News - Schepens | UK & European Removal Specialist

Life in Tromsø

12th December 2019 by schepens

European Removals | Norway Moving Company

Life in Tromso

What’s Life in Tromsø Like?

Tromsø is the second most populated city north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. It’s a small island, no bigger than Manhattan, and it’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains all throughout the year. Tromsø isn’t a ‘showy’ city, it’s only got three main streets, one small shopping mall, and the world’s oldest cinema still in use.

Tromsø is home to the world’s most northern university, the Arctic University of Norway. Many of the clients we’ve moved to this region have taken up academic posts there. We asked them how they’ve found living in the Arctic north.

Moving to Miami

12th December 2019 by schepens

Removals to Miami | International Removals to the USA

Moving to Miami

Thanks to sub-tropical climates, pristine beaches and a relaxed ambience – Miami is one of the world’s greatest and most iconic destinations. It’s also the cultural, economic and financial centre of South Florida in the United States. Miami has a particularly young population and many people move there to find work, study at University or to simply enjoy the stunning weather!

Expats explain what it’s like to live in Miami, and why its such a popular moving destination from the UK.

Culture & Lifestyle

Even if you’re a seasoned traveller to the US, Miami offers a unique, cultural experience – largely thanks to the high proportion of Latino residents. The city’s nowhere near as fast paced as New York, or as laid back as LA, but it has its own unique, chaotic and fascinating charm. Thanks to the warmth and friendliness of the locals, you can quickly feel part of the cultural blend in Miami no matter where you come from or what language you speak.

High Living Costs, But Low Taxes

The overall cost of living in Miami is particularly high due to high housing costs. With that said, the low taxes in Florida provide a comfortable balance. For instance, there is no state income tax in Florida, which could save you thousands of dollars – although – you would still need to pay federal income taxes.

The Weather Rules in Miami

Moving over to Miami means submitting to weather systems that will shape how you live, summer and winter. It’s hot, humid and there’s regular flooding to contend with. Then there’s the hurricane season with Miami being a prime candidate for storms coming up from the Caribbean. You treat the weather with respect in this part of the world, and get good air conditioning.

Be Prepared for Delays

If you think the traffic in London, Birmingham or Manchester is bad, in Miami it’s off the scale! Once you’ve factored in the traffic delays, and the general laid back attitude to time-keeping, you have a situation where everyone’s late for everything. There’s no point in fighting it, or raging about it; it’s how the city is, you just have to kick back and relax.

Tailor-Made Removals to Florida

After several decades of experience providing removals to Miami, we know there’s nothing ’standard’ about the process. That’s why we don’t offer standard removals packages. Instead, our professional Move Co-ordinators work with clients to create their unique moving specification. We aim for precision and accuracy every step of the way; from your free no obligation quote to the day of removal.

Our removals planning can be categorised into a comprehensive range of removals services which include:

Packing. Our BAR trained packing specialists can pack up your home, label your boxes, and create your detailed inventory for shipping.
Insurance. All your goods are insured during shipping. For extra peace of mind your Move Co-Ordinator can arrange additional Accidental Damage, or Extended Liability cover.
Non-Standard Goods. If you’re wanting to ship antiques, works of art, or even a piano to Miami, Schepens can help. We provide bespoke packaging, handling and shipping.
Self Storage. Do you need to store furniture or goods in the UK? Schepens have local storage facilities. We provide a door-to-door service and a secure, climate controlled environment.
Removals Vehicles. Your goods will be shipped in one of our state-of-the-art removals vehicles which maintain a constant temperature and humidity, run on air ride suspension and boast an adjustable bearing system, which ensures little or no movement of vehicle content.

Customer Service is Our Priority

We take great pride in the quality of service we offer to clients moving to the US, and we’re very pleased to see this positively reflected in the feedback we receive. Our international removals teams are professionally trained, and they understand the significance of offering proactive, practical help to clients. We’ve gained a reputation for ‘going the extra mile’ to ensure stress-free removals for all our clients.

We have helped people to move to all areas in America, including: New York City, Washington DC, San Francisco, Denver, Texas, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago.

Moving to Miami? Choose a professional international removals company like Schepens. Contact us today on 01794 323558 to discuss your requirements with our friendly staff.

Moving to Copenhagen From UK

3rd December 2019 by schepens

Moving to Copenhagen | European Removals

removals to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the worlds, according to the Safe Cities Index, and it’s one of the greenest. Bikes now outnumber cars in the city centre, making it a hub for personal health, too. Oh, and it’s the capital of the world’s happiest country. Denmark has topped the World Happiness Index a number of times now, and is currently sitting in the number two spot, just behind its neighbour Finland.

Indexes, reports and awards are all well and good, but what’s it like for expats who’re moving to Copenhagen from the UK? We thought we’d talk to some of the many clients we’ve helped with removals to Copenhagen. We asked them what it’s like to live in the city, and what advice they can give to expats about to take the plunge!

Winter is Cosy, and Cold

For British expats there’s not too many surprises; winter lasts around 4 months, the days are short and it can get pretty cold. But somehow, the Danes do it better that we do in the UK. Christmas markets are up and running by the end of November, you can go ice skating, and there’s a cultural love of snuggling up at home with candles, warm drinks and family, friends or a good book.

You’ll Keep Getting Things Wrong

One of the hardest things about being an expat is getting things wrong – however hard you prepare for your new life. There are a whole host of cultural mores that you don’t know you don’t know until they trip you up. For me it was being accused of queue jumping in a pharmacy – because I didn’t realise I needed a ticket from the dispenser. At moment like that you feel a real outsider.

Learning Danish Takes Time

The good news is that most people speak English in Copenhagen. I say this not as an excuse to not learn Danish, but as a safeguard you’ll be able to communicate whilst you’re learning. It’s not a language you’re likely to ‘pick up’, so I’d definitely recommend lessons – which are state subsidised. And give yourself time – accept it’ll be a while before you’re able to string a sentence together.

Copenhageners are Friendly

When you don’t know the language, the social rules, or what food to order in a restaurant, the temptation can be to stick with other expats. It’s far more rewarding, though, to try out your stumbling Danish, and just open up about your bewilderment or uncertainty. In the vast majority of cases Copenhageners are eager to help, and a small social encounter can turn into a friendship.

Schepens Can Help With Removals to Denmark

Schepens has been helping families to move to Denmark for over a century now. We’re a fourth generation, family-run business and we love working in this cosmopolitan country. Our goal has always been to provide stress-free removals to clients, whether their moving locally or internationally. We take every care, therefore, to support customers who are making their home in a new European city.

Tailored Removals to Copenhagen

However often you go through overseas removals, each one is unique in terms of the challenges and rewards it provides. That’s why Schepens provides professional move co-ordinators for every client moving to Copenhagen from the UK.

They will work with you to create a removal plan tailored to your specific requirements. Schepens removals services include:

Professional Packing Services. Our BAR trained packing teams provide a range of services, from packing up your home to labelling your boxes.
Shipping Insurance. Your goods will be insured whilst in transit. Should you require additional Accidental Damage, or Extended Liability, we can arrange cover.
Non-Standard Goods. We’ve moved grand pianos, antiques, and fine art overseas for our clients. This involves bespoke packing, handling and shipping.
Self Storage. If you require storage whilst you’re abroad, Schepens has local storage facilities. We provide door-to-door service, and a secure, climate-controlled environment.
Removals Vehicles. Your goods will be shipped in one of our state-of-the-art removals vehicles which maintain a constant temperature and humidity, run on air ride suspension and boast an adjustable bearing system, which ensures minimal or no movement of vehicle content.

Second-to-None Customer Service

It matters to us that every single Schepens client has the best experience possible for their move. To this end, we train all our removals teams to the industry standard. This means that all our employees are able to offer a professional removals service, provide proactive responses to challenges, and go the extra mile where necessary.

Moving to Copenhagen from the UK? Schepens is a leading provider of European removals, with over 100 years of experience. Call us today on 01794 323558 to find how we can help.

Moving to Darwin, Australia

29th November 2019 by schepens

Moving to Darwin, Australia

Moving-to-Darwin, Australia

Nestled in the far north of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a tropical paradise. It’s the only Australian state capital with a tropical climate – making it the perfect relocation spot for an expat seeking a much warmer climate than the UK. With over 100 nationalities living there, Darwin is a multicultural and vibrant city – which is very much reflected in both the lifestyle and culinary scene. The cost of living is slightly higher due to its relative remoteness but the isolation is full of natural beauty and uniqueness which makes Darwin really stand out in Australia.

What does it feel like to live in Darwin? Schepens have asked a group of expats who we’ve helped with their removals to Darwin over the past few years.

Living in Poole

28th November 2019 by schepens

Moving to Poole | UK Removals

Living in Poole

Poole sits in a large natural harbour, looking out over a bay studded with small islands. This popular resort is often compared unfavourably with it larger and more glitzy neighbour, Bournemouth, but that’s unfair. It has a character all of its own, and a harbour front which is redolent of traditional seaside holidays.

Over the years Schepens has moved numerous families into this picturesque Dorset town. We asked them what they enjoyed about living in Poole – here’s four of the highlights they mentioned.

Moving to Utrecht

27th November 2019 by schepens

Removals to Utrecht | European Removals

Moving to Utrecht

Utrecht, located on the banks of the River Rhine, has been the beating heart of religious life in the Netherlands since the 8th century. Now it’s a resolutely modern city, and a diverse university town, which wears its history proudly. The centre of Utrecht – originally a medieval fortified city – is surrounded by water in the form of canals. This area, dominated by the Dom tower provides endless possibilities for wandering, contemplating the world with a cup of coffee, or exploring the historical roots of this quintessentially Dutch city.

So what’s it like to live in Utrecht? We asked some clients we’ve helped move to the city. Here’s what they have to say:

Living in Bremen

27th November 201922nd November 2019 by schepens

Removals to Bremen | European Removals

Living in Bremen

Bremen has the distinction of being named in one of stories written by the Brothers Grimm: The Town Musicians of Bremen. In the folk tale, four animals that have outlived their usefulness to their masters, decide to move to Bremen, live freely and become musicians. For expats the move to Bremen is more likely to be about work, rather than freedom from it. Nevertheless, experiencing a new city can feel like being offered a stimulating, fresh perspective on the world.

Expats now living in Bremen, tell us what it’s like to live and work in a city that is medieval in origin, but decisively 21st century in its aspirations:

Moving to Hampshire

15th November 2019 by schepens

Hampshire Removals | UK Removals

Moving-to Hampshire

Moving to Hampshire

Located on the Southern coast of England, Hampshire is a stunning county comprising beautiful countryside and a magnificent stretch of coastline. It’s a prosperous and thriving county with plenty of business and success stories to be found throughout. Being the third most populous county in England, Hampshire is the perfect place for anyone looking to relocate.

Moving to Kissimmee, Florida

13th November 2019 by schepens

Removals to Kissimmee | International Removals

Thinking of Moving to Kissimmee, Florida?

Think of Florida and most Brits think of Disneyland, Orlando. Kissimmee sits 30 minutes south of Orlando, close to the Disneyland theme park. In fact, the 192 which intersects Kissimmee is known as the ‘Disney commute’. The town is far more than just a Disney suburb, though. It’s home to a number of Florida’s 400,000 British expats, who enjoy the proximity to Orlando and the charms the historic downtown has to offer.

Removals to Estepona

11th November 2019 by schepens

Spain Removal Service | Spain Removals | Expert Moving Company

Removals to Estepona

The Costa Del Sol has long been one of the most popular Spanish destinations for British expats. Malaga province is currently home to 47,000 of UK citizens registered in Spain, and numbers are rising for the first time since 2013. Estepona is a coastal town, an hour’s drive south from Malaga. Until now it’s attracted relatively little attention from expats, but our clients are gradually discovering its considerable charms.

Estepona is one of those places that offers the very best of traditional Spanish culture, and a tourism industry that supports, rather than overwhelms it. The town is full of Spanish shops and businesses, which is always a good sign. It’s also home to the Playa Rada, a beautiful beach which remains quieter than the better known locations further up the coast.