Moving from one part of the UK to another often seems like a simple process. However, a long-distance move from Scotland to England can be challenging. Unlike a local move within a city, this type of relocation requires extra planning, time, and effort.
As the journey is longer, logistics will be more complex. Moreover, if you are not careful, the costs can add up. Many people underestimate the efforts required for a long-distance move and make mistakes that lead to unnecessary stress and unexpected issues.
Understanding common mistakes people make and avoiding them is the key to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free move. Let’s go through these mistakes without further ado.
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Scotland to England
1. Not Booking a Moving Van Early
It is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Moving from Scotland to England isn’t a short trip that can be done with a few carloads. You will need a professional moving van to transport your furniture and other belongings in one go. If you book at the last moment, especially during busy seasons, you may end up paying more than expected.
You should try to book a van early. Make sure you always opt for local service providers. For example, if you need a moving van in Edinburgh, opt for a local company to get reliable and affordable services.
Booking early also gives you time to compare companies, read reviews, and choose the most reliable service. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your belongings will be safely transported by professionals. In short, once you know your moving date, prioritise booking the moving van.
2. Underestimating Travel Time and Distance
A move from Scotland to England can take several hours, based on where exactly you’re going. Some people make the mistake of thinking they can manage the whole move in one day without breaks. This often leads to exhaustion, delays, and last-minute problems.
You need to consider traffic, rest stops, and unexpected delays. If you’re driving separately or moving with children or pets, the journey can take even longer. Planning your route, choosing rest stops, and booking an overnight stay can make the move smoother.
3. Ignoring Downsizing Before the Move
Trying to move everything you own without sorting items is another common mistake. The more items you move, the more time, space, and money it takes. Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer use or need.
When you forget to declutter before the move, you end up paying to transport items you will later throw away. You can donate, sell, or recycle what you don’t need. This will make packing easier and lower your moving costs. Moreover, it helps you start fresh in your new home with less clutter.
4. Failing to Update Address Details
It’s easy to focus only on the physical move and forget about updating your address with important services. If you forget to update your details with your bank, employer, and other essential organisations, you will miss bills and important letters.
You can avoid this by timely updating your address details. Start by making a list of services and companies that have your address and update them one by one. Doing this early ensures that nothing important gets lost throughout the transition.
5. Ignoring Local Differences
Scotland and England have some differences in the way things work. Council tax bands, waste collection, school systems, and tenancy agreements may vary between the two countries. Many people assume it will be the same. This often leads to confusion.
For example, you may find that the council tax you paid in Scotland is different in England for a similar-sized home. Before you move, you should research your new area. It will help you understand the local council rules, bin collection days, school admissions process, and healthcare registration. As a result, you will be able to settle in faster.
6. Packing Without a Proper Plan
Packing is the most crucial thing you need to focus on for Scotland to England removals. When you pack without a proper plan, it leads to a frustrating unpacking process. Many people throw things into boxes at the last minute, which results in mixing items from different rooms and forgetting labels.
This makes unpacking harder and increases the risk of damaging your belongings. You can avoid this by starting to pack early and going about it in stages. Make sure you use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap for fragile items, and label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. You should keep essential items, such as documents, medicine, and chargers, in a separate bag that stays with you during the move.
Avoiding the aforementioned mistakes is the key to a smoother Scotland-to-England move. Make sure you hire professionals to carry your belongings to the new place to avoid any hassle.
