Relocating in Bali? Here's How to Pack, Move, and Save Money

As a Bali resident moving house, you’ll face two main challenges: how to pack everything you've accumulated and how to transport it. While the idea of moving might seem daunting at first, it's not as overwhelming as it seems. Typically, you have two options: an expensive one or a budget-friendly alternative.

Hiring a removal company is the more expensive option. Due to the higher costs and potential complexities involved, it’s less popular among expats in Bali. Additionally, language barriers with local companies may present challenges.

International companies mainly specialise in relocations to and from Indonesia. While their prices can be quite high, the quality of service tends to match the cost. If you're looking for a reliable option, consider trying Relocations Bali.

If you decide to hire a local moving company, Pandawa Sewa Pickup is a reliable choice. Based in Denpasar and founded by Ucok Panggabean in 2006, the company has built a strong reputation among expats, receiving many positive reviews. Ucok, who speaks English, personally oversees all transport arrangements, ensuring clear communication. Pandawa Sewa offers both packing and transportation services. You can reach them via Facebook or Instagram.

Another trusted option is Raja Pindah. While their website is in Indonesian, you can use a translation tool to navigate it. On the homepage, select "Beranda," fill in your details, and click "Permintaan Harga" to receive a price estimate. You can also contact them easily via WhatsApp by clicking the icon in the bottom right corner of the site.

The second option is a DIY approach, which is the most popular choice because it’s easy to find trucks and laborers in Bali to assist with your move. Since manual laborers in Indonesia typically earn around 100,000 rupiah for a full day of work, hiring help is quite affordable and won’t significantly impact your budget.

To prepare for the move, you'll need plenty of cardboard boxes. Local supermarkets like Alfamart or Indomaret usually have spare boxes available. If you’re unable to find any there, consider asking your landlord or a local Balinese contact for assistance.

Alternatively, you can order affordable packaging boxes. Pollenshop offers cardboard boxes via WhatsApp at +62 813 3776 0908. Prices are listed below.

Additionally, you may need large plastic containers and bubble wrap, which are readily available on local marketplaces like Lazada and Tokopedia.

When ordering large plastic containers, search for "kotak plastik box murah jumbo." For bubble wrap, look for "bungkus gelembung." Be sure to order your supplies at least a week before your move, as delivery delays and cancellations are common.

Once everything is packed, clearly label your boxes—especially those containing fragile items. Use large, bold letters, and write in Indonesian to ensure your labels are easily spotted and understood. For example:

Feel free to add any additional instructions in Bahasa Indonesia to ensure proper handling of your belongings.

Now that your belongings are securely packed, it's time to arrange transportation. In Bali, services like GoSend (for items up to 100 kg) and GoBox (for larger loads) are offered by providers like GoJek and Bluebird Kirim from Bluebird. Pricing is based on several factors, including the weight and size of your cargo, the delivery option (Bluebird offers instant, 6-hour, or next-day delivery), and the distance. Keep in mind that Bluebird tends to be more expensive than GoJek. With GoBox, you also have the option to add movers to help with both loading and unloading your items.

Maxim taxi service also offers cargo transport. Simply select the “Trucks” option, where you can choose between cargo delivery only or delivery with removal workers. The app allows you to track your cargo’s location throughout the process.

In addition to services like Gojek, Bluebird, and Maxim, you can also use inDrive, which allows you to set your own price for the service. Here’s how it works:

You can contact the driver directly using the phone number provided to discuss the order details. Payment options include cash or online transfer, as credit card payments are not accepted on inDrive. This helps avoid additional bank fees, keeping delivery costs low.

When it comes to reliability, all carriers are trustworthy. Note that Bluebird tends to be the most expensive option. Since there are many factors that can influence the cost, we recommend installing all four apps, testing them out, and choosing the most affordable option for your needs.