A Family Guide to Moving in Phnom Penh
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
For a single expat or young professional in Phnom Penh, moving apartments can be effortless. With just a backpack or a couple of suitcases, a quick tuk‑tuk ride can get you across town and settled into a new place in under an hour.
For families, however, the story is entirely different. Relocating a household means tackling years of accumulated furniture and electronics - plus an avalanche of kids’ toys, books, and clothing. What feels like a breezy errand for one person quickly becomes a full‑scale operation when an entire home is involved.
And then come the logistics: coordinating movers, navigating narrow streets, and keeping children safe and calm amid the chaos. Whether you’re relocating to Cambodia for the first time or simply shifting from one Phnom Penh neighborhood to another, a family move demands careful planning, professional muscle, and a strategy to keep the kids grounded while everything else is in motion.
This CamboKidz guide breaks down the best moving options in Phnom Penh - categorized by service level - alongside essential strategies for managing a family move smoothly.
Tier 1: Full-Service International Relocation
Ideal for: Expat families with high-value items, international moves, or those seeking a comprehensive, "white-glove" experience including packing, assembly, customs clearance, and insurance coverage.
👷♂️ International relocation, customs handling, professional packing, secure storage
📞 +855 23 214 067
📝 Part of a highly reputable global moving network that specializes in international freight and secure long-term warehouse storage.
👷♂️ Domestic/international moves, packing/unpacking, furniture & appliance installation
📞 +855 23 212 110
📝 Offers tailored residential logistics solutions with an exceptional standard of post-move furniture installation.
👷♂️ International relocation, domestic moves, storage, insurance
📞 +855 23 986 088
📝 A premium global standard provider; best for hassle-free relocations where budget is secondary to security and comprehensive insurance.
Tier 2: Mid-Range & Professional Local Movers
Ideal for: Families moving within the city who want a professional crew, secure packing, or specialized handling equipment without paying premium international relocation rates.
👷♂️ Domestic & full-pack home moving, international moving assistance, pre-move deep cleaning, and hydraulic ladder truck lifts
📞 +855 99 632 424
📝 A recommended local choice for high-rise or narrow-stairwell apartment moves. They deploy dedicated exterior ladder lifts to safely bypass tight corridors, and offer premium cleaning options.
👷♂️ International relocation, domestic home and office moving, full packing/unpacking, secure warehouse storage
📞 +855 12 318 049
📝 Heavily utilized by expats navigating regional moves who need strict inventory control and secure storage options.
Tier 3: Local Independent Operators
Ideal for: Budget-conscious moves or “man with a van” style services. These are highly flexible and arranged by direct contact with the owner/driver.
Have Truck Move (Navy)
👷♂️ Domestic moves, furniture assembly, cargo transport
📞 +855 17 696 945
📝 A popular independent operator who offers versatile cargo transportation alongside basic furniture disassembly and assembly.
Pov
👷♂️ Residential moving, quick cargo shifts
📞 +855 12 259 903
📝 Specialized in quick, no-fuss small apartment relocations across the city.
Hor Vuthy
👷♂️ Domestic moves, local transport, driver hire
📞 +855 97 781 011
📝 A reliable independent driver with a solid reputation for punctuality and straightforward city hauling.
LSP Crane & Transport Services
👷♂️ Heavy lifting, oversized transport, crane assistance
📞 +855 12 404 599
📝 Not residential movers, but worth considering if your move involves oversized furniture, grand pianos or heavy equipment.
Den
👷♂️ Residential moves, help loading and small cargo loads
📞 +855 98 844 988
📝 Provides a truck and a genuinely helpful crew to load and unload your furniture and boxes – even if it means negotiating flights of stairs.
Meng Heng
👷♂️ Domestic moves and small cargo loads
📞 +855 70 908 844
📝 No-frills budget-priced operator – you pack, they’ll load up the truck and deliver it.
Tier 4: DIY Vehicle Rental Only
Ideal for: Letting the movers handle the heavy lifting while you rent a vehicle to transport a few select items, such as valuables or the first night’s essentials, to your new residence.
👷♂️ Operates out of Phnom Penh’s airport as a self-drive vehicle hire service (offering rental cars, SUVs, and large pickup trucks).
📞+855 63 962 606
📝 A DIY route where you drive the vehicle and handle all of your own loading and unloading.
Local Remorque Drivers
👷♂️Basic "load-and-go" light cargo hauls that may include small furniture items and appliances.
📞 Passenger models available instantly via Grab or PassApp, or can be hailed directly streetside.
📝 The traditional Cambodian remorque (a carriage hitched behind a motorcycle) is the local standard for single-item or micro-budget moves. While not suitable for an entire family household, renting a remorque is the ultimate, flexible method for taking a mattress, a desk, or a few boxes across town on a budget. Don’t expect drivers to help with the move beyond lashing items to the roof – but if they do be sure to tip them for the extra service.
Moving Day Pro Tips
· Month-End Rush: Local providers book up fast during the last three days of the month. Book at least a week in advance.
· High-Rise & Narrow Access: If you are moving to an apartment with tight stairwells or restrictive elevator dimensions opt for operators that use specialized balcony ladder lifts to move bulky furniture safely.
· Language: You can send photos of your items and precise location pins using Telegram or Messenger to avoid communication barriers.
· Parking: Ensure your new apartment management has cleared a spot for a truck; many central Phnom Penh side-streets are too narrow for 5-ton vehicles to park without blocking traffic.
Smooth Transitions: Making the Move Easier for Younger Kids
Moving can be emotionally disruptive for children, who thrive on routine and familiarity. In a bustling environment like Phnom Penh, managing their experience is just as important as managing the logistics. Here are 3 tips to help make moving day easier for your little ones:
1) Book your kids into an activity on the day of the move
While it’s nice to think about involving children in the process, an active moving site with open doors, busy stairwells, and heavy lifting crews is stressful and potentially unsafe for toddlers and young kids. Arrange for them to spend the peak moving hours at a friend’s house, a favorite indoor playground, or with a trusted nanny. Bring them to the new apartment after the heavy lifting is done but before all the unpacking begins.
2) Pack a “First-Night Box” for each child
Do not pack everything into anonymous cardboard boxes. Instead, prepare a dedicated, clearly labeled box or backpack for each child that includes: comfort items (favorite stuffed animals, blankets), a few beloved books or toys, pajamas, a change of clothes, essential medications, and familiar snacks. Keep this box in your personal vehicle or tuk-tuk - do not let the movers load it onto the big truck.
3) Set up your child’s bedroom first
When you arrive at the new apartment, resist the urge to unpack the kitchen or living room first. Instead, set up your children's bedrooms immediately: assemble their beds, lay out their familiar bedding, and organize a corner with their favorite toys. Having a recognizable, fully functional, and safe "sanctuary" in the middle of a house full of boxes gives children an instant sense of security and ownership over their new home.