To say that living in London is nice would be an extreme understatement. Globally recognized as one of the best cities to live in, London is a haven for everyone. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a family, London has everything you can ever wish for and more.
In fact, studies say that over 200 000 individuals migrate to London from overseas every year. This doesn’t count the number of UK residents choosing to move to London for various reasons.
Regardless of why you have decided to move, the actual transfer is undoubtedly a hard thing to do. At Henfield Storage, we share a common belief that moving houses must be quick, easy, and smooth. That is why we have created a Moving to London checklist so you can make sure that your move goes by without a hitch.
Packing Materials
You will need loads of boxes when you move. You can opt to buy new packing boxes, or if there’s a store nearby, you can ask them for containers. Make sure that all boxes are sturdy and clean. You don’t want to pick up your items on the street because one package suddenly gave way.
Aside from boxes, it would help if you also prepared the following things:
- Tape
- Bubble Wrap
- Rags
- Newspaper
- Rope
Look around for a store that sells these materials in bulk. Since you will need a lot, buying in bulk will save you money.
Moving Services
Moving to a new house will require professional help. It would help if you had professional movers so you can have a stress-free experience. Moving services range from man and van services to a full removals team.
Some benefits of hiring moving services include:
- Peace of mind
- No heavy lifting (for you)
- Quick and efficient moving
- Guaranteed safety and security for your items
- No hassle
Storage Facility
You just moved to your new place. You’re finally in London. Do you want to spend the next few days unpacking? You are in an unfamiliar place. It’s better to spend your first week or two getting familiar with London instead of opening boxes.
The majority of newcomers rent a storage unit in London to temporarily keep their items. Henfield Storage has multiple storage facilities all over London and Brighton for your convenience. A storage facility is also helpful when you are downsizing.
One reality that you’ll face in London is the lack of space. When residents move to London, their new place has lower square footage due to how expensive rent can be in London.
According to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), the average size of a London flat is about 58 square metres. This is considerably smaller than the rest of the country at 60-70 square metres. Because of the size difference, residents usually keep their storage units for storing any non-essential items they may have.
Oyster Card
We recommend buying an Oyster card if you plan to travel across London. London’s transportation system is efficient and fast, which is why many Londoners prefer to use the Tube than drive. The traffic, especially on a rainy day, can also be pretty horrifying.
An Oyster card will let you go around London for a cheaper fare than buying a paper ticket. This should be one of your first purchases, especially if you’ll be commuting to work. It costs £5 for the card, but you can have it reimbursed when you leave London.
Sim Card
Communication is a crucial part of everyday life. If you’re coming from overseas, another essential item you must get on your first day is a sim card. Most phone plans require a UK bank account and a valid address, so a prepaid sim card will do for now.
You can also choose to buy a sim card online before you even arrive in London. Once you’ve got your UK bank account set up and ready to go, you’ll easily be able to get a postpaid contract with mobile service providers.
Temporary Accommodations
When you move to a new house/flat, there is a chance that your place may not be ready for the next few days or even weeks. Electricity, gas, and plumbing may not be ready yet. Aside from renting a space where you can store your items, it would be best if you also considered where you’d be staying. Look around your neighbourhood for a cheap hotel room or an Airbnb while the movers are fixing your flat. You wouldn’t want to spend the night on the floor with no heating, would you? This is also an excellent way for you to relax and take in the London atmosphere without being in an apartment full of contractors.
There are hundreds of reasons as to why you should move to London. Once you move, you might realize why so many would love for an opportunity to live in the capital.
I hope you enjoy your stay in London!
