Singapore Interior Design Consultation | When to Start & How to Prepare

Timing for Consulting on Housing Selection and Interior Design in Singapore

This spring is likely the time when many people are considering or have decided on relocating or being seconded to Singapore. One of the first things to decide when moving is your residence. Considering schools, workplaces, and other factors, we hope you find the best home and a comfortable living environment! In this article, we will briefly outline the process from selecting a residence to moving in, as well as summarize the services and ideal consultation timing with interior design company Sollys Design.

Process for Choosing a Rental Property in Singapore

For first-time movers to Singapore, most people search for properties through a real estate agent. There are many Japanese-speaking agents, and many Singaporean agents are also experienced in handling Japanese clients. Broadly, there are two patterns for finding a home when relocating:

1. Move first into a serviced apartment (monthly rental) and decide on a rental property during that period.
2. Visit Singapore for a few days before relocating and decide on a rental property in advance.

Since visa issuance and opening a bank account are also required when relocating, many choose the second option: visiting Singapore in advance to prepare and narrow down rental property options.

↑Photo of the condo before moving in. The living and dining floors are hardwood, which is rare; most are marble or tile.

When to Consult an Interior Designer

Most of our clients are consulting an interior designer for the first time. We often hear questions like, “When is the best time to consult?” or “If I had known, I would have requested your services earlier.” Here, we explain the process leading up to moving in.

Process Until Moving In

1. Contact the agent
2. Property viewing
3. Decide on property
4. Submit LOI (Letter of Intent)
5. Owner approval
6. Sign contract
7. Handover
8. Move in

Recommended Timing to Consult Sollys Design

Step 2: Property Viewing → Step 3: Property Decision

Contacting us at this stage is ideal! During property viewings, we can assist with furniture layout and room planning while helping you narrow down options. We can also review conditions to include in the LOI, such as whether lighting or furniture can be taken over from the previous owner.

Of course, the difficulty of negotiations depends on the owner and agent, but making changes to the owner’s furniture after signing the contract can be difficult and labor-intensive. Consulting in advance is therefore better. If you plan to visit Singapore temporarily before relocating, contacting us early will make it easier to visit furniture stores together. Especially for items like mattresses, sofas, and dining chairs, which vary in comfort, checking them in person is helpful.

(*We also offer post-move-in interior consultations.)

Two Additional Services Beyond Interior Coordination

In addition to our interior coordination services, we offer:

1. Furniture Receiving Service
2. Daily Necessities Purchase & Receiving Service

These services allow clients to:

• Enjoy their new home comfortably from day one
• Avoid the hassle of visiting electronics or daily goods stores after moving
• Benefit from firsthand recommendations on daily necessities from Japanese staff living locally

1. Furniture Receiving Service

For clients returning to Japan before relocating, we offer full remote interior proposals. After finalizing the interior design, we collect the keys from the agent and receive the furniture on behalf of the client before moving in. This eliminates the hassle of waiting for furniture deliveries and setting them up after moving.

Online design rough draft presented to a client. This is part of the family room, with the living-dining area behind.

The actual interior space realized from the design. Sollys Design received and set up the furniture before move-in.

2. Daily Necessities Purchase & Receiving Service

This additional service is highly appreciated by clients. Preparing and researching daily necessities to buy in Japan before moving can take significant time. Our Japanese staff (with a homemaker’s perspective!) can consult on what items are available in Singapore, purchase them, and receive them on your behalf. Our staff are familiar with local options and can shop at stores like Daiso, IKEA, Nitori, MUJI, as well as local department stores and electronics retailers, ensuring everything is ready before moving day.

Purchased daily necessities placed roughly in needed locations

We prepare everything from toilet paper to bed linens, so clients can start living comfortably in their new home from day one!

Having small daily items such as paper goods, detergents, and batteries in remotes ready makes starting life easier

We aim not only to coordinate interiors but also to assist clients in a stress-free relocation. If you are considering moving to Singapore, please contact us at the best timing.

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