This guest blog is written by one of our tenants about her experiences of moving to Edinburgh and the logistics of transporting her possessions. We hope you find it useful.
Moving to Edinburgh and out of your own country is exciting and provides you with a chance to explore a bit more of the world. Many expats choose Scotland as their new home and Edinburgh is an amazing city to live in. With all that it offers, it is no wonder this is a great place to call home.
Why Rent in Edinburgh?
Not only does the city offer plenty for the expat, but the views and properties are breathtaking. Whether you need to let an apartment for a holiday or for a long term stay, you’ll find rates that run anywhere from £850 to over £2000 depending on whether it is a standard or a luxury apartment, with utilities being around £80 monthly.
While living in Edinburgh, you can take in many of the sights. The Royal Botanic Garden is a place where many go to find comfort and solace. The beautiful grounds are peaceful to walk through. Arthur’s Seat provides adventurers with a chance to stretch their legs by hiking, biking and climbing. If you can get to the top, you can see the entire city down below. Holyrood Palace provides tours for those that want to learn more about medieval Scotland. I enjoy walking through the palace and admiring the fine art, beauty and rich history.
Moving to Edinburgh
No one wants to leave their belongings behind when moving to another country. You can do this through a shipping company. It will generally cost around £650 to £1600 to ship your goods from the US to your new home in Scotland, depending on the amount you’d like to have shipped. Additionally, keep in mind that you will need to wait up to 6 weeks to receive the items and will need the following documents:
- Declaration of Goods Entering
- Taxes Paid – 3.7% of the value of the items
- Passport
- Receipt from Shipping Company
- House Deed
- Residence Visa
Shipping Your Vehicle
It can cost anywhere from £2000 to £4000 to ship a vehicle, depending on whether you want roll-on, roll-off or container shipping. Additionally, the vehicle may take up to 6 weeks to reach Edinburgh and be cleared through customs. A shipping company like A-1 Auto Transport can help.
You must meet the vehicle at the port with the following documents:
- Title, Registration and Insurance Proof
- Taxes Paid – 3.7% of the value of the vehicle
- Passport
- Receipt from Shipping Company
- Residence Visa
- Appropriate Import Form
When you are considering a move to Edinburgh, it may take some time to find the right place to live. But once you do, it won’t take long to feel at home. Once your bags are unpacked and everything put away, be sure to take plenty of time to get to know the local areas and enjoy all that Scotland offers!