Relocating to Singapore or any country is undoubtedly a serious decision, here’s a list of to inform the relevant parties before your big move.
There are several stakeholders involved in your big move; ranging from your family members and friends, to the banks, schools, landlords and postal companies. As such, you will need to ensure that the relevant parties are well-informed and aware of your move. To help you stay atop your relocation game, we’ve put together a list of stakeholders and institutions that you must inform.
- Banks
It may be easy to switch your favourite supermarket or mall. However, the same cannot be said for switching banks. A move abroad doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to switch banks, as this is dependent on your needs and options. You will need to strategically assess your current situation before deciding whether to keep your current bank or choose a new one closer to your new home.
If your current bank or credit union doesn’t have a branch in your destination country, consider switching to a new financial institution. Of course, you must first inform your current bank of your move. Consider asking if they have additional tools or capabilities that can provide you with a smoother transition.
Next, you will need to research your bank options. You will want to compile a list of banks and credit unions, whether online or brick-and-mortar, close to your new home in your destination country. Once you have the list, conduct further research to compare the options to determine which bank suits you best. While this may take some time, the time and effort you spend on research will never go down the drain.
- Schools
If you’re a student, or someone moving with school-aged children, it is imperative to inform the school of your impending relocation. A formal letter giving notice about withdrawing your child from school is an appropriate method of letting your child’s school know of your plans. Alternatively, you can also arrange an appointment with your child’s school to inform them about your move.
Furthermore, it is also important that you find a suitable school for your child in your destination country. Should you be looking for an international school, consider browsing this guide.
- Landlords
Next, you must inform your landlord about your arrival date in your destination country. This way, the both of you can work to arrange a suitable move-in date to your new home. If you’re looking for short-term accommodation prior to moving in, you can check out this exclusive insider deal we have.
- Postal Companies
You should also update your postal companies with your new address. This is to ensure a smooth delivery of your goods and items. If you do not have a destination address yet, but would already like to ship your goods, you may enter the address or postal code of a place nearby as a temporary placeholder. You may then update the exact address on our platform or through your assigned move manager, when your address is finalised.
- Family and Friends
Last, but definitely not the least, you must involve your family and friends in your relocation journey. Moving isn’t only about your physical belongings; rather, it also involves your memories and precious moments. Be sure to stay connected with your loved ones as you embark on your life-changing journey.
Are you from the West? Do you have plans to move to Singapore? If you’ve answered “yes” to both questions, then you’re in the right place!
When making plans to move, many aspects have to be covered. And one of it includes packing your suitcase for the long-haul trip. Although packing can be pretty overwhelming process, your stress can be reduced through thorough research, hiring international packers and movers, and meticulous planning.
With the current COVID-19 situation, your relocating plans might have been put on hold. However, that’s not to say that you can’t read up and prepare yourself in advance! So, here’s a guide on what exactly you should and shouldn’t bring before making your way to Singapore.
What to bring
We may be a little red dot on the world map, but you can find practically everything here. Aside from the popular international brands that have set up their base in different parts of the world, including Singapore, our local homegrown brands are also making a name for themselves in the global spotlight. E-commerce is also booming in the country – so you won’t have to fret about buying things online and getting your purchase shipped in. With that said, you’d need some personal belongings to pack along with you so you can settle in immediately and comfortably.
1. Personal medications
While travellers are advised to carry their prescriptions with them, a doctor’s letter is highly recommended as well. Health Sciences Authority (HSA)’s approval is required for bringing in specific medication containing strong narcotics and the like.
2. Shoes
For those with larger feet, you might need to take into account the vast difference in shoe size charts. To illustrate, shoe sizes for men that are US12 and higher, as well as US9 and more for women, may be challenging to find. So, you may want to start settling your shoes early and stocking up on ideal pairs to bring with you.
3. Appropriate clothing and underwear
Aside from the occasional monsoon season, Singapore remains hot and humid almost throughout the year with an average temperature of 31º C (88º F) in the day. Hence, it would be best to pack accordingly. But if you plan to travel to cold countries over the holidays, consider bringing along some winter clothes. Also, plus-sized clothes and Western-sized underwear may not be as readily available here so make sure to stock up on that as well!
4. Travel adapter
The most common power plugs and sockets you’ll see in Singapore are of type G, also known as the ones with three square prongs. The standard voltage and frequency are 230 V and 50 Hz, respectively. We recommend bringing a few power adapters so you can charge your electronics without having to spend money on new chargers.
What to leave behind
What may be a norm to you, could be against the law in Singapore, which is why it’s imperative that you’re aware of these set of restrictions. We also provide a guide on other types of belongings that you should reconsider packing for relocation.
1. Prohibited items
Chewing gum is one of the few prohibited items in the country (this excludes HSA-approved dental and medicated gum). Among others are chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (such as electronic cigarettes) and firecrackers.
Objects that resemble dangerous weapons, like a cigarette lighter in the shape of a pistol and toy guns, can be considered a violation of customs laws too. Even kitchen knives and handcuffs can be a red light. On the other hand, controlled goods may be permitted with the required license or authorisation from the respective Competent Authorities (CA). This includes fish and seafood products, bulletproof clothing, and pre-recorded cartridges and cassettes. Check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website for more information.
2. Expired or old items
On a lighter note, this is a good time to purge all your existing clothes and belongings. If it’s been a long time since you’ve worn your holey sweater, it would be much appropriate to discard it away. If the items are still in good condition, you can always donate and find a new home for it. Medicines and beauty products also go bad – they have expirations dates so be sure to check them regularly for your own safety.
3. Broken or damaged items
Get rid of your broken furniture before making the move. If you haven’t gotten it fixed or repaired by now, chances are you won’t have the time to do so later. If it is rusty, missing a piece, it is best to leave it behind. It might also encounter more damage during the transit and may not be durable as it was before to withstand the shipping process.
Conclusion
Amid the chaos that comes with packing, you also need to ensure that your packed items stay within the limited weight range. However, hiring a moving professional that offers international relocations services to aid in your relocation process can help tackle this issue! Moovaz is a team of removalists from Singapore. If you’re moving any bulky or large items or pieces of furniture, you can leave the moving and packing process to our team of movers as you focus on settling down.[:]
