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Posts Tagged ‘relocation to london’

How to Not Make the Mistakes I Did Relocating – PART TWO

Monday November 5th, 2012

Now that my last post probably sapped the spirit out of your relocation to London, here I come back with more. But never fear. As I said last time, it isn’t to put fear in you but awareness. I speak a lot from personal experience but not only mine, and if there’s anything my expat friends and I want, it’s to help others learn from our mistakes by not repeating them. My husband and I will be the first to admit we went into our relocation to London very naively, and though you’re surely smart, adaptable, and resourceful enough to roll with whatever punches come your way, here’s some more heads-up so you won’t have to.

INTERNAL SUPPORT FOR A RELOCATION TO LONDON

No question about it, if you’re making a relocation to London with a spouse, partner, or other family member(s), it’s imperative you all act as a team and see each other through it. Some challenges will face both/all of you, some will be particular to your individual circumstances. My previous post was case in point of that, from the perspective of the accompanying spouse who does not move over with a job already secured. And mind you, not all of you need to have a job—if not, embrace and enjoy everything else your relocation to London brings. But whichever your situation, it’s terribly important that the spouse/partner who is initiating the relocation for a work opportunity offer emotional support and understanding. That must go vice-versa as well. I was very quick to blame my husband for everything, but how about me who obviously agreed to the move at some point, right? It wasn’t without concern of many of the challenges that indeed came to pass, but in ultimately choosing to support my husband, it took me a while to realize I needed to follow through on that support beyondthe move. He was undergoing a transition, too, and, in time (and to this day) felt very guilty about the ways our relocation negatively impacted me. It was only in finding this understanding of each other—and assuming accountability for our ourselves—that we truly made headway and bonded through what has since become an incredibly positive experience. Long story short: if you aren’t moving alone, then this relocation to London isn’t all about you. Step out of your head and consider the very real effects it will have on your partner and/or children.

EXTERNAL SUPPORT FOR A RELOCATION TO LONDON

Now step outside your little family circle to consider the third parties having great bearing on your relocation to London. Your employer, for one. Are you moving over on an expat package? If so, what all does it consist of? Are you receiving housing support, both in terms of selling/renting the home you’re moving out of and finding/renting the London apartment you’re moving into? Will your rent be covered by the company, or is it all out of your own pocket? Like a kid coming back home after trick-or-treating, empty your package of goodies out on the table and sort through and evaluate what expat support you’re getting and formulate realistic budgets in light of that. Allow for the unexpected, like extra furnishings, council tax, 6-week security deposits, and other recurring or one-off costs of settling in. Allow for the loss in household income if your spouse/partner won’t readily be earning a salary or won’t, in fact, at all. And very importantly, don’t expect expat support if you’re hired as a local. You might have a lot of expat friends and colleagues living large in London on the corporate budget, but that doesn’t mean you will. I’d love to pretend our own expectations weren’t warped in this respect, but it took a couple dozen apartments to drive home the fact that what we could afford wasn’t going to be on par with what our friends’ companies could. On that note, the best third-party you could bring into your life at this point is a relocation agent. I’m not sales-pitching you; it’s the earnest truth. You could live in (and pay through the nose for) a hotel for three weeks like we did while I pounded the pavement investigating lettings agencies on my own, taking a couple weeks to view 23 apartments (with #23 as the winner, so, yes, I did need to view that many!). Or you could hire London Relocation and see that same amount in one day and be moved in within the week. Because not having a UK address for a month not only meant a long, frustrating time living in a hotel for us. It meant having no address to give our movers, so by the time we had it, they’d already shipped off a full cargo and had to wait until the container holding our stuff was full. I lived in this country for going-on two months without more than a couple suitcases…added to the month before my relocation to London when I’d already shipped everything but had to live with my parents until our visas went through. Speaking of visas, as most expats these days are over here on corporate-sponsored ones, don’t be flaky about the job you’re moving for, that it would just “be fun” to try, and if you don’t like it, you can try something else. You can’t be guaranteed to find another employer that will sponsor you here, so consider the consequences not only for you but the others reliant on your decisions. Also, start preparing for visa renewal several months if not a year in advance. Friends of ours just went through the nightmare of last-minute 60-page applications, trying to retrieve a year’s worth of official paper bank statements (don’t underestimate how difficult this can be), making biometrics appointments, etc. If you delay, too, expediting can cost thousands of pounds, and your other option is getting deported—not exactly the aim of a relocation to London!

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How to Not Make the Mistakes I Did Relocating – PART ONE

Saturday November 3rd, 2012

Well, if you’re reading this blog, you’re at least one step ahead of where I was when it came to researching (more like notresearching) a relocation to London. Enmeshing your mind in too much of the nitty-gritty might feel like you’re depleting the move of all its romance, right? It’s an adventure to move abroad, exploring perhaps uncharted territory. And whether you’re transferring with your existing work or have found a new job altogether, surely you can just leave that boring logistical stuff to HR to sort out, right? Right? WRONG! To be fair, the extent to which that assumption is wrong depends on a whole variety of factors. But in these next two posts, I’d like to discuss how in a case like mine, even two educated, successful people like my husband and myself were made to feel dumb as rocks by the time our relocation to London had actually been executed.

A RELOCATION TO LONDON IS NOT JUST MOVING HOUSE

By this point, you might have already had the experience of moving to a new town or state and figure a relocation to London couldn’t be any harder than that. Need I say it again? Fine. WRONG! The packing advice I gave in recent blog posts will apply to both domestic and international moves, but when it comes to moving to a new country, it’s a whole other ballpark indeed. Because it isn’t another “ballpark.” It’s a “cricket pitch.” And terminology and culture aren’t going to be the only things that vary—regulations and procedures do. No matter how similar the UK may seem to where you’re relocating from, never underestimate how different it will actually be when you’re living here on a daily basis. I often like to blog about the little differences that crop up, like language, groceries, electricity, and whatnot. But a week like the one I’ve had serves to continually remind me how professionally crippling a relocation to London can be if you don’t think ahead and plan accordingly.

MAKING A RELOCATION TO LONDON AS AN ACCOMPANYING SPOUSE OR PARTNER?

From one accompanying spouse/partner to another, I’m going to lay it down for you: are you going to work in the UK or aren’t you? Decide which it will be straight away and, if it’s the former, waste no time making it happen. If you’re making the relocation to London for your spouse/partner’s job, demand that their HR provide you recruiting, orientation, and networking resources, because left on your own, you could quickly become one of the masses no matter how qualified you are. And recruiters are about as effective and attentive as lettings agents; the second they find out you’re here on a dependent visa, an invisible screen (though you’ll be able to see it only too well) will lower between you and your prospects of UK employment. Expats are complicated for employers and recruiters alike, so they’d sooner turn their attention toward local applicants than bother with you and whatever hindrances your visa or transference of qualifications might pose. Also, most expats these days make a relocation to London on a Tier 2, corporate-sponsored visa, which these days is typically for a 3-year term. The spouse/partner whose job is providing this visa luckily also supplies you with a work permit by association. In my case, I wanted to have a few months to settle in and adjust to my new environment, especially since I’m the one who had to rather reluctantly give up a great job along with family and friends I’m ridiculously close with. I didn’t want moving here to mean settling for anything less than what I’d already had, considering I was already sacrificing so much for the sake of my husband’s aspirations. I did find work here soon enough, but I wasn’t satisfied with the conditions, so, in my pickiness, I left and bided more time until I could find something more satisfactory. Word to the wise, though, if you find yourself in this position: if your relocation to London is on the basis of a 3-year visa, if you want full-time work, you must find it within that first year. After that, UK employment law dictates that immigrants with less than 2 years left on their visas are no longer eligible for it. That’s fine if you’re open to temping or other part-time work, but crushing if you’d hoped to continue on in your career full force. There could be exceptions in certain fields, however. For example, I’m a teacher (or at least I was), and my 5-year visa being now 1 year from expiry makes no difference toward my ability to teach here full-time. What does is my qualification to teach in the UK. Overseas teachers are granted 4 years without UK qualified teacher status (QTS), starting from the day they first teach in the UK. Well, I started in 2009, hated the experience, found worthwhile freelance work in the meantime that I’d figured would tide me over for the next year or two that I was living here, assuming we wouldn’t even be in the UK 4 years for that QTS deadline to affect me. Well folks, 4 years later, here I am, scrambling to get QTS only to find out this very week that I can’t on my initial (vs. standard) teacher certification from the state of Illinois, and with no time left to work towards earning it the hard way. Fantastic. Add that to my visa being under 2 years from expiration and therefore prohibiting my ability to get full-time work in other fields in which I’m qualified. Those doors have hit me on my way out (see the mark?), and now I understand why once in the States I had a pedicure given to me by a former chemical engineer from Poland. Needless to say, if you work in a field requiring special endorsement/certification, find out what you need to do to transfer that qualification to the UK and get that process rolling now if you knowyou want to work here, no matter how long or short-term you think your relocation to London will be.

IN SPITE OF THIS, DON’T BE DEBBIE DOWNER

So much more to say, but I’ll save that for next week. In the meantime, am I trying to make you question your relocation to London? WRONG! I’ll expound on its virtues next time, but listen to me now and believe me later: contrary to my tone, I do notsay all this to discourage your relocation to London; it’s to ensure that you optimize it with extra foresight and planning!

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Relocation to London’s Suburban Southwest

Monday September 10th, 2012

Many of those making a relocation to London first look at the city’s central neighborhoods for apartments—especially those north of the Thames—but you might want to consider the more suburban-feeling areas south of the river as well. While there are very family-friendly neighbourhoods in the southeast, too, today I’ll focus on the west because I just enjoyed an utterly splendid Sunday there!

MAKING A “SUBURBAN” RELOCATION TO LONDON

I put “suburban” in quotations as even those areas that are their own little towns outside the city’s central zones have amazingly close proximity to the iconic London we all know and love. A native of Chicago who made my own relocation four years ago, I would have had to travel much further outside that city to reach the tranquil and green spaces that London enjoys in such abundance.

Yesterday, my husband and I set off early in the morning to go cycling. I hadn’t brought my own bike when we first moved here because I didn’t know what storage options to anticipate (a wise decision, as much as I miss my Trek—our flat could have never accommodated two bikes, and they’re too easily stolen locked up outside), so I rented a Barclays bike for the first time. [FYI, the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme is a fantastic initiative implemented here just in time for your relocation; with docking stations for these “Boris bikes” located all over London’s central zones, you can rent one for commuting to/from work or just for leisure, like I did. They unfortunately aren’t available in districts further out, such as where we ultimately ended up riding to, but are nonetheless handy for getting around central London if you’re willing to brave the traffic!]

Anyway, Boris Bike-n-me went our merry way south into Fulham and Parsons Green and then across the Putney Bridge into—you guessed it—Putney and further on to Richmond Park. Richmond Park is a massive 2,400-acre park that’s home to over 600 deer and sees plenty of cyclists in the early morning. Just adjacent are the riverside towns of Twickenham and Richmond, and as my husband and I walked our bikes along Richmond’s riverwalk and stopped there for some coffee, we watched the crew boats and row boats glide past and marvelled not only at how much it reminded us of the far, far-west Chicago suburb I used to live in, but also that this English equivalent was still within the bounds of Greater London. Putney, too, is a green and leafy area with parks and recreational grounds that leave you pinching yourself that you’re only a 20-30 minute tube ride from Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.

And after our peaceful journey through wooded nature trails taking us past Kew Gardens and Mortlake, we found ourselves crossing Hammersmith Bridge. But before we were ready to return to civilization as we normally know it, we took a pleasant diversion along the riverfront there and enjoyed a pint in the last original alleyway of the old Hammersmith village. Standing on the outdoor terrace of the Dove pub, we watched the sailboats tack and jibe along the Thames, again feeling more like we were standing in a small fishing town in Devon or Cornwall than in London (even though the traffic and bustle of Hammersmith’s major business and shopping center lay just beyond). Finally, cycling back through Fulham, we rode through a cute little park filled with young families, then past Fulham FC’s home in Craven Cottage, a small-scale football stadium of the 19th century that evoked a high school field more than a professional football club, which just added to the suburban and family-friendly feel of this entire southwest region.

A RELOCATION TO LONDON FOR NON-CITY TYPES

If you’re having to make a relocation for a job opportunity but not wanting to live in an urban environment (nor too far from your office), rest assured a large amount of London doesn’t feel like a city. Even central neighbourhoods enjoy tree-lined streets, green garden squares, and large parks interspersed amongst charming Victorian terraces and mews homes—in other words, it’s not all skyscrapers, high-rise apartment buildings, and graffiti-coated concrete. The British greatly value a balanced lifestyle of work and play, the aesthetics of period and modern architecture, and sipping a pint or cuppa within cozy interiors or briskly walking in Wellies through the fresh air of the green outdoors.

For one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, London also embraces its rural roots and remaining natural environs, rendering a relocation to London the happiest of mediums you could enjoy.

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Relocation to London: More Than Meets Their Eyes

Monday July 30th, 2012

Since my relocation to London in 2008, I’ve spent a good half of the time creeped out by the 2012 Olympics mascots. I have to admit, though, the longer they’ve been in the public eye (emphasis on “eye” considering they have eyeballs for heads), the more they’ve grown on me thanks to their symbolism.

If you’ve newly made a relocation to London, I’ll bring you up to speed on our dear Wenlock and Mandeville.

Relocation to London – What’s in a Name

To quickly recap my mention of it Friday (in case your relocation to London had kept you too busy to read it), Wenlock is the official mascot of the Olympic Games, and Mandeville is the mascot for the Paralympics. Wenlock is named for the Shropshire town that inspired the modern-day Games, and Mandeville is named for the Buckinghamshire hospital that likewise birthed the Paralympic concept. England was clearly very instrumental in originating the grand events we’re now celebrating, so it’s appropriate that the Games have made their third relocation to London in 104 years.

Relocation to London – This One’s for the Children

Side by side, Wenlock and Mandeville appear as two eyes of one face, but each is its own individual Cyclops. Now, why the Iris creative agency devised such weird, seemingly random creatures lacking the gravitas of previous mascots had escaped me. But after seeing the opening ceremony and its emphasis on youth—e.g., the Great Ormond Street Hospital kids jumping on their beds, the boy elevated at the end of the moving tribute to 7/7’s terrorist victims (which happened prior to my relocation to London but affects us all no less than the locals), and the anonymous young athletes who lit the cauldron—it’s fitting that our mascots should engage a younger audience as well. They’ll be our future athletes, after all, and, for that matter, our future.

“Our brief was to create mascots that would excite and inspire young people and encourage them to get involved in sport.” – Grant Hunter, Iris

Wenlock and Mandeville were thus the result of children and family focus groups in a deliberate attempt to appeal to youngsters. Aside from making for fun toys, they’re a big element of London 2012’s “Get Set” program (getset.london2012.com), a focus on children’s education that should hopefully shed some optimism on your relocation to London if you’re moving here as a family and want your kids to learn (and be inspired by) positive, healthy values. The mascots also have their own colorful and creatively interactive website where kids can play games, design their own mascot, and so much more—see mascot-games.london2012.com as something to entertain your family when the stress of relocation to London could otherwise get ya down!

Relocation to London – The Symbolism Behind the Strange

Perhaps it goes without saying that these wild-n-crazy guys are well-geared toward children. But there’s more going on with their body shapes, colors, and so forth that you might not have realize (understandable, of course, when a relocation to London has you a bit preoccupied with other matters!).

To start, both Wenlock and Mandeville are apparently drips of steel to represent England’s Industrial Revolution (a pivotal moment in British history and, consequently, Friday’s opening ceremonies—see my British history series, actually, if your relocation sparks interest in it). Wenlock is primarily silver but with streaks of gold and bronze to symbolize the three Olympic medals, which also apparently accounts for the three points atop his head. Mandeville’s coloring, however, reflects the red, green, and blue of the Paralympics icon—the three crescents of which likewise feature on his head.

On closer inspection, you might also note that both mascots have taxi lights on their heads in homage to the black taxis—your relocation will acquaint you with these fine vehicles soon enough; I must say, I’m turned off American taxis forever as a result of their spaciousness and the drivers’ know-how! But back on topic, the bracelets around Wenlock’s wrists are the five colored Olympic rings symbolizing the five participating continents—or more so the major regions, as North and South America are combined. The rings’ colors themselves are taken from those of all the countries’ flags as of 1912. (On a side note, if you’d like to take in the beauty of the world’s flags in a truly festive and enriched way, as soon as you can after making your relocation, stroll down its famous Regent Street)

Depending on your UK experience, a number of images may come to represent your relocation. Who knows, it could be Wenlock and Mandeville themselves if you’re moving here in 2012! Whatever the case, there’s no doubt the Olympic Games are setting the prevailing mood for all of us already living here, so may you find your own meaning in them if not your relocation to London.

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Making a Summer Relocation to London Without Olympics Tickets?

Wednesday July 11th, 2012

If your relocation to London coincides with the London 2012 Olympic games, don’t be dismayed if you don’t have tickets to any events. There will still be loads of ways to enjoy this momentous occasion (spanning from July 27th to August 12th), and if you’re actually making a relocation versus just visiting, you’ll have the advantage of having a real home base here from which to experience the events.

Relocation to London – Buying Tickets

The official 2012 Olympics website (www.london2012.com) is the ultimate resource for any event or ticket information you seek, and certainly the most legitimate. Now that the local UK and EU lotteries have long passed—an early opportunity you perhaps participated in if you’ve already made your relocation—tickets are available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. There should be additional tickets released nearly every day right up until the Olympic Games, especially since existing ticketholders are now eligible to put theirs up for resale at face value if they so desire. And I can only imagine there will be scalpers present at venues day-of.

If purchasing tickets outside the official 2012 organization, however, be very, very scrutinizing of the credibility of third-party vendors; there are likely many Olympic ticket scams out there. Getting duped out of a good amount of your first British pounds wouldn’t be the most pleasant way to kick off a relocation!

Relocation to London – Olympics without Tickets

Even if you don’t buy tickets, your relocation obviously situates you in a prime location to still experience the Olympics. The Olympic torch has been carried throughout Britain for several weeks now, and local parties have emerged on the streets to cheer the torchbearers on. You can join in on the festivities, too, if you keep posted on the torch’s whereabouts (see london2012.com/torch-relay)—it’ll be entering the city soon and might even end up going right through the neighborhood where you make your relocation!

Also free to spectators on the city streets are the marathon and road cycling events. Each of these races begin and end on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace, so scout out a spot there or anywhere along the race routes early enough to get a good vantage. And as I mentioned in my recent Olympics post, there will also be giant screens set up in Hyde Park, Victoria Park, and Trafalgar Square, where crowds can meet and picnic to watch the events as well as enjoy live entertainment—all for free and all enabling you to truly embrace the spirit of a relocation.

You can also visit the sites of Olympics events after your relocation. Many are closed off already as they prepare to get their Games on, but you can stroll through the Olympic village and see the Olympic Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held along with athletic events. Even better, you can ride London’s newly installed cable car from Greenwich to Olympic Park (see www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/23828.aspx).

Especially advantageous to those making a relocation (and who can therefore stick around in the UK awhile) is that you can even participate inside an authentic venue after the Games are over—12 miles north of Olympic Park is the Lee Valley White Water Center, which will reopen to the public so the brave among us can kayak through the rapids.

Relocation to London – Beyond the Olympics

It’s practically mandatory for you to get your fix of the Olympics if you’re making a relocation in time for them, but I acknowledge that you might also want a diversion from the athletics as you get acquainted with your new home. Fortunately, because London anticipates a slew of tourists for the Olympics, its tourism officials have also coordinated a variety of free arts events to take advantage of.

The 2012 Festival is the Games’ official cultural counterpart and consists of music, theatre, and carnivals. A big highlight is coming up next weekend on July 21st to 22nd: if you’ve already made your relocation to London, check out the “River of Music,” which will be held at assorted iconic London sites along the River Thames and will include musical performances representing each of the 205 participating Olympic nations.

A relocation is ridiculously fun and exciting with gobs of events and sites to see anyway, and moving here in time for the Olympics only amplifies that! It’s an incredible time to live in this cultural capital, so seize every day as an opportunity to experience something new. If the Olympics crowds have you nervous, though, don’t hesitate to ask our London Relocation agents for advice on transport and London neighborhoods to avoid. However you approach the summer here, make it a relocation to remember!

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Moving to London from US? Chicago and NYC Neighborhood Equivalents

Saturday June 30th, 2012

If you’re moving from the US, when you don’t know London neighborhoods well, how will you know where to live? After moving from the US ourselves, my husband’s and my frame of reference worked in terms of Chicago and New York, so I thought I’d share what I consider to be some American equivalents of popular neighborhoods for those of you also moving from the US.

If you like Chicago’s ____, you’ll love London’s____

Shout-out to my Chi-town peeps! Even if you aren’t moving from the US city of Chicago itself, if you have any familiarity with it, this can still be your guide. Okay, so…

If you like Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Lakeview, you’ll love London’s South Kensington and Chelsea. A lot of neighbourhoods in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, really, draw a similar demographic—young, urban professionals moving from the USand elsewhere who need something middle-of-the-road and affordable yet are willing to pay a little more for a little posh. Trendy shops, restaurants, and clubs abound, and pretty Victorian houses and leafy streets also give this area the somewhat more residential and polished aesthetic that LP Trixies (*hee*) are accustomed to and may still want when moving from the US. Another similarity is their easy access to the City, green space, and water (i.e., if London’s Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park could be Chicago’s Lincoln Park, the River Thames is Lake Michigan).

Falling within the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the neighborhood of Notting Hill is also similar to these Chicago locales, though it and its nearby Ladbroke Grove are also reminiscent of the Belmont Street area of north Lakeview, getting more into Boy’s Town and Wrigleyville with a relatively young, gentrified atmosphere yet artistic and maybe still a little sketchy in parts. Yet also like Roscoe Village (or further north around Irving Park) in a way, those moving to London from the US will also find some quiet, family-friendly residential streets.

Moving further along that side of the spectrum is north London’s trendy Islington and Angel area. This neighbourhood retains its relatively alternative, gritty urban feel yet has certainly become increasingly gentrified, particularly along the major restaurant/club/pub strip just outside Angel tube station. If you’re moving from the US Midwest, the closest Chicago comparison in my estimation is the likewise increasingly yuppified yet arty (and in some spots dodgy) Bucktown and Wicker Park.

And to swing in the totally opposite direction, for truly upscale posh, expats moving from the US who like Chicago’s affluent Gold Coast will love London’s ritzy Mayfair, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge neighborhoods.

If you like New York City’s ____, you’ll love London’s____

As many folks moving to London from the US come from the east coast, let’s review some NYC London neighbourhood equivalents as well. Regarding the areas mentioned above, for the same basic reasons already discussed, South Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, and Ladbroke Grove (and other neighborhoods thereabouts) are arguably similar to Manhattan’s SoHo and Upper West Side. North London’s Islington/Angel area is akin to New York’s Greenwich and West Village, and NYC’s wealthy Upper East Side would equate to Mayfair, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge—perhaps Marylebone as well.

Going further, Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood is somewhat similar to Marylebone if you’re moving from the US and seeking variety in boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Though whereas Marylebone is rather affluent, Clerkenwell and Farringdon are somewhat rougher around the edges yet still thriving with art, cuisine, and nightlife, so could make for equivalents to NYC’s Chelsea/West Village as well.

Venturing into the bustle of London’s Soho and Piccadilly Circus area recalls New York’s Midtown and Times Square—Oxford and Regent Streets are a shopping mecca akin to 5th and Madison Avenues (and Michigan Avenue in Chicago, for that matter). And as a desirable residential area dominated by educational and other renowned institutions, Manhattan’s Morningside Heights (home of Columbia University) bears a similarity to Greenwich (home of the Royal Naval College, Maritime Museum, and National Observatory).

Where other New York City boroughs go, Brooklyn is like London south of the Thames, not so cosmopolitan or convenient a commute yet where people go for more space for the money (a draw for young families). And like some New Yorkers will similarly cross the Hudson to Hoboken, New  Jersey to afford more for less, the fairly industrial east London has up-and-coming pockets that are drawing more upscale demographics to invest in housing there. Dodgy east London ’hoods like Hackney and Shoreditch, though—along with outskirt areas like Croyden or Wembley in the south and northwest—might be a little more like Queens or the Bronx. There admittedly isn’t a huge number of expats moving to London from the US that settle in those areas.

Comparing Big Apples to Oranges

Granted, it’s difference that makes an international relocation worthwhile, and in a lot of ways just can’t be compared to other cities. Nonetheless, there’s no shame in trying to seek out a little of what you already know, so hopefully the above comparisons help if you’re moving to from the US.

 

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Tips for Moving to London – Get Crackin’ on Packin’

Wednesday June 27th, 2012

If you’re moving to London soon, one of the questions probably pestering you is what to pack! When the visa is sorted, the home rented out or sold, the flight booked, the kids’ schools picked out, and perhaps your London apartment already squared away (thanks for that speedy service, London Relocation!), it remains to be seen what will be moving to London with you. Let’s take a look first at what will not.

Tips for Moving to London – Leave it!

Moving companies charge by the size of the cargo, so one of the easiest ways to lighten the load when moving to London is to leave the furniture behind. Most apartments are available furnished, so it’s best to see what space, décor, and furnishings you have to work with and purchase any additional needs in the UK (stores like John Lewis, Homebase, Habitat, Heal’s, and IKEA are perfect for that).

As for household appliances, I’d say the ones to definitely not bother with are higher wattage items like blenders and coffee makers. If your home voltage is different than the standard UK voltage of 240V (in the States it’s only 120V), such appliances will burn out without a hardcore transformer to convert electricity. As for another bulky item that isn’t furniture or an appliance, per se, unless you’re an avid cyclist, just use the convenient Barclays bikes and store/sell yours at home before moving to London.

Last comes the clothing. If prior to moving you watched any Diamond Jubilee coverage recently, um, you should have a good sense what the weather here is like. I used to give it benefit of the doubt after first moving here, but this spring and start to summer has crushed my morale. It’s been lousy. Temperature has started to warm above the 60s (finally), but the gloomy grey skies and rain still looms and spits in your eye. Perhaps it’s worthwhile packing a few your favorite sundresses, tank tops, and sandals, but trust me, upon moving to London you won’t wear summer clothing like that much unless you run away to Greece or Spain on holiday like so many locals do (and now we know why). At any rate, just assume you won’t have the same amount of closet space and storage as at home, so donate as much clothing as you can part with prior to moving to London, else be prepared for a good portion of your wardrobe to sit stacked in storage containers wherever they’ll fit. And word to the wise for men: leave your baggy jeans, trousers, and sweatshirts (and gleaming white and thick tennis shoes) at home! It’s time to go Euro and wear clothing that actually fits you and the occasion.

Tips for Moving to London – Bring it!

When my husband and I were moving here, we didn’t ship one single item of furniture. And while I couldn’t possibly strongly suggest this as advice for you, I do have to confess that, could I do it over again, I would have insisted on bringing our own bed. The quality of furniture in a London apartment will vary, and our fate was a crap bed a la IKEA with a thin, hard mattress and creaky frame. Again, I’m not putting this out there as a To-Do, just something to maybe consider if your London Relocation agent places you in your new flat before you’re actually moving to London and you can anticipate space and whether the landlord will remove what’s already there.

Where the appliances go, in view of the abovementioned voltage issue, all we brought over for our countertop was a French press and water kettle, both non-electric, and simply purchased an inexpensive toaster over here. Actually, one common appliance in Europe that is SO worth buying after moving is an electric kettle (pictured)—seriously, it boils water so fast! Why isn’t this a bigger deal in the States?! Otherwise, low wattage items like computers, TVs, DVD players, and VCR (who would pack a VCR these days?! I did, ya big jerk…) are fine for moving, as they’ll be UK voltage compatible. At the very least for those, you’ll need to purchase adapters to convert your home country’s plug to a UK one for the outlet, and at the very most you can buy a converter or transformer (try an online retailer like Argos) should any item not be able to handle the different voltage.

As for the clothing moving with you, let’s just say there’s a reason we typically envision the British in wools and tweeds and trench coats and boots. London typically feels in a state of perpetual autumn or spring, so arms and legs don’t see the light of day so often. The liberal sense of fashion here really helps, I think because we’re all stuck with little closet space, so it’s best to mix-and-match what you have in all new and unexpected combinations; it’s actually quite fun and has me shopping much less than I used to back home. Ladies, I say stick with a range of items you can easily layer like leggings, cardigans, and scarves…oh, the scarves are bliss as an emergency cover when the temperature fluctuates or wind picks up. Other key accessories are, sadly, a compact umbrella that you can carry in your bag every day (you just never know!) and a cute pair of Wellies (Hunter brand is popular, and the floral patterned ones at Liberty department store just plain darling, so maybe wait to buy those after moving!).

Tips for Moving to London – Love it!

Such is a cursory overview of what and what not to pack for your UK relocation. It’s hard to part from our belongings sometimes, but it’ll ultimately feel good to be without—what’s key to remember is that moving won’t be about the stuff but the experiences you’ll relish for a lifetime.

 

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Relocation to London – England from Coast to Ghost

Monday June 25th, 2012

A relocation to London can come with many bumps in the road—most of which our London Relocation agents will help you avoid. But what of the bumps in the night? Mwahahahaaa…

Relocation to London – The Skittish Isles

I confess that today I’m in a particularly spooky mood after watching The Woman in Black and Dorian Gray over the weekend. Both are based on books authored—and taking place—in England (for more scary UK reads, see my post “London Literacy – The Halloween Edition”). I can always go for a good supernatural tale, something all the more encouraged by my relocation.

There’s no question there’s a fascination with ghosts in England, as your own relocation will make you well aware, and it seems largely related to the overall fascination with the past here. It’s unavoidable in a country as old and historically significant as this, and its cobbled roads, sooty bricks, weathered headstones, grey skies, windy shores, and barren moors all add up to the perfect Gothic setting for a dark imagination. Whether you’re a lifelong local or making a temporary relocation to London, your freakish fancy will be captured, and it’s only a matter of time when perhaps you, too, are hearing whispers in the wind or seeing shadows out the corner of your eye…

Relocation to London – Rural Residuals

“For I must confess I had the Londoner’s sense of superiority in those days, the half-formed belief that countrymen, and particularly those who inhabited the remoter corners of our island, were more superstitious [...] than we cosmopolitans.” —from Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black

Your relocation won’t be without its trips to the countryside, and you’ll realize from a glance out the train window what an agrarian society the English really are. I love the solitude of the rolling green hills and little stony towns, but those growing up in smaller villages often do dream of making their own relocation to broaden their opportunities and perspectives—or is it to escape the spectres?! For bear in mind that the peaceful country getaways to follow your relocation could be less days of decompression than nights of decomposition…EEEE-hee-hee-heeeee!! [or however a cackle is spelled]

The Cornish have traditionally believed in fairies as affiliated with the dead, a belief likely stemming from ancient Celtic folk tales. In Northumberland, “dobbies” (or “dobies”) dwell in ravines, under bridges, on the road, or in specific homes. Similar locales in the southwest as well as North Midlands and Yorkshire are haunted by “hobs” or “hobbits,” and at sites of violent death in northern England, mischievous “boggarts” pinch, bite, rustle fabrics, and crawl into beds. There are also the spirits that inhabit castles and forts, which are known as “powries” or “dunters.” The list of netherworldly nicknames goes on and on, a testament to the rich ghostly tradition you’ll encounter after your relocation—but not just outside of the city.

Relocation to London – Urban Undead

Ah, for you’re probably thinking that a relocation to London’s metropolis will spare you local superstition and lore. Not a chance! If not ghosts, you’ll spot ghost tours immediately after your relocation. The Ghost Bus Tour is a fantastic one that’ll have you screaming and giggling like a schoolghoul.

This must be a lucrative business in a city as piled with the dead—if you don’t believe me, the “hills” in grassy corporate gardens downtown are burial mounds, as is there a massive plague pit between South Kensington and Knightsbridge tube stations that you can literally feel the Piccadilly Line train curve around (because they couldn’t very well dig a tunnel through it!). If your relocation takes you to east-central London, the Smithfield Market area is rife with ghosts as the former site of executions; many of the executed were imprisoned nearby at the Old Bailey. Look for the plaque at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital commemorating William “Braveheart” Wallace’s execution there and ask the nearby Viaduct Tavern if you can see the prisoner cells in their basement. Jack the Ripper disembowelled women near Brick Lane, which has surely yielded some paranormal prostitutes, and though “Scratching Fanny of Cock Lane” (the dead woman who scratched at the floorboards after having made a relocation from Norfolk and died of smallpox) turned out to be a hoax, man, did it make for a priceless headline that’s entrenched in London legend.

There are plenty more ghosts where those came from—read my four-part “Relocation to London UK – London’s Favorite Old Haunts” series for a few. But hopefully I’m not frightening you out of a relocation; that would be really bad for business. :)

 

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Flats in London – New Kids on the London Blocks

Friday June 22nd, 2012

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It goes without saying that London is an enormous city. Hmm, if it goes without saying, why did I just say it? Well, perhaps it bears emphasizing when it comes to finding flats in neighborhoods that are suitable for you. It’s difficult to know where to begin when you’re moving from another country, which is why we’ve blogged a lot about different neighborhoods here and developed our downloadable Area Guide—perusing through these resources should hopefully give you a feel for where flats will meet your needs and budget.

Not surprisingly, expats tend to congregate in certain areas, and while trends can change as demographics migrate, in general, north and west London continue to be popular picks for finding flats in London.

Flats in London – The Typical Trends

For young professionals (singles and couples), the west London neighborhoods have continually been a big draw. Chelsea and South Kensington are expat and socialite meccas with their posh venues and shops and relative gentrification that keeps them looking relatively buffed and manicured. Rent is expensive where flats in London go, yet still more affordable for the middle class than their upper class neighbors in Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and Belgravia. An endearing quality about Notting Hill, in comparison, is that—though it no question boasts its own pastel-n-pretty affluence street after street—it still clings to its bohemian and arty spirit with some pockets that are a little rougher around the edges. Nonetheless, it’s undeniably gone from Indie to In-Demand and is these days arguably already moving toward In-the-Past.

That’s right—dare I say that perhaps the borough of Kensington & Chelsea is already becoming passé? It seems to be the case based on latest demand. But, regardless, having among the highest quality flats at a decent value, it’s safe to say these beautiful and fun west London neighborhoods will continue to be desirable places to live in London.

As for the north, the quiet and leafy residential areas of Hampstead, Belsize Park, and Primrose Hill give one the feeling of living in a village versus metropolis. The vast green spaces and darling cafes and boutiques have made these neighborhoods attractive to young families living in London or those seeking to escape city life while still having urban access—they come with a relatively higher price tag, however, which can be a barrier to entry and have expats looking elsewhere for flats in London.

London Relocation agents have found themselves increasingly showing flats to clients seeking a little more bang for their buck than the above areas can provide. Two neighborhoods in particular where several recent clients have been placed are Fulham and Chiswick. These haven’t typically been at the tip of the tongue of any recommender of flats. And they aren’t necessary inexpensive where flats in London go, per se, yet they offer more value and suit certain lifestyles.

Flats in London – The New Contenders: Fulham

Fulham is located west of the popular-n-posh Chelsea and attracts plenty yuppies of its own, locals and expats alike, because it’s also a nice area but more affordable than many other flats in west London. Fulham Broadway is surrounded by good restaurants, pubs, and shopping, and where entertainment is concerned, the Fulham Broadway tube station (which services the District line of the London Underground) is located beneath a large shopping centre housing a cinema, and just around the corner is the Chelsea Football Club. Some streets appear a little dodgier than others, which can give Fulham a rougher feel going toward Brompton, but residents like the color this adds in providing a refreshing alternative to the mainstream. And though fine grocery stores like Marks & Spencer’s and Waitrose can be found here, great deals and eclectic fun is to be had at the North End Road market.

If your search for flats has you dreaming of something quieter and greener away from all the football fans crowding the pubs (really, Fulham Broadway is choked with crowds on match days), the borough of Fulham also encompasses the neighborhoods of Putney and Parsons Green—their respective tube stations servicing the Wimbledon branch of the District Line are Putney Bridge and Parsons Green. These areas definitely open up into more green space and feel more like residential and family-friendly suburbs—a quaint and peaceful option for flats in London. Located along the River Thames here is the elite Hurlingham Club, which hosts the annual Polo in the Park event and has a membership waiting list of about fifteen years! Winding northwest along the river then brings you to Fulham Palace Gardens, Bishop’s Park, and—in case football (soccer) fans weren’t excited enough about Chelsea—Craven Cottage, home of the Fulham Football Club.

Flats in London – The New Contenders: Chiswick

Perhaps one of the less likely spots you’d think to search for flats would be a former fishing village that once provided a country respite from the city—Chiswick. Today, Chiswick has become higher trafficked with the addition of some big roads. Located literally around the bend (a really curvy one at that!) of the river from Fulham, Chiswick was once riverside farms and meadows and is now gentrified with a lot of shops, pubs, and restaurants—Fullers Brewery is located here, as is La Trompette, one of London’s finest Michelin-starred French restaurants. Chiswick has great appeal for young families moving to London; despite its growth in population and commerce, it still retains a village feel with large gardens and charming Arts-and-Crafts-era homes, all of which, added to its modern conveniences, makes Chiswick very family friendly.

It all goes to show that when it comes to finding ideal flats, you shouldn’t just go along with “what’s popular,” as what’s “in” seems to be making its way “out” in favor of massively underrated alternatives. Flats don’t come cheap in any neighborhood, really, but the trade-offs vary and will simply depend on what you prioritize.

 

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Selecting High-Quality UK Relocation Companies

Wednesday June 20th, 2012

Whether you’re an HR representative organizing an employee’s UK relocation to London or an individual researching your own move, deciding whether you should utilize the services of UK relocation companies should be the easiest choice you make: yes, yes you should! And when it comes to selecting good UK relocation companies, don’t settle for “good enough.” While it’s tempting to think when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all, UK relocation companies like London Relocation add variety, that vital spice of life.

Why UK Relocation Companies are Necessary

In a perfect London, lettings agents and landlords would all have your best interests in mind. This is not always the reality, unfortunately, and those making a UK relocation are the easiest targets to take advantage of. Think about it: even if you toured here on vacation before, you’re still less familiar with neighborhoods, prices, and properties than the locals and particularly vulnerable when it comes to the different ways the property market works around here—particularly vulnerable when you have nowhere else to go but an expensive London hotel or serviced accommodation. Don’t worry, I was in your situation, too, and I can promise you’ll get through it, but it’s admittedly tough on your own…

To be brutally honest, landlords here are rather spoiled owning property in a city with unlimited demand. There’s a continuous influx of expats making UK relocations here in addition to all the residents flocking in from the country and smaller UK cities. This demand allows landlords to keep their asking prices high on rent, and a too-large number of them are evidently comfortable with pulling out of previously agreed on terms to go with a higher bidder elsewhere (a nasty little activity called “gazumping”). Then there’s the lettings agency, which the landlord pays to find tenants for properties, not the tenant (with the exception of admin fees). So, in the end, whose interests will a lettings agency likely serve? Correct: the landlord’s, not the tenant’s.

Who’s got your (or your employee’s) back then? Right again (you’re good at this!): the UK relocation companies. At least they ought to.  London Relocation certainly does, at any rate, and I’ll tell you why…

What Distinguishes London Relocation From Other UK Relocation Companies

London Relocation is unlike all other UK relocation companies in a variety of ways. The agency’s process, for one, is the only one in London that will show you 18 to 25 properties in a single day. We operate on a quick-turnaround time frame, no messing around, as we’re not compensated for each day out like many other UK relocation companies, which tempts them to drag out their searches. For those moving, saving that money is not only ideal, but so is saving all that time that otherwise takes you away from that job you need to start here or family that needs help settling in.

The “settling in” is also where UK relocation companies figure into the equation. A roof and four walls can make for a house, but a home is made when you successfully start your life in that space and in this country. Having a UK bank account and phone, cable, internet, and water utilities set up is another layer of logistics to tackle prior to or upon moving in. Knowing where to buy your groceries, toiletries, furnishings, and other household needs or where to find a doctor and good schools are also key, and a relocation agent can advise on all that and beyond (follow all the links in this paragraph as well, which reference previous blog posts I’ve written that provide more specifics on utilities and such).

It’s very much in your Relocation agent’s interest to see clients safe, sound, and settled into their new apartments as soon as possible after arriving in the UK, and should the dreaded gazumping occur, rest easy that LR will accommodate you in any way needed until your agent finds a new flat. The Relocation agency is also quite unique in its genuine compassion for its clients. Being expats themselves, LR staff empathizes with your UK relocation, and our tight-knit sense of community within the company extends to anyone we contact.

A Final Word on UK Relocation Companies

If you (or a company employee you’re responsible for) is moving abroad, it’s vital to have an expert on your side. A UK relocation agent like us will conduct a thorough needs assessment that targets prioritized criteria in terms of property and neighborhood. Peace of mind is having someone on your side, answering the tough questions for you, and making you feel secure that everything will turn out all right.

And I can’t speak for the other UK relocation companies, but your Relocation agent will make finding a flat a heck of a lot of fun, too, right down to the moment the lease is signed and the keys are in your hand.

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UK Relocation – London Mobile Apps!

Monday June 18th, 2012

A UK relocation inevitably raises a lot of questions for new expats, not least of which are where to shop, find entertainment, how to get around, and just generally familiarize with the lay of the land. I wrote last week about how we are moving forward in this 21st century with amazingly helpful technological advances (see “London Moving into the Future with Underground WiFi” as another UK relocation reference). Sure, the pipes and electrical cords scaling the exterior brick walls of our Victorian terrace houses don’t scream innovation, but they do allow us to enjoy The New inside of The Old (we needn’t sacrifice everything for a UK relocation…). And citywide there’s a deluge of information invisibly criss-crossing through the air to help us find what we need around town. Which brings me to today’s topic: top mobile apps!

UK Relocation – London Transport

One classic London resource for a UK relocation is what locals have typically known best as the “A to Zed.” This spiral atlas comes in different sizes in its physical form, but for $1.99 (USD) you can download instead the London Visitors A-Z app for iPhone or iPad—for $2.99, you can also get the London Mini A-Z for iPhone, either of which will supply you with detailed neighborhood maps that can also be used offline.

One glance at these maps will show you this is an extensive terrain to traverse, so for when you’re not inclined to just hoof it, three major modes of transport are available to you: tube, taxi, and bus. As a tourist, you might have gotten away with not having to use the London Underground system, but after a UK relocation, figuring it out is essential. To help you, the London Tube Deluxe app ($0.99) details the full tube map as well as live service updates, timetables, nearest tube stations, and journey-planning, which might include linking your Underground journey with an Overground train or bus—bus routes, too, are accordingly provided. For more extensive information on bus routes and arrival times, the same developer of the Tube app just released its Live Bus Times app; once on the bus, it’ll also give you the heads-up on approaching stops, as the maps posted at bus stops do not label every single stop along the way (which I still find a big pain no matter how much better I know my way around London since my UK relocation).

Sometimes, though, it’s just easier to hail that taxi…but for the times when not even that is simple, the iPhone Hailo app is hugely convenient—and free! Also known as the “The Black Cab App,” this lil’ beauty will give you arrival times of the nearest taxis and let you book one at a moment’s notice wherever you are, allowing you to pay by cash or card. It’s been featured in major publications like TimeOut London, London Evening Standard, and The Sunday Times, and with a price of nothin’, can you afford not to try it and make your UK relocation that much easier??

UK Relocation – Culture & Entertainment

Speaking of TimeOut London, there are iPhone apps galore out there for resources like that that’ll clue you in on what’s on when and where once you’ve made your UK relocation and are ready to play. London: Travel Guide – TimeOut is itself an app keeping you apprised of upcoming events and venues, and Topsee (brought to us by lastminute.com) is another free means of exploring your local neighborhood for hidden gems off the beaten path and diverse food, drink, and shopping options. If your UK relocation has your inner thespian particularly eager to see a show in London’s famed West End theatre district, then iTheatre is the app to download (again, for free) to find updated show listings, times, and reviews as well as purchase tickets—some deals offer as much as 60% off regular price!

Even London’s museums have gotten in on the app action. For $2.99, the Love Art: National Gallery, London app contains images of the National Gallery’s collection of paintings. Art you can actually touch! The images are high-res, zoomable, and supplemented by audio commentary. Museum of London: Streetmuseum similarly offers up its extensive archives (for no fee) but also interacts with your iPhone’s camera—if you’re walking along a street and curious about that particular locale’s history, simply select your location in the app (or use your GPS to locate an archived image of somewhere nearby) and hold your camera up to view the present scene on your screen; you will then see a historical overlay of the same scene back in time. I only just learned about this one and think it’s an utterly wicked way to know London better after a UK relocation!

UK Relocation – Other Necessities

So after that brief diversion into the fun stuff, it’s back to the reality of your day-to-day life to follow your UK relocation. Similar to a couple of the apps mentioned above but also encompassing the practical is AroundMe. This free app identifies your location and helps you readily find the nearest grocery store, restaurant, bank, gas station, hospital, theatre, pub, taxi, and so on and so forth. How awesome is that for when you’re first getting acclimated for a UK relocation? And for groceries specifically, maybe it won’t be a matter of trying to find the store as much as avoiding it—in which case, the Ocado On the Go app will let you browse thousands of items and purchase them for delivery right to your apartment.

Man, if I’d had an iPhone with these apps available at the time of my own UK relocation, I would’ve enjoyed more tech and less tears. :)

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Free WiFi in London

Friday June 15th, 2012

London is moving and grooving these days as it beautifies and updates anything it can in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics this summer. The Games are just around the corner (I just got my tickets in the mail yesterday—wooHOO!!), and if you’re sorting out all your plans in time to relocate here for it, you’re in for some treats.

Granted, in this time leading up to the grand events, living in London hasn’t been the easiest on a day-to-day basis. Refurbishment of roads and tube stations has delayed commutes, and perpetual scaffolding and construction has made for some eye sores. But with the Royal Wedding and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee preceding the Olympics, there was certainly incentive for the city to get the show on the road with many of these improvements, so we’ve already reaped some benefits. The latest of which is…

London Moving – WiFi FYI

If your London moving time frame happens to be this summer, free WiFi will be available in 80 London Underground stations by the Games, courtesy of Virgin Media. And as of this week, it’s already installed in six of them! Specifically, the service is available on tube platforms and station corridors and ticket halls—not on the trains themselves. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t simply refresh email and news sites at each stop. And granted, the way commuters scurry in and out of these stations, it’s arguable that few will take the time to check the internet in transit, but there’s always that wait-time on the platform when I constantly see everyone tuned into their mobile devices—now those texts and emails can actually go somewhere from a station below ground, and, during the Olympics specifically, fans can stay updated on the progress of sporting events.

For as old as this city is and as traditional its culture, this is just another sign of London moving in a progressive direction.

London Moving – Get it While it’s Hotspot

You’ll have to register when first accessing the tube station WiFi, but you’re good to go after that. Enjoy free unlimited internet access all summer, but bear in mind that all good things do come to an end. At least the free good stuff. That’s right, this-too-to-be-true free WiFi is for a limited time only—once the Games are over, free access will be restricted to, of course, the Virgin Media portal as well as Transport for London‘s travel news to help keep the people of London moving efficiently through its system. I can only assume, though, there will still be opportunity to expand your access at a reasonable rate. One restriction that will remain, though, is a porn-block to keep passengers respectable. :)

London Moving – Other Transport Tech

So as you shape up your London moving plans, you have this convenience to look forward to after your UK relocation. Arguably just as cool, though (actually, I’m personally more pysched about this one), is how even the bus stops have gotten higher tech. Sort of. Look at the post of the bus stop sign for a little plaque that provides two 5-digit numbers: One that you send a text to (87287) and another stop-specific number that you type into the body of the text message. Hit ‘send’ and within seconds you’ll receive the expected arrival times of each bus that stops there. It’s accurate thanks to GPS technology on the buses and is an awesome, awesome way to gauge whether to take the bus or alternative transport and estimate your own travel time.

As an expat who’s also made the UK relocation, the actual moving process can certainly be a cumbersome affair. Have peace of mind, though, that your Relocation agent will help a great deal with that aspect (as well as your settling in), and the city of London’s technological progress will hopefully smooth out each of your days thereafter.

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Moving To London Area Guide

Friday June 15th, 2012

Make sure that your moving to London area guide gives you a good overview of each suburb and the amenities as well as the major transport routes. You need three things when you’re planning your relocation:

  • To be a short walk from a major train or tube station to be able to get to work every day
  • To be close to the shops/doctors/vets etc for easy everyday convenience
  • To be close to schools if you have younger children

It may not be possible to arrange all three when you’re looking at your area guide alone which is why you need a professional guide and relocation agent to help.

Moving To London Area Guide Assessment

Your London relocation agent doesn’t just dash out to find you a property without taking a full profile and needs assessment. Before you even think of packing your bags and heading off to London you need to establish exactly what your requirements are. Do you need a home that is within walking distance of one of the international private schools? Do you have pets and want to be close to one of the many dog-friendly parks in the city? Do you want to be able to walk to work? These are all questions that only you can answer.

Moving To London Area Guide For Expats

Many Americans tend to stay in similar areas, as do the Australians and the South Africans. there is something to be said for finding a home in a neighborhood where you’re guaranteed to hear a friendly accent from home. There is also something to be said for striking out and exploring London on your own. You’ll be able to make friends wherever you are, so let your relocation agent advise you of a number of different areas and homes before you make up your mind.

Moving To London Area Guide – Expenses

Each area is quite distinct in terms of pricing. Arrange a meeting with your relocation agents and make sure that they understand exactly how much you have to spend. they will probably be able to give you a handy “Moving to London Area Guide” and advise you on costs of things like utilities, council taxes and transport costs that are specific to the area that you are looking at.

 

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Relocation To London Tips

Thursday June 14th, 2012

If you’re looking for relocation to London tips ahead of your big move, one of the questions that is always asked is about the weather and what to pack in order to be prepared. If you’re moving today you’d better bring an umbrella, some boots and a thick coat, but that’s not to say that London won’t dance into a lovely summer tomorrow. Yes; the weather is changeable, but that doesn;t mean you need to pack for all four seasons when you’re getting ready for your relocation.

Relocation To London Tips For Packing

The best relocation to London tips when it comes to packing your suitcases is that you don’t have to pack your entire wardrobe, even if you’re moving here for a couple of years. This is especially important if you’re moving to London from Australia or any country with a warm climate. You just won’t be able to pack the sort of winter clothes that will keep the chill out. It’s always best to get kitted out when you arrive, but pack a couple of sweaters in your overnight case for arrival at Heathrow. Your suitcases should contain a selection of clothes that are comfortable and include some good walking shoes for your first few days in the city.

Relocation to London Tips For Moving

It can be difficult to decide what gets packed in your suitcases and what comes along in a couple of weeks in your crates. If you can, try to pack a few towels and bed linens from home. This is especially important if you are travelling with young children. It’ll give them a sense of security and help with the homesickness if you have some semblance of home when you move into your new apartment. A couple of family photos and a memento or two won’t take up too much space in your suitcase and you’ll feel at home from the moment you move in.

If you pay attention to planning your relocation well in advance and coordinate with a professional relocation service, your move with run smoothly and everything will arrive when it is supposed to and in excellent condition. A trans-Atlantic move is not easy; you’ll be exhausted for weeks after you arrive, but having a couple of items within easy reach will help you feel like you’re at home.

Our top relocation to London tips for this week: Buy an umbrella at Heathrow. Yes – It’s raining again!

 

 

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Relocation To London From The US

Thursday June 14th, 2012

Your relocation to London from the US doesn’t have to be the stuff of nightmares. With a little forward planning and some excellent advice from a professional, you’ll be set up and moved into your new apartment with a few days of arriving. The key to a smooth move when you’re planning your relocation to London from the US is to make sure that you get logistics sorted out from the US end before you start thinking about your new life in London.

Relocation To London From The US and Finances

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to make sure that you’re going to have enough money to live on while you are here. You need to make sure that you do your homework when it comes to the cost of living. London is an expensive city and you cannot make a direct comparison between the cost of living in the US and the cost of living in the UK. You need to make sure that your salary is going to stretch far enough to cover the move and the chance to explore the city after you arrive.

Relocation To London From The US and Transport

Depending on where you live you may end up spending a good portion of your salary on transport if you’re not careful. When you’re apartment hunting for your relocation from the US, you need to make sure that you have your work address as a starting point. You don’t need a car to get around by any means, but you will be paying a premium for your transport if you live some distance from the major transport routes.

Relocation To London From The US and Choosing An Apartment

Apartment hunting is tough, even if you’ve lived there your entire life. If you’re planning a relocation to London from the US then you’re task is made doubly challenging. Using a relocation service that understands exactly what your needs are and where you are coming from is not only going to make things easier, but it may end up saving you quite a bit of money.

 

 

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