In recent years, a large number of people have been moving to Finland from the UK and other parts of the world. The beautiful Nordic scenery plus a booming economy are some of the factors that inspire people to relocate to the Land of the Thousand Lakes. Here’s a checklist to help with the most important things to consider when moving to Finland.
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Table of Contents
Understanding the Cost of Moving to Finland
The typical cost of moving your belongings to Finland from the UK is around the £2000 mark. The primary options for shipping are air or sea freight. Moving companies usually provide a standard rate for removals, which may fluctuate based on several key factors:
1. The Type of Transport
The mode of transportation you choose to move your goods will have a great impact on the final moving costs. Shipping by air is by far the most expensive option while sea transport is the more budget-friendly way to go. That’s why long-distance removal services often tend to use sea freight. But do keep in mind that it takes longer. So, if you’re on a tight schedule you might want to consider air freight to get your stuff to you in only a couple days.
2. The Size of Your Move
The size of the move affects international moving costs. The bigger the move — vis-à-vis weight and volume — the higher the overall moving cost. If you don’t have a lot of items to need the full load of a container, you can use groupage services to cut your shipping expenses.
So, here’s a rough idea of what it might cost to move your stuff over to Finland:
| House Size | 20ft Shipping Container | 40ft Shipping Container |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Bedroom Apartment | £900 – £1300 | £1700 – £2300 |
| 3-5 Bedroom House | £1400 – £2000 | £2500- £3500 |
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3. The Transport Route
Routes affect international moving costs. Will you ship your belongings from Hull, Avonmouth, or any of the other major ports? Due to competition, these routes will generally be cheaper compared to less common routes.
4. Distance and Timing
This one’s pretty obvious, the distance between Finland and your location in the UK will affect the cost of moving. The farther your new home sweet home, the higher the shipping cost will likely be. Another aspect that can influence your overall expenses is the timing of your relocation, as this can fluctuate based on demand.
5. Any Moving Services You Add-on
Professional removers offer a bunch of handy services to make your life easier. We’re talking packing, storage, cleaning, and even general repairs. Plus, for those extra delicate items like pianos, artwork, fragile stuff, and precious family heirlooms—they’ve got that covered too!
The cost you’ll be quoted for these services can vary from provider to provider. But most commonly, it depends on how much stuff you’re moving in terms of weight and volume. To get an idea, here’s a list of the most popular moving services and the approximate surcharges you can expect:
| Type of service | Service description | Cost estimates |
|---|---|---|
| Packing services | Removal specialists will provide professional packing services for all your belongings | £150 – £400 |
| Disassembly and reassembly | If you need help disassembling and reassembling your furniture before and after the move, such services are available. | £125 |
| Cleaninig services | If you need someone to clean your old and new house, removal specialists can help. | £15 per hour |
| Storage services | If you need a place to store your items before moving into your new house, storage services are available. | £30 per week |
| Handyman services | Expert dismantles and installation of lighting and electrical fixtures, appliances, etc. | £50 per hour |
| Piano removal | Provides safe removal with specialist equipment and special care. | £120 – £480 |
Expert Movers’ Tips for Smooth Sailing to Finland
Relocating to another country might seem like a real head-scratcher, but no need to fret! Just remember that proper preparation is key. Check out this set of tips to ensure your relocation to the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’ stays on course:
1. Picking Your Ideal Removal Firm
Check if the removal company of your choice is a certified member of trade organisations such as the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS) and the British Association of Removers (BAR). Moving costs vary across different removal companies. Compare as many quotes as you can from trusted removal services before you make a choice.
2. Get a Pre-Move Assessment
Having an in-person chat about what your move to Finland will look like can really help ease any uncertainty around costs and timelines. You’ll just be more confident when you have every detail about the move accounted for. So, ask your chosen removal company to pop over to your house in the UK and do an assessment of the items and volume you’re moving.
3. Packing Your Belongings
A significant aspect of preparing for a move involves mastering the art of packing. This involves using the right supplies, handling delicate items with care, decluttering, and following a smart packing order, starting with off-season clothes and ending with essential items in your ‘open first’ box.
Let’s face it: Packing can be a real drag, especially if you’ve got a ton of stuff to deal with. But you don’t have to do it all yourself! Let the pros handle it and free up your time for more exciting tasks. International removers are packing experts, armed with all the right tools to keep your stuff in one piece for its Finland-bound journey.
4. Compare Your Moving Quotes
Don’t forget to request quotes from several trusted removal companies. It’s like shopping around for the best deal on your upcoming adventure! Each company brings its own perks, cost-effectiveness, and special touches, so round up those quotes and find the perfect fit.
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A Few Facts and Figures About Finland
As you embark on your journey to settle in Suomi (The Finnish name for Finland), why not gather some intriguing facts and insights about this wonderful destination:
1. Hard Facts About Finland
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro |
| Population | 5.5 Million |
| Capital | Helsinki |
| Official Languages | Finnish, Swedish, Saami, Inari |
| Type of Government | Republic |
| Country Code | +358 |
| Average Monthly Income | €3,300 |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.6% (Aug 2018) |
2. Living in the Nordic Country
Finland is a great country for expats who love the unique culture, sense of freedom, and beautiful landscapes. One thing you have to be prepared for, though, is the extremely cold winters. You’ll need multiple layers of clothing even just to step outside for the mail. Eventually, you’ll find Finnish weather is beautiful and fun once you get used to it.
3. The Finnish Culture
Finnish culture is a captivating tapestry. It’s true that Finns can come across as a bit reserved at first, but don’t let that throw you off. They simply prefer their personal space until they get to know you better. In time, you’ll find that their warmth and uniqueness are something to embrace and appreciate.
4. Sauna Traditions
Saunas are an integral part of Finnish life, and you’ll find them everywhere, from people’s homes to offices and even in the heart of the city. But they’re not just for relaxation or to keep warm during the chilly winters—saunas in Finland are a way of life. They serve as a social activity and a place to unwind both body and mind. So, when you’re moving to Finland, be prepared to embrace the sauna experience and you might just come to love and cherish it!
5. Winter Sports Activities in Finland
Another thing you need to know about the Finns is that they love their winter sports, including skiing and ice hockey. They do their best to make the most out of the harshest parts of the winter. If you grew up in parts of the UK where winter sports aren’t as popular, you may feel left out especially when an ice hockey game starts on TV. But at the same time, you’ll also have a fantastic opportunity to embrace some of these exciting new activities.
What Quality of Life Can You Expect in Finland?
Finland earned the title of ‘World’s Happiest Country’ in the 2023 United Nations World Happiness Report. The Scandinavian nation has consistently maintained its top position for several years, consistently securing a place in the top five. These rankings underscore Finland’s strong emphasis on social support and a high quality of life. Plus, when you move to Finland, get ready for their sense of humour and vibrant culinary scene!
