Sometimes charged at the destination port for unloading and processing your shipment.
- Storage Charges: Temporary storage, either at your origin or destination, may be required if your new home isn’t ready on time.
- Insurance Updates: Optional but recommended, since it might not be included in the final price.
- Accessorial Charges: If your home is hard to access, such as a lack of elevator or narrow streets, movers may charge for extra labor.
- Change Fees & Delays: Extra costs can arise from unexpected delays, schedule changes, or missed shipments.
- Currency Exchange & Payment Fees: When it’s time to pay your international company, watch out for hidden currency conversion charges or transfer fees.
Money-Saving Tips for International Moves
You might now wondering how to save money when moving. Here are some useful tips you should consider when planning your international move:
- Declutter Before Packing: Getting rid of unnecessary items will make the move lighter and cheaper. Sell, donate, or recycle, and you might also gain cash!
- Compare Multiple Quotes: This will ensure you the possibility to get the fairest price based on the services you need.
- Book in advance: Since last-minute plans might charge you extra fees. The best time to plan is 2-3 months in advance.
- Consider Shared Containers (LCL): Especially if the volume of your move is relatively small.
- Move During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid moving abroad during summer, public holidays, and even during the weekend.
- Claim Tax Deductions (If Eligible): In some countries, certain moving expenses may be tax-deductible, especially for job-related relocations.
If you want to find out more on how to save money when planning a move, read our article here.
Affordable International Moving Companies
Here is a list of some of the best and most affordable removal companies in Singapore:
Meisterwerks
Established by a team of veterans, and with more than 30 years of valuable experience in the moving industry, Masterpiece is proud to be able to offer a wide range of services tailored to its customers’ moving needs.
Alliance Movers
Alliance Movers Pte Ltd has a solid reputation as one of Singapore’s leading cheap moving and storage companies, providing quality transportation services throughout Singapore for local and international relocation services.
Nayak Freight
Nayak Freight (S) Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based company with offices throughout India and Hong Kong, has an established worldwide network of premium relocation service providers.
SMART Relocators
Operating in Singapore since 2011 and with more than 50 years of experience, this cheap moving company ensures to cover all moving, storage, and relocation services.
Asiatic International Relocation
Asiatic International Relocation Pte Ltd is a Singapore-registered international cheap moving company, with more than 15 years of experience in quality management of shipments and extensive knowledge in customs clearance.
We hope this article has been useful to get an idea of the international removals costs, and good luck with your move.
