
An HDB (Housing & Development Board) flat is more compact and has less space compared to a private condo or landed property. So, moving into one requires intense decluttering and reducing your assortment to a size suitable for the smaller flats.
This blog lists things you need to discard even before hiring a home removal service in Singapore for your next move. Besides, it’ll also cost you less to move with fewer goods and make the overall move more manageable.
Also, irresponsible removal in Singapore entails hefty fines, so of course, you can’t literally leave the things listed below. Remember to get assistance from removalists in Singapore to responsibly get rid of all the redundant items and debris.
Damaged or Low-Quality Furniture
Faux luxury, poor-quality Taobao furniture has become quite popular, but such furniture doesn’t last as long as handcrafted furniture. So, before buying new furniture for the move or to fit your home renovation ideas, discard the old ones first.
Bulky furniture comprises a large part of the moving quote and eventually the price you pay for the move. So, getting rid of old furniture also means you can move light and at a low cost. Also, actually leaving behind old furniture may result in fines, so remove it before the move.
Worn-Out Mattresses
Replace your mattress every 7-10 years. So, if your mattress is older, it’s no use moving it. After a decade of use, the mattress collects a lot of dead cells, mites and dust. So, for your next move, you can check and remove your mattress accordingly.
If you are an HDB dweller, you can remove bulky items for free with the Town Council’s permission. Several mattress stores dispose of the old one for you when you buy a new mattress from them. You can also contact waste management companies to dismantle and recycle the materials.
Obsolete Electronics & Cables
Old disks, broken monitors, CD/DVD players, wires, charging cables, and other smaller electronics that have gone obsolete need to be removed. These are not worth moving unless considered antiques or emotionally valuable.
Transfer all the data and digitise it before removing these items. Also, remember to discard all the e-waste in designated E-bins only. There are over one thousand bins found in community centres and shopping malls around the island.
Otherwise, with a full-move service from a home removal service in Singapore, you can expect them to take care of the disposal for you.
Expired Pantry Items & Spices
Furthermore, any expired raw food will attract pests such as rats and cockroaches due to their presence in the vehicle and storehouse. Sort and discard all these items before packing. Also, it’s better to donate the food items than to let them get spoiled during the move.
Categorise all the food in your pantry into three categories based on good foods, the ones that are about to expire, and the ones that are expired. This can be done initially when you just start packing, even if you may pack your kitchen items last.
Old Bedding and Towels
All the old towels and linens can be used as cushioning material. You can also use them to wrap your goods to prevent dust and debris. The bedding and towels that are in poor condition can be repurposed as dishcloths.
The beddings and towels that are gently used can be donated, or you can give them away to those around you. They can simply be thrown into the H&M recycling baskets or any other clothing recycling bin, as they will serve as raw materials.
Hazardous & Expired Cleaning Products
Any industrial chemical or cleaning agent is not allowed on the moving vehicle due to their flammable nature. Due to the risk of damaging the other goods in the transit vehicle, professional movers do not move such items.
It’s better to leave all the hazardous and expired cleaning products behind. Otherwise, get assistance from professional removalists in Singapore to ensure a responsible removal. This way, you can dodge any fines and hassle during the move.
FAQs
What is the HDB 50% rule?
Applicants can keep the higher of $25,000 or 50% of cash proceeds; HDB uses the remaining cash to determine the second housing loan amount.
How much money should I budget for a home move?
For a move within Singapore, you must have a budget somewhere between SGD 250 and 2000, depending on the move distance and the volume of goods to be moved.
What items are not worth moving?
Anything that hasn’t been used for a long time, old furniture, and bulky items that are difficult to move are not worth moving.
How to identify fake packers and movers?
Moving services with no physical presence and low ratings with a surge of positive feedback online are definitely fake.
Where is the least expensive place to buy moving supplies in Singapore?
The least expensive places to buy moving supplies in Singapore are specialised suppliers like Carton Box Singapore or Home Depot.
Takeaways
Therefore, when moving, you must start decluttering early so that you have time to discard everything you’re not moving. If needed, buy a full move package of home removal service in Singapore, and they can help you with the removal.
Also, decluttering before an HDB move saves time, money and effort. To ensure a stress-free transition, it’s better to leave behind expired consumables, damaged furniture that won’t fit and obsolete electronics.
For your next move, focus on parting with items that will not suit your new space or lifestyle.

