Moving homes is a life-altering decision, so much so that often people’s earliest memories go back to when they moved to a new place. So, it may become a core part of your life’s learning curve. If you are planning to move soon, here are some questions to ask yourself before the transition.
Ponder over them even before you seek a reliable removalist in Singapore for the move. There are several things to consider, from finances to whether moving right now is conducive to your current lifestyle and schedule.
So, dive in and prepare to answer these questions while you seek the best international movers in Singapore.
What Is Your True Motivation For Relocating Right Now?
First of all, determine the reason you plan to move, whether you are moving for a more spacious place, to shorten your work commute, secure school slots, or downsize. Evaluate if your current home can be renovated or redecorated to meet your needs.
Also, get a family consensus about the move to ensure that all members of the household agree to the move. Record the perspective of every family member about the prospective lifestyle, neighbourhood and the changes in routine/lifestyle.
Have You Accurately Calculated The Total Financial Cost Of Moving?
Factor in the real estate agent commission, buyer’s stamp duty (BSD), legal fees, and loan cancellation penalties before you can even begin to calculate the moving expenses. Obtain an estimate for professional movers. Packing supplies and risk coverage.
Include renovation and furnishing costs when you calculate the mandatory repairs, new furniture, and renovation expenses. Set aside an emergency fund equivalent to 10-15% of your total move budget for miscellaneous expenses.
How Will The New Location Impact Your Daily Transit And Lifestyle?
If you are planning to move to reduce commute time to work, first test your assumptions. Travel from the prospective neighbourhood to your workplace to calculate the actual travel time. Also, seek the nearest MRT stations and bus stops.
Verify access to nearby supermarkets, hawker centres, parks and clinics. Visit the target community to gauge the noise levels. Conduct these checks before you book a removalist in Singapore and finalise a move day.
Does The Target Property Match Your Spatial And Storage Requirements?
Before solidifying your home move decision, verify that your current layout and furniture are suitable for your new home. Measure the critical furniture dimensions to check whether it fits through the doors and hallways of your prospective building.
Ensure the new home plan offers a sufficient built-in wardrobe, storeroom, and utility yard space for your family. Consider the needs of your family, including remote work, elderly parents, and kids, and whether the new layout meets all the requirements over time.
Check the layout flexibility; evaluate if non-structural walls can be reconfigured later if your household lifestyle needs evolve. Besides, families with children require such a setup to cater to their growth gradually.
What Are Your Timing Constraints And Lease Transition Gaps?
To meet the timing constraints, ensure you plan your move effectively to avoid paying temporary rental overhead costs. Carefully coordinate the move by aligning the move and handover dates to prevent any issues during the move.
Also, ensure that your move date/day fits within the management regulations. Give proper notice to the current landlord to prevent having to forfeit the security deposit. Build in a 2-to-4-week buffer for contractor delays when booking with the best international movers in Singapore.
Are You Ready To Declutter And Purge Accumulated Household Belongings?
Lastly, before the move, audit every room for the redundant items that you can discard or donate. Declutter your stationery, paperwork, and books, and donate them to a cause so that others can still use/enjoy them.
Decide whether you have the personal bandwidth to pack boxes yourself or require full-service professional packers. Acknowledge the emotional impact of leaving a long-term home and mentally prepare for settling into a new community.
FAQs
Is it better to sell my current HDB before buying a new one?
Yes, it is better, as the booking advance and partial down payment you get for selling your current HDB can cover the advance for buying a new home.
What happens if my new home renovation is delayed past my move-out date?
If the renovations are taking more time than the stipulated timeline and your move-out date arrives, you can apply for temporary accommodation with HDB or ask for an extension.
How far in advance should I start planning for a home move?
Start planning a move 3 to 4 months before your ad hoc timeline. Take some time to ponder over your decision and align your finances meanwhile.
What are the downsides of moving to Singapore?
The high housing prices, cramped living spaces, and high-pressure, busy work culture are a few of the drawbacks of moving here.
How much money to budget for moving homes in Singapore?
In addition to the property costs, set aside S$3,000 to S$5000 to cover professional moving service costs, end-of-tenancy cleaning, packing supplies, and utility connection fees.
Takeaways
If you made it here, you would’ve made up your mind, or at least got some clarity over the decision of moving homes. It is often a lifestyle choice to move but not particularly a need, or for some, moving can reduce their daily commute time.
So, whatever your reason may be, you can develop your plan with these questions while seeking a reliable removalist in Singapore.
