HDB moving checklist: what to do from 8 weeks out to moving day

Moving home is a lot of small jobs that are easy to forget. This HDB moving checklist is a simple timeline to work through, whether you're moving into a new BTO, a resale flat or out of your current home.

8 to 6 weeks before

• Fix your moving date. If you're collecting keys to a new flat, allow time for any renovation before you move in. See BTO key collection to move-in.
• Declutter. Go room by room and decide what to keep, sell, donate or throw away. Arrange bulky item removal early; see getting rid of bulky items.
• Get mover quotes. Ask at least three movers for written quotes covering the same things. Our guide on moving costs explains what to compare.

4 weeks before

• Book your mover and confirm the date, start time, both addresses, floor levels and anything special (piano, aquarium, safe, glass tables).
• Measure big furniture and the doors, lifts and corridors at the new place, so nothing gets stuck on the day.
• Start packing things you rarely use: books, seasonal clothes, decorations. Our packing guide covers materials and fragile items.

2 weeks before

• Utilities. Open your electricity and water account for the new address with SP Services, and arrange to close or transfer the old one.
• Internet. Book the installation at the new flat. If you're renovating, schedule it after the works are done.
• Gas. If your new flat has piped gas, arrange the account and the turn-on appointment with the gas supplier.
• Tell people. School, workplace, family doctor, and anyone who delivers to you regularly.

The week before

• Pack room by room and label every box with the room and a short list of contents.
• Pack an essentials box that travels with you, not in the lorry.
• Confirm with your mover: arrival time, parking, lift access and the contact person on the day.
• Defrost the fridge the day before if it's moving with you.

Moving day

• Be there when the movers arrive, and walk them through what goes and what stays.
• Check each room, cupboard and the service yard before the lorry leaves.
• At the new flat, tell the movers where big furniture goes before they bring it in.
• Take photos of any damage straight away and tell the mover before they leave.

After you move

• Update your address with ICA within 28 days. It's online with Singpass and free. Then update banks, insurers and others; see change of address after moving.
• New flat? Check for defects early and report them to HDB as its moving-in checklist describes.

Ready for quotes?

Tell us about your move once and up to 3 vetted movers who cover your area will contact you. Start with movers in Sengkang, Tengah or your own area.