Are you considering moving to Denmark? Our comprehensive guide offers advice on the costs of relocations, how to prepare for the move and other aspects of this Scandinavian country that’ll help make your move easier and cost-efficient.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of Contents
What is the Cost of Moving to Denmark?
The average cost of moving to Denmark from the UK is estimated between £1,200 and £3,000. The prices for a long-distance or European move generally depend on the distance and your chosen mode of transport, but also the specific services you opt for.
Below is a table to give you an idea of the rough costs of moving your stuff to Denmark by sea:
| House size | 20ft Shipping Container | 40ft Shipping Container |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Bedroom Flat | £879 – £1,282 | £1,660 – £2,256 |
| 3-5 Bedroom House | £1,450 – £2,080 | £2,420 – £3,239 |
Set the Stage for Your Danish Adventure
Understanding the Costs of Moving to Denmark
The cost of moving to Denmark can vary widely and it depends on numerous core factors, such as:
1. Your Transportation Type
The mode of transport you choose will determine the cost of your relocation. Moving goods by air is faster than ocean freight depending on the distance. Sea freight takes more time, but it is around five times cheaper than air freight. This makes sea freight a perfect option if you’re looking for a low-cost mode of transport.
2. The Volume or Weight of Your Stuff
The transportation cost for your belongings will depend on the freight mode you go for. Generally, sea freight cares more about the dimensions of goods, while air freight prioritises the weight of your items. Whatever shipping type you choose, expect to pay more if you have a lot of stuff to move over to Daneland.
3. The Distance of the Move
Shipping goods halfway across the world will most likely cost more than a short trip across the North Sea or the Baltic Sea. Door-to-door and port-to-port services will also affect transport costs.
4. The Time of Year You’re Moving at
The international shipping industry has peak seasons, just like any other industry. Shipping usually hits its peak during summer (from mid-August through mid-October) and just after Chinese New Year (January and February). During this high-demand season, prices go up, and container capacity can be scarce. So, if you’re aiming to keep your moving costs to Denmark in check, it’s smart to avoid these busy times.
5. The Cost of Any Extra Services
Removal companies offer a diverse set of services meaning you’re likely to find a package that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you need assistance with disassembling your furniture, packaging your stuff, storing things, or even cleaning up – moving companies have got you covered.
We’ve broken down the ballpark cost of the most popular international moving services for you here:
| Service | Description | Cost estimates |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning services | If you need someone to clean your old and new house, removal specialists can help. | £15 – £25 per hour |
| Packing services | Removal specialists will provide professional packing services for all your belongings | £150 – £400 |
| Storage services | If you need a place to store your items before moving into your new house, storage services are available. | £20 – £30 per week |
| Handyman services | Expert dismantles and installation of lighting and electrical fixtures, appliances, etc. | £40 – £55 per hour |
| Piano removal | Provides safe removal with specialist equipment and special care. | £120 – £480 |
5 Tips for Smooth Sailing to Denmark
Moving to a foreign country is stressful and can be a bit of a logistical nightmare. As with most of any endeavour in life, preparation is key to a successful long-distance relocation. Here are our top tips to help float the boat:
1. Get Started
Start out by creating a checklist of administrative things to take care of before and after your move. Include tasks like necessary permits and registration, informing the HM Revenue and Customs that you are leaving the UK and arranging tax and healthcare in Denmark.
2. Get your Visa
Denmark offers different types of visas, depending on your reason to relocate to the country. Make sure you meet the entry requirements regarding your passport validity and apply for a visa on time if you are an UK citizen, or check out the special regulations for citizens of an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or a Nordic country. Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Study or work visas, for example, can vary from DKK 0 to DKK 6290 with processing taking up 1 to 3 months.
3. Find Accommodation
Finding a home before you move can be a challenge, especially in the large Danish cities. However, you can make your house hunting a lot easier by going through real estate listing sites and Danish newspaper ads.
Another great way to make your long-distance house-hunting success is to work with a real estate agent or relocation partner. Have your agent set you up to receive automated emails for open houses. When a house that fits your criteria is sent to you, ask the agent to Skype or FaceTime the property with you while they go and check it out on your behalf.
4. Find Certified Professional Movers
Found your new home? Your choice of movers will make the difference between a successful move and a stressful one. Relocation companies serve a similar goal, but their services vary greatly in delivery and quality. So, it’s important you make sure to pick a reliable and reputable remover to get you settled in Denmark.
How to Identify a Reliable International Mover?
- Get at least three written in-home estimates.
- Confirm that the firm is qualified, licensed, and insured.
- Dig into customer reviews and complaints.
- Avoid movers asking for large deposits – they shouldn’t ask for more than 20% of the estimated moving cost upfront.
Let Us Help You Find the Best UK-Denmark Mover
5. Pack Like a Pro
Let’s be real here: A big part of getting ready for a relocation is knowing how to properly pack your stuff. What do you do with your glasses, plates, lamps and picture frames? How do you keep necklaces and electric cables organised?
To pack like a pro, grab the right packaging supplies, master the art of packing fragile stuff, declutter what you don’t need, and follow a smart packing order. Begin with off-season clothes and wrap up with important documents and your ‘open first’ box.
Facts and Figures About Denmark
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Total population | 5,767,482 |
| Capital | Copenhagen |
| Official language | Danish |
| Currency | Krone |
| Weather | The country has a brisk climate, characterised by mild winters and cool summers. |
| Average salary | 20,272 kr per month |
| Landscape | Denmark comprises a Jutland, peninsula and an archipelago of more than 400 islands. |
1. Danish Culture: Hygge and Tradition
Denmark is popularly known as the country on two wheels and for a good reason. Bicycling is one of the primary forms of transportation in this Nordic country and people bike to work, to school, to run errands and for pleasure.
Cycling in Denmark
Statistics show that nine out of ten people in Denmark own a bike and Danes cycle an average of 1.6km a day. Since cycling is ingrained in the Danish culture, expats who don’t know how to cycle are encouraged to learn as soon as they settle.
Activities & Sports in Denmark
Despite its small size, Denmark has a lot to offer expats in terms of outdoor life and sports. Being a group of islands, the country has over 7,000 miles of coastline and water-based activities are very popular. The country is also ideal for regional travel as it has sea and land links to countries such as the UK, Germany, Poland, Norway, and Sweden.
2. Expat Network in Denmark
The country also has a vast number of clubs and associations that cater to different interests from hunting clubs and religious societies to sports clubs and hobby societies. There are also various events, clubs, and associations for expats living in Denmark. Some of these initiatives are run by companies with foreign employees or municipalities. These associations provide expat families with opportunities to meet, network, and become acquainted with Danish culture and working life.
3. The Danish Quality of Life
Denmark is a popular destination for expats as the Danish industry, government and higher education institutions are looking to increase their internationalisation. This largely egalitarian country offers expats high standards of living, breathtaking scenery and an open, friendly, and cosmopolitan society.
