5 Important Things to Do When Moving into a New Home

You did it! You’ve got the keys to your dream home. Now, cue the stress.

Moving to a new home is a lot like starting a new chapter in a book-filled with excitement, but also potentially overwhelming.

The key to a smooth transition is to keep it stress-free and make this experience one you'll always remember.

To ensure a smooth transition and make your new space truly feel like home, consider these tips and tricks for a stress-free move-in experience. Let's make this move memorable for all the right reasons!

1. Declutter Before Packing

Take this opportunity to declutter and downsize your belongings. We tend to hoard things over the years which may not be practical to our current lifestyle anymore. Ask yourself if those skinny jeans from 2012 will ever make it back into your outfit rotation.

Here’s a tip to help you with that: Use the "Four-Box Method." Label four boxes as "Keep," "Donate/Sell," "Trash," and "Storage." As you go through your belongings, assign each item to each box accordingly. Now you have a systematic way to evaluate and sort your possessions, so that you only bring what truly matters to your new home.

2. Start with Non-Daily Items

Begin the packing process strategically by focusing on items you won't need in the immediate future, ideally those that won't come into play for the next month or so. Then, you can create a priority list for daily essentials you'll need leading up to the move and during the first few days in your new home. Label this your "moving essentials" box and it should contain items like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any medications. Keeping this box in reach will help avoid unnecessary searching and unpacking stress.

3. Set Up Utilities in Advance

Make sure to get your electricity, water, and internet sorted before moving into your new place. When setting up utilities, inquire about any additional services or promotions available. Some providers may offer installation discounts or package deals as a bonus or to accommodate a growing family or bigger home.

Take note of important contacts for emergency situations, such as a 24-hour customer service number. Additionally, ensure you understand the billing cycle and payment options to avoid any surprises in the initial months of your move. Taking care of these key utilities now provides a hassle-free beginning in your new home, letting you focus on settling in comfortably.

4. Don’t Forget to Update Your Address

Before relocating, ensure to update your new address with crucial institutions for mailing purposes. Utilise the change of address e-Service on the ICA's website (https://go.gov.sg/ic-address) and authenticate through your SingPass to facilitate this process. This action ensures your continued connection with vital services and guarantees the receipt of essential mail at your new location.

Broaden the scope of this step by informing friends, family and any subscription services you are associated with. This may also include updating the address on online and food delivery apps like Shopee and Grab, and others that you frequently use. Now you have a more seamless transition, preventing any potential disruption to critical communications or deliveries during your move.

5. Don’t Disregard the Neighbourhood

Before settling into your new home, familiarise yourself with your new neighbourhood. Locate essential services and learn about local amenities in the area. Additionally, exploring online community forums and social media groups related to your new neighbourhood, and engaging with local residents virtually can provide valuable insights into the community dynamics, upcoming events, and even recommendations for local services. This introduction can make your physical move-in experience more familiar and welcoming.

By incorporating these detailed insights into your moving checklist, you're not just ensuring a smooth move-in experience but also setting the stage for a fulfilling and well-prepared life in your new home. Wishing you all the joy and excitement as you embark on this beautiful chapter—happy moving!

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