Families with young ones—moving house is no small task. Between packed boxes, school transitions, and disrupted routines, it can feel overwhelming. But with the right planning, your family can move smoothly, and even turn it into an adventure.
So if you’re upsizing to a condo, moving closer to a primary school, or relocating within your HDB estate, this guide is your trusted moving companion—Singapore style, of course.
Before you start packing boxes or booking a mover, take a moment to think about where you’re headed. Choosing the right neighbourhood can make all the difference to your family’s day-to-day life—from how easily you get to work and school, to where your kids play, learn, and grow. Here are a few things to consider when narrowing down your search for a family-friendly place to call home in Singapore.
Family-friendly HDB towns (Punggol, Tampines): Ideal if you're looking for neighbourhoods with abundant playgrounds, childcare centres, and park connectors. Expect 4-room rentals around SG$3,000–SG$3,500.
City-fringe condos (Tiong Bahru, Queenstown): Look here to be close to the CBD and MRT lines, plus hip cafés and heritage walks. Prices trend higher (SG$4,000–SG$5,000,000 for a 3-bed unit).
Suburban landed or cluster homes (Serangoon Gardens): These areas have more space, quieter streets, and neighbourhood schools. You'll need to budget upwards of SG$6,000 for a 3-bed terrace.
Commute matters when it comes to finding the right neighbourhood to move to with kids. Check MRT/bus routes to work and school, as peak-hour traffic adds stress for kids prone to motion sickness.
A move is not just physical, it's emotional too, especially for children who are attached to routines and their familiar surroundings. That’s why it helps to bring your kids into the process early. Around two to three months before moving day is a great time to start easing them into the idea and helping them feel involved. Here are a few thoughtful ways to do that:
Map out the new neighbourhood: Take them on a “preview day” to explore nearby playgrounds, libraries, hawker centres, and MRT routes.
Read stories together about the moving process: Localised storybooks like The Singapore Kid’s Moving Day or Goodbye, House! can help younger kids understand what to expect.
Give them small decisions to make during the move: Let them choose their new bedsheet set, a favourite meal for moving day, or help decorate packing boxes with drawings and stickers.
Moving can feel like a whirlwind for kids, but with a bit of structure, it doesn't have to be chaotic. Children thrive when they know what to expect, and involving them early on can help ease anxiety and even make them feel proud to be part of the process. Here are a few simple ways to keep them involved and make the move feel a little less overwhelming:
Declutter together: Create 'keep', 'donate', and 'throw' piles. Consider donating gently used items to organisations like The Salvation Army or Blessings in a Bag.
Create a comfort kit: Pack a small box or backpack with each child’s essentials like stuffed animals, books, games, snacks, and pyjamas to keep on hand during the move.
Stick to structure: Even amid boxes, stick to your regular schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime. A little familiarity goes a long way.
Moving costs go beyond the mover’s quote, especially for families. Factor in the following.
|
Expense |
Typical range |
Notes |
|
Local mover (3-bed HDB) |
SG$800–SG$1,500 |
Add 20% during the school-holiday peak |
|
Short-term storage |
SG$80–SG$200 / month |
Useful if reno dates don’t align |
|
Childcare/helper for moving day |
SG$80–SG$120 / day |
Hire early during the holidays |
|
International school fees |
SG$40,000–SG$50,000 / year |
For curriculum continuity |
|
Preschool/infant care |
SG$1,200–SG$2,00k / month |
Subsidies apply to citizens/PRs |
|
Rental deposit (2 months) |
Varies |
Budget for the new home upfront |
Add a 10% buffer for last-minute expenses like pizza deliveries, extra packing materials, or taxi runs between the two homes.
Packing efficiently (and safely) is essential when you’ve got kids around. Here’s how to manage it without the overwhelm:
Start with non-essentials: Begin with books, off-season clothes, and unused kitchen items. Save daily-use areas like bathrooms and kids’ bedrooms for last.
Use colour-coded labels: Assign each room a colour or icon. For example, blue labels for the kids’ room, green for the kitchen, etc. This helps both movers and kids know where things go.
Wrap breakables securely: Use towels, clothing, or bubble wrap. For items like toys with small pieces, use ziplock bags or small containers.
Don’t overload boxes: Especially for kids’ items, smaller, lighter boxes are easier to carry and unpack. Overloaded boxes are more prone to damage.
Pack a ‘Day 1’ essentials box: Include toilet paper, snacks, extra clothes, power strips, tools, toiletries, and chargers—all the things you’ll need before everything’s unpacked.
While there’s no perfect time to move, certain periods are easier to navigate with children:
During school holidays: The June and December holidays are ideal, as kids are free from school stress, and you have time to unpack and settle in before the new term.
After exams or mid-term breaks: If your move doesn’t align with school holidays, consider moving after exam periods or on long weekends.
Avoid peak moving months: The end of the year and Chinese New Year can be hectic, especially for condo moves. Book early to secure a slot.
Weather considerations: Singapore’s heat and humidity are constant, but avoid the monsoon season (typically November through January) if you have a lot of exposed items or need to move between buildings.
When you’re moving with kids, good planning is half the battle. Booking early ensures you get your preferred moving date, avoids stress, and gives your family time to prepare at a comfortable pace.
Book movers at least 4–6 weeks in advance: If you’re planning to move during the June or December school holidays, moving companies often get fully booked weeks ahead. It’s best to book trusted Singapore home movers early, especially if you’re coordinating your move with international travel, tenancy end dates, or a new school intake.
Check school calendars and term dates: Align your moving date with term breaks, long weekends, or exam-free periods. If your child is switching schools, try to move before the start of the term so they don’t join midstream.
Compare and confirm quotes in advance: Use Wise Move’s platform to get multiple quotes from verified moving companies. Look for movers who have great customer reviews, insurance and offer flexible scheduling, furniture disassembly, and optional packing services.
Notify schools, childcare centres and service providers early: Update your child’s school records, transfer addresses for bills and internet, and arrange for post redirection at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Create a shared moving calendar: Use a visual countdown or wall calendar to help your children understand the timeline and build excitement leading up to moving day.
On moving day, things move quickly. Reduce chaos by planning ahead for your children’s comfort and safety.
Arrange childcare if possible: Whether it’s a relative, a helper, or a drop-in daycare (some preschools and play gyms offer this), having kids off-site can keep everyone calm.
Brief your movers: Let your chosen moving company know if there are fragile toys, kids’ furniture, or bunk beds that need special attention.
Keep your emergency bag close: Include baby wipes, a change of clothes, Panadol, snacks, chargers, a fan (for outdoor waiting), and bottled water.
Settling in starts on day 1, especially for kids. Ease the transition by making your new space feel like home as quickly as possible.
Unpack the kids’ room first: Familiar blankets, night lights, and books help create comfort.
Go for a walk: Explore the new estate together. Introduce yourselves to neighbours or check out the closest kopi stall and convenience store.
Stick to the routine: Try to keep dinner and bedtime consistent, even if it’s takeout on the floor surrounded by boxes.
Once you’re in, the real adjustment begins, meaning new routines, new friends, and sometimes new schools. Here are some tips to help you settle into a new routine with your kids.
Join community groups: Many condos and estates have Telegram or WhatsApp parent groups. You can also find local events at ActiveSG and your nearest community club.
Explore kid-friendly spaces: Spots like Kiztopia, Buds at Shangri-La, or Playeum are great for meeting other families and giving kids space to burn energy.
Reconnect with old friends: Video chats and weekend meetups can help bridge the emotional gap, especially for school-age children.
Kids may show signs of stress in different ways, such as acting out, trouble sleeping, or being clingier than usual. That’s okay.
Open up space to talk: Ask questions like, “What do you miss most?” or “What are you excited to explore here?”
Celebrate milestones: Mark small wins like “first sleepover in the new room” or “first scooter ride at the new park.”
Be patient: Adjustment takes time. Even if the boxes are unpacked, it might take weeks for your child to feel settled emotionally.
|
Timeline |
Must-do tasks |
|
2-3 Months out |
Research neighbourhoods, shortlist movers, and talk to kids about the move. |
|
1 Month out |
Declutter, start slow packing, prep kids for change, and update school records. |
|
2 Weeks out |
Confirm move date, book babysitter or helper, and prepare moving logistics with booked movers. |
|
Day before |
Pack essential items, prep kids’ kits, and label boxes clearly. |
|
Moving day |
Keep kids safe/occupied, supervise movers, settle key areas. |
|
First night |
Kids’ rooms set up, re-establish routine, and explore new surroundings. |
|
First week |
Join local activities, organise playdates, and check on school or preschool. |
Wise Move Singapore helps families move smarter, with less stress, less risk, and more support.
Verified movers only: All movers on our platform are reviewed, vetted, and rated by local customers.
Kid-friendly flexibility: Choose your date and time to suit school pickups, nap schedules, or bedtime.
Local knowledge: Professional local movers who understand HDB lift access, condo restrictions, and estate-specific challenges.
Extras that help: Some movers even help assemble furniture or take care of bulky toys and bunk beds.
Simply submit your delivery request, review your quotes and read customer reviews and make an informed decision about your move. Book the right vetted Singapore moving companies for you and your family, and start your next chapter with confidence.
Start early, involve your child in planning the move, and give them small decisions. Familiarity, conversation, and reassurance all help reduce anxiety.
While younger kids adjust faster to the move, older kids have a better understanding of the moving process. No age is perfect. It’s more about how you support them during the transition.
Yes. School holidays in June and December give children time to settle in without disrupting their academic routine. However, moving after exams or over long weekends can also work well.
Many do. Movers on Wise Move offer optional packing services and are familiar with disassembling and reassembling furniture like cots and bunk beds. Just request this upfront.
If you don’t have childcare, set up a safe, quiet room with books, toys, and a tablet. You can even get your kids to help with light tasks in the moving process, like handing out labels or counting boxes.
Wise Move is a booking platform, where people find movers and packers in Singapore. Our platform is the first of its kind in the country, giving customers access to reliable, cost-effective and user-reviewed movers with just a few short steps. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving and relocation as simple and as effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
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