Short answer: before moving day, report any defects (for HDB flats, within 1 month of key collection and before renovation starts), open your utilities account at least a week ahead, and plan the move itself. After you move, update your address with ICA within 28 days, test your RCCB, and look after your new finishes. The checklist below runs in the order most homeowners need it.

1. Defects: inspect and report early

This step is easy to rush, and it matters most. HDB asks owners of new flats to report items that need fixing within 1 month of key collection and before renovation works begin. Its reason is practical: once renovation starts, it becomes hard to tell whether a crack or hollow tile came from construction or from your contractor.

What HDB's process looks like during the 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP):

  • Report items by scanning the QR code in your Welcome Kit or on the notice on your kitchen wall, or at the temporary Building Service Centre (BSC) near your block.
  • The BSC arranges a joint inspection, assigns contractors and holds a closing inspection when the work is done.
  • HDB says repairs usually take less than 2 weeks, and some can be done during or after your renovation if they do not get in the way.
  • HDB does not recommend handing your keys to the rectification contractor. Bring your own lock.

After the DLP, repairs are your responsibility. For a full list of what to look for on inspection day, see our BTO key collection checklist. Condo owners should follow the developer's own defects process and deadlines.

2. Utilities: book these before you need them

SP Group handles electricity and water accounts. Its residential guide says:

  • Who can apply: Singaporeans, PRs and foreigners with valid documentation, aged 18 and above, through the SP app, the online portal or a Customer Service Centre.
  • New BTO flats: no appointment is needed to turn on electricity and water.
  • Resale flats and other homes: an on-site safety inspection is done to turn on supply. Allow at least one week when booking, as slots are first come, first served.
  • Who must be there: the account holder or a representative, unless you are taking over an account with no interruption to supply.
  • Gas: handled separately by City Energy.

Book your internet fibre installation early too. If you are renovating, your contractor will usually need power and water on site, so sort the account out before works start.

3. Planning the move itself

A smooth move day is mostly preparation:

  • Measure first. Check the lift, corridor and door widths against your largest pieces, especially sofas, fridges and bed frames.
  • Check building arrangements. Ask your Town Council or condo management whether you need to book a lift, register movers or place a deposit.
  • Move in rooms, not boxes. Label every box by room and pack an "open first" box with bedding, toiletries, chargers, basic tools and cleaning supplies.
  • Protect the new finishes. Ask movers to cover floors and door frames, especially if you have just laid vinyl or timber.
  • Furniture before decor. Place large items first so you can see how much space is left for storage.

4. Address change and admin

All Identity Card holders must report a change of residential address to ICA within 28 days of moving in. The process is online:

  1. Log in to ICA's change of address e-Service with Singpass. You can include up to 4 family members as sub-applicants, who confirm by SMS within 5 days.
  2. ICA mails a PIN to your new address. Use it to verify the change online.
  3. You receive an address sticker for the back of your IC. There is no fee.

Then work through the private list yourself: banks, insurers, your employer, schools, subscriptions and delivery apps. Do this in one sitting so nothing is missed.

5. Safety checks in your first week

Test the RCCB

Your consumer unit (the box with the circuit breakers) includes a Residual Current Circuit Breaker, which cuts power when it detects current leaking to earth. HDB advises testing it monthly: press the button marked T and it should switch off. If it does not, it may be faulty. Reset it after a successful test, switch off sensitive equipment such as computers first, and engage a licensed electrician if it malfunctions.

Fire alarms

SCDF requires home fire alarm devices (HFADs) in new homes, and in existing homes carrying out fire safety works with plans submitted on or after 1 June 2018. For other existing homes they are not mandatory but SCDF strongly encourages them. SCDF says smoke detectors give earlier warning than heat detectors, and recommends models with a built-in battery that lasts 10 years.

Know your shut-offs

Find your main water valve and the main switch on your consumer unit before you need them in a hurry, and show everyone in the household.

6. Cleaning and caring for new finishes

  • Book a post-renovation clean before furniture arrives, so dust is not trapped behind cabinets.
  • Mop the kitchen, do not wash it down. HDB notes there is no waterproofing membrane beneath HDB kitchen floor tiles, so water poured on the floor can find its way to the flat below.
  • Use non-corrosive detergents in bathrooms. HDB says this reduces wear on the waterproof membrane and screed under the floor.
  • Air out the home for a few days after painting and carpentry, with windows open where possible.

7. Your first-month checklist

  • Defects reported (HDB flats: within 1 month of key collection)
  • Utilities account active, gas and internet booked
  • ICA address change done, PIN verified
  • Banks, insurers and employer updated
  • RCCB tested and the date noted for next month
  • Fire alarm installed or checked
  • Spare keys made and stored safely
  • Warranty cards, manuals and contractor contacts kept in one folder

Moving into a home that works

The easiest moves are into homes where the layout was settled before anything was built. JIAHOME designs your home first for a fixed fee, with 2D layouts and up to 10 3D views, so you know where everything goes before moving day. See our services or book a free consultation through our contact page.

Last updated 15 October 2026