Moving into a new house can be both thrilling and terrifying, especially in a bustling city like Singapore. From setting up utilities and renovating your space, there's a lot to consider. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the entire process of moving into a new house in Singapore.
Whether you're a local or an expat, this guide will provide you with practical tips to make your transition as smooth as possible. Let's get started!
What To Do When Moving Into A New House in Singapore
Before moving into a new house in Singapore, there are a few things you need to do. Doing them would help you have a smooth transition into your new home. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Plan and Prepare to Move
Change Your Address
When moving into a new house in Singapore, it's essential to update your address. You have to do this with various authorities, institutions, and service providers. According to the National Registration Act, within 28 days of your move, you need to report a change of address. This would ensure that your bills, letters, and subscriptions get to your new house on time.
To update your National Registration Identity Card, you'd need to provide proof of your new residential address. Also, you can use any of the documents listed below so long as they are at least 3 months old:
Cable TV bill
Telecommunications or internet bill
Insurance bills either a statement or letter
Tenancy agreement for residence
Letter or statement from CPF
Credit card or bank statement
Utility bills from participating retailers are listed here
Once you have the right document and your National Registration Identity Card, take it to the nearest police centre or the Citizen Services Centre, Immigration and Checkpoints. To change your address, you won't have to pay for it. Also, your application will be processed immediately so long as your documents are available.
Aside from updating your address with public agencies, when moving into a new house in Singapore, you'll need to update it with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). You also need to update it with the car insurance provider (if applicable) and your child's school.
Set a Moving Budget and Pick a Day for Your Move
It's time to decide how much you can afford to spend on moving costs, including packing materials, transportation, and renovations. When considering this, you'd need to estimate each expense and set a realistic budget. Also, you'd need to prepare for unexpected expenses or a change of moving plan. To help set your budget, you can get quotes from various relocation services in Singapore.
Furthermore, when picking a day to move into your new home in Singapore, you'd have to consider certain factors. Some of these factors include weather, school and work schedules, traffic and congestion. When moving into a new house in Singapore, avoid moving during rainy days or peak seasons.
Research on Movers in Singapore
Before moving into a new house in Singapore, you'll need to research movers available in Singapore. You'd need to find out about their rates and services. Some services you can look out for include:
Providing packing materials
Packing and unpacking
Dismantling and assembling of furniture
However, if the items you need to move aren't bulky, then you can decide to make use of a van. Also, if you don't find it comfortable engaging with movers, you can rent lorries or vans.
Reduce Your Items
Rather than pack all your items into your new home, we advise you to consider decluttering your items. This would make moving into your new house in Singapore easy. Once you've decided on the items you want to declutter, you can sell them. By selling your items, you can earn some extra cash.
To get buyers early, you'd need to put it up for sale a month before you move. If there are items you can't sell, you can consider donating them.
2. Pack Your Items
After you've planned your move, the next thing to do is pack your items. To pack your items, you can make use of cardboard boxes. Sometimes, moving services offer free cardboard boxes to clients but if yours doesn't, then you'd need to get boxes for your items. When packing your items, you'd need to categorize your items room by room.
For example, pack the items that belong to your bedroom in their respective boxes. Do the same for items that belong to your kitchen. Also, to help you identify the boxes for each room easily, you have to label your boxes. Doing this will prevent your items from getting misplaced when moving into a new house in Singapore.
Labeling your boxes would also help when unpacking. To label your boxes, you can make use of permanent markers. You can label your boxes according to their intended rooms and items. Also, to prevent the mover from mishandling your boxes, you can label your boxes according to their weight.
To save you the stress of unpacking once you settle in your new house in Singapore, pack an overnight bag. This bag should contain your necessary essentials, such as the clothes you'll wear for your move and the following day after your move. Other essentials you need to pack include medicine, toiletries, and towels.
3. Housing and Property
When moving into a new house in Singapore, you'll need to understand the various housing and property options available. You need to familiarize yourself with the different types of housing options, including HDB, condo, and landed property. Before choosing your home, research the neighborhood.
Also, research the property's proximity to schools, public transport, and amenities. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with Singapore's regulations regarding property ownership, rental, and renovation. Also, understand the terms of your tenancy agreement or property purchase. If you're moving to Singapore as a foreigner, check the eligibility criteria for property ownership.
4. Renovations and Decor
When you're planning to move into a new home in Singapore, create a realistic budget and timeline for renovation and decor. You have to consider factors like lighting, storage, and furniture layout when decorating. Renovating and decorating your new home can be stressful, so to help you can research and shortlist reliable contractors and designers.
However, if you love the current design of your new home, then there's absolutely no need to get it redecorated. You can simply buy some fancy items to make your new house feel like home.
5. Clean Your New Home
Before moving into your new home in Singapore, ensure your new home is clean and hygienic. If you're stressed, you can hire professional cleaners to help. However, whether you're the one cleaning or you hired cleaners, pay attention to areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors.
Also do well to remove any trash, dust, or debris. You can clean or replace air conditioning and water filters. This will ensure a fresh start in your new home.
6. Unpack Your Luggage
The unpacking process— the final stretch of moving into a new house in Singapore. It's normal to feel overwhelmed but trust me, with a solid plan, you'll be done in no time.
First things first, tackle the essentials. Unpack the bedding, toiletries, and kitchen utensils out of the boxes and into their new home. Then, follow each label on the boxes and arrange them in the right rooms. As you unpack, arrange your furniture and appliances in a way that feels functional.
Once you're done unpacking, get across to anyone else who needs to know about your move. Don't forget to take final meter readings and notify your utilities of your move.
Tricks to Know When Moving Into A New House in Singapore
When moving into a new house in Singapore, consider these safety tips for a secure transition:
Document your belongings: Take photos of your furniture, appliances, and valuable items before disassembling or packing them. This visual record helps track items and serves as proof for insurance claims if needed.
Prioritize fragile items: Clearly label boxes containing fragile items with "Handle with Care" stickers to ensure movers take extra precautions.
Identify flammable items: Mark boxes containing flammable materials with clear warnings or stickers, alerting movers to exercise caution.
Account for all items: Number boxes and bags to easily detect missing items during transit.
Safeguard valuable possessions: Transport valuable items like jewelry, gadgets, and cash personally to ensure their security.
Contact Sir Move Services When Moving Into a New House in Singapore
Now that you have an idea of the things you need to do when moving into a new house in Singapore, you are ready to make your move. If you're looking for a moving service in Singapore, you can reach out to SirMove Services. Here at Sir Move Services, we offer relocation, shipping, and moving services.
With our expert team, we are sure to make it easy for you to move to your new home in Singapore. You can reach out to us today to get a quote for your move.
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