Posts Tagged ‘flats and apartments to rent’
Wednesday September 2nd, 2009
Author: Colleen
"How do I work this thing?"
If you joined us for our last post, hopefully you have found a place to store all your precious knick-knacks so you can now tend to yourself within another very important aspect of the London flat. Every king of the palace needs a throne room, and it’s understandable why standards should be high for this. The “loo” (also commonly referred to bluntly as the “toilet”) serves multiple functions (which I won’t list out in the interest of propriety), so to meet these functions, the size of this particular room has grown ever larger in new construction or home renovations. Ladies like their counterspace and large tub to soak in, and men like a good mirror for shaving and enough room to comfortably…er…read. It’s not like I came from a home with a lavatory big enough to be a spa in and of itself with a mammoth jacuzzi tub, yet I still couldn’t help but fear a bleak bathroom future on my first several viewings of flats. What I saw most often were pedestal sinks with nary a shelf or cabinet to compensate for lack of counter space. Bathtubs (if there was one) were likewise diminutive (one must figure people themselves were smaller years ago) and showers were tight. You may also find that your shower is not its own freestanding entity, but instead a sort of after-the-fact head attachment connected to a pipe raised from the bathtub, the kind that has a cord so you can detach it, hold it in your hand, and aim it as you will. Clearly, there are always exceptions to the rule–my task here is simply to adjust your expectations so you won’t be disappointed, and many landlords have made much of what space they have with nicely renovated fixtures and tiling. Some of the quirks that may persist regardless, though, old or new, is that your Hot & Cold may be reversed and you may see two buttons for flushing the toilet (as pictured to the left. It’s simple, the smaller button is #1, the larger one #2. It’s all in the name of water conservation). A positive feature is the common use of towel warming racks in lieu of a radiator, perfect for those chilly winter mornings, and they dry your towels so much faster. Until next time in Part VI, London Relocation wishes you happy movements, I mean, moving!
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation services, flats and apartments to rent, london flat, london move, London Relocation Services, london renting, Moving to London, relocation agents, what to expect in a london flat
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London Apartments: What to Expect in a London Flat, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Thursday August 27th, 2009
Author: Colleen
Welcome to Vertical London.
Welcome back, folks, for the next post in my series on What To Expect When You’re Expecting…What You Had Back Home. Yesterday, we addressed Size. Today, we focus on another ‘S’ word.
Many visitors I’ve hosted have commented that they lost weight after coming to London. The primary culprits? Walking and STAIRS. Ooohh, the stairs, people. Whether at the Tube station, parks, museums, EVEN THE BUSES (double-decker, remember), you can’t even escape them when you come home. Especially when you come home. Once you turn the key and heave the heavy door open to your lovely building, you will most likely be staring down (get it? Stare? Stairs? Ha! Okay, you got it but chose not to laugh. Fine. I won’t pun again) a few flights of steps. “That’s fine, I’ll just take the elevator,” you might say. First of all, the term is “lift,” not “elevator.” Second, um, er, well, yeah, no. Not likely to be a lift in that building (and the movers hauling all of your stuff will just love that fact).
Initially, the daily ascent and descent may leave you gasping. The landing before the last flight of steps to my 2nd floor flat (3rd floor by U.S. standards) was officially named after my mother last spring, as it was the point in the climb where she needed to pause to catch her breath each time. Think of it this way–the money you save by not having to join a gym thanks to all the unsought-but-necessary exercise you get commuting daily can help offset that high rent. At any rate, you and your bum WILL strengthen as a result and, in no time, think nothing of the stairs anymore. If anything, it will just make you lament how out of shape you’ll be if you return home and regress to your driving-everywhere/couch-potato ways…
Stay tuned for the next exciting installment from London Relocation Ltd.…
Tags: Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, flats and apartments to rent, london move, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Property, relocating to London, what to expect in a london flat
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London Apartments: What to Expect in a London Flat, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Wednesday July 29th, 2009
Author: Colleen
The futuristic foyer is an airy contrast to the antiquities beyond.
If you’re moving to London, you’re also entering a nation layered in complex history. It’s certainly a daunting task trying to take it all in…every corner you turn has a story. I’m not one with a great head for names and dates, yet my insatiable curiosity constantly drives me to uncover more knowledge about this new city and country that I’ll be calling home for a while. Founded in the late 18th-century, the British Museum was the world’s first national public museum, which has been free to the public ever since its very first day. One reality of England is that it has a history of conquest, so while there are many of its own national treasures to behold at the museum, there are also those of distant lands. Housing the largest exhibit of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt itself, the institution also has a gigantic room devoted to the original friezes that once ran the perimeter of the 5th-century BC Parthenon in Athens, Greece (it’s like a long-running film strip of the battle between Man and Centaur). Before you can reach this wing of the museum, however, you must pass by one prominent, encased relic…a little ol’ something you might have heard of called the Rosetta Stone (and no, I’m not referring to computer tutorials in foreign languages). While it’s without doubt annoying trying to see past the huddle of tourists smashing their huge Nikon lenses up against the glass to take that infamous Been-There-Done-That shot (do me a favour: when you get to the mummies, PLEASE don’t take a picture within my sight…), be patient; you’ll get your turn before long. To view the three ancient languages inscribed and reflect on the linguistic triumph that this discovery truly was is a marvel. I am barely scratching the surface…this is a mammoth establishment that warrants multiple visits. I personally wear a posey ring purchased in the States that is a recreation of a 17th century one on display here, an original that I am very eager to visit upon my return to finally see England’s own historic keepsakes.
Relocating to London and transitioning into a new home and workplace can be rough, but please do take the time to still be a tourist as well as resident here–the combination allows you appreciate it through an entirely different lens. Besides, London Relocation Ltd. will be making your property search such a quick, one-day experience, that it’ll save you plenty of time to go out and play!
Tags: Americans moving to London, British Museum, canadians moving to london, flats and apartments to rent, London, London Relocation Services, moving to London England, relocating to London, relocation moving
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London Recreation, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Monday July 27th, 2009
Author: Colleen
In follow-up to my last post, Crazy Homies was a success! As the name would indicate, it’s a crazy-fun environment that exudes Mexican elements with urban edge, East Los Angeles-style. Probably the smallest restaurant in which I’ve ever eaten (so getting a seat is likely difficult at its busier times, though we were seated right away on a Friday night), the flashy 70s-ish/Day-of-the-Dead decor compensates for the size with dazzling projected light and upbeat music. The margaritas were indeed splendid, but the best part for me was FINALLY an enchilada that tasted like what I knew back home (for as authentic as ”American Mexican” food can be regarded). Honestly, so, SO good, at least in my personal opinion. I know what I like; if doesn’t meet your preferences, I think if you’re an American moving to London, it’ll at least be enough to tide you over until your next trip home. Satisfied in this respect, I now further refine my quest to one specific aspect: mole sauce. In the meantime, while it can be a complex sauce to make on one’s own, I have a great short-cut recipe if you’re interested :) Adios for now!
Tags: Americans moving to London, flats and apartments to rent, London, london moving, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Moving to London from US, Notting Hill, west london
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London Food & Beverage, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Thursday July 23rd, 2009
Author: Colleen
Lost in translation...
If you’re relocating to London, one thing you can be relieved about is that it won’t be that huge of a culture shock–we’re really more similar than different in so many ways, but don’t dare lull yourself into a comfort zone on the basis of already knowing the English language. As any UK native or American expat will tell you, British English and American English are two different languages, so get out your pocket translator Clark Griswald-style and get to work cracking the code in advance. Otherwise, you may be setting yourself up for some royal embarassment if you compliment someone on their “pants” rather than their “trousers” or make reference to someone’s “fanny” (it’s not on the side that you think it is…).
To assist, I will provide you will a couple cyber-Rosetta Stones:
The Very Best of British: The American’s Guide to Speaking British - (written by a Brit)
United Kingdom English for the American Novice – (written by an American)
With common understanding, English, too, can be a language of love 
Let London Relocation Services help you out further with your cultural transitioning–we’re American-owned, so we speak your language!
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation services, flats and apartments to rent, Germans Apartment finding, london moving, London Realtor, London Relocation Services, moving to London England, Moving to London from US
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London Language Barriers, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Wednesday July 22nd, 2009
Author: Colleen
How to find a flat? You don't have to do it on your own with London Relocation Services.
The streets of London are haunted. Sitting in a taxi last night as it maneouvred through my borough, I looked upon the familiar sights and saw ghosts of my relocation past. Happy now to be assisting other people moving internationally, I can focus on them and bury my own memories, but this night they came back to haunt me. I drove past the hotel where I lived for three weeks because I hadn’t found a flat prior to moving (and I hadn’t found a flat prior to moving because I didn’t know when I could move because I didn’t know when I would finally get my visa); it was nice enough, but when it comes to your everday existence, ”vintage,” in plain terms, means OLD, and “cozy” means SMALL, so I knew I couldn’t continue long in such confined space eating out at pubs every night for lack of a kitchen. As for finding a flat, with no corporate relocation assistance, I had no idea where to even begin. I simply defaulted to my hotel’s neighbourhood for the convenience of walking into local lettings agencies (which I then learned don’t use MLS, so only deal with their own listed landlords in their immediate area) and supplemented the search with Gumtree. The decentralisation of this approach was confusing, stressful, and required a couple weeks–in the end, I viewed 23 properties, ultimately choosing the 23rd one, yet still I could not move in for another two weeks. Because I didn’t know what move-in date to expect for those few weeks, my moving company had to keep my possessions in storage on the U.S. East coast, so when I could finally notify them of a precise date, they had scheduling conflicts that meant I would not see my belongings for a full 2 months after my initial move to London. Yeah, I can look back on it now as a character-building experience that clearly didn’t kill me (well, except maybe for a bit of my spirit), so must’ve only made me stronger, but you know what? When people tried to comfort me by saying, ”Well, I guess it just shows you what you can really live without, doesn’t it?” I responded every time, “No, no actually, it shows me exactly how much I need it!”
When you don’t have a home, you don’t have a sense of stability or even identity, really, when you don’t have a place to come back to that expresses who you are and brings you comfort and safety, ESPECIALLY when you’re in an entirely new country far from family, friends, and all things familiar. It’s disorienting, preoccupying, and you just don’t feel like yourself–I wouldn’t ever want to experience this again, and London Relocation Services will ensure that YOU won’t have to for even a first time…18-25 properties in 1 DAY, with move-in within 1-3 DAYS will guarantee that.
Tags: Americans moving to London, flats and apartments to rent, london apartment, london corporate, london hotel, london move, London Relocation Services, relocation agents, relocation moving
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Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Saturday July 11th, 2009
Anthony offers a very efficient and professional relocation service. We only had one day to look for accommodation in London before moving here from Geneva. We emailed Anthony with our request and he phoned the next day to discuss details of our relocation and what we were looking for. When we arrived to begin looking, Anthony had lined up more than 12 flats that met our specifications and were located in the area that we wanted. He had arranged for real estate agents to meet us at the flats to show us around and answer our questions. Although this sounds hectic, we did not feel rushed at all. Anthony offered very sound advice throughout the day.
We were able to make a decision in the late afternoon and signed our lease that day. What was also enormously helpful was the service he offered after the lease was signed. He got our internet, phone connections, and utilities taken care of and helped us open a bank account in one day, which is no small feat in the UK. He was also available for following up on other details regarding the flat.
In short, we found Anthony’s service to be superb, and we highly recommend him!
Rosanna and Jim Peeling
* * * View more client feedback on our website’s Testimonials page. * * *
Tags: flats and apartments to rent, Flats in london, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, moving to London England, property finders, relocation agents, testimonial
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London Relocation & What People Say About Us
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Sunday June 28th, 2009
Gloucester Walk W8
Carmel Court, W8
Dukes Lane, W8
These are some hidden streets in W8. The fantastic little alleyways take you way back to Old London. The Swiss cheese-like passages of W8 are truly amazing. London Relocation services, apartments can be found in this area but always difficult to achieve low rents.
Moreover, it’s just difficult to find anything under 300pw available at all. When people move to W8, they stay.
The area is quite yet in the middle of the city and close to everything. Please take a walk from Kensington High Street up north through Campden Hill Rd to Notting Hill Gate. The visuals of this area are stunning and the walk, you’ll not regret
Speak soon!
Tags: Documents Relocation, flats and apartments to rent, flats for rent, Gay relocation london, london apartment finders, London Relocation, Moving to London, Relocation London, Student apartments
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Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Tuesday June 23rd, 2009
Relocating to London from US?
Relocating to London from the US?
If so, I’ll make Relocating to London from the US much easier on you.
In the down turn of markets and a major recession, I can’t believe how busy I am.
Relocating to London from the US does not need to be that difficult.
Are you relocating to London from the US with intention on moving to places below?
Notting hill
Chelsea
Kensington
South Kensington
Holland Park
Old Street
Hampstead heath
St Johns wood
Canary Warf
If so, this is the place you want to start your search off right. You’ll get placed in one day and be settled in one day
Most Importantly, I listen to you about all your concerns before viewing the 20-25 properties.
I cover everything to make sure that if you’re Relocating to London from the US its done right.
Speak Tomorrow
Tags: american broker london, Americans moving to London, Apartment to let London, canadians moving to london, Chelsea flats, flat finder london, flats and apartments to rent, Kensington flats, Notting hill flats, References for flat, Relocating to London from the US
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Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Sunday June 21st, 2009
 Nice relocation soap Welcome
As an Anglo-American owned company, Notting Hill Properties Ltd combines an immaculate service with an un-rivalled local knowledge. We listen to and understand your needs, making finding your new home an effortless pleasure.
Having worked and lived in Notting Hill for the past decade Notting Hill Properties will strive to deliver the best home for you. We pride ourselves on our fast, efficient service and quality, trusted Landlords.
Check’em out!!
speak tomorrow
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Longer opening hours
We’re open at times to suit you, convenient for viewing after work and weekends… late nights and early mornings.
Most of our viewings are carried out during evenings and weekends, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
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Tags: Americans moving to London, Canadians, flats and apartments to rent, Flats in london, London Broker, london house hunting, london real estate company, London Relocation, relocating, relocating to London
Posted in:
Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Friday June 19th, 2009
A superb, modern studio with one of the most prestigious addresses in Notting Hill and London. This studio is fully furnished to a high standard and includes a comprehensive SKY television package and broadband, as well as a complimentary weekly maid service. The apartment is situated moments from the fashionable boutiques of Westbourne Grove and the famous Portobello Road Market. For access into the City you are a short walk to the Central Line and Cicle & District Line at Notting Hill Gate.
This place will go long term or shrt term
Loads of Americans And Candians have lived in this flat
It’s safe and near transport
This is a steal
Speak tomorrow!
Tags: american broker london, Americans moving to London, apertment finders london, Canadians, flats and apartments to rent, Flats in london, London Broker, Student apartments
Posted in:
Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Monday June 15th, 2009
Where to live in London?
This is the right way!
A quick conversation with me will do it… We shall talk about your budget, work, school, safety commute and lifestyle…
Are you a Chelsea person? Does Chelsea fit in your commute?
Notting hill? Shortage? Hampstead?
St Johns wood? Old Street? Marylebone? Mayfair? Kensington? South Kensington?
Do you like walks in parks… Do you like Greenery?
Do you like the sophistication of trendy restaurant or cafe?
Are you bohemian?
Are you into media or warehouses?
What do you do in your free time?
Museums?
Art exhibitions?
Gallery openings?
Are you a home body?
Do you keep to yourself?
How do you want to travel?
Bus? Tub? Walk?
How old are you?
Where are you from?
Are you Gay? Straight? Married? Single?
This is the start of the needs assessment with London Relocation Services.
These Questions and learning more about you makes it possible for me to place all my clients in one day
Please contact me by phone or email
And I’ll ring you back in your home country and we shall get you placed fast.
Thanks and speak soon
Tags: Americans moving to London, canadian, Canadians, flats and apartments to rent, Gay relocation london, London flats, London Relocation Services, Student apartments
Posted in:
Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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