Do you have plans to relocate to Singapore? As exciting as it is, when you’ve got kids, uprooting your family may seem like a tall order. From breaking the news of the big move to settling down in a new country, there’s much to prepare to ensure that your new adventure abroad goes smoothly for the whole family.
Fret not! There’s a reason why expats flock to Singapore year after year. Aside from its perpetually sunny weather, the garden city has been ranked as the most liveable city for Asian expats for 15 consecutive years. Singapore claimed the top spot because of the island’s outstanding infrastructure, good amenities, and low crime rate. Plus, its large expat community means you can form close-knit connections quickly.
4 Tips for a Smooth Home Relocation Experience
1. Prep your children before the move
Give your kids enough time to adjust by breaking the news at least three months in advance. Informing them ahead of time improves their adaptability and allows them to process and accept the impending move. Not only that, it also gives you the opportunity to address any concerns or fears they may have about relocating to a new city. When kids know what to expect, they experience less stress about the move.
Tip: Assure your child that they can take important belongings with them. Child development and behaviour specialist Betsy Brown Braun recommends making a scrapbook about your old home. Let your children take pictures of the house, their friends, school, and favourite neighbourhood spots. The last picture of the scrapbook should feature your new home! We go into details with 5 Tips on Family Management When Home Moving.
2. Find your ideal family home
Finding the right home that is comfortable for the whole family is essential for a smooth transition. This requires choosing the perfect location. The advantage of being a tiny country is that connectivity isn’t a problem here in Singapore; you don’t have to travel for hours to get to the other end of the island. Of course, some locations are more popular than others among expat families such as Bukit Timah, Holland Village, and Tanjong Pagar because they are more centralised and within reach of the CBD.
Tip: Choose a family-friendly neighbourhood that caters to you and your family – one that’s close to your workplace, your children’s school, and an array of amenities.
From there, decide on the type of home that meets your housing needs. There’s a variety of different property types to choose form, such as condominiums, serviced apartments, and landed houses.
If it’s a condominium, be sure to find one with many kid-friendly facilities such as playgrounds, kid’s pools, function rooms with plenty of space to host fun gatherings, and more. Some condos even have a preschool as part of the development! We have narrowed down private properties in the Core Central Region (CCR) that’s perfect for families.
3. Immerse yourself and your family in the local culture
Since you’ll be calling Singapore home, there’s no better time to fully explore the Lion City! Singapore is infused with a myriad of different cultures. Take advantage of everything this country has to offer. Singapore has a lot of child-friendly landmarks like parks, museums, and libraries. And don’t forget to experience the local cuisine as well!
Tip: Visit family-friendly places where you can take in the scenic sights lie Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, and Botanic Gardens, to name a few. Make sure to include trips to the heartlands for a true-blue local experience. We have exciting guides to Ang Mo Kio, Clementi and Tampines (plus many more) to help you get started.
4. Reach out to Singapore expat groups
You’ll be happy to know that there is a thriving network of foreigners who have made Singapore their home. There are many ways to get in touch with fellow expats – from joining clubs and associations like Tanglin Club and The American Club to signing up for a sports team such as Singapore American Football League. All you need to do is find a group that matches your interest!
Tip: Join country-specific expat groups on social media before you travel. This way, you can get tips for living here and make new friends even before the plane lands in Changi Airport.
We understand that settling down into a whole new country can be stressful. There are many adjustments for the whole family to anticipate and prepare for. We hope these handy tips will make it a breeze for you and your family to feel right at home!
Here at Ohmyhome, we are passionate to be part of your relocation journey.
Get visa application support, find a home, and choose a school for your children with Ohmyhome’s Destination Services. Everything you need for a seamless relocation in one cost-effective touchpoint. Your questions answered by industry veterans and local experts.
