HDB and condo moving day in Singapore — the complete checklist

Moving Day Check list 2026

Our Home & Living guides are written to be genuinely practical for Singapore residents - no sponsored placements, no brand mentions, just what you need to know to plan a move properly.

▶ Quick Answer: Book your lift or service lift with your Town Council (HDB) or MCST/management office (condo) at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead — most councils require advance notice and a refundable deposit. Start packing 4 weeks out, notify utilities and telcos 1 to 2 weeks before moving, and update your registered address with ICA within 28 days of moving, which is a legal requirement for NRIC holders. Do a final meter reading and handover check on moving day itself.

Moving day in Singapore involves more coordination than most people expect the first time they do it. Between HDB Town Council lift bookings, condo management approvals, utility transfers, and a legal requirement to update your address within 28 days, a move that isn't planned with enough lead time tends to go wrong in small, frustrating ways — a lift that isn't booked, a moving truck turned away at the loading bay, or a deposit forfeited because nobody read the fine print.

This guide lays out a practical, week-by-week timeline for both HDB and private condo moves in Singapore, so you know exactly what to arrange and by when.

4 weeks before moving day — the planning phase

This is the point to start decluttering and getting quotes, even if your move date feels far away. Movers in Singapore, especially for weekend slots, book up quickly — particularly around month-end and school holiday periods when demand spikes.

• Declutter room by room and decide what to sell, donate, or discard — fewer items means a cheaper, faster move

• Get at least 2 to 3 quotes from moving companies and compare what's included (packing materials, disassembly, insurance)

• Confirm your moving date with your new place — lease start date, keys collection, or renovation completion

• Start a folder (physical or digital) for all moving-related paperwork

  
  

2 weeks before — bookings and paperwork

This is when lift bookings, management approvals, and your mover's confirmed slot all need to be locked in. Leave this too late and you risk your preferred date being unavailable.

• HDB: submit your lift booking request with your Town Council for both your old and new block

• Condo: submit a moving request to your MCST or managing agent, including loading bay and service lift booking

• Confirm your moving company in writing, including the time window and any items requiring special handling

• Notify your children's school, if applicable, of the change of address

• Arrange time off work or coordinate with your workplace for moving day

  
  

The HDB lift booking process

HDB flats use a shared lift, and Town Councils require advance booking before you move large items, both to protect the lift interior with padding and to schedule around other residents' bookings. The exact process varies slightly by Town Council, but the general pattern is consistent across estates.

• Bookings are typically made through your Town Council's website, hotline, or the relevant e-service — check your specific Town Council's site for the current channel

• A refundable deposit is usually required and is returned after the move if the lift is undamaged

• Booking windows are normally in half-day or full-day slots, and weekend slots fill up fastest

• Some Town Councils restrict moving hours (for example, no moves before 9am or after 6pm) — confirm this when booking

• Book both the lift at your current block and your new block if both are HDB

  
  

Condo moving — MCST and management rules

Private condos generally have stricter and more variable rules than HDB, since each MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) sets its own house rules. Always check with your specific management office rather than assuming standard terms.

• A security or moving deposit is common, refunded after a post-move inspection confirms no damage to common property

• Most condos restrict moving to specific hours and days — Sunday and public holiday moves are often disallowed or restricted

• Loading bay and service lift bookings are usually required in addition to a general moving notice

• Some estates require your moving company's vehicle details and driver's particulars in advance for security clearance

  
  

1 week before — utilities and address updates

• Arrange for your SP Group (electricity/water) account to be transferred or closed and a new account opened at your new address

• Schedule your broadband and telco service transfer — some providers need 1 to 2 weeks' notice for reinstallation

• Update your address with your bank, insurers, and any subscription services

• Note the 28-day rule: Singapore Citizens and PRs are legally required to update their residential address with ICA within 28 days of moving — this can usually be done online via the ICA e-service

• Redirect mail via SingPost if needed for the transition period

  
  

Moving day timeline at a glance

Timeframe	What to do
4 weeks before	Declutter, get mover quotes, confirm your move date
2 weeks before	Book lift/service lift, confirm movers in writing, notify school if applicable
1 week before	Transfer utilities and broadband, update bank/insurer address, plan mail redirection
2 to 3 days before	Finish packing, label boxes by room, confirm move timing with your mover
Moving day	Final walkthrough, meter readings, keys handover, protect lift/lobby as required
Within 28 days after	Update your address with ICA (legal requirement for Citizens/PRs)

Moving day itself — the checklist

• Do a final walkthrough of your old unit — check cupboards, under sinks, and outdoor areas like yards or balconies

• Take a final electricity and water meter reading for your handover

• Confirm lift protection padding is up before large furniture moves through common areas, if this is your responsibility

• Hand over keys, access cards, and any remote controls (aircon, gate) as agreed with your landlord or the new owner

• Keep a box of essentials (chargers, medication, toiletries, a change of clothes) with you rather than in the moving truck

  
  

Common moving day mistakes in Singapore

• Not booking the lift in advance — Town Councils and MCSTs can turn away movers or issue penalties for unauthorised use of the service lift

• Forgetting the 28-day address update requirement, which can cause downstream issues with correspondence tied to your NRIC address

• Booking a moving slot during exam periods or estate-wide events, when some estates add extra restrictions

• Underestimating parking or loading bay availability at condos with limited visitor parking

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book the lift for moving in Singapore?

Yes. Both HDB Town Councils and condo MCSTs require advance booking of the lift or service lift before moving large items. This protects the lift interior and avoids scheduling conflicts with other residents. Book at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead.

How much does HDB lift booking cost?

Most Town Councils charge a refundable deposit rather than a fee, returned after the move if there's no damage to the lift. The exact amount varies by Town Council, so confirm the current rate when you book.

How far in advance should I book movers in Singapore?

2 to 4 weeks is a safe window, and longer if you're moving on a weekend or during a popular period such as month-end or school holidays, when movers book up faster.

What happens if I don't update my address within 28 days?

Singapore Citizens and PRs are legally required to update their residential address with ICA within 28 days of moving. Failing to do so can cause issues with mail, official correspondence, and records tied to your NRIC.

Can I move on a Sunday in a condo?

It depends on the estate. Many condo MCSTs restrict moving on Sundays and public holidays, or limit it to specific hours. Always confirm your specific development's house rules before booking your mover.