Red Dot Relocation’s Checklist: Planning your move to Singapore

A guide for expats preparing for a smooth transition

Relocating to Singapore is an exciting adventure, but it comes with plenty of moving parts. Whether you are arriving solo, as a couple, or with your family, planning ahead makes all the difference. This detailed expat relocation timeline and comprehensive checklist (you can download below) will help you prepare every step of the way, from researching schools and budgeting to securing a home, shipping belongings, and adjusting to daily life. Use this guide to feel confident and organised as you settle into Singapore.

As a seasoned international educator and counsellor, I’ve lived and taught in four countries and started over on my own each time. Through those experiences, navigating new cultures and languages, government and school systems, and daily life from the ground up, I came to understand the emotional and logistical weight that relocation carries. Having made the little red dot my home over seven years ago, I’m pleased to pass along some tried and true guidance to help you settle into Singapore smoothly, too. 

6+ Months Before the Move: Lay the Groundwork

Start with Schools
Singapore is one of the world’s most competitive education markets, with over 70 international schools offering a range of curricula: IB, British, American, Australian, French and many with bilingual programmes. However, what truly distinguishes one from another isn’t always obvious from the website. Admissions criteria, deadlines, and waitlists vary widely, so it’s wise to start researching and making personal contact early.

Red Dot Tip: Look beyond the marketing. How well does the curriculum align with your child’s learning style or anticipated academic/post-secondary pathway? What co-curriculars and support services are offered? How are students being prepared for a changing world and the future of work? We offer unmatched insights in this area and can even attend school tours with you, if preferred.

Gather Key Documents
Work passes, dependent passes, and school admissions require documentation, so it’s helpful to start a relocation folder early. Passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, university degrees, children’s school reports, and educational assessments should all be on hand.

Budget and Timeline
Understand what your company covers and sketch out a timeline. Shipping, school start dates, lease negotiations, and notice periods all intersect. A high-level plan helps you avoid rushed decisions later on.

3–5 Months Before the Move: Get Practical

Plan a Pre-Visit (If Possible)
A short trip to explore neighbourhoods, schools, and potential homes can make decision-making easier. It also gives families a chance to start visualising daily life in Singapore by actually experiencing it.

Talk to International Movers
Get multiple quotes and be clear on what's included. Think carefully about what’s truly worth shipping. Plan backward from your planned arrival date; for sea freight (4–10 weeks) is the norm, air freight (5–10 days) is faster, and a lot more expensive. 

Factor in Space
Singapore’s homes are often more compact than what families are used to in North America, Europe, or Australia. Consider whether you want condo amenities and social connection or prefer landed housing for more space.

Pet Relocation
Singapore has strict import regulations and the requirements vary significantly depending on the country of origin. Several dog breeds are banned entirely. Quarantine may apply and space can be limited. The process is not always straightforward, so early research and planning are crucial.

Red Dot Tip: Read the AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service) guidelines carefully. Some pets may require months of preparation, especially if you’re arriving from a country not classified as rabies-free, like Singapore. We can refer you to trusted movers, pet relocators, and help you assess what’s most important to find the right fit and prepare accordingly.

2 Months Before the Move: Search & Secure

Start Your Home Search
Narrow in on neighbourhoods that fit your lifestyle, school and office commute, and budget. Your agent or relocation partner should offer a curated shortlist and coordinate viewings (virtual or in person if possible).

Plan Short-Term Accommodation
If your long-term home won’t be ready when you arrive, look into serviced apartments near schools or work areas.

Red Dot Tip: Singles and couples often prefer neighbourhoods like Tanjong Pagar with the city's trendiest food and beverage outlets and fitness studios, mere steps away from the CBD. Condos here tend to be smaller and cater to professionals. Other top choices include Tiong Bahru, Robertson Quay, and Joo Chiat, which are far more bike and dog friendly than most and also popular with young and active families. Traditional favourites with families are Holland Village, Tanglin, Sentosa, and the well-loved Newton, Novena, and Bukit Timah, which tend to provide more space and quick access to the PIE and routes to many schools. With a bird’s eye view over the entire move, we offer full home search services personalised to your unique needs and coordinate short-term accommodation (often with preferential rates).

1 Month Before the Move: Finalise the Logistics

Sign Your Lease & Finalise Shipping
Review your lease carefully and plan for the handover. Finish packing and confirm pickup and delivery dates.

Sort Domestic Help and Household Essentials
If hiring a live-in helper, begin the search. Ask questions about the agency’s business practices too (we only work with agencies that don’t charge helpers months’ salary in fees). Otherwise, consider alternative child-care or domestic services. Secure rental furniture (if applicable) and other household essentials.

Red Dot Tip: At Red Dot, we help you stay ahead by flagging the fine print in leases, coordinating with trusted moving partners from the start, and pre-screening and coordinating the best helper candidates for your family. Many expats sell high-quality furniture when they leave Singapore. Explore secondhand groups or consider short-term rentals until you feel ready to commit to long-term purchases.

Upon Arrival: Settle & Set Up

Essential Admin Tasks
Once your work or dependent pass is approved, register for SingPass. Open a local bank account and activate PayNow. Set up utilities, internet, and mobile service. Download transport apps such as Grab, Gojek, and MyTransport.SG. Report any home defects within the first 30 days, which is typically the warranty period in leases.

School & Routine Setup
Attend school orientation, meet your child’s teachers, and sign up for platforms like Seesaw or ManageBac. Register with a family clinic or pediatrician and locate grocery stores, pharmacies, and recreational and fitness studios. Familiarise yourself with transport options: MRT, buses, taxis, or cycling/walking routes.

Red Dot Tip: If you’re new to the region, local department stores and online platforms like Tangs and Lazada are great for basics. The Tan Boon Liat building is a furniture and decor gem featuring many stores with mother-of-pearl, bone inlay, and hand-carved wooden pieces. The Australian brand Bed Bath ‘N Table is in many malls, and of course, there’s familiar, budget-friendly IKEA! The first weeks can feel like a whirlwind but this is where we bring calm to the chaos. We guide you through account setup, decode unfamiliar systems, and help you find connection and community.

Personal Integration: Build a Life

Whether you're relocating alone or with family, adjusting to life in a new country takes time. Be patient with yourself and stay curious.

Start by exploring what’s close to home, Singapore is known for its lush green spaces, park connectors, and waterfront cycling paths. Food lovers will find no shortage of inspiration, from iconic hawker centre favourites like chilli crab, satay, and BBQ stingray to an ever-growing list of global restaurants and cafes.

When you’re ready to venture further, consider a day trip to Pulau Ubin or a relaxing spa afternoon at Tempat Senang in Batam. Singapore’s position in the heart of Southeast Asia also makes weekend escapes to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia refreshingly accessible and affordable.

Looking to connect with others? There are plenty of ways to build community; try interest-based Meetups, social or professional networking, expat Facebook groups, and parenting circles. If the transition feels heavy, you’re not alone. Many experienced counsellors here specialise in supporting expats through the emotional side of relocation.

Red Dot Tip: Find a rhythm that suits you. Many neighbourhoods have their own vibe, whether you're a foodie or into pilates, padel, golf, or a weekend cycling group, you’ll find something that fits. Explore slowly and don’t be shy to ask locals and long-term expats for recommendations. Be sure to book getaways early, especially around holiday weekends, to secure the best deals.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new country isn’t just about packing boxes or choosing a school, it’s about building a life. At Red Dot Relocation, we support that full journey. We help make transitions smoother, calmer, and more intentional. Drop your email down below to download our step by step checklist. If you’d like more assistance with your move — reach out for a free consult call, we’re here to help!