Top 10 Things To Do Before Moving to Singapore

Just kidding. This isn’t so much of a “Top 10” as it is a representation of the range of emotions you may experience while processing the idea of moving to the other side of the world.

1. Freak the fuck out.
2. Not really, but freak out enough that for the first two days of learning about your move all you can do is sit and stare at a computer screen filled with Singapore related websites. Do this to the point that by 5:00 in the evening you remember you have a family who needs dinner and then order take-out.
3. Struggle with what to do about your pets. Consider leaving both or taking both multiple times a day. Contact a private animal courier service for a quote and, after receiving said quote, consider selling one of your children in order to safely transport your fur baby to a new country. Ignore husband when he says we can do it ourselves. Also, reconsider selling one of the children because it wouldn’t be fair to the buyer.
4. Buy new clothes! You are moving to a country on the equator where the temperature ranges from 77 to 87 with 70% to 80% humidity. Clearly, none of your Virginia in the summer clothes are going to work. Plus, you heard shopping over there is expensive and can be difficult because you are not the size of a typical Asian woman. Also, retail therapy.
5. Remember that you own a few properties in the local area that will need tending to. Take 2 Excedrin and go to bed.
6. Watch Crazy Rich Asians for research purposes. Learn nothing except to gain a newfound appreciation for Awkwafina.
7. Remember that you have children who will also be going. Look into schools. Take another 2 Excedrin and go back to bed.
8. Make sure passports are up-to-date. Seriously, do this.
9. Have it come to your attention that the entire family may need vaccinations (not just Covid-19). Inform the husband he will be the one taking the children to get any new shots because you have paid your dues and held down two too many screaming children for shots and blood tests over the years.
10. Go from “This is such a great idea” to “This is the worst idea we’ve ever had.” Do this repeatedly throughout the day.