What counts as a bulky item
In practice, anything that won't fit down a rubbish chute. That covers all furniture, every white good, and most large fittings. The items we're called for most:
- White goods — fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, dishwashers
- Air-conditioning units — wall-mounted units and condensers
- Sofas, mattresses, bed frames and wardrobes
- Televisions, monitors and large electronics
- Water heaters, sanitary ware, basins and bathtubs
- Exercise equipment — treadmills, multi-gyms, weight racks and benches
- Massage chairs, pianos, safes and other heavy awkward items
- Mirrors, glass panels and marble slabs
Free options first
If you live in an HDB flat and have one or two bulky items, your town council may collect them at no charge or for a nominal fee. Most town councils offer a limited number of free bulky item collections per household per year, though the allowance, the item limits and the booking process vary between councils — check your own town council's page before paying anyone.
Where private removal earns its fee is speed, quantity and access: same-day or next-day collection, no limit on how many pieces, collection from inside your unit rather than a designated ground-floor point, and dismantling included. The full comparison is on the town council disposal page.
Heavy and awkward items
Some pieces are a different job entirely. A massage chair is deceptively heavy and rarely fits a lift upright. An upright piano needs four men and a plan. A commercial safe may need to be moved on rollers. Multi-gyms and treadmills have to be broken down before they'll clear a doorway. None of these are a problem, but they need the right crew size booked in advance — so mention them specifically rather than sending a photo of the room.
Appliances and refrigerant
Fridges, freezers and air-conditioners contain refrigerant gas and need handling accordingly rather than being crushed with general waste. We disconnect and drain washing machines and unplug fridges before moving them. If a unit is permanently plumbed or hard-wired, say so in advance so the right person comes.
Access is half the price
The single biggest variable is how the item gets from where it stands to where the lorry is parked. Lift access on the same floor is straightforward. A walk-up, a long corridor, restricted lorry parking, or a condominium that requires a specific service route all add time and manpower. Tell us the floor and the lift situation when you send photos and the quote comes back right the first time — no adjustment on the day.