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Before diving into the moving checklist, it’s helpful to understand the various reasons why households in Singapore relocate. These reasons differ from family to family, but some common motivations include:
Upgrading to a Larger Home
As families grow or financial circumstances improve, many opt for bigger homes to better suit their evolving needs.
Downsizing
Conversely, some families choose to downsize to reduce living expenses or embrace a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle.
Relocating for Work
Singapore’s dynamic economy often prompts moves for better job opportunities. Many choose to relocate closer to their workplaces or areas with promising career prospects.
Living Closer to Family
For some, moving nearer to parents or siblings provides added convenience, especially when offering care or support is a priority.
Financial Investment
With Singapore’s thriving property market, some individuals may rent out their homes and downsize to more affordable properties to generate passive income.
Residential relocation can be both exciting and overwhelming. To make the process as smooth as possible, it’s essential to plan ahead. Pre-move preparation is the key to reducing stress and ensuring a seamless transition.
Our detailed checklist covers all the important steps to take before the big day, from creating a moving plan to managing unexpected costs. Whether you’re decluttering, arranging transport, or updating your official documents, this guide will help you stay organised and focused.
Let’s dive into the essential tasks to ensure your move is as efficient and stress-free as possible.
The previous section outlined a comprehensive list of tasks and considerations to address before your house move. Now, it’s time to organise these tasks into a detailed moving timeline, ensuring that each step is carefully scheduled.
This will help you stay on track and know exactly what needs to be done at every stage of the process.
Here are tasks you should do 3 months prior to your intended move day.
Measure New House
Assessing the dimensions of your current home and comparing them to your new space is essential for a smooth move. This process helps you identify what furniture to purchase and which furniture and belongings will fit comfortably in your new home and whether any adjustments are needed.
By taking accurate measurements, you can declutter more effectively and plan your new layout with greater precision, ensuring a well-organised and functional living space.
Inventory Management
Organise and catalogue all your household belongings for easy access and accountability. While traditional notebooks and pens work, opting for digital solutions like Google Sheets or home inventory apps is an eco-friendly and efficient choice.
Deciding what to move, discard, or donate is a crucial step in the moving process, especially if you’re planning to hire a moving service with insurance coverage.
Decluttering
Set aside specific dates for decluttering sessions to clear out items you no longer need or want. This not only reduces moving costs but also helps you stay organised amidst a busy schedule.
Start Small: Begin the decluttering process early by tackling small areas at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed as moving day approaches. Consider donating your pre-loved items to charitable organisations or selling them through platforms like Carousell to give them a second life while lightening your load.
Apply the One-Year Rule: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it once it’s gone. Consider letting go of things that haven’t served a purpose in a while, freeing up space for more essential items.
Digitally Document Sentimental Items: For sentimental items you can’t part with but don’t have the space to keep, take a digital photo. This way, you can preserve the memory without the clutter, holding onto the emotion rather than the physical object.
Procure & Compare Quotations
With a well-organised inventory of your belongings, it’s now the perfect time to request multiple quotations from professional movers who can assist with your relocation. This approach ensures you find the best service tailored to your needs and budget.
It’s strongly advised to obtain at least three quotes, verify if moving insurance is included (if required), and carefully review for any hidden costs to avoid unexpected surprises. Additionally, review customer feedback to verify the company’s reputation. Look for reviews that highlight their proven track record of providing reliable and high-quality service, ensuring you’re choosing a trustworthy provider.
Once a suitable mover has been found, confirm the moving appointment with them.
To help you find the perfect mover, check out our comprehensive guide on how to pick the right house moving company for your house move.
Moving Insurance
Assess whether your belongings include fragile or high-value items that require insurance. Note that insurance coverage varies by mover, so confirm details before committing.
Additional Service Providers
Moving often requires supplementary services such as cleaning, plumbing, electrical work, handyman tasks or even storage services. Research and list potential vendors, including backup options, to avoid last-minute stress.
Budget for Unexpected Costs
Set aside contingency funds for unforeseen expenses, ideally 20%–30% of your total moving budget.
Utilities Management
Create a detailed checklist of your current utilities to either transfer or cancel. This helps ensure uninterrupted services at your new home and avoids unnecessary charges for unused services after your move.
Here are some common essential utilities:
– Electricity
– Gas
– Water
– Sewer
– Internet/cable/phone
– Garbage retrieval
– Lawn/landscaping services
Smart Savings Tips
If purchase of new furniture or electrical appliances are required, research the best deals and consider options like miles-earning credit cards, cashback services, or 0% interest installment plans to save money.
New House Renovation
It’s beneficial to complete all renovation works at your new home before moving in to avoid disruptions to your daily life once you’ve settled. Key areas to address include:
Here are the tasks that you should do 1 month before your house move.
Address Updates
Compile a list of organisations, institutions, and online platforms that need your updated address. Don’t forget essentials like shopping websites to avoid delivery mishaps.Here are some organisations to get you started:
– Banks
– Internet service providers
– Utility companies
– Insurance companies
– Telecommunication companies
– School Alumni Networks
– Memberships
– Subscription services
Updating Official Documents
Update your residential address on your NRIC, driving licence, and other official documents. The Singaporean government provides a guide to assist with this process.
Packing Supplies
Identify the packing materials you’ll need and where to source them. Ensuring your belongings are securely packed is crucial for a stress-free moving day.
Assign a Point Person
Designate family members or helpers to oversee specific tasks, such as supervising movers or coordinating the relocation process.
Community Integration
Familiarise yourself with nearby amenities, including community centres, hawker stalls, shopping malls, parks, and gyms, to ease your transition into the new neighbourhood.
Unpacking Strategy
Plan the order of unpacking, prioritising key rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms. Assign tasks to household members to streamline the process.
Portable Cooler
Preparing an appropriate sized portable cooler is essential for moving day. Transporting perishable items from your fridge to your new home can be tricky, but a portable cooler makes the process much easier.
To keep your food fresh and avoid spoilage, pack a cooler with ice or ice packs and carefully load your refrigerated items. Upon arrival at your new home, promptly unpack and transfer the items to your new fridge to maintain their freshness.
Essentials Kit
Create a moving day essential kit with items such as toiletries, snacks, and important documents. Gradually gather these essentials as the moving date approaches.
Last-Minute Checks
Prepare a final walkthrough checklist to ensure nothing is left behind on moving day.
Cater for Moving Day Transport
On moving day, you’ll likely need to make multiple trips between different locations, making it essential to have a flexible and reliable transport option. You may also have personal belongings that are unsuitable for cargo trucks, requiring a more tailored solution.
If you don’t own a vehicle, consider renting a car for the day or using ride-hailing services like Grab or Tada. For car rentals, choose a vehicle with plenty of seating and ample boot space to accommodate both people and cargo efficiently.
Just one week to go until your big move! Dive into this fascinating guide on 11 Chinese Customs to Follow Before Moving Into Your New Home and start your new chapter on the right foot.
Utility Setup
Verify that all utilities are operational in your new home before settling in.
Last-Minute Checks
Conduct a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check every room, closet, cabinet, and storage area to make sure all belongings have been packed and accounted for.
Important Tip: Keep passports, birth certificates, and other critical documents in a safe folder—preferably on you during moving day.
Here are some practical tips to simplify your home move:
Proper packing is essential to ensure your belongings reach their destination safely. Here’s how to pack like a pro and make your move stress-free:
Prioritise Labelling
Make unpacking a breeze by clearly labelling each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For added efficiency, consider using digital tools like Magic Home Inventory to keep a virtual record of your packed items. This way, you can locate specific belongings with ease once you’ve moved.
Invest in Quality Packing Supplies
Durable boxes, bubble wrap, packing foam, and furniture blankets are your best friends for protecting valuables. While it might cost a bit more upfront, investing in high-quality supplies will save you from potential damage.
If you’re moving unique or large items like a piano or pool table, research the best ways to pack and transport them safely.
Pack Room by Room
Take it step by step by tackling one room at a time. Start with areas you use the least, such as guest rooms or storage spaces, and work your way towards the essentials like the kitchen or bedroom.
Use this process to sort items for donation or disposal, keeping your packing organised and efficient.
Handle Fragile and Important Items Carefully
Set aside an “important” box for items you’ll need access to throughout the move. This can include critical documents, chargers, and valuables that shouldn’t be packed until the very last minute.
Additionally, pack fragile items with extra care, using bubble wrap and packing tape to secure them.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If the process feels overwhelming, consider hiring professional movers like 12Move who provide the right packing supplies and expertise for a smooth and efficient move.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your belongings are safe and organised, making your moving experience less stressful and more efficient.
Unpacking
Unpacking at your new location can be the most rewarding part of the move—if you play your cards right.
Be Very Methodical in Your Approach and Strategy
You should proceed from room to room, so that it doesn’t get confusing. Begin with the heart of the home—the kitchen. A fully functional kitchen means you’re ready to eat well from day one.
Then, move on to the bathroom, where your morning and nightly routines occur. Having these two essential spaces organised can drastically reduce the stress of settling in.
Always Lay Out Your Large Items First
This ensures your heavy lifting is done just once. When placing furniture, think about the flow of the room. Is there enough space to walk around? Remember, the placement of your sofa and bed can define the entire feel of a room.
Tips For Efficient Unpacking
The question we are all asking would be, to hire a professional mover or not?
To determine this, let’s start by evaluating the pros and cons of DIY moving.
Cost Savings
One of the biggest advantages of a DIY move is saving money. Without hiring professional movers, you can reduce costs associated with labour, transport, and moving supplies.
Full Control
With a DIY move, you have complete control over the entire process. You can set your own schedule, pack at your own pace, and ensure everything is handled exactly how you want it.
Flexibility
DIY moving allows you to be flexible with your timeline. If you need to delay or adjust your moving schedule, you won’t have to worry about aligning with a moving company’s availability.
Personal Touch
Moving your own belongings means you can take extra care in packing and organising them in a way that suits your needs. It also allows you to safeguard your most delicate or valuable items personally.
Avoiding Hidden Fees
Professional movers sometimes have hidden fees (for packing, fuel, or extra hours). A DIY move allows you to avoid these additional costs, giving you clearer budget control.
Sense of Accomplishment
Successfully handling the move yourself can give you a great sense of achievement. You can feel proud knowing you took the initiative and handled the logistics without relying on others.
Risk of Injury
Lifting heavy objects can lead to injuries, but professional movers are trained in safe handling techniques.
Potential for Damage
Moving items without experience increases the risk of damage, while movers know how to properly protect your belongings.
Time Delays
DIY moves often take longer than anticipated, while professional movers are efficient and complete the job within a set timeframe.
Truck Size & Packing Issues
Choosing the wrong truck or improper packing can cause damage or require additional trips, but movers come prepared with the right equipment.
Stress Levels
Taking on the move yourself can be overwhelming, but movers make the process easier by handling the heavy lifting and logistics.
Unseen Expenses
DIY moving often involves hidden costs such as insurance and fuel, while movers provide an all-inclusive price for their services.
Logistical Challenges
Navigating tight spaces or dealing with permits can be tricky, but movers are skilled at managing these complexities.
The cost of moving a house can range anywhere from $200++ to over $1,000++, depending on various factors:
The upfront expense of house moving is considerable, contributing as just one part of the broader moving budget, which might also include new furniture, renovations, and cleaning services.
However, considering the potential risks to both yourself and your belongings, hiring a professional mover like 12move is a wise choice. With countless positive reviews and a proven track record of successful moves, we take the hassle out of house moving.
Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on what truly matters—your work, your family, and enjoying a stress-free relocation.
Under the National Registration Act, it is mandatory to report a change of address within 28 days of moving. Updating your address promptly ensures that important correspondence such as letters, bills, and subscriptions are delivered to your new residence instead of your previous one.
Steps to Update Your NRIC Address
Prepare Proof of Your New Residential Address. To update your NRIC, you must present documentary evidence of your new address. The following documents are acceptable if dated within the past three months:
Submit Your Application
Bring your proof of address along with your NRIC to any neighbourhood police centre/post or the Citizen Services Centre at:
Citizen Services Centre: Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), 3rd Storey, ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718
There is no fee for changing your address, and applications are processed immediately if the required proof is provided.
Informing Institutions About Your New Address
While your updated address will automatically be shared with participating public agencies, you’ll need to notify private organisations and non-participating agencies yourself. This may include:
Taking these steps ensures a smooth transition and uninterrupted delivery of your important correspondence.
Q: Why is hiring a professional moving company important when relocating in Singapore?
A: Hiring a professional moving company in Singapore ensures your belongings are handled with care and efficiency. They offer packing materials, transport, and unpacking services, making your move seamless and stress-free.
Q: What should I consider when selecting a moving company for my house relocation in Singapore?
A: When choosing a moving company, take into account their reputation, experience, services, pricing, and insurance options. It’s helpful to read reviews, get recommendations, and compare quotes to ensure you pick a reliable and trustworthy company.
Q: What should be moved first when moving?
A: Pack non-essential items first, such as bulky furniture, holiday décor, seasonal clothes, and fine dishes, to allow flexibility if you need more time.
Q: How long before you move should you start packing?
A: Start packing as soon as you know you’re moving. Research movers, get quotes, declutter, collect supplies, and set target dates to avoid last-minute stress.
Q: How can I pack my house up fast?
A: Start with a decluttered home. Organise items by room, box them up, label the boxes, and enlist help for a faster move.
Q: How do I start packing without getting overwhelmed?
A: Give yourself time. Start decluttering early, placing items you no longer need in a box, and donate when full to reduce stress.
Q: What is the hardest room to pack?
A: The bedroom and kitchen are often the most challenging due to essential items. Some pack these last, focusing on non-essentials first.