If you are thinking of moving to the United Kingdom it is important to know as much as possible to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Moving house is known to be more stressful than getting a divorce. Throw in an international aspect to the process and you've definitely got a bit of a challenge on your hands. And if you are a student planning to study at a UK university then you have to take into account how much stuff you can realistically bring with you if you need to store your belongings during university holidays.
Hardly Anybody In England Speaks A Second Language
It is a really good idea to learn English before moving to the UK. Don't expect anybody to speak your mother tongue where you move.
You Will Need Some Professional Help
If you plan to move more than just a suitcase it is so important that you use a professional international moving company. Although it is possible for you to arrange the move yourself, if will be very hard. There are strict regulations and rules about what you can move across, and logistics can be very hard to arrange. A company with experience in international moves will be very helpful in helping your relocation plans to be successful.
Your Pets Might Need Special Injections & Paperwork
You may require special vaccinations and paperwork to successfully get your pets into the UK. Seeing a vet as soon as you possibly can before the move is important as there can be strict timings for vaccinations to be given.
School Times Vary Greatly
In the UK school starting times vary greatly. This is important if you are considering moving as a whole family. Term times differ by region and also, there are high rates of competition for places in schools in certain areas. Researching firstly whether your chosen area has a school with places, and secondly when the term time starts will help you ensure the transition for your child's education is smooth.
Friendliness Might Take A Little More Work
It is important to be prepared to have to work a little harder to gain friendships and relationships with new people. This is especially true in the UK where even the friendliest of people naturally keep themselves to themselves unless approached. Smiling and starting a conversation is the key but the Brits are, in fact, very welcoming and friendly so you'll be making friends in no time.
The above tips are just the beginning of the research necessary to make your move to the UK a success.
The more you know, the more likely your move is to be as minimally stressful as possible. To further improve your chances of moving successfully, you may want to consider contacting a specialist international moving company sooner rather than later. They have the experience and professional skills to help you navigate this tricky change with ease.
Article written by Jo
(Photo by pedrosz via Flickr)