Moving to Singapore

Choosing a moving agency and moving services

If you are moving to Singapore with your current company or if you have been offered a new work contract for Singapore, be sure to negotiate the inclusion of removals as part of your package. Depending on how big your family is and how voluminous your move will be, you might be in for a very hefty relocation bill. It is therefore worthwhile to negotiate to save yourself from the hassle of coordinating at both ends ' in your home country and one more time when you arrive. The cost of living in Singapore is relatively high and bear in mind that you might need to prepare a separate budget if you intend to furnish your new apartment upon arriving. Therefore, if your relocation is being paid for, you might be able to bring the maximum from your current home. On the other hand however, many apartments in Singapore come fully furnished to a very comfortable level, so be sure to be efficient when deciding whether or not you should bring that art nouveau lamp given to you by your in laws.

Once you have picked a relocation agency, you need to set up an appointment for an in-house estimate. Different agencies offer different types of relocation packages, and they generally provide significant documentation and detail ahead of the appointment. It is worthwhile to compile a list of all the objects that require special care, such as mirrors, pieces of art or sensitive electronic equipment. You will need to specify to the company what you intend to do yourself, including disassembling furniture or packing dishes ahead of their transfer. During the appointment, you will also need to specify the services to be offered upon your arrival in Singapore.

Generally, removal companies offer the option of delivering your belongings to your new destination. They also provide reassembly facilities. These services, although more expensive can prevent a lot of hassle, since your first few days in Singapore might be packed with administrative procedures of all sorts. If your plans are to go on a house-hunting spree upon your arrival, you can also arrange for the agency to hold your belongings for a certain lapse of time. This is a more complicated route and it is highly advisable to go on a scouting mission before you plan your move, as this will provide you with a better idea of what to bring and what to leave behind. The architecture of Singaporean condominiums and homes is often quite different to what prevails in other parts of the world, especially Europe, so it might be better to get a good idea of where you will be moving before packing those cardboard boxes. Note also that whilst some companies will provide unloading services at your new home, others will unload your packages in a warehouse, with the remainder of the domestic transfer being your responsibility. There is a very wide choice of companies to choose from, starting from high end agencies experienced in moving art pieces and music instruments as well as more affordable options for the basics. If you need to finance your own move, it could even be more efficient to select separate agencies for your fragile and sensitive belongings.

The fine print

There are several items which will impact the value of the estimate. This includes:

• Your address of origin
• The final destination of your belongings
• The volume and weight of your belongings
• The types of transportation that you pick (air vs. shipping)
• The nature of the service, including specific tasks the removal agents are expected to carry out
• Insurance policies and payment plans

As part of the moving process, you will need to prepare an inventory of your belongings and establish a 'declaration of value', which is an estimate of the total value of the objects you are moving. This document is important since it defines the amount of compensation you are liable to receive in case of loss or damage. This value will be cross-checked by the removal agency and might be a lengthy procedure should the valuation process be complex. It is therefore essential to plan ahead of time in order to find yourself in a situation where you need to carry out the valuation quickly and inaccurately. The removal company will then propose an insurance policy based on value. The value of the insurance can sometimes be a point of contention as the removal company might attempt to jack up the insurance cost. It is always better to cross check with a separate insurer or to check with your local insurance company in the event the latter has international insurance packages which might be more competitive. Whatever your final decision, make sure to look at the details of the insurance package, including caps on the reimbursement value and especially exclusions.

The final step prior to shipment is the signature of a waybill, which specifies the terms and conditions of the contract as well as additional details such as the mode of transportation and the volume and weight of your belongings. Regarding the payment, a deposit is usually required prior to loading, with the outstanding balance due after unloading. Customs can often be a headache for international moves, but this should not be the case in Singapore as long as you abide by any restrictions in place, details of which can be obtained from a Singaporean embassy or consulate. For greater security, it might be better to opt for a carrier affiliated with the International Federation of International Movers.

Useful links:

FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers www.fedemac.com
FIDI - International Federation of International Removers www.fidi.com