Moving to Singapore in 2025: What You Need to Know Before You Land
If you’re planning a move to Singapore, first of all — welcome. You’re in for an exciting chapter.
Singapore is a city that constantly surprises people. It's clean, efficient, incredibly safe, and yet full of culture, contrast, and color. But as with any international move, getting here smoothly takes more than just packing up and hopping on a flight.
Having helped countless families and professionals relocate over the years, we’ve seen how much smoother the process can be when it’s planned with both logistics and life in mind. So whether you're coming alone, with family, or through a corporate assignment: here’s a practical breakdown of what you’ll want to consider before arriving.
🧳 1. The Actual Move (Logistics Still Matter)
We’ll start with the obvious … shipping your life across borders.
Moving internationally isn’t just about boxes and bubble wrap. You’ll need to think about how your items will travel (air freight or sea freight), deal with customs paperwork, and possibly arrange storage if your new home isn’t quite ready.
At Reddot Movers, we take care of all that:
Careful packing by trained movers
Freight options (with advice based on budget/timeline)
Customs clearance & delivery into your new home
Optional storage in Singapore if you’re in between places
We’ve done this hundreds of times, and yes, we’ve even carried sofas up staircases that were tighter than they looked on video calls.
🏡 2. Finding the Right Place to Live
One of the biggest challenges for new arrivals is figuring out where to live. On paper, Singapore’s small. But once you're here, every neighborhood has its own feel.
If you want walkability and city buzz, River Valley or Orchard might suit you. Prefer quiet, green family vibes? Bukit Timah and Holland Village are expat favorites. Dreaming of sea breeze? East Coast has larger homes and parks.
Choosing your neighborhood is a blend of budget, lifestyle, proximity to work/school, and what just “feels right.” That’s where Red Dot Relocation comes in. Lauren, the founder, is a long-time expat herself and offers hands-on support with home searches, area tours, and more. She helps you figure it out — without the overwhelm.
East Coast Highway, Singapore. Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer at the background
🏫 3. Sorting Out Schools (Start Early!)
If you're relocating with kids, school is probably at the top of your list. Singapore has fantastic international schools, but spots can fill up fast.
The application process varies between schools — some have assessments, others have waitlists, and many follow different curricula (British, IB, American, etc.). It helps to know what you're looking for before you even touch down.
Red Dot Relocation helps families:
Shortlist schools based on curriculum, location, and budget
Understand application deadlines
Arrange campus tours
Guide you through enrollment
It can make a big difference when you're juggling a move and trying to keep your kids calm and excited about the transition.
⚙️ 4. Setting Up Real Life in a New Country
Beyond the big-ticket items, there’s the everyday stuff — and this is where most people feel the stress.
Think about:
Setting up internet and utilities
Finding the right mobile plan
Opening a bank account
Figuring out health insurance
Hiring a helper (common here, but very personal)
Registering for a driving license conversion, if you need one
Red Dot Relocation handles all these touchpoints. You won’t be Googling things in circles or waiting on hold for hours. Lauren’s team has done it all before, and they’re there to walk you through it.
Why We’ve Teamed Up
We’ve seen too many people arrive in Singapore with a pile of cardboard boxes... and no idea where to start once they’ve unpacked.
That’s why Reddot Movers and Red Dot Relocation now work together — to give you a complete relocation experience. We move your physical belongings, while they help you settle emotionally, logistically, and practically into life here.
It’s one seamless process, and one less thing to worry about.
If you're moving to Singapore in 2025, or even just starting to explore it, we’re happy to chat. Whether it's about freight timelines, customs, schools, or what groceries cost here (yes, we’ve been asked), just reach out.