Key Factors to Consider When Moving to Scandinavia
Although Norway, Sweden and Denmark are three distinct countries, they do all share some common characteristics which makes them attractive places to move to. Here The Moving Partnership, who offer commercial and house removals to Scandinavia, outline some of their key features if you are considering moving there.
The Weather
Average summer temperatures in the Scandinavian countries are around 20-25C (68-77F); however, you should be prepared for some long, cold winters. The mercury can drop as low as -20C (4F) in December and January, and there won’t be many hours of daylight.
However, living in Scandinavia is a case of embracing the climate. Around one in five people in Norway and Sweden know how to ski, while other popular Scandinavian winter sports include snowboarding, ice skating and (when the ice isn’t frozen) kayaking and canoeing. Ice hockey in particular is very popular in Sweden, but less so in Norway and Denmark.
The Hygge Movement
The Scandinavians have embraced the indoor life as much as the outdoor life – and, again, they have made a virtue out of a necessity. Hygge, pronounced ‘hoogah’, roughly translates as ‘cosiness’ in Danish and is a concept which has proved so popular across the world that the word was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017.
It means promoting a welcoming atmosphere, which – in interior design terms - means plenty of rugs, blankets and throws. Soft lighting (rather than harsh electrical bulbs) is also a key feature, so expect to see plenty of candles in many homes whether you are in Norway, Sweden or Denmark. It also means savouring life’s simple pleasures, such as home baking, spending quality time with friends or family, and forsaking digital devices in favour of a good book.
The Eco-Friendliness
Recycling is a way of life in all three countries. Paper packaging is increasingly replacing the plastic bag in the supermarkets and consumers are given financial incentives to recycle aluminium cans and plastic bottles. Denmark in particular is renowned for its sustainable energy industry; it is increasingly relying on wind and solar power instead of fossil fuels.
Cycling, like skiing, is an essential part of the culture all three countries, and the governments of all three countries are investing millions of pounds to encourage people to ignore their cars and opt for pedal power. Cycle lanes can be found in all the major Scandinavian cities. In Sweden, the cost of electric bikes is subsidised by up to 25%.
And ‘plogging’ – which started in Sweden but has now reached Norway – is an ingenious way of exercising while keeping the countryside tidy. People often go walking or jogging in forests and other rural locations and always pick up any rubbish they find along the way.
The Cost of Living
Although many people are suffering from increased living costs these days, historically prices have always been high in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. This isn’t just down to the cost of raw materials but because all three countries have high tax rates to fund their generous welfare states.
The high prices particularly apply to food and drink – although you should be able to enjoy plenty of high-quality, locally sourced fare (particularly seafood) whether you eat in or eat out. Alcohol is particularly expensive in Norway, where the price of a beer is around three times that of Denmark. The Danes, though, have a much more relaxed attitude to alcohol whereas the Norwegian authorities can fine you for drinking in public.
House Removals to Scandinavia with The Moving Partnership
The Moving Partnership can help with house removals to Scandinavia and all other European destinations. We offer our customers the choice of a dedicated service (where you have sole use of a vehicle or shipping container), a groupage or part-load option (where the space is shared with other people’s possessions, or air freight (which is ideal for smaller items, such as valuables and important documents). We also have a Special Service where you can specify your own date and time for shipping. We can also help with commercial removals to Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Whichever option you choose, you can be sure the price will be competitive. We have plenty of contacts in the UK and overseas and will come up with a removals package which will meet your exact requirements.
To learn more, you can call us on 0808 772 3709 or follow this link and fill in the online form on the right-hand side of the page.
