Officially relocating to Singapore? We’ve compiled a list of things to do when moving into a new home. Whether it’s arranging your items and furniture or procuring insurance for your valuables, this step-by-step checklist will help you achieve your new home sweet home quicker.
New home checklist items
1. Begin with the essentials
Once your belongings have been moved into the apartment, it can be tempting to just leave everything in boxes until you have time to deal with it. However, this will only make your new place feel cluttered and disorganised. Before you start opening boxes at random, it’s important to take a step back and assess what you’ll need for the first few days. Make a list of items that you will use on a daily basis, such as dishes, toiletries, and clothing. These items should be unpacked first so that you can get settled into your new home right away.
2. Have a plan for unpacking
When you’re done unpacking the essentials, it’s time to start tackling the rest of your boxes. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, it can be helpful to have a system for unpacking. You can start by unpacking one room at a time, or by unpacking boxes containing items that serve similar purposes (e.g., your clothes, bathroom supplies, etc.).
If you’re moving in with roommates or a significant other, delegate tasks so that everyone is helping out. Not only will this speed up the process, but it will also give you a chance to bond with your loved ones as you settle into your new home together.
3. Deep-clean your space
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to give everything a good once-over with some cleaning supplies. This will help you get rid of any dirt, dust, or grime that may have been left behind by the previous occupants. If you’re not up for doing a deep-clean yourself, there are plenty of professional cleaning services in Singapore that can do it for you.
4. Ensure there are no safety hazards
For families with kids, you will also need to take extra steps to child-proof your home. Do you spot any potential hazards in your apartment? Are there stairs or sharp corners that need to be addressed? For example, if you have young children, you may want to install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can also add corner guards to any edges and keep fragile items out of reach. By taking these precautions, you can create a safe and welcoming space for your little ones to explore.
5. Set up Wi-Fi
Even if you’re not planning on using it right away, it’s always good to have an active Wi-Fi connection set up and working properly. That way, when you do need it, you won’t have to go through the hassle of setting it up.
6. Change the locks
This is a security measure that is always worth taking, especially when you don’t know who had keys to the property before you. If you have bought a resale apartment, for instance, you can either change the locks yourself or hire a professional in Singapore; either way, make sure it’s one of your top priorities when moving in. By replacing the locks, you can rest assured that only you and those you trust have access to your home. It’s a small step that can give you peace of mind during this transition.
Get home contents insurance
Finally, be prepared for a few bumps in the road. Even with the best-laid plans, things can – and likely will – go wrong on moving day. Try to stay calm and flexible, and remember that at the end of the day, all that really matters is that you and your loved ones are safe and sound in your new home.
As you kickstart this next chapter in Singapore, make sure to get home contents insurance – especially if you have high-end items. Here are three reasons why you should have home contents insurance:
- Protects your belongings in the event of theft, damage, or loss;
- Gives you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are protected; and
- Insures your belongings for their replacement value.
Though you may not foresee making a claim, it is important to be prepared for the worst case scenario. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Expat Insurance today.