Key Features of Homes if You’re Moving to Scandinavia

This blog post looks at the type of home you could be moving into if you are considering removals to Scandinavia.

And whether it’s a period property or a new apartment, you will probably discover it follows a number of key principles, most of which are designed to make your new home sustainable, comfortable and make maximum use of the available light.

And there’s a brief mention of the services of The Moving Partnership, who offer flexible removals packages for both homeowners and businesses.

This article is a three- to four-minute read. 

If you are joining the large number of people who are considering house removals to Scandinavia, then chances are your new home will look very different to your current one – particularly if you are moving from the UK.

House Removals to Scandinavia with The Moving Partnership

The Moving Partnership can help with house removals to all parts Scandinavia. Here we look at the housing stock found in Norway, Sweden and Denmark in particular, and some of its key characteristics.

The Various Choices and Styles

The general housing stock is much the same as many other European countries. Single-family homes are the most common type of housing, particularly in Sweden. In more urban areas, there are plenty of apartments, usually rented or owned flats within larger multi-dwelling buildings. 

Many of the former are part of a co-operative or shared ownership. And in the immediate aftermath of World War II, a lot of prefabricated Swedish homes were also built, often in semi-detached configurations. More modern homes have clean geometric lines. Standalone examples are often known as villas, while terraced properties are usually called ‘radhaus’.

A few examples of traditional styles remain, either in their original form or as a remake – these include the Stuga, a traditional Scandinavian cottage with a steeply pitched roof, or a longhouse. This is an elongated, rectangular home of the Viking era, often built with timber frames, and sometimes incorporating stone or turf where wood was scarce. 

However, there are some general principles which apply to all Scandinavian countries, no matter how old the house is or what it’s made from.

Maximising The Natural Light

Most homes in Scandinavia have extremely large windows, at least compared to the UK. This is to maximise all the available daylight because they get as little as seven hours of it during the winter months.

Equally, Scandinavian design embraces natural hardwood or white flooring to make a space seem brighter and more spacious (darker colours can seem more claustrophobic).  So the walls are often painted in a white or cream colour, and any window treatments are usually non-existent or minimal, again to maximise any natural light.

Lots of Wood

Wherever in Scandinavia you are moving to, the chances are you’ll see plenty of timber homes (even if you aren’t moving into one yourself). This is partly because of the large number of forests in the various countries, partly because timber is such a good insulator (important in the cold winters), and partly because the Norwegians, Swedes and Danes are very environmentally conscious and recognise the need for sustainability. Timber is used for structural elements (internal and external) as well as for cladding.

Seeing Red

A lot of traditional Scandinavian homes, particularly Swedish timber farmhouses, were painted red, and more specifically the rich Falun Red, although many terraced properties are also painted in the same colour (pictured).

The practice of using Falun red paint spread to other Northern European regions, especially Norway, Finland, and any areas that were once under Swedish rule. 

This is partly aesthetic - the rich, warm colour blends in well with the forested landscapes. It’s also practical, as Falun Red is one of the byproducts of copper mining, which was one of the major industries, so it represents a good use of natural resources. The paint's mineral content also helps the wood "breathe," allowing it to release moisture quickly and effectively. 

Red properties were also a status symbol, as the colour was associated with the nobility, and the Church. Later, the colour was adopted by ordinary Scandinavians (particularly Swedes), such as craftsmen and farmers.

Open Plan

This is primarily in more modern apartments, but don’t be surprised to find it in older properties too. Using as few walls as possible is a way of making smaller spaces seem bigger.

Open plan also helps create a more sociable, functional living environment. 

This design approach aligns with the Scandinavian philosophy of minimalism and functionality, incorporating natural materials and a clutter-free aesthetic that makes the most of limited space and the natural environment.  

It’s these beliefs which led to the interior design style of ‘hygge’, which translates loosely as cosiness. The emphasis is on comfort, while retaining a connection to the natural world. The trend began in Denmark but has since spread into Norway and the rest of the Scandinavian countries.  

House Removals to Scandinavia with The Moving Partnership

At The Moving Partnership, we can help with domestic and commercial removals to Norway, Denmark, Sweden and all the Nordic countries.

We can tailor your removals package to suit your needs. For instance, our part load or groupage service is ideal for single items or smaller moves, whereas our dedicated service caters for larger household or office removals.

We also offer a Special service, which enables you to specify your collection and delivery dates. There are optional extras, including packing and unpacking, storage, cleaning, and insurance, in addition to the transfer of your household or office contents.

For more information, check out our European removals page.

FAQs

What’s the simplest way to start the removals process with The Moving Partnership?

You can book a free video survey with us and we will get in touch to sort out a mutually convenient time. You can also call us directly on 0800 772 3709.

What are the visa entry requirements for Scandinavian countries?

British citizens travelling to Scandinavia as tourists or for short business trips generally do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as these countries are part of the Schengen Area. You must have a valid passport, but you may need a visa for longer stays or for other purposes like work. 

Always check the specific entry requirements for each country you plan to visit and confirm with the country's government or embassy before travelling. 

What’s the cost of living like in Scandinavia?

The cost of living in Scandinavia, particularly if you are thinking of removals to Norway or Denmark, can higher than the UK, while Sweden can be cheaper, particularly if you are factoring in the lower levels of rent.

You can expect to pay higher prices for groceries, alcohol and eating out in all Scandinavian countries, but these are often balanced by significantly cheaper childcare and strong public services, which are in turn funded by higher taxes. 

There are also a lot of regional variations depending on your needs and lifestyle. So whichever Scandinavian country you move to a realistic budget, potentially including higher taxes, is essential.