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Archive for the ‘Relocating In London’ Category

Tips for Meeting People after Relocating to London

Friday February 1st, 2013

The thriving capital of the UK contains over eight million people so you wouldn’t expect that it would be difficult to meet new friends. However, moving to London can be a daunting experience and many people get caught up in locating London flats for rent, finding work, learning the ropes of the city, etc and don’t take the time to seek new friendships.

Also, Londoners can be a bit “standoffish” to newcomers, at least until they warm up to them. But that’s the idea, to get out and make new British acquaintances that eventually become friends!

If you happen to be in your 20’s and are relocating to London then you have a great deal of opportunities to meet people your age. A large number of young people from a variety of countries travel to the city on holiday visas to work and meet new people so it should be fairly easy for you to make new friends that have the same interests.

Regardless of your age, here are some tips on ways to meet people upon arriving to UK’s capital.

Share an Apartment

One of the top priorities upon arriving is to locate London flats or London apartments. You can make new friends right off the bat by seeking people who are looking for roommates to share an apartment. Not only do you get to know your roommates, but such atmospheres generally draw others into the environment providing you with even more opportunities to get to know others.

If you prefer more control of the living situation, you can lease London apartments for rent and advertise for roommates to come and live with you. If you want help finding suitable flats and apartments, contact London Relocation Services. Our consultants can have numerous rental possibilities available for you to view upon arriving to the city.

Get Involved In Sports

Another excellent way to get to know a lot of new people is to get involved with a sport in your new city. If you are young, you might join a soccer team which is an extremely popular sport throughout the UK and Europe. Some other common sports in the UK that you might participate in are rugby, cricket, tennis, squash, and rounders.

You don’t have to be young to get involved with sporting opportunities and meet new friends. Billiards, snooker, golf, sailing, darts and other more relaxing sports are also common ways for Brits to pass the time. Pubs are great places to join in a game of billiards, snooker and darts while having a few drinks and getting to know the locals who hang out there.

Take an Organized Tour

Another way to get out of London apartments and meet new friends is to take an organized tour. Such tours sign up a group of people and shuttle them around the city to view famous landmarks, beautiful parks, special events, and much more.

Organized tours put you in contact with groups of people that you spend an entire day or days with. Many long-time friendships are the result of such types of tours.

Should you require assistance with your move to London or need other information on transportation, visas, activities, etc, contact London Relocation Specialists. We can help you with every step of your move and ensure that you get settled in and have opportunities to meet new people.

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Relocating to London Community Spotlight: Belize Park

Thursday January 31st, 2013

Those people moving to London who have the means to live in a nice, upscale area might consider Belsize Park apartments. Nestled in the Borough of Camden, Belsize Park contains some of the most beautiful and desirable parks and areas within the capital such as Hampstead Heath, Primrose Park, and Everyman Belize Park.

Another attractive feature of Belize Park is that, despite its close proximity to the center of the city, it is a peaceful location filled with nice shops, pubs and restaurants. Strictly limited and monitored parking is a large contributing factor to the area’s freedom from noise and bustle that exists in other sections of London.

Belize Park is not only a desirable place to live for everyday citizens, but it also attracts those of fame and fortune. Some famous names dwelling in this oasis are model Kate Moss, actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her Coldplay hubby Chris Martin, director Tim Burton and his actress wife Helena Bonham Carter, author Fay Weldon, and actors Kate Hudson, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Laurie to name a few.

There are plenty of interesting attractions in Belize Park. Within one mile of the area you will find Hampstead and Etcetera Theaters, ODEON Swiss Cottage, Freud Museum, Keats House, London Zoo, Camden Lock Market, Jewish Museum, Camden Arts Center, and Abby Road Studios.

You can also dine on a wide variety of cultural dishes that are located near Belize Park apartments. Indulge in such delicious delicacies as Indian at Curry Manjil Restaurant and Bombay Lounge, Iranian at Tandis, Chinese at Moonlite and Greenberry Cafe, Japanese at Ikura, British at Hampstead Britannia Restaurant, Greek at Lemonia, Russian at Trojka Russian Tea Room & Restaurant, Spanish at Tapeo, French at Brasserie Centrale, and Italian at Negozio Classica, Pesantissimo, and Artigiano.

In pure British style, there is no shortage of pubs in Belize Park. Whet your whistle at watering holes like The Queens, The Adelaide, Sir Richard Steele, Pembroke Castle, The Fiddler’s Elbow, Chats Bar, The Lansdowne, and many more.

When you’re ready for an entertaining evening away from Belize Park apartments, you can head to 1 Mighty Craic comedy club located in The Washington Arms. Fine up-and-coming live bands are given special recognition at the Barfly where Coldplay once appeared to promote their first album. Festivals, Royal Shakespeare Company plays, concerts and more can be caught at The Roundhouse Camden where the likes of Paul McCartney, Jimmy Hendrix, The Who, The Doors, Morrissey, The Beastie Boys, and others have performed.

Of course, should you ever tire of all there is to do in Belize Park, hundreds of other exciting attractions, clubs, bars, and activities are easily accessible throughout the city via the Tube, trains, buses, or taxis.

Relocation consultants can assist you with finding available Belize Park apartments at the best prices possible. Consultants can also provide a wide range of other services that will make your move to London a pleasant one. Contact a consultant today to help you with your move to the beautiful and tranquil Belize Park area in the center of the UKs grand capital city.

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London Etiquette, Behavior and Other Useful Tips

Wednesday December 19th, 2012

If you are thinking about relocating to London then there are some important things you should know about the culture before jumping into it. If you are moving to London from US, you may think that England is very similar but, the truth is, it can be a completely different world than what you’re used to.

Following are some useful tips that will make your visit more pleasant whether you plan on simply traveling for a short stay or are considering a more permanent stay in the city.

Helpful Tips on Etiquette, Behavior and Other Important Aspects

  • Contrary to popular belief, English culture is quiet and polite overall. Therefore, say “please” and “thank you” as well as learn and use other local etiquette. Also, don’t be loud, vulgar, or brash as this is considered distasteful. The exception is when watching football matches or other sporting favorites where loud is expected!
  • Both cars and houses in London are generally smaller than those in the US so you should expect that. Also, avoid making fun of them which can be considered offensive.
  • Homes are considered to be private oases for the English who more than likely will invite you to the pub before they will invite you to their houses.
  • Avoid referring to England as European because the English consider themselves separate even though they are a member of the European Union. Also, you should know the difference between England and Great Britain (UK) because calling the Welsh, Northern Irish, or Scots “English” is very offensive to them.
  • A passport sized photo is required in many places and for many things, such as for obtaining the Oyster Card which provides discounts on traveling around the city on the London Underground railway.
  • If you happen to be 26 or younger, you can get a rail card for around £20. Sometimes, full-time university students over 26 can also acquire rail cards. Those relocating to London who are 60 years old or more can get a rail card for seniors for around the same price. Again, you will need a passport photo to obtain either one of these.
  • In order to obtain a Student Visa, you must provide proof that you have sufficient funds to provide for your full tuition as well as to pay for all living expenses while attending school.
  • A sponsored Tier 2 Permit is required if you plan on working as a freelancer or independent contractor.
  • Although staying at hostels is probably your cheapest route, this doesn’t work well for extended stays in the UK. It’s best to contact a relocation consultant who can provide you with London short term rentals or other more appropriate accommodations. If you would prefer to buy, they can assist you with finding good deals on available houses in London.

Hopefully these tips etiquette, behavior and other important aspects will help you more smoothly integrate into the culture during and after your London relocation.

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Relocation to London: How to Find Friendly Faces in Your New Town

Saturday December 10th, 2011

Of all the blogs I’ve read or written about Canadians and Americans moving to London the one common theme is that to be truly successful in one’s international relocation they must join a group who can empathize with all the changes they are experiencing.  Nothing is quite as romantic and picking up with a significant other, leaving all the known behind and diving into the absolutely exciting “unknown”. Sounds romantic? Well it is in a sense, but that doesn’t mean that there will never be a time when Americans and Canadians aren’t homesick for the stars and stripes or maple leaf.

Most people, today, use social media in one form or another to keep in touch with friends and family back home.  They don’t have to stop there.  There are many exciting, fresh Meet Up groups with active social media presences.  Use Facebook or Twitter to look for some. It’s amazing how refreshing it can be to hear the friendly sound of an accent from home.

Most Meet-Ups are formed around a common denominator like Americans new to London due to corporate relocation.  There are so many Meet Up groups that there will surely be one to fit everyone in the family and every interest.

One Meet-Up Group I’ve been impressed with is made up exclusively of Canadians and Americans who have taken that big leap of romantic faith, navigated the potential pitfalls, and have come out on top with all new friends and acquaintances making London their new home. The name of the group is “The London Expat American Meetup Group” and even their group photo looks fun. As it goes with Meet Up groups sometimes the turn out is a bit more sparse, the very next month you may take over the entire establishment. The point is not how many people go, but that everyone there knows exactly what a new American in London is going through and the new things they’ll be experiencing for the first time since their relocation to London: a fish out of water just a bit.

If one think sports teams pull complete strangers together, or a hobby, try replanting and restarting a life somewhere completely foreign.  Everyone in the Expat American Meet Up Group has learned to reconnect in a new way, in a new environment, with completely new people. For Americans moving to London and Canadians Moving to London this Meet Up group is a must to investigate. Those fresh from the international relocation can even try connecting with members via Facebook with an open ended question such as, “What one thing would you have done differently if you had it to do over?” which will surely spark a slew of answers of things most may have never considered. Connecting with social media will also make going to an event after a relocation that much smoother.

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Relocation in London – Not Just For An International Relocation

Saturday November 12th, 2011

Although the relocation blogs focus on an international relocation and the different aspects of moving. There are people that plan their relocation from within the UK or who are looking at relocation after they have arrived.

Each year thousands of university graduates make their way from across the British Isles and Europe to England to look for work and make their way in the bustling metropolis that is this city. It can be just as hard to find accommodation as a university graduate as it is for Americans moving here. Living here can be expensive and you may want to consider house sharing for a while or living further out of the city until you can afford to move into one of the more expensive areas.

Estate agents can cost quite a deal of money to set up a lease agreement and unless you know the city of London very well, you may be paying more than you should. You may have to get your parents to sign as guarantors for an apartment if you have not established credit with one of the banks. If you’re planning on moving to London after your graduation from university, and you haven’t lived in the city before, you’re in exactly the same boat as the thousands of expats moving to the UK each year. Consider getting professional help to make the adjustment easier and to get you firmly on the road to work and life in a new city.

For Americans moving to London you may not especially love the area you are living in when you arrive and may be looking for something after you arrival that is more suitable. This is where having a relocation services company is such a good idea. They know what it is like to be an expat in a foreign city and not know which are of city that you’ll love. If you need to move after your relocation, you should get a professional to guide you, if you don’t know the city very well.

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Relocation to London – All About Apartments

Friday July 22nd, 2011

Your relocation to London will only be complete once you have found a flat or apartment to rent for the duration of your stay. If you’re going to be moving to London for a few years then you should be planning your move with the help of a professional London relocation services company. It’s the only way to get it done efficiently, quickly and with the least amount of stress.

Finding an apartment can be stressful in London and if you don’t know the city, and are a foreigner, you may find that your international relocation adventure will quickly turn into a nightmare.

The rental industry in London is highly competitive, so if you are going it alone then you’re going to have to be prepared to move fast on any rentals that become available. Many properties in London are owned by individuals and advertised privately or through an estate agent. It is important that you find an estate agent who is prepared to deal with an international relocation before you start.

Having an estate agent on your side who is experienced in the process of relocation to London from your home country could be the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy road ahead. It might seem a bit more expensive to use London relocation agents but when you are still looking for a suitable flat three months after your arrival, you’d wish that you’d a professional from the start.

Rental Ready’s

When you are renting you’ll have to e prepared to pay a deposit and the first month’s rent when you sign the lease, make sure you have the funds at the ready because there will be a crowd behind you waiting to snap up your perfect pad if you delay.

If you’re looking at prices of flats before you arrive, be aware that most flats are advertised with a weekly rate and not monthly. If you want to work out how much you’ll be paying per month you can multiply the weekly rent by 52 and divide it by 12 to get a final figure.

Dealing with estate agents in a foreign country can be a challenge, even if you do speak the same language. It’s always wise to take advice from people who know what YOU want and where you are coming from when you are planning your relocation to London.

 

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Relocation to London – Mercury Rising

Thursday July 21st, 2011

There are so many details that you’ll need to plan for your relocation to London, and then you’ll have to start learning the subtle differences in culture, traditions and way of life in your new city. If you’re an American moving to London you’ll be used to measuring your temperature in Fahrenheit. In England it is measured in Celsius, so you’ll have to keep on converting if you want to know what the temperature is before you leave your cozy rental in the morning.

The official conversion rate to convert degrees Celsius into Fahrenheit is: ºC x (9.5) + 32.2 = ºF, but unless you’re a walking calculator, you can get an approximate conversion by multiplying the Celsius figure by 2 and adding 32. It can get confusing when the weather reporter is telling you that it’s a heat wave with temperatures of 30 degrees!

Planning for the weather in London is an Oxymoron

There is no way you can accurately predict what will be happening in the weather when you are moving here. You can check the news every morning and convert all the degrees that you like. The ONLY way to be sure that you are prepared for the changing weather conditions when you are moving here is to take an umbrella and light coat with you every time you leave the your apartment.

Everyone has a ‘brolly’ and a ‘Mac’ when they go out. It’s just a part of living here. The weather changes all the time, but you must not let it stop you from going out and enjoying the summer sun while you can. A short shower will do nothing to disturb a picnic in the park if you’re a real Londoner and being prepared does not mean changing your plans.

Just one more thing about your relocation and the weather: As a foreigner, even though London is a city composed of foreigners, you’re not allowed to moan about the weather. It appears to be the right of Englishmen only to gripe about weather conditions, and gripe they will!

 

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Relocation to London – Working Quirks

Thursday July 21st, 2011

Your relocation to London will involve a lot more than just trying to figure out which is you’re your tube stop. Working in London is going to be quite different and you’ll have to get used to office traditions and business lunches at the pub, as well as longer vacations!

Most Americans moving to London will be working as soon as they arrive and adapting to your environment and new job as fast as possible will help you make friends, and get ahead in your new job.

Odd Office Traditions

If you tell everyone when your birthday is, don’t expect gifts and an office lunch to celebrate. The onus is on the birthday person to provide cakes or snack for the entire office! This does not just happen in a few offices; it’s considered the norm in all companies in England and much of the commonwealth too. You don’t have to put on an entire spread, and there won’t be a celebration lunch hour where you all gather round and eat the food.

You’ll just place the food items into the kitchen and send a discreet email to your colleagues telling them there are some nibbles in the kitchen because it’s your birthday. Seem odd? It’s just another tradition that you’ll be making a part of your life after your relocation to London. Join in or guard the date of your birthday with your life!

Working here is going to be a part of the entire international relocation experience, and it will probably form the basis for many of the friends you make. Getting to know people outside of work is the best way to increase the amount of people that you know and a great way to get acquainted with British culture.  Jobs in London may be harder to get as well.

Don’t be afraid to go out with your colleagues for a pint after work, or even during lunch hour. Despite the great British reserve, that you may experience when you are moving to London, you’ll find that most people working here are friendly and will make an effort to include you in the office outings.

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Relocation UK – Safe in The City

Wednesday July 20th, 2011

London is a city like no other, which you’ll find out while you’re preparing for your international relocation. It is also a city like every other large city on the planet which means that you need to develop some street smarts and use common sense while making your way around the city.

You will be doing a lot of walking when you get to London, it’s just a part of moving to London and living in London and this is the place that you’re most likely to be a victim of crime if you don’t keep your eyes and ears open. The first thing you need to remember when you’re moving to London is that you’re not a tourist anymore. You’re a part of a vibrant and busy city, and acting like a tourist with your camera slung around your neck is a great way to attract undesirable attention.

Common Sense and Safety Tips

You’d be surprised at how many people moving to London think that it is a crime free city. The crime rate is much lower than many other countries, but being alert and aware of what is happening around you is the best way to keep yourself out of the statistics.

  • Don’t look lost, even if you are! All Londoner’s carry the A-Z street map so you won’t look like a tourist when you use it. If you really are lost, don’t ask people on the street to help you; look for a policeman or go into a large shop to make an enquiry.
  • Don’t flash your cash. This is another reason why you need to set up a bank account as soon as possible after your relocation to London. If your cash is snatched it is gone forever.
  • Keep to the main roads. This is especially important at night when you should never walk alone down an unlit street. Just don’t do it. Ever.
  • On public transport, avoid empty carriages and sit close to the exits if it is getting late. Look out for the passenger alarms when you get onto a train or tube. They are there for a reason. If you have an emergency, use them.

Remember that the emergency number for all services in the UK is 999. Program it into your phone as a matter of course as soon as you have arrived. Your relocation is the biggest adventure of your life. Staying safe will make it that much more enjoyable.

 

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Relocation UK – How To Establish A Credit History in the UK

Wednesday July 20th, 2011

This could be one of the things that is last on your list when you’re preparing for your relocation to London. It is important however to start establishing a good credit record as soon as possible after you have arrived in London. It’s not enough to show that you have a good credit rating in your country of origin; if you’re moving to London you’ll have to start over.

The global recession has meant that many banks in the UK have tightened their lending belts immensely and it is much harder to get credit cards and loans. Getting credit at a store for hire purchase purchases or a cell phone contract is difficult for foreigners.  You’ll want to get established as soon as possible if your relocation to London is going to be for more than a year.

Relocation UK will have you opening a UK bank account, and it is the all important first step. If you’re going to be using a London relocation services company to help you find accommodation then ask them to help you set up your banking before you arrive.

Get as many bills as possible! This might sound strange, but having a record of paying bills regularly and on time is the fastest way to establish a sound credit record in the UK. Council taxes, television licenses, rental agreements. Use them all to establish your reputation as a creditworthy person.

Maintain your bank account extremely cautiously for at least six months if you want to apply for credit. Many companies will ask for copies of your bank statements for at least three months and you don’t want to show that you’ve dipped into your overdraft facility.

Try to keep a minimum balance of at least £100 in your account at all times. This will show your bank and potential lenders that you are a responsible and acceptable credit risk. If you’re intending on staying in the UK for a number of years, your bank balance could even affect your Visa application down the road, so keep it in the black!

Without a credit history you may even struggle to find a rental when you arrive. Using a reputable relocation agent to negotiate a lease agreement for your new rental is the fastest way of establishing credit in the eyes of the British bankers.

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Factors That May Influence Where To Live in London

Tuesday July 19th, 2011

Choosing a neighborhood and an apartment when you’re planning your relocation to London is going to be at the top of your list. It can be hard to decide on which neighborhood you’d like to stay in if you have not visited the city. Many people around the world choose a suburb or neighborhood according to what it has to offer, but you may want to consider a couple of other aspects before talking to your relocation agents about viewing properties.

Tube Lines: It’s not just Red and Green

Choosing and apartment according to what tube line it is close to could be one of the deciding factors in your London apartment search. If you know where you are going to be working in London, then you will have a pretty good idea of which tube line you will be using to get to work. Perhaps the first investment that you make when you’re starting to think about areas to live in should be to download the tube map of London so you can see how far you’ll have to travel as a daily commuter. Bear in mind that the tube map is schematic and not to scale, so if you have any doubt as to distances, ask your London relocation agents to help you out. Ideally you should choose an area that has more than one tube line to choose from, so if one is stuck you will still be able to get to where you need to go without too much hassle.

Getting in the Zone

London is divided into travel zones which will also affect and influence where you want to stay. Zone 1 is a circle in the very centre of the city, and the circles radiate outwards until you hit Zone 6 on the very edges of the city. Each zone has a different price attached to it, so it could mean that all of the savings that you make up by living in Zone 6 are completely negated by the fact that you have to travel to Zone 1 for work every day. It is still cheaper to use the public transport than it is to own a car. The biggest advice that you’ll get from your London relocation agents is to figure out where you need to be in terms of travel, and then decide on which areas you want to view properties when you arrive.

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Relocation UK – Bridging The Cultural Divide

Tuesday July 19th, 2011

Planning your relocation to London is about being organized and efficient and one of the best ways to make sure that your international relocation goes smoothly is to use a relocation services company to handle your move. The great thing about using London relocation agents is that they are there on the ground doing what needs to be done before you arrive. Essentially all you have to do is turn up!

Moving to London is about more than just finding the perfect pad and learning how to ‘mind the gap’ on the tube. Learning as much as you can about the culture of the country and the city of London is going to stand you in good stead when you’re meeting people and making friends.

Fun Facts That You Should Know When Moving to London

  • Buckingham Palace looks a lot smaller in real life than it does in the movies. This famous landmark should be one of the first places you visit if you have not been to London before. Just don’t be disappointed if you’re only allowed to see the outside, the Queen is rarely at home to visitors.
  • Not everyone in England has met the Queen.
  • The United Kingdom is a collection of countries, comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Don’t get it wrong. They even speak their own language in Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
  • Beer is not just beer. It could be bitter, ale, lager or even stout, and it will be served at room temperature in pubs in the UK.
  • London is a city made up of a different people from around the globe. Real Londoner’s are probably from somewhere else.
  • The Underground is a system of public transport that you WILL learn to use if you intend on going anywhere in London.
  • Never talk about the weather with a Brit. They consider it the right of people who were born in the country to moan about the weather.
  • Brits don’t really like being called ‘Brits’.

It’s is important to remember that you are moving to a foreign country in your international relocation, and there will be a number of differences between the way you did things back home.  What you may have to get used to after your relocation. Humor, a sense of wonder and an appetite to discover the city will have you settled in no time at all.

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Relocation to London – Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Sunday July 10th, 2011

Your relocation to London is going to be one of the most exciting times in your life. You’ll have to get used to living in a foreign country and one of the largest cities in Europe. The cultural differences can seen quite daunting at first but with a little time, some good humor and a dash of curiosity, you’ll be able to absorb and discover the cultures that make up this historic and yet thoroughly modern city.

One of the biggest differences and certainly one that you’ll notice the moment you arrive is the difference in television programming between the UK and the USA. If you’re an American moving to London, you may find it quite a shock. Even the news is quite different and if you want to get a taste of the news from home, you’ll have to get hooked up to the satellite companies to get CNN.

The first difference that you’ll notice is that events happening in America are not considered to be headline news. Breaking news in the States falls under world news and even then it will probably fall somewhere behind what is happening in Europe and even Asia on the list of importance.

If you want to get clued up about living in London and what really interests people, you should consider a crash course in learning about the EU. It’ll help greatly when you’re chatting to your colleagues at your new job and even in your community if you have some idea of what is happening and what is considered news in London.

The biggest news in London at the moment is in fact the News! One of the oldest tabloid papers in the world, the News of the World, is closing down. The newspaper is 168 years old and has been at the dodgy end of tabloid news and paparazzi exposes for years. The reason for its closure is not a financial one, but an honest to goodness scandal, of Watergate proportions. The News of the World is reported to have hacked into the phones of politicians, celebs and victims of crime in the desperate race to be the rag that breaks the story first. While America has an active and scurrilous tabloid press problem, in England and Europe the paparazzi are relentless and even resort to underhand and criminal activities to get their stories.

Today will be the last edition of the newspaper that has been breaking news of celebrity sex scandals and political power plays for years and as such it is the end of an era. If you have recently completed your international relocation to London I’d grab a copy of the paper today, just for posterity. While it may not be serious news, it certainly is sensational news, and even Paris Hilton makes the headlines in London!

 

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Relocation to London – A Royal Affair

Saturday July 9th, 2011

It’s been ‘the’ year for relocation to London, and the Royal Wedding in April has added a touch of romance and excitement to the monarchy. The Royal family is inextricably linked to the city of London and even if you weren’t living in London when Prince William married Katherine Middleton in April, you’ll have seen the images beamed around the world by the media.

When you’re settled into your new flat and finished all the details of your relocation to London then  you can start exploring the city and what better place to start than to visit the site of the Royal Wedding. You can do a number of tours that take in the Royal palaces, museums and parks, but you don’t have to dwell in history of the monarchy to enjoy your tour. The monarchy is a vibrant and up to date part of modern London and England.

Wills and Kate: A modern fairy tale

While there has been a certain amount of cynicism leveled at the royal family of late, it appears that the heir to the throne has been able to follow his heart and the path of true love when it came time for him to choose his bride. You have to understand what a decision it must have been for Prince William to marry his long time girlfriend, commoner, Katherine Middleton. The prince is going to be the King of England one day and he still married the girl of his dreams, and a commoner.

You will not have to spend much time in the city after your relocation to London to realize that although it is invisible, there is a definite line still drawn between the class of the nobility and the rest of us. It IS a big deal that a future King of England has married someone of common birth; it certainly would not have been allowed twenty years ago. Yes. That recently.

The story of William and Katherine is a modern fairy tale that says as much about the future of the monarchy in England as it does about the couple themselves.

Prince William met his wife when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. They were both studying the same Art history course, although William moved to study geography. The couple lived n rented digs with a number of students. The couple stayed out of the media spotlight during their time at St. Andrews due to the fact that the Queen had asked all of the world’s press to stay away from the prince during his time as an undergraduate. It was in this space of privacy and away from the glare of the media eye that the couple fell in love.

The couple graduated from the university in 2005 and not long after that the news of their relationship was splashed over the world after they were spotted skiing in Klosters, Switzerland.

It must have been daunting for the young middle class Katherine who has no royal or noble family connections. Her parents run a successful mail order party décor company and Kate and her family lived in a modern home in Berkshire. The constant intrusion of the paparazzi is in some part responsible for their break up in 2007. Kate just needed a break and William needed to make the decision that would affect the rest of his life, and the future of his country.

Although the couple reunited soon after, it was still a while before the world started to get the idea that Katherine would be joining the royal family. Kate slowly started being invited to official and private family events and function and in 2010 the couple announced their engagement to the world.

While the world was fascinated by the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding, they were also drawn to the event like never before because of the similarities and familiarity of their love story. The love story that was played out on the center stage of the magnificent city of London is in fact, our story as well.

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Relocation IN London: A Quick Way to Find a London Apartment if You Already Live in London

Thursday July 7th, 2011

As a relocation company that services people moving here from all over the world, we often gear our blog posts toward those making an international relocation to the UK. The fact is, though, that we help anyone looking for their ideal apartment to rent, whether you’re first moving here or already live in London.

One of the obvious benefits of employing a relocation agent in the case of an international relocation is to compensate for unfamiliarity with the lay of the land—if you’ve never lived in the city and haven’t toured it extensively before, how do you know where to start learning which neighborhood suits you best and how the property market works differently, right?

Therein lies the rub with locals and expats already living in London. They do know the neighborhoods better and have at least a basic understanding of the market from their previous flat-finding experience. It’s precisely this that leads locals to believe they can tackle flat-finding all on their own, and surely they can (they have the added advantage of already having a home-base to live in while they look), but even they can benefit from using relocation services if time is of the essence.

What prompts this thought for me right now is a friend of mine who has lived here a couple years already with her husband and is looking for a new apartment to move into this fall. She’s very savvy with the city and doesn’t work full-time, so has the flexibility to look around that her husband doesn’t. She’d viewed at least a couple over the weekend, and I’d met up with her Tuesday to view three flats, and then she’d seen four others that same day. Today she saw another, and tomorrow she’ll see six more. Add that all together, and London Relocation still has shown more flats than that to one client in one day. When my friend’s husband has to leave work early multiple days a week as well to view her daytime shortlist in the evening, it’s an inconvenience. So even this couple, with one person available during the weekdays, could benefit from a one-day service—how does a single person who works full-time accomplish it alone? Searches are left to the weekends and evenings unless taking a day off work, and even evening viewings can mean having to leave work early. And what’s available one day isn’t necessarily the next (especially in the summer!!). It’s a pain. And of the apartments my friend is viewing, only a handful have actually been for a move-in date that coincides with their existing lease. Others are for an earlier date that would require unlikely negotiation with the landlord to break the lease early by a month or two without having to still pay that rent in full or bear the burden of finding a new tenant themselves.

I’m just sayin’. London Relocation agents exhaust the available properties in a given area to find precisely those that are within your budget and moving time-frame. They’ll show them to you in one day and negotiate the lease that same evening. Bodda-boom, bodda-bing. So even if you’re just making the relocation in London and not going very far within territory that’s familiar to you, a London relocation agency is still a worthwhile option to consider.

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