Several elders and high-earning singles are downsizing homes across Singapore for a more laid-back and simpler life. If you are among these peace-seeking individuals, you might be in the middle of downsizing right now.
Hiring reliable movers in Singapore is essential for a smooth move, but removing all the redundant items comes first. You are moving to a more compact space, so the current volume of goods will take up a lot of space in your new home.
So, read this blog before you hire a cheap mover in SG for a guide to reduce your items and save up on the move.
What Is An HDB 2-Room Flexi Flat Layout Like?
Several HDB flats in elderly-friendly communities are designed to aid the lifestyle of the elderly and help them move around more efficiently.
Senior-Friendly Barrier-Free Built-In Design
Layouts feature wider doorways, zero floor steps, and wheelchair-accessible bathroom zones.
Integrated Kitchen and Living Areas
Open layouts connect cooking spaces directly to the living room for easy, safe movement.
Flexible Short-Lease Options for Seniors
Citizens aged 55 and above can choose flexible lease terms ranging from 15 to 45 years.
Pre-Installed Mandatory Safety Grab Bars
Bathrooms come fitted with sturdy grab rails and anti-slip floor tiles to prevent falls.
These upgrades are not only useful but are really necessary to support seniors’ limited mobility and still offer independence.
How Do I Help Elderly Parents Pack For A Move?
When moving with the elderly, you must focus on their health and well-being, even on the move. Any form of physically tiring tasks should be left to the movers.
Start the Process Weeks in Advance
If you are packing by yourself, break the process into smaller bits with half or one hour of focused work to prevent exhaustion.
Handle Emotional Belongings with Care
All the photo albums, vintage items and precious heirloom with care to prevent accidental damage.
Label Cartons with Extra Large Text
Use thick black markers to write big, high-contrast room destinations on every moving box.
Set Aside All Vital Daily Medications
Keep a distinct organiser or coloured container to store medication and medical records so that they don’t get lost.
Hire Patient, Professional Full-Service Movers
Secure an experienced moving team for handling the physically challenging tasks and make the transition seamless.
For moving the bulk items, book with movers in Singapore so they can help you move the bulky items and pack everything efficiently.
What Furniture Should Be Removed When Downsizing?
Furniture is the most space-consuming article in any home, and when downsizing, you have to get rid of it first.
Ditch Massive Multi-Seater Sofa Sets
Giant leather or wooden couches will completely choke up a small 2-room flexi living space.
Discard Oversized 6-Seater Dining Tables.
Change the huge family table for a smaller and easy-to-fold-away compact table.
Purge Extraneous Spare Bedroom Wardrobes
Since you are moving to a single-bedroom unit, clear out surplus clothing drawers and racks.
Donate Unused Secondary Home Appliances
Get rid of massive television stands, massive blenders, and old vacuum cleaners you rarely use.
Removing the furniture suited for a bigger home will reduce your belongings significantly, and you can move more easily. Also, the move costs will be lower.
How Do Seniors Apply For The Silver Housing Bonus?
Packing and moving with assistance from a cheap mover in SG will help you save big. Applying for the silver housing bonus will help you score more benefits when downsizing.
Earn Up to S$30,000 in Cash Bonuses
Moving downgrades from a larger 3 or 4-bedroom apartment to a smaller 2 or 3 bhk HDB can earn one a cash award.
Top Up Your CPF Retirement Account
Channel a portion of your flat sale net cash proceeds into your CPF life account first.
Submit Applications via the HDB Portal
Your bonus claims can be processed online within one year of completing your new flat purchase transaction.
Meet the Strict Age Eligibility Cap
At least one out of two or multiple house owners must be of Singaporean nationality, aged 55 or above, to qualify.
Clear Previous Property Ownership Rules
It’s mandatory to own a flat for at least 5 years before proceeding with the downsizing move.
Singapore’s government is creating several elderly friendly communities to nurture and care for the country’s ageing population. So, downsizing just might be the best decision.
FAQs
What are the housing options for seniors in Singapore?
Downsizing to a condo from a landed property includes strategising the move, applying for CPF proceeds, and reducing your goods volume.
Can a 70-year-old buy an HDB flat?
Foreigners have restrictions on purchasing landed properties in Singapore, but they can buy once they get approval from the “Singapore Land Authority”.
What senior safety features should a new flat have?
New HDB flats for seniors should have a step-free entry and non-slip flooring, to ensure maximum independence and reduce fall risks.
What to do before the movers come?
A day before the move, prepare by clearing the hallway and organising things according to their order for moving.
On what day should one hire moving services?
Midweek moves are the cheapest due to the lowest demand, allowing moving companies to offer significantly reduced hourly rates.
Conclusion
Being one of the trends of elder downsizing, the silver tsunami calls on you to start preparations for downsizing at an earlier stage. Moving to a smaller home for a housing bonus and a minimal lifestyle would require reducing your belongings to fit a compact space.
Also, for the storage during the renovation and the actual move, hire reliable movers in Singapore. This will keep you occupied with the renovations required for installing facilities that can accommodate the elderly members of your family, and making sure that the elderly feel comfortable.
With this guide, you can make this transition smoother and hassle-free!
