Close

Get a FREE Quote Now

Call (653) 158-3043

The Complete How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Checklist

The Complete How to Move
to Sweden from Singapore
Checklist

Moving to Sweden from Singapore? Our Complete How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Checklist is a foolproof list of easy-to-follow, chronologically ordered tasks designed to help ensure you and your family enjoy a smooth, stress-free move to Sweden.

Follow our comprehensive step-by-step checklist, which starts from six months prior to your move, right through to once you have arrived in Sweden, to avoid the logistical and legal pitfalls of moving to Sweden from Singapore.

Our moving to Sweden checklist includes over 60 detailed steps, from applying for a visa and organising your move, right through to connecting your utilities and opening a bank account. Tick off each item in our moving to Sweden from Singapore checklist for the most efficient, well-planned, and hassle-free international move possible.

As the largest removals company in the world, with over 1,000 service centres across 180 countries, successfully delivering 48,000 international shipments annually, UniGroup Worldwide International Movers will help ensure your move to Sweden from Singapore is safe, seamless, and as stress-free as possible.

With over 85 years' experience, successfully delivering 48,000 international shipments annually, our overseas removals experts can help ensure your safe, seamless stress-free move to Sweden from Singapore.

UniGroup Worldwide International Removalists moving Singaporeans to Sweden carefully and hassle-free

UniGroup moving Singaporeans to Sweden carefully and hassle-free

For your convenience, you may:

  • Easily navigate through our Complete How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Checklist by clicking the links within the Contents section below
  • Read our accompanying in-depth Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide, covering everything you need to know on about how to move to Sweden safely and stress-free.

Complete How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Checklist Contents

  • 6+ Months Before Moving

    • 1.Check Your Passport’s Expiry Date

    • 2.Apply for a New Australian Passport if Necessary

    • 3.Apply for Your Swedish Visa

    • 4.Decide Where You’re Moving To

    • 5.Decide When You Need to Move

    • 6.Decide What to Do with Your Current Home

    • 7.If You’re Selling or Renting Out Your Current Home, Shortlist Real Estate Agents

    • 8.Take an Exploratory Trip to Sweden

  • 3 Months Before Moving (Or Once Your Visa is Approved)

    • 9.If You’ve Decided to Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home, Engage a Real Estate Agent

    • 10.If You’ve Decided to Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home, Put it on the Market

    • 11.If You’ve Decided to Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home, Prepare for Property Inspections

    • 12.Decide What You Need to Move

    • 13.Obtain Quotes from Experienced International Removalists

    • 14.Book in Packing and Moving Dates

    • 15.Obtain Quotes from Professional Secure Storage Providers

    • 16.Book in Secure Storage

    • 17.Take Stock of Food and Perishables

  • 2 Months Before Moving

    • 18.Make Travel Arrangements

    • 19.Book Temporary Accommodation and a Hire Car

    • 20.If Children are Accompanying You, Make Schooling Arrangements

    • 21.Confirm Vehicle Transportation

    • 22.Confirm Pet Transportation

    • 23.Confirm Weapons Importation Requirements

    • 24.Confirm Alcohol Importation Requirements

    • 25.Confirm Plant Importation Requirements

    • 26.Investigate Employment Options

    • 27.Investigate Local Customs and Cultural Differences

    • 28.Declutter Your Home

    • 29.Start Packing

    • 30.Complete Your Customs Forms as You Pack

    • 31.span>Organise Your Finances

  • 1 Month Before Moving

    • 32.Investigate Housing in Sweden

    • 33.Pay Final Bills and Cancel or Suspend Accounts, Subscriptions and Policies

    • 34.Notify Your Change of Address

    • 35.Hire a Handyman

    • 36.If You’re Ending Your Lease, Notify Your Landlord

    • 37.If You’re Renting Out Your Current Home, Confirm Details with Your Property Manager

    • 38.If You’re Selling Your Current Home, Confirm Details with Your Real Estate Agent

    • 39.Attend to Your Medical Needs

    • 40.Check if Your Australian Appliances and Electronics Will Work in Sweden

    • 41.Arrange Removals Insurance

    • 42.If You’re Renting Out Your Current Home, Arrange Landlord’s Insurance

    • 43.Investigate Drivers’ Licence Requirements

    • 44.span>Familiarise Yourself with Sweden’s Road Rules

    • 45.Safely Dispose of Dangerous and Prohibited Items

    • 46.Take All Necessary Precautions and Obtain Permits for Restricted Items

  • 2 Weeks Before Moving

    • 47.Pack Your Suitcases

    • 48.Confirm Removalists’ Access Requirements

    • 49.Reconfirm Move Details with Your Removalist

    • 50.Book in Cleaning Services

    • 51.Back-Up Your Computers and Devices

    • 52.Cover Off Any Incidentals

  • 1 Week Before Moving

    • 53.Complete Odd Jobs

  • The Day Before Moving Day

    • 54.Complete Last-Minute Jobs

  • Moving Day

    • 55.Manage a Stress-Free Moving Day

  • Once You Arrive in Sweden

    • 56.Unpack Your Belongings

    • 57.Open a Bank Account

    • 58.Take Out Health Insurance

    • 59.Connect Your Utilities

    • 60.span>Organise a Mobile Phone and Internet

    • 61.span>Enrol Your Children in School

    • 62.span>Enrol Your Children in University

    • 63.Pay Tax

    • 64.Enjoy Your New Home

  • Disclaimer

6+ Months Before Moving

1. Check Your Passport’s Expiry Date

Checking your passport's expiry date Checking your passport's expiry date

When moving from Singapore to Sweden, you must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of your intended stay. So, if you intend to stay in Sweden for 12 months, your passport must be valid for 18 months, considering the time required to process your visa (which could be upwards of six months).

To be on the safe side, ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of 12 months (preferably longer) after your intended stay.

2. Apply for a New Singapore Passport if Necessary

If your passport is not valid for a minimum of 12 months beyond the period of your intended stay, you may need to apply for a new passport.

Singapore citizens can apply for passports from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). New passports are valid for five years.

You can apply for a passport or renew your existing passport using the Application for Passport On-line Electronic System (APPLES) e-Service, although a SingPass is required. You will need the following to complete your application:

  • Your National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), birth certificate or citizenship certificate number
  • The date of issue of your NRIC (if applicable)
  • The expiry date of your existing passport (if applicable)
  • Your contact information
  • A credit card to make payment
  • A passport photo meets the requirements listed on the ICA website
You should not sell your house or car, resign from your job, or make non-refundable flight or travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

3. Apply for Your Swedish Visa

Singaporeans need to obtain a visa before relocating to Sweden for employment. Dependents will also require visas if they plan on staying in Sweden for more than six months.

To apply for a Swedish work permit, you need to first have an offer of employment from an employer in Sweden.

You can help expedite the visa application process by compiling the necessary documentation as early as possible, including:

  • Passport with validity for the entirety of the visa for which you’re applying
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Academic records
  • Police check report from any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
  • Previous passports
  • Recent passport photographs
  • Tax returns for the last three years
  • Bank statements for the last six months
  • Medical examination reports
  • Insurance
  • Records of any trusts, credits and investments
  • Current CV
  • A copy of your will
  • Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay
  • Professional qualifications, licences, and memberships details
  • You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

For further information, visit How to Apply for a Swedish Visa in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

4. Decide Where You’re Moving To

If you’re not moving from Singapore to Sweden to a specific location for work, you’ll need to decide where to live. From low crime rates to superior quality local hospitals and schools, there are many variables to consider when choosing the perfect place for you and your family to call home.

For further information on factors to consider when deciding where to live, visit How to Decide Where to Live in Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

5. Decide When You Need to Move

When it comes to knowing how to move to Sweden, an important step is establishing approximately when you need to move, considering:

  • The start date of your (and/or your partner’s) new job
  • School term and university semester dates (if relevant). These vary from province-to-province, so be sure to check your local area
  • The seasons (you may not want to move in the middle of a freezing Swedish winter, amid rain, snow and ice)
  • Travel you intend to do before settling into your new home in Sweden.

For further information, visit the When is the Best Time to Move to Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

6. Decide What to Do with Your Current Home

If you’re not moving to Sweden from Singapore permanently, you’ll need to decide what to do with your current home:

  • Rent it out
  • Sell it
  • Leave it unoccupied, or
  • Terminate your lease.

There are several factors that you’ll need to consider when making this decision, particularly if you own your home. Some of the most important factors include:

  • The broader real estate market. Is it a seller’s market or a buyer’s market?
  • Your financial situation. Selling a home incurs many costs that you need to factor in, including real estate agent fees, conveyancer fees and stamp duty
  • The time of year. Certain months return better sales results in some local areas
  • Will you have time (in addition to organising your international move)? Selling a house takes a considerable amount of time, from shortlisting real estate agents, carrying out repairs and preparing your property for inspections, as well as vacating the premises a few times a week for inspections
  • Length of stay in Sweden. If you are relocating for just 12 months, it may be more cost-effective to rent out your property.

7. If You’re Selling or Renting Out Your Current Home, Shortlist Real Estate Agents

Choosing a real estate agent is an important decision in selling or renting your home. If you opt to sell, your real estate agent will handle advertising, inspections, the auction and negotiating private offers. If you choose to rent out your home, your real estate agent will manage the property on your behalf, handling repairs, and liaising with your tenants long-term.

To shortlist real estate agents:

  • Contact three real estate agents with experience in your local area
  • Arrange for these prospective agents to appraise your home and provide a comparative market analysis
  • Interview the agents to ensure you’re comfortable working with them
  • Attend some of their other open houses and auctions to assess their services first-hand

Obtain detailed quotes, including all costs you’re likely to incur.

8. Take an Exploratory Trip to Sweden

If possible, take an exploratory trip to Sweden to better understand what lies ahead. During the trip:

  • Visit your future work place and the surrounding area
  • Explore possible neighbourhoods in which to live
  • Visit potential schools nearby
  • Investigate housing options.

3 Months Before Moving (Or Once Your Visa is Approved)

Putting your current home on the market Putting your current home on the market

9. If You’ve Decided to Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home, Engage a Real Estate Agent

If you’ve decided to sell or rent out your current home, as soon as your visa is approved, engage the services of your preferred real estate agent. It is at this stage that you’ll sign a contract with your agent. This contract should outline items such as fees, advertising costs, the process if your home is passed in at auction, property management protocols and much more. It is recommended that you seek legal advice to ensure you are happy with the terms of the contract.

10. If You’ve Decided to Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home, Put it on the Market

If you’re selling or renting out your current home, you’ll need to put it on the market. Some of the steps involved in this process include:

  • Confirm your price (whether this is your reserve sales price or rental price). Be sure to research recent comparable sale and rental prices in your local area
  • Confirm how and when you want to schedule open for inspection times. Will they be every weekend, mid-week, or by appointment only?
  • Confirm your preferred sales process—auction or private sale. Your real estate agent will be able to provide advice on this
  • Organise any contracts through your lawyer or conveyancer:
    • If you’re selling, you’ll need a contract of sale. These documents outline all details a prospective buyer might need, including the property’s title, settlement dates, conditions of sale, zoning certificates, easements and sewer and water main diagrams
    • If you’re renting out your home, you’ll need a rental agreement, which includes limits on occupancy, the term of the lease, the cost of rent, deposits and fees, and responsibilities for repairs and pets.

11. If You’ve Decided to Sell or Rent Out Your Current Home, Prepare for Property Inspections

If you’re selling or renting out your home, you’ll want to do everything you can to secure the best possible price. As such, you’ll need to undertake some preparations to ensure that your property looks the best it possibly can, in both advertising photos and during inspections. Consider:

  • New paint, carpet and lights can be an affordable, yet effective means of updating a property and adding value to its sale or rental price
  • Installing heating and air-conditioning can add value, particularly to rental prices
  • New bathrooms and kitchens add the most value to a property. However, this is a large undertaking and may not be possible while also managing an international move. Be sure to perform a cost benefit analysis and seek the advice of your real estate agent
  • If anything is broken (such as leaking taps or chipped tiles, cracks in walls, or mouldy grout), you should undertake minor repairs. You may attract a better calibre of renter or a higher purchase price if everything is in working condition
  • Declutter and thoroughly clean your property, including steam cleaning carpets and curtains, washing walls and ensuring the front and back yards are immaculate
  • Enlisting the services of a professional staging company can help increase the perceived value of your property. A staging company will bring in their own furniture, artwork, rugs and home décor items to decorate your house
  • If you’re renting out your property, you’ll need to ensure it meets all necessary laws, regulations and safety guidelines, particularly items like pool fencing, stairs, balconies, smoke detectors, blinds and windows. Your real estate agent should be able to provide in-depth advice.

12. Decide What You Need to Move

Decide which of your belongings you’ll be shipping to Sweden, leaving in your current home, storing, selling, donating and disposing of. (And make sure you speak to your UniGroup expert if you require short or long-term secure storage.)

Create a detailed inventory of all the items that you want to move to Sweden to obtain accurate removals quotes and to determine how much would it cost to move to Sweden. Your UniGroup moving expert can assist you with an easy-to-fill-out form.

For further information, visit How Much Does It Cost to Move to Sweden? and How to Ship Household Goods to Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide

If you will be shipping most of your belongings by sea freight to Sweden (which may take weeks or months to arrive), you may want to consider a small air freight consignment for essential items that you would like to have immediately on arrival.

13. Obtain Quotes from Experienced International Removalists

Obtaining a quote from an experienced international removalist Obtaining a quote from an experienced international removalist

Container ships move in six different directions, often travelling over 20m 65ft with each roll, as often as seven to 10 times per minute. So, with your belongings being tossed about for weeks on end, it’s essential that you entrust your move to an exceptionally experienced international removals company such as UniGroup Worldwide.  

If you obtain a quote from another international removalist, ensure they exhibit the same level of experience and capabilities as UniGroup Worldwide, including:

  • An industry leader with over 85 years of international moving-specific experience
  • Impartial third-party accreditation from the leading international removals industry association FIDI, to their highest FAIM standards
  • An impressive array of positive customer reviews, attesting to the superior quality of service
  • A truly global footprint to ensure no matter where you’re moving from or to, there is a local expert to provide timely advice and expertise
  • A broad range of international moving services delivered by highly trained and reliable expert consultants and removalists
  • Free, no obligation moving quotes.

For further information, visit How Much Does It Cost to Move to Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.   

Given the extensive movement of sea freight and potential for damage if belongings are not properly packed, combined with the introduction of strict anti-terrorism laws and significant tightening of customs clearance processes for all personal effects shipments, UniGroup strongly recommends that you do not ship items to Sweden that have not been packed by a professional moving company. The significantly higher potential for loss and damage of ‘owner-packed’ items, as well as attracting stringent inspection by customs officials, often results in additional charges and long delays.

14. Book in Packing and Moving Dates

Once you’ve decided on where, when, and what you want to move, book in:

  • A date for the packers to meticulously pack your belongings
  • A date for the removalists to carefully pickup and load your belongings (usually the day following the completion of your packing).

For further information, visit When is the Best Time to Move to Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide

15. Obtain Quotes from Professional Secure Storage Providers

If you are storing any of your belongings while overseas, make sure you store them properly, safely and securely with a trusted and experienced short and long-term storage provider, such as UniGroup Worldwide.

To help ensure your belongings are stored properly and safely, so they remain in their best condition, insist on the following criteria when selecting a storage provider:

  • Extensive years of experience as an industry leading storage expert, including accredited packers and movers to properly protect and deliver your belongings into short or long-term storage
  • A range of positive customer reviews, attesting to the safety and security of their storage
  • State-of-the-art storage facilities that are security, fire and flood monitored and free from pests and vermin.

16. Book in Secure Storage

Once you’ve decided on a secure storage provider, book in:

  • Your storage start date
  • Your storage pack and pickup date
  • A minimum anticipated, yet flexible end-date.

17. Take Stock of Food and Perishables

Review the contents of your freezer and pantry and create meal plans that will empty them prior to moving.

2 Months Before Moving

Making travel arrangements to Sweden Making travel arrangements to Sweden

18. Make Travel Arrangements

To save money on your travel arrangements:

  • Invest time in researching the best deals, as fares change frequently
  • Book flights as early as possible
  • Avoid school holidays and peak travel periods.

19. Book Temporary Accommodation and a Hire Car

If you plan on searching for your home once you arrive in Sweden, book temporary accommodation for when you first arrive. Depending on where you plan to live, you may also want to book a hire car.

Where possible, book temporary accommodation that is within walking distance to your work or public transport. This way, all members of your family will have access to transportation.

20. If Children are Accompanying You, Make Schooling Arrangements

At your child’s current school in Singapore:

  • Give notice regarding your departure dates
  • Request copies of your child’s school reports or university transcripts and ensure they are readily available—it’s a good idea to take copies on the plane with you
  • If you plan on having your child return to the school, confirm and meet any necessary return requirements.

For your child’s education in Sweden, you’ll need to:

  • Understand how the Swedish Education System operates
  • Investigate the type of school you wish your children to attend
  • Shortlist specific schools
  • Arrange tours of shortlisted schools for when you first arrive in Sweden.

To assist you in finding the most appropriate school for your children, visit:

For further information, visit What is the Education and Schooling System Like in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

21. Confirm Vehicle Transportation

You can import cars, trucks, caravans, campervans and motorbikes into Sweden so long as the relevant customs requirements are met, including emission standards. To help ensure that you meet customs requirements and that the clearance of your vehicle is as smooth as possible, follow our advice below.

To avoid unnecessary headaches and expenses, speak to a UniGroup Worldwide international moving expert for all your vehicle transportation requirements.

For further information, visit How to Import Vehicles into Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

22. Confirm Pet Transportation

Confirming Pet Transportation To Sweden Confirming Pet Transportation To Sweden

You can take most pets to Sweden, so long as they are free from infectious diseases that are transmittable to humans and are not deemed harmful to the environment. As such, importing most cats, dogs, birds and horses is possible, as long as all requirements of the Swedish Board of Agriculture are met.

Airlines may have separate and additional requirements for the transportation of pets. Be sure to check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have.

To ensure a stress-free relocation to Sweden for your pet, speak to a UniGroup Worldwide international moving professional about all your pet transportation requirements.

For more information, visit How to Import Pets into Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

Ensure all your pet’s vaccinations and health-checks are up-to-date and obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records or a signed letter from your veterinarian.

23. Confirm Weapons Importation Requirements

Australian need a permit to import all arms and dangerous articles into Sweden. Guns, ammunition, switchblades, stilettos, knuckledusters, truncheons, karate sticks, maces and ripping gloves are all considered dangerous articles.

To apply for a permit to import weapons and dangerous articles into Sweden, you need to apply for the permit well in advance by filling out this appropriate form.

For more information, visit How to Import Weapons into Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

24. Confirm Alcohol Importation Requirements

You may import wines and other alcoholic beverages into Sweden as part of your household goods shipment, so long as the alcohol is for personal use.

For more information, visit How to Import Alcohol into Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

25. Confirm Plant Importation Requirements

The Swedish Board of Agriculture controls the import of plants into Sweden. The rules and regulations around the importation of plants into Sweden are quite strict. As such, it is worth considering whether to include plants in your shipment of household goods.

For more information, visit How to Import Plants into Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

26. Investigate Employment Options

If you’ve already secured a new role (or are moving to Sweden for a specific employment opportunity), now is the time to investigate employment options for your partner (if needed). Or, if you haven’t secured a role, to investigate employment options for yourself.

For more information, visit How to Find Employment in Sweden and What is Working in Sweden Like? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

27. Investigate Local Customs and Cultural Differences

If you’re an Australian moving to Sweden, you should investigate local customs and common cultural differences to help you assimilate more easily into Swedish culture on arrival.

For more information on some of the common cultural differences, visit our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide

28. Declutter Your Home

A cluttered house will make moving to Sweden unnecessarily stressful; packing will take longer and the cost of your removal and storage will be more expensive (as fees are based on the volume of items). If you’re not selling or renting out your home (in which case you will have already completed this step), now is the time to declutter your home, determining which items you will:

  • Keep and ship to Sweden
  • Keep and place in secure long-term storage in Singapore
  • Sell or donate to charity
  • Throw away.

29. Start Packing

How can I move to Sweden with minimal stress? Engage experienced, professional international packers, like the team at UniGroup Worldwide. Not only will it reduce, if not eliminate, the most stressful part of moving, it will help ensure your belongings are packed safely for their long journey to Sweden.

If you’re not using a professional packing service, make sure you start packing as early as possible:

  • Create an inventory of all items to be packed, paying careful attention to precious, special and fragile items
  • Invest in superior quality protective wrapping and packing materials:
    • Professionally designed and constructed double-corrugated moving boxes
    • Packing material, like bubble wrap and packing paper (like ‘butcher’s paper’, not newspaper)
    • Incidentals like tape, markers and zip-lock bags.
  • Reinforce boxes by securely taping the top, bottom and sides
  • Start by packing items rarely used (like books and CDs and things stored in garages, basements or your roof space)
  • Always pack individual boxes properly:
    • Keep each box to a maximum of 20kg 45lb to make moving the box easy and to avoid boxes breaking under excess weight
    • Evenly distribute weight, with heavy items placed at the bottom of boxes and lighter items at the top
    • Pack to the top of the box and fill empty space with bedding, clothing, bubble wrap or paper to prevent movement and breakages and boxes collapsing.
  • Clearly label every moving box, including the contents of the box (not just the room in which it belongs). For example: ‘Kitchen: Plates and Mugs’; not just ‘Kitchen’.

30. Complete Your Customs Forms as You Pack

For the safe shipment and smooth customs clearance of your household goods, you’ll need to ensure that the following documentation is completed as accurately as possible and provide:

For more information, visit our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

31. Organise Your Finances

  • Find out whether your current bank has branches in Sweden and if it can handle your future needs
  • If you’re moving overseas for work, but you’re employed by the same company, confirm whether your salary needs to be paid into your existing bank account or into your new Swedish account
  • If you plan on using your existing debit and credit cards in Sweden, confirm whether they will work and what the fees are likely to be
  • Organise some local currency for when you first arrive
  • Consider opening a new local bank account near your new home
  • Make sure you have copies of bank statements and other documentation that proves you have a good credit rating. This will make applying for new credit cards and loans easier
  • Ensure all your tax returns are up-to-date.

For more information, visit What is a Credit Rating? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

1 Month Before Moving

Investigating housing in Sweden Investigating housing in Sweden

32. Investigate Housing in Sweden

If you’re not moving to Sweden from Singapore for work, or your employer hasn’t organised housing for you, investigate potential properties to buy or rent in Sweden.

For more information, visit What is Housing Like in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

33. Pay Final Bills and Cancel or Suspend Accounts, Subscriptions and Policies

  • Ensure all outstanding bills are paid or will be covered as needed
  • Consider whether you should cancel or suspend your Australian accounts, subscriptions, policies and other ongoing services, including:
    • Bank accounts and credit cards
    • Insurances (health, house and contents, car, income protection, and business)
    • Utilities (gas, water and power)
    • Phone, internet and pay TV services
    • Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
    • Gym memberships.

When cancelling your insurance, or other services where you may have prepaid for the year, check whether you’re entitled to a refund for the period after the cancellation. Plus, if you have one, obtain a copy of your ‘good driving record’ or ‘no claims status’ from your vehicle insurer as it may be beneficial for a new policy in Sweden.

34. Notify Your Change of Address

  • Arrange a mail redirection service through noun.mail
  • Notify the following of your departure date and new forwarding address:
    • Banks
    • Accountant
    • Solicitor
    • Medical professionals
    • noun.tax
    • Insurance companies
    • Utility providers
    • Local council
    • Motor vehicle register.
  • Download this handy Change of Address Checklist to help ensure you haven’t missed any important contacts.

35. Hire a Handyman

If your current home lease or contract of sale includes any repair work prior to you vacating the premises, book in a handyman now. (UniGroup Worldwide can assist you with this if needed.)

36. If You’re Ending Your Lease, Notify Your Landlord

If you’re ending a lease, now is the time to notify your landlord. Make sure you understand any requirements, including:

  • Vacate clean standards (carpets steam cleaned, walls washed and so on)
  • Final inspection date and requirements
  • When and how your bond will be returned
  • When and how you need to return keys.

37. If You’re Renting Out Your Current Home, Confirm Details with Your Property Manager

If you’ve decided to rent out your current home, touch base with your property manager to confirm:

  • Tenant move-in dates
  • Exchange of property keys
  • Inspection dates and an agreed property inventory
  • Responsibilities for repairs
  • The process if tenants break their lease
  • Your preferred method of contact.

38. If You’re Selling Your Current Home, Confirm Details with Your Real Estate Agent

If you’ve decided to sell your current home, touch base with your real estate agent to confirm:

  • Final inspection date
  • Settlement date
  • Exchange of property keys.

39. Attend to Your Medical Needs

  • Have check-ups with any medical practitioners you regularly visit: doctor, dentist, optometrist and so on
  • Obtain original copies of your medical records
  • Order spare contact lenses or spare glasses
  • Ensure your children’s routine vaccinations are up-to-date and you have a record of them
  • If you require any travel-specific vaccinations or inoculations, make sure they are up-to-date and you have a record of them
  • Obtain prescriptions for any medication you take regularly, keeping in mind regulations around prescription medication:
    • To expedite the customs clearance procedure and avoid costly delays, do not include prescription medication in your household goods shipment. Instead, carry all prescription drugs with you as you enter the country
    • Do not consolidate your prescription medications into one container. Instead, keep your medicine in separate containers, clearly labelled (in English) with the name of the medication and prescribing doctor, the dosage and directions for use
    • If your medication does not have sufficient documentation, it may be destroyed or detained until you provide the required paperwork. It is helpful to obtain a letter from your doctor explaining the medications prescribed.
  • Confirm the brand and generic name of any medications you take regularly in case you need to purchase an alternative in Sweden.

For more information, visit What is the Health Care System Like in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

40. Check if Your Australian Appliances and Electronics Will Work in Sweden

Attending to your medical needs prior to moving to Sweden Attending to your medical needs prior to moving to Sweden

There are three potential compatibility issues when it comes to using Australian appliances and electronics in Sweden: the plug, the voltage and the frequency. You should therefore thoroughly check the power labels or manuals of all your appliances and electronics to ensure they are compatible with Swedish standards before incurring the cost of shipping over what might be useless upon arrival. Buying new or secondhand appliances and electronics once you arrive may not only be more cost-effective, but your only solution.

For more information, visit Will Australian Appliances and Electronics Work in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

41. Arrange Removals Insurance

As a rule, your standard house and contents insurance won’t cover your personal possessions while in transit. An experienced international removalist like UniGroup will offer a comprehensive range of cost-effective removals insurance options. Speak to your UniGroup expert to arrange transit and storage insurance that suits your needs and budget.

42. If You’re Renting Out Your Current Home, Arrange Landlord’s Insurance

If you’ve decided to rent out your current home, you’ll need to inform the company responsible for your home and contents insurance that you are no longer living there. You may also want to arrange landlord’s insurance. This protects against financial losses that may be suffered because of owning a rental property. You can opt for insurance that covers the building only, as well as specific items that you may have left on the premises.

43. Investigate Drivers’ Licence Requirements

When moving to Sweden from Singapore, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid Australian drivers’ licence. If you intend on obtaining an IDP, you must do so in advance. IDPs are issued by Australian motor vehicle departments, not the Swedish Government.

For more information, visit Can You Drive in Sweden with a Foreign Licence? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

44. Familiarise Yourself with Swedish Road Rules

If you plan to drive once you arrive in Sweden, there are several different road rules of which you should make yourself aware. For instance, like most European countries, in Sweden you must drive on the right-hand side of the road.

For more information about driving in Sweden and road rules, visit What are the Road Rules when Driving in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

45. Safely Dispose of Dangerous and Prohibited Items

Safely dispose of any dangerous or prohibited goods that cannot be shipped to Sweden or stored. People attempting to import prohibited items into Sweden may be subject to a penalty, and the items may be seized by customs officials.

For more information, visit What Items are Prohibited When Shipping Goods to Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

46. Take All Necessary Precautions and Obtain Permits for Restricted Items

Shipping some items to Sweden (such as money and food) is subject to restrictions and will require additional precautions, special customs clearance, or permits. Be sure you’re aware of these requirements and apply for any permits as early as possible.

For more information, visit What Items are Restricted when Shipping Goods to Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide and our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Packing your suitcases for your move to Sweden Packing your suitcases for your move to Sweden

47. Pack Your Suitcases

Start packing your suitcases now, while making a detailed inventory list as you go. Your suitcase should contain all the essential items that you and your family members will need as soon as you arrive in Sweden, including:

  • Clothing (appropriate for the local season and activities)
  • Toiletries
  • favourite toys for children
  • Essential electronic devices, like laptops, tablets, mobile phones and their chargers
  • Prescription medications.

For more information, visit our Sweden Customs Forms & Guides for Moving Overseas.

48. Confirm Removalists Access Requirements

Confirm any of your removalists’ access requirements at your existing home, such as parking and building access and restrictions, traffic management and lift protocols. Remember to check street signage and the requirements of your local council, building manager or body corporate.

49. Reconfirm Move Details with Your Removalist

Reconfirm all your Swedish move details with your international removalists, including:

  • Your Australia pickup and Swedish delivery addresses and contact details
  • The day and time that your professional packers will arrive
  • Any removalists’ access requirements (as confirmed above), such as parking and building access, traffic management and lift protocols
  • The day and time your belongings will be picked up
  • Expected transit time and delivery dates
  • All paperwork (such as insurance policies and customs declarations forms) is correct and on file.

50. Book in Cleaning Services

If you’re renting, or your contract of sale requires it, book in a ‘vacate clean’ at your current home for the day after your belongings are picked up. (UniGroup Worldwide can assist you with this if needed.)

51. Back-Up Your Computers and Devices

Now is the time to back-up all your computers, tablets, mobile phones and other storage devices that are being shipped to Sweden, placed into storage, and/or will accompany you on the plane. Be sure to safely store the back-ups separately to the original devices.

Covering off any incidentals before departing for Sweden Covering off any incidentals before departing for Sweden

52. Cover Off Any Incidentals

There will always be last-minute odd jobs when moving overseas, including:

  • Picking up dry cleaning
  • Returning library books
  • Returning house keys to your friends, family and neighbours 
  • Buying any products that you’re not likely to find in Sweden
  • Using as much of the food in your pantry, fridge and freezer as possible.

1 Week Before Moving

Completing odd jobs before your move to Sweden Completing odd jobs before your move to Sweden

53. Complete Odd Jobs

With just one week before your move to Sweden, you should be just about ready to go, bar a few odd jobs:

  • Finish packing any moving and storage boxes if you’re self-packing
  • Finish packing your suitcases
  • Reconfirm your travel arrangements, including your flights, temporary accommodation and hire car
  • Confirm with utility companies that your services are set to be disconnected
  • If you’re renting, reconfirm the details of your final inspection with your landlord
  • Make sure you’re going to be at home and available on the day your professional packers and removalists arrive to:
    • Provide guidance on what you need packed for sea, air freight or storage
    • Confirm everything on your inventory has been packed and loaded.

The Day Before Moving Day

Completing last-minute jobs relocating to Sweden Completing last-minute jobs relocating to Sweden

54. Complete Last-Minute Jobs

If you’ve followed this checklist, the day before moving day should just include a few last-minute jobs:

  • If you’ve contracted professional packers, they should arrive today. So, be sure you’re home and available to provide instructions on what needs to be packed
  • Inform your removalist of any last-minute changes
  • Clean out your fridge and completely defrost your freezer. Leave the doors open overnight to ensure they’re completely dry and odour-free
  • Completely drain liquid from irons, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and icemakers
  • Reinstall your washing machine’s transit bolts to prevent damage
  • Fully charge your mobile phones and other electronic devices and make sure you have a hard copy of any important phone numbers, just in case your phone runs out of battery.

To help ensure mould doesn’t grow on your belongings while in transit or storage, it is essential that all water is removed from your belongings and all items are completely dry before pickup.

Moving Day

Managing a stress-free moving day to the States Managing a stress-free moving day to Sweden

55. Manage a Stress-Free Moving Day

On moving day, you need to make sure you separate and carry with you:

  • Important documents:
    • Passports
    • Travel documents
    • Birth certificates
    • Marriage certificates
    • Divorce papers
    • Child custody papers
    • Adoption papers
    • Driving licences
    • Medical records
    • School and university records
    • Insurance policies
    • Legal documents (wills, power of attorney, bank statements, income tax records and so on).
  • Valuable and irreplaceable items, such as jewellery and personal keepsakes
  • Mobile phones, devices and their chargers
  • Fully documented prescriptions and other medical items.

Before you leave your existing property ensure:

  • All your personal possessions are packed
  • All the utilities have been switched off and disconnected
  • The property is locked and secure
  • All house keys and garage door openers have been given to your landlord, real estate agent or solicitor.

Once You Arrive in Sweden

56. Unpack Your Belongings

If you’re in Sweden to take delivery of your shipment:

  • Ensure you’re home the day on which your shipment arrives
  • Give your removalists a plan—tell them how and where you’d like furniture and boxes placed
  • Check boxes, furniture and appliances off your inventory to ensure everything is delivered
  • Thoroughly inspect all boxes, furniture and appliances to ensure they arrive in the same condition in which they left your old home.

57. Open a Bank Account

To open a bank account, visit the local branch of your chosen bank with:

  • Proof of permanent residency (such as your visa)
  • Your passport
  • Proof of your new address
  • A deposit (the minimum deposit amounts vary from bank to bank, so be sure you confirm the exact amount prior to visiting your local branch).

When choosing which bank to use, shop around for the fee structure that suits you best. In Sweden, banks often charge customers for the use of their services or have a minimum monthly deposit requirement. Several banks offer introductory deals or rates, so be sure to confirm exactly how long these deals last and what sort of charges apply long-term. You don’t want to be surprised by a huge increase in fees.

58. Take Out Health Insurance

While medical care and services in Sweden are among the most advanced in the world, dental care is not covered under the free state-run health Care system. As such, you may want to investigate taking out health insurance.

For more information, visit What is the Health Care System Like in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

Depending on your provider, your Australian health insurance company may offer international cover when moving to Sweden. This will help ease the pressure when you first arrive—you can shop around for the best health insurance provider once you’re settled in Sweden, while still having the peace of mind that you’re covered in the interim.

59. Connect Your Utilities

Once you’ve found a property to rent or buy, you’ll need to organise the connection of your electricity, water and gas utilities.

For more information, visit How Do Electricity, Water and Gas Utilities Work in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

60. Organise a Mobile Phone and Internet

Organising a mobile phone and internet once you arrive in Sweden Organising a mobile phone and internet once you arrive in Sweden

There are many mobile phone and internet providers in Sweden, all of which offer a range of different packages at various price points. Be sure to do your research into which package best suits your needs before signing a contract.

For more information, visit How Do Mobile Phones and the Internet Work in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

Enrolling your children in a school in Sweden Enrolling your children in a school in Sweden

61. Enrol Your Children in School

When residing in Sweden, you’ll need to enrol your children at your preferred school. To do so, you’ll need:

  • An up-to-date record of your child’s vaccinations
  • A copy of their birth certificate
  • A copy of their school records
  • For state schools, proof that you live in the school district (such as a utility bill or bank statement)
  • To undertake any necessary assessments to determine in which grade your child belongs.

For more information, visit What is the Education and Schooling System Like in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

62. Enrol Your Children in University

If your children will attend university in Sweden, you’ll need to enrol them as soon as possible. Universities will also consider your child’s grades and what sort of subjects they’ve chosen to study. For specific entry requirements for international students, it’s best to consult individual universities.

For more information, visit What is the Education and Schooling System Like in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

63. Pay Tax

As with any developed nation, there are several taxes that you’ll be required to pay when living in Sweden. These may include:

  • Income tax
  • Sales tax
  • Capital gains tax.

For more information, visit What Tax Do I Pay in Sweden? in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

64. Enjoy Your New Home

Once all the logistics of moving to Sweden from Singapore are finalised, it’s time to enjoy your new home! Get out, discover your new neighbourhood, see the local sights, make some new friends and enjoy your next big adventure.

For more information, visit What to See and Do in Sweden in our Ultimate How to Move to Sweden from Singapore Guide.

Disclaimer

We have been furnished with the above information, however, UniGroup Worldwide Moving gives no guarantees or undertakings concerning the accuracy, completeness, or up-to-date nature of the information provided. It is essential that users verify all information contained here before taking any action or relying upon it. UniGroup Worldwide cannot be held liable for any actions taken based on the information contained within this Checklist.

FIDI global alliance member logo for UniGroup Worldwide international moving companies
FIDI-FAIM logo for UniGroup Worldwide’s accreditation to the highest international relocation standards
UniGroup Worldwide’s international removals companies include United Van Lines
UniGroup Worldwide’s international relocation companies include Mayflower