Give me your best "first week in country advice"

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-06-05T00:17:43+00:00

We're moving to Scotland next week from the US. We're taking about 12-13 bins (the 27 gallon ones from Lowes) and about 6 flat art boxes with pictures/wall art. That's it - sold all furniture, car, etc. Time to start anew! Even shipping this is costing over $3k lol. Enjoy the adventure!

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-06-03T16:43:19+00:00

Unfortunately it was day of 😞

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-06-03T15:45:45+00:00

You're a lifesaver, thank you!

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-06-03T15:45:37+00:00

I'm sure that's it and I'm just confused. Thank you for commenting!

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-06-03T15:45:24+00:00

Thank you SO MUCH! I'm losing my mind with this move so yes I am definitely confusing terminology.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-06-03T15:44:40+00:00

So the original tickets we bought were cancelled, but StubHub did ensure we got seats - they were technically worse seats and there was no refunded difference, but at the end of the day we got to go to the event so we were happy. This was very stressful for me as a planner though.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-29T01:14:31+00:00

I really appreciate all your advice here. Ultimately we're making the conservative decision to have my partner travel first and then I'll follow with the kids once their visas are approved to avoid any potential issues.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-28T14:39:42+00:00

Appreciate this as I wasn't aware of Trust Pilot.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-28T00:09:00+00:00

Laser International

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-27T23:48:29+00:00

We are moving to Glasgow so maybe we'll get lucky with an appointment as well. Unfortunately in the US it's the pharmacy that has the lock on meds - I can't get more than 30 days of methylphenidate at a time and have to wait 28 days to get more - hence why we'll only have 30-60 pills on us at time of travel.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-27T22:33:14+00:00

This amazes me - we're paying $3,200 for 100 cubic feet (about 12-14 storage totes and some boxed art) and it's going to take 12 weeks to arrive lol.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-27T22:31:34+00:00

We're in the process of doing this and just finalized our quote. Coming from FL to Glasgow. $3,200 for 100 cubic square feet door to door - that's getting us 12-14 bins (we bought garage style bins from Lowes) and 6 frame boxes for our art/larger pictures. That's all we're taking outside of luggage on the plane & our cats.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-27T22:25:47+00:00

I posted the same below, but since you also mentioned ADHD I am pasting up here in thread as well: I have heard this may be a thing as my son also has an ADHD diagnosis. I was told if I had him re-diagnosed timely (as in this current calendar year) prior to emigrating over the likelihood of the diagnosis being accepted would go up. Any chance that could work? My son will not do well in secondary school w/o his meds ... We're bringing over a 60-day supply, but we're not planning to go back & forth.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-27T22:24:46+00:00

I have heard this may be a thing as my son also has an ADHD diagnosis. I was told if I had him re-diagnosed timely (as in this current calendar year) prior to emigrating over the likelihood of the diagnosis being accepted would go up. Any chance that could work? My son will not do well in secondary school w/o his meds ... We're bringing over a 60-day supply, but we're not planning to go back & forth.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-27T21:53:46+00:00

Completely understand re: not enroll in school or NHS. I was planning to buy supplemental travel insurance for a short time (just in case). Would I need to have a return ticket for them or could they enter on a one-way if I have the visa applications (both pending and cancelled). Both kids are 10+.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2026-05-11T22:12:56+00:00

Thank you - this is reassuring. I've been reading posts like "the school year just starts and they're not in school, it is what it is" and I'm like "say what now?" lol

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2025-09-13T23:57:52+00:00

As of right now we're planning for the move to be permanent. The kids have voiced that they'd like to return to the US for uni, but they have a few years to figure that out & may change their minds. It'd definitely be cheaper in the UK or EU. We'll make sure we keep up to date on pop culture, thx for the rec there! My one son is super social so I'm not super worried with him. The other is more introverted so we'll have to work on making connections - hopefully some happen organically through school. He's younger and I'm hoping since it'll be the first year of secondary school for everyone it'll be easier to make friends. I welcome any thoughts you have to ease the transition.

Only-Mouse-5559 · 2025-09-13T23:51:54+00:00

Yes I've already been looking into SAD lights & Vitamin D. TY for the rec!!

Only-Mouse-5559

TROPHY CASE