DIY Moving Guide: How to Move Your 3-Room HDB Flat for Under $100

Moving house in Singapore is often ranked as one of life’s most stressful events—right up there with wedding planning or waiting for your BTO queue number. Usually, the stress comes from the price tag. Professional movers for a 3-room HDB flat can easily quote you anywhere from $400 to $800.

But what if you could do it for less than $100?

If you’re physically able and have a few good friends to help, a DIY move is the ultimate “adulting” hack. Here is your step-by-step guide to moving your 3-room HDB flat on a budget using LoadUp.

The $100 Budget Breakdown

To keep it under a hundred bucks, you need to be strategic. Here is how the math works:

• Van Rental (LoadUp): 6-hour block @ $6/hr = $36
• Refuel of van: Just make sure at least ¼ fuel when returning the van = $20
• Packing Materials: Recycled boxes + 2 rolls of tape = $13
• Friend “Payment”: 2 pizzas and drinks = $30
  

Total: $98

1. The Strategy: “The 6-Hour Sprint”

To stay under budget, you shouldn’t be packing while the van is waiting. You need a “Load and Go” mindset.

• Week 1: Declutter. If you haven’t used it in a year, sell it on Carousell or donate it. Less stuff = fewer trips.
• Week 2: Box everything. A 3-room flat usually requires 15–20 medium boxes. Label them by room (e.g., “Kitchen – Fragile”).
• Moving Day: Move all boxes to the “staging area” near your front door before you start the LoadUp timer.
  
  

2. Choosing the Right HDB Moving Van

For a 3-room flat, a standard car won’t cut it, and a massive 14ft lorry is overkill (and hard to park in older HDB estates).

The Sweet Spot: A High-Roof Van (like a Toyota Hiace or Nissan NV350).

• Why? They fit into most HDB multi-storey carparks (check the 2.1m height limit!) and can swallow a queen-sized mattress, a flat-packed wardrobe, and 15 boxes in one go.
  
  

3. DIY Moving Tips for the Pro Mover

• Protect your Deposit: Wrap your large furniture in “cling wrap” (industrial stretch film). It prevents scratches during the lift journey and keeps drawers from sliding open.
• The “First Night” Box: Pack one box with essentials—toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and a box cutter. You don’t want to be digging through 20 boxes at 11 PM just to find your toothbrush.
• Trolley is King: Don’t break your back. Bring a foldable trolley and use it. Your spine will thank you.
  
  

4. Why LoadUp is the DIYer’s Best Friend

Traditional rentals often require you to pick up the vehicle from an industrial park in the middle of nowhere. With LoadUp, the van is often just a short walk from your block.

• No Hidden Fees: Unlike other apps, we don’t slap you with “distance charges.” If your new BTO is 20km away from your current place, your price stays the same.
• Flexible Extension: Moving taking longer than expected? Extend your session via the app in seconds.

Conclusion: New Home, More Savings

Moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account before you’ve even bought your first piece of furniture for the new place. By taking the DIY route with a reliable HDB moving van, you save hundreds of dollars that could be better spent on your housewarming party.

Ready to move? Don’t wait for a mover to give you a slot. Take charge of your move today. Download LoadUp and find the perfect van waiting at your void deck.