Ultimate Moving to Scotland Checklist
Use our Ultimate Checklist for Moving to Scotland and other parts of the UK. Every country is unique. So many things will be different. Weather, population, culture, lifestyle, language/accent, and working conditions are just the tip of the iceberg. Prepare yourself in advance so you can relax a little.
When you start thinking about moving to Scotland, especially if it’s your first overseas move, you start to think about all the things you need to do to make it happen. It can get overwhelming. You may over-estimate or under-estimate what is involved. It can be quite simple (4 simple steps, actually).
You start to dream about your new life in a new country, and then suddenly, you’re pulled into this emotional whirlpool of scattered thoughts and questions.
Am I making the right decision?
How much will it cost?
Where do I start?
We spent 9 months preparing for our move to Scotland. I made lots of lists, notes and photos. I researched extensively online and spoke with others who had moved to Scotland and the UK moved to Australia, or lived overseas. We were living like a local in Scotland after 6 weeks.
The Moving to Scotland Checklist is actually two Checklists:
- what to do BEFORE YOU LEAVE
- what to do AFTER YOU ARRIVE in the UK
How to use the Moving to Scotland Checklist
Even though many articles focus on moving to Scotland, the checklist will still help you if you move to other parts of the UK.
Although the links are not in any specific order, they are intended to paint a complete picture when they’re read together. So, I’d encourage you to read all of them. I’ve included lots of handy links, photos, and some personal insights to both inspire you and help you plan a move that is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
I’m busy writing articles for every checklist item and will publish them as soon as they’re ready. If there’s a link, the article is ready. Please check back often, or you can subscribe for updates.
What to do BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Moving to Scotland & the UK
Including the 24 hours before you leave Australia
- Attitude and mindset
- Visa options
- Costs: UK Ancestry Visa
- Other costs
- Passport
- Travel
- Flights
- Insurance
- Medical benefits
- Saving
- Costs
- Budget
- Personal possessions
- Baggage
- Shipping
- Accommodation
- Location
- Moving overseas
- Employment
- Family and friends
- Final countdown
What to do AFTER YOU ARRIVE
Getting your life established
Including the first 24 hours in Scotland & the UK
- UK Customs
- Travel and transit
- Temporary accommodation
- Rental property
- Jet-lag
- UK mobile phone
- Weather
- Culture shock
- Electricity and gas
- Internet
- Telephone and TV
- Income & council tax
- Bank account
- Foreign exchange
- Shopping
- Schooling
- UK job market
- Keep connected
- Local community
- Live like a local
More Information
If you have a question that isn’t answered, simply leave your question in the comments or send us an email, and we’ll do our best to answer or guide you in the right direction.