Moving back from United Kingdom to New Zealand

The Decision to Move Back Home

Moving home was an emotional experience, considering we had been living overseas for 20 years. We left as a couple with backpacks and returned with half a container, many suitcases, and two beautiful children.

Taking our family home was a sensitive issue because we love Edinburgh so much, but the need to be home and close to family absolutely outweighed continuing to live abroad.

The experience with Clark & Rose was nothing short of seamless. From start to finish, the help and endless guidance we received were great.

Choosing a Moving Company for a UK–New Zealand Relocation

Their manner, speedy feedback, and fantastic in-person approach really stood out. They were understanding of how overwhelming the process was for us.

We did a little research and reached out to a few companies, but Clark & Rose truly stood out. Communication was clear and precise, without unnecessary jargon that could distract from our main goal of moving with as little stress as possible.

All correspondence was handled with care, including phone calls to check in with us, which felt above and beyond what we expected. We would 100% recommend them.

Moving Day Experience

Unfortunately, we were not remotely ready. The removal team were not only understanding but hugely accommodating — even that feels like an understatement.

The boxes had been packed, but we hadn’t labeled them, foolishly thinking that since they were going from our home to storage and not another residence, labeling was unnecessary. Of course, this was wrong due to insurance and customs clearance requirements.

Looking back, it would have been incredibly helpful to be far more organised than we were.

Practical Advice for International Moves

1. If it’s a straightforward pack-and-leave, pay the extra and get professional packers in.
2. If it’s a sort-and-pack situation, start weeks in advance and then get someone else to pack for you. They don’t have the emotional attachment — they just pack and seal.
3. We packed ourselves and constantly found ourselves reminiscing over memories, which stole so much packing time.
4. Never underestimate how much you own — it will surprise you. It certainly surprised us, even after the biggest clear-out of our lives.