Moving home
Moving home in Scotland
From the first plan to the day the keys change hands — how moving works in Scotland and what to organise, in order.
- Moving home checklist
A week-by-week plan covering everything from instructing a solicitor to collecting the keys.
- Removal companies
What removal firms typically charge, what affects the price, and questions worth asking before booking.
- Packing and materials
How to pack efficiently, what materials you actually need, and where to get boxes cheaply.
- Storage during a move
What to do when your dates don't align, from short-term self-storage to removal firm holding.
- House clearance
Clearing unwanted furniture and belongings before a move, whether downsizing or handling an estate.
- Cleaning before you move
What a handover clean typically covers, and whether it is expected before you leave a property.
- Changing your address
Who to tell when you move, and a sensible order to work through the list.
- Utilities and council tax
Setting up gas, electricity, water and council tax when you move into a Scottish property.
- Broadband and media
Getting broadband, TV and phone connected in your new home without a gap in service.
- Redirecting your post
Setting up mail redirection so nothing important goes astray after you move.
- Moving with children
Practical steps to make moving day easier for children, from schools to settling in.
- Moving with pets
Keeping pets safe and settled during a house move, from moving day to the first weeks after.
- Date of entry and keys
How the Scottish date of entry works, and what happens on the day keys are handed over.
- Moving day timeline
What a typical moving day looks like, hour by hour, from the removal van's arrival to the last box.
- Cost of moving home
A breakdown of what moving actually costs in Scotland, from legal fees to removals and LBTT.
- Moving out of a tenement
What makes moving out of a Scottish tenement flat different, from common stairs to factor obligations.
- Moving to Edinburgh
What to know before moving to Edinburgh, from neighbourhoods to parking and city-centre access.
- Moving within the Lothians
What changes when moving between Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian.
How this works
Tell us what is happening with your property and where it is. We explain the options in plain language, and — only if you give us permission — pass your details to independent local businesses so they can quote. You are never charged for that, and you are under no obligation to use anyone we introduce.
About Lothian Property
An independent starting point, not an estate agency
Lothian Property is an independent property information and introduction service. We are not an estate agency. We help homeowners understand their property, their options and their local market, and — where appropriate and only with your permission — introduce them to independent estate agents and other property professionals who can assist.
How Lothian Property worksCommon questions
- How far in advance should I organise a move in Scotland?
- Removals and any parking suspension are best booked once missives conclude and the date of entry is fixed, which is often only a few weeks out. Provisional quotes can be gathered earlier.
- What happens on the date of entry in Scotland?
- Your solicitor exchanges the price for the title and keys are released, usually around midday. Unlike England there is no separate exchange and completion — missives conclude earlier, and the date of entry is the physical move.
- Who should I notify when I move house?
- Council tax at both councils, utilities and broadband, Royal Mail redirection, DVLA, your GP and dentist, the electoral register, and your insurer — buildings cover must be in place from the date of entry.