Moving from the US to Scotland also means adjusting to a different pace of life, different homes, different roads, and quite a few everyday details you probably never thought about before.
And where you choose to live can make a big difference. Life in the center of Edinburgh isn’t the same as living in Glasgow, a smaller Scottish town, or a rural community in the Highlands.
If you’re considering moving to Scotland from the US, here are some of the things worth knowing before you start packing.
Scotland Has Its Own Identity
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, but it has a distinct culture and identity of its own. That’s one reason it makes sense to research Scotland specifically rather than relying entirely on general information about moving to the UK.
English is the main language, although you’ll also encounter Scots and, in some areas, Scottish Gaelic. You’ll find differences in everything from local traditions and food to architecture and the way people speak.
Where You Live Will Shape Your Experience
Edinburgh and Glasgow may be two of the best-known options for Americans moving to Scotland, but they’re far from the only choices.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and combines historic neighborhoods and architecture with a major cultural scene. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and offers a different atmosphere altogether. Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling and Scotland’s many smaller towns and communities give you even more options.
And then there are the Highlands, islands and rural areas that offer a completely different experience from city life.
Before choosing where to live, think beyond which place looks most appealing in photos. Consider where you’ll work, how you’ll get around, the type of home you want, and how close you’d like to be to shops, schools, transportation, and other everyday necessities.
Your Scottish Home May Feel Different
Americans accustomed to newer suburban homes can find Scottish properties quite different. Older buildings are common in many areas, particularly in historic cities and towns. Depending on where you’re moving, you may also encounter smaller rooms and less storage space than you’re used to.
Before shipping an entire household, consider the size and layout of your new home. Large pieces of furniture that fit comfortably in an American house may not make as much sense in a smaller flat or older property.
That doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. It simply means your international move is a good opportunity to decide what you actually want in your new home.
You Can Bring Your Car to Scotland
Moving to Scotland doesn’t automatically mean giving up your vehicle. Whether you want a car will depend heavily on where you plan to live and how you spend your time. Someone living and working in a city center may have different transportation needs from someone living outside the city or planning to regularly explore more rural parts of Scotland.
If you decide that bringing your current vehicle makes sense, shipping a car from the US to Scotland can be incorporated into your international move.
There will be an adjustment once you get behind the wheel. Scotland drives on the left side of the road, and rural driving can include narrow or single-track roads that may be unfamiliar to American drivers. Give yourself time to get comfortable.
The Weather Isn’t the Only Adjustment, The Daylight Is Too
You’ve probably already heard plenty about Scottish weather. Yes, you’ll want a good waterproof jacket.
But Scotland’s weather can also be highly changeable and varies depending on where you live. Conditions along the coast, in the Highlands, and in Scotland’s cities can be noticeably different.
One change Americans may not think about before moving is daylight. Because Scotland sits much farther north than most of the United States, the amount of daylight changes dramatically throughout the year.
In Edinburgh, for example, the longest summer days have around 17½ hours of daylight, with sunrise before 4:30 a.m. and sunset close to 10 p.m. Around the shortest days of winter, that drops to roughly 7 hours, with sunrise after 8:30 a.m. and sunset before 4 p.m. Farther north in Scotland, the seasonal difference can feel even more pronounced.
Everyday Life Comes With Plenty of Small Adjustments
Some of the biggest differences aren’t necessarily the dramatic ones. They’re the little things you encounter during your first few weeks.
You’ll be using pounds instead of dollars. Distances on road signs are generally given in miles, while many other measurements use the metric system. Electrical outlets and plugs are different from those in the US, and the standard electrical supply is different as well.
You’ll also start picking up different words for familiar things. An apartment becomes a flat. The trunk of your car is the boot. A sweater might be a jumper.
None of these changes are difficult on their own, but they can make the first few weeks in Scotland feel like a steady stream of learning something new.
Moving Your Household Goods to Scotland
When you’re moving thousands of miles from the US to Scotland, choosing an experienced international moving company matters.
Schumacher Cargo Logistics has been helping people move internationally since 1977. Unlike a moving broker, we are an international moving company with our own facilities and experienced staff helping coordinate overseas moves.
Scotland may feel a little different from home at first, but that’s part of starting life somewhere new. Knowing what to expect and planning the international moving side before you leave can make the transition much easier.
If you’re planning a move from the US to Scotland, request a quote from Schumacher Cargo Logistics or call us at 1-800-599-0190 to speak to a Scotland moving specialist. We’ll help you plan the transportation of your household belongings so you can focus on getting ready for your new home.
