What are your top 3 of things you could have done better?

[NewtoSing]

Hello there. What are the top 3 of things you wish you wouldn't have done or your would have done them differently during your relocation process to Singapore? It could be you wish you did not bring your KitchenAid mixer or you wish you would have use more than one agent to search for the house.

[durain]

i wish i didnt bring the darn kitchen sink!!!

[sprite]

Top three? Not sure I could come up with just three

If its important to you, bring it with you (assuming shipping is not on your nickel) Favorite books, photo albums, artwork.

I'd pack a carton or suitcase with favorite items from the drugstore: vitamins, over the counter drugs (you might want to see the other thread on this) any convenience item that will make your transition easier. You'll be surprised, there are a lot of things that are available here, and a lot that you may miss, so treat yourself and get what you need so you can find a suitable substitution on your own time, not as soon as you land.

Shoes for the whole family (running/tennis shoes are easy to find, real shoes can be tough -- either very cheap or very expensive). Likewise for clothes -- if you have a favorite pair of shorts -- buy them in every color.

If there is something you've always wanted but didn't want to splurge on beforehand, do it now and stick it in your shipment. Or buy it when you get here (like a second KitchenAid Mixer, a wii for the kids, etc...) Treat yourselves, this is a big move and some aspects maybe hard, so balance it with some good if you can.

Fill up a carton of DVDs and books.

Recognize that for all it's westernized outward appearances, Singapore is a strange and different place and that most people face a sizable bit of culture shock when the honeymoon phase wears off. Some are cavalier and deny it, but it's there. This isn't a sign of failure or weakness, or a shortcoming of Singapore itself-- it happens when people move. Kids regress, spouses get cranky.

If at all possible, have the working spouse take a few days off when you land to help you both get your feet on the ground. Nice for the both of you to take ownership of the situation, so one spouse doesn't feel dragged into the situation or abandoned. I have friends that work in relocation companies who claim this happens a lot.


Don't rely on just one agent. They can be woefully uninformed. Do a lot of research over the internet and ask a lot of questions. Look in the Straits Times and ask to see specific properties if they appeal to you.


A smart question to ask, good luck with your move.

[ksl]

Only one, I can think of that maybe worth while, considering, if your under 40. Leave the wife and kids at home! What do you say Ozchick, more beer! and return twice a years for hols, absence makes the heart grow fonder!

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Although don't be if the wife has disappeared, with the milkman!

[ching]

I would have left more things back home... then I wouldn't have to move them every time we change apartments.

Luckily 'home' for me is a relatively short flight away, and we visit once in a while, so I was able to get things I needed -- bringing over my winter clothing (for business trips), and buying new shoes. For some reason I find it hard to find the shoe styles I like, in Singapore.

[55 north]

Ha ha - like it!!
Kitchen sink is definately staying - going to bribe the kids with new toys when we get there to save bringing everything.
As hubby is over 40 he's bringing us with him - whether he likes it or not!!!!!!
Furniture wise - we only plan to bring the kids beds and one or two other pieces.
Will be looking for ideas on what we need to bring - other than a case full of calpol and sunlotion.
Hopefully find out in the next 2 weeks when/if this is actually happening!
xx

[cbavasi]

if i were sending a shipment again and i knew we were staying in asia for quite some time i would have brought more bedding, towels, bathmats...etc. how i long for a bed, bath & beyond or macy's white sale

i would also bring children's pjs and birthday cards. i know everyone has a different opinion - but everytime we go home i stock up on kids bday cards.

i'm also a nutcase for downy fabric softener (the american smelling one) so i make my mom bring over boxes and boxes of dryer sheets. it's the little things you know!

i used to bring over lots of meds (advil and stuff) - but you can get ibuprofren from the pharmacist and kids pain reliever (calpol, nurofen) so don't really bother with that stuff anymore.

you will however find a couple boxes of milkduds and assorted triscuts in my carryon

[sundaymorningstaple]

you will however find a couple boxes of milkduds and assorted triscuts in my carryon

My last time home, I completely filled one large suitcase with Triscuits! (Have you seen the new 'DoubleBoxes'! Two bags in one box. Kinda like the Potato Chips where there are two bags in a single large bag. I love the Deli-rye Triscuits and the Originals.

You can occasionally find Triscuits in Jasons. But only if you see them first. Once I see them, I buy all on the shelf! I've had some strange looks at the cash register.

[juvar]

Hi there

If you are coming from the UK then I recommend stocking up on Medised. Great for getting the children to sleep on the plane and also back to sleep once here and severely jetlagged. Otherwise, birthday cards, fav mags (Heat costs a fortune here and is very hard to justify!) and a handful of ornaments or photos that make you feel at home.

I also go with the idea of using more than one rental agent.

Toys over here are v cheap compared with the UK, as are DVDs, CDs, books etc so you could buy them here. The UK chain stores - M&S, GAP, Zara, Mothercare, Dorothy Perkins etc - are similarly priced to that in the UK and you can get UK sizes, so if you want to buy new you could wait until you get here. Ikea is a mirror image of the store in the UK with cheaper prices too.

Only thing I regret bringing are some fav photos. They got damaged on the way over in the crate. I should have photocopied them and brought the copies instead.

Good luck with the move and get yourself some pedicures/massages booked up once you get here to help de-stress following the move! They are also much cheaper than at home.