Moving house is often described as one of life’s most stressful events. But what happens when your new home is just a few miles down the road? Does a short-distance move really make things easier?
This is the story of a move from Guildford to Woking — a transition between two Surrey towns just 8 miles apart. While the distance may seem minimal, the emotional, logistical and financial steps involved were anything but.
Whether you’re preparing to move yourself or just curious about how such a move unfolds, this real-world journey might surprise you.
Why Move From Guildford to Woking?
What motivates someone to leave the cobbled streets of Guildford for the modern edges of Woking? Here’s what influenced this decision:
- Affordability: Average house prices in Guildford were around £537,000 in 2024. In contrast, Woking’s average stood closer to £460,000. For a young family, that £77,000 difference can mean a bigger garden or an extra bedroom.
- Commute: Woking offers faster train links to London Waterloo — around 25 minutes compared to Guildford’s 35-40. If you’re commuting five days a week, those minutes add up.
- Growth potential: Woking’s regeneration projects (like the Victoria Square development) suggest strong future investment. Buying into Woking now could pay off later.
Would you trade a historic cathedral for a quicker train?
Starting the Process: Planning Ahead
Even short-distance moves require serious planning. Key early steps included:
- Giving notice: Informing the Guildford landlord three months in advance, as per the lease terms.
- Hiring a solicitor: Crucial for managing legal paperwork related to the property in Woking.
- Booking a removal company: Despite the short distance, professional help made all the difference. Self-moves may seem cheaper, but time and back pain say otherwise.
Top Tip: Removal firms can charge less on weekdays — savings of up to 20% if you avoid the Friday rush.
Decluttering: A Psychological Hurdle
Packing boxes isn’t just a physical act — it’s an emotional challenge.
- The loft: Boxes that hadn’t been opened in years. Old uni notebooks. Forgotten photo albums.
- The wardrobe: “Will I ever wear this again?” becomes a daily question.
- The kids’ toys: Letting go of items with sentimental value was surprisingly tough.
Interesting stat: The average UK home holds over 300,000 items. Most people only use 20% of them regularly.
So why do we keep so much?
The Big Day: Guildford to Woking
The move took place on a grey Tuesday in February.
Here’s what went right:
- The Guildford removal team arrived early and packed efficiently.
- Labeled boxes made unloading for the Woking removal team at the new home seamless.
- Took the A320 route — a 25-minute drive with no major delays.
Here’s what didn’t:
- Forgot to redirect post. Important letters were still going to Guildford weeks later.
- Broadband setup was delayed. Two weeks without internet felt like two months.
- Neighbours in Woking were harder to meet — Guildford’s community felt more open.
Could better preparation have avoided these hiccups?
Setting Up in Woking
Moving in is one thing. Feeling settled is another. It took nearly two months before Woking started to feel like home.
Some unexpected challenges:
- Bin collection days were different and missed more than once.
- Parking permits for guests were harder to obtain than anticipated.
- Local GP registration took longer than expected due to a backlog.
But there were bright spots too:
- New cycling routes through Woking Park helped with fitness goals.
- Woking Library had excellent resources for the kids.
- Joining a local Facebook group helped discover hidden local gems.
How long does it take for a place to feel like yours?
What Was Missed — And Gained
Leaving Guildford meant losing certain comforts:
- The charm of the High Street and its independent shops.
- The peaceful walks along the River Wey.
- Favourite cafés with familiar faces.
But gains in Woking included:
- Better transport links.
- A more spacious home.
- A shorter school run.
Trade-offs are part of every move. The key is understanding what matters most to you.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the experience, here’s what proved most valuable:
- Start early. Begin planning at least three months in advance.
- Label everything. Colour-coded labels saved time and stress.
- Expect hiccups. Internet, post, bins — they won’t all go smoothly.
- Be open. Say hello to neighbours, join groups, ask for help.
Would we do it again?
Yes — but with better broadband planning!
Is Moving 8 Miles Still a Big Move?
Absolutely. Distance doesn’t determine difficulty.
The emotions, decisions, and disruptions are real — whether you’re moving two streets over or two counties away.
So if you’re planning a move from Guildford to Woking (or anywhere nearby), don’t underestimate the journey. It’s not just a physical move — it’s a new chapter.
What will your next chapter look like?
