Relocation Guide: Moving to London
Whether it’s your first time travelling to London or you’re simply craving a cuppa while working remotely from your cozy flat, London beckons visitors from near and far. With abundant attractions and landmarks, from Big Ben and the London Eye to Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden, this vibrant metropolis is renowned worldwide as a cultural melting pot, a powerhouse of business, and a beacon of diversity.
An enticing and lively hotspot, London is a coveted destination, and the experience and overall transition of relocating to London varies greatly depending on your origin. But not to worry—this guide is packed full of resources to help you through every step of the process.
Preparing for Your Move
Encompassing 32 boroughs, London fosters a diverse blend of peoples and cultures. The names of most neighborhoods precede themselves: Soho, Chelsea, Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Wimbledon… the list goes on and on. And each one offers a unique, lively energy.
With skyscrapers and riverside views, Canary Wharf appeals to modern professionals, as its location is central to most major corporate headquarters throughout the city. Creatives will likely be found exploring Shoreditch’s trendy shops and abundant nightlife while families typically flock to neighborhood districts like Battersea and Richmond, with sprawling parks perfect for picnicking and transportation links for easy access to the city center.
As you prepare to move to London, consider your needs—whether that be safety, cost, convenient commuting, quality schools, or active art scenes—and choose your neighborhood based on what best suits your lifestyle, as well as cost of living.
Cost of Living
One of the top 10 costliest cities in the world, London offers infinite possibilities with a slightly higher price tag. Comparable to cities like New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Zurich, the cost of living in London has continuously been on the rise, largely impacting the housing market and other household necessities.
With this in mind, it’s vital to evaluate your finances, taking into account not only your day-to-day living expenses but also travel costs and additional charges that will incur as you relocate to London. Be sure to budget for hidden or unexpected costs, such as agent fees, deposits, and initial transportation, as well as more fun things like dining at trendy new restaurants or going to the local theatre.
Prepare for higher costs and utilize tools like Monzo’s budgeting feature or apps like YNAB to manage your expenses.
Moving Within the UK
If you’re moving to London from within the UK, you avoid the hassles of visas and immigration. While the process is still tedious, being able to relocate domestically makes packing and relocating much simpler.
However, note that with recent regulations due to Brexit, if you’re moving back to the UK from another country, but you have settled or pre-settled status via the EU Settlement Scheme, ensure that you have the appropriate documentation and that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. you or your family member were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years in a row, etc.).
As you prepare for your move, compare the quotes and services of domestic movers and packers throughout the UK, or, for smaller moves, consider more cost-effective options like Europcar or Enterprise for van rentals. Update your address details with the postal service and your bank and, if you’ve already found an apartment in London, be sure to cancel your utilities at your previous place of residence.
You can also leverage apps like Uswitch to help you select cost-effective utility providers for your new home. Consider whether you’re traveling alone or with family or pets and take time to research neighborhood schools or veterinarians near you and transfer your NHS registration and necessary health records to a local GP.
Moving Internationally
Moving can be an overwhelming process, regardless of whether you’re simply visiting for an extended stay or laying down roots in a new city. But this process is greatly exacerbated when relocating internationally. A relocation checklist is a very helpful resource to help you stay on top of every element of moving, from customs & shipping, visa applications, and housing searches, to utility setups and healthcare registration. And you can easily organize and access all your important documents on the go with digital tools like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Serviced accommodation providers such as Synergy are also extremely helpful in assisting with your transition, with abundant knowledge on several global destinations and international travel.
While packing, cross reference the UK’s customs information to help you prepare for what to expect upon arrival in London, as well as inform you on banned and restricted goods such as certain plant and food products. You can send your remaining possessions to your destination via air freight (ideal for urgent items) or sea freight (better for bulk shipments).
Companies like Seven Seas Worldwide offer 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping, so you can rest assured that your belongings will remain safe and sound until you’re ready to move into your home, or you can simply ship internationally to your desired destination with providers like DHL.
When applying for a UK visa, it’s prudent to do your research and explore your options. Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have automatic right of residence and must now apply for a visa just like someone from the US or other neighboring nations. There are various types of visas that vary based on whether you’re working, studying, travelling, joining family, or visiting London for another reason, so be sure to do your research and account for your needs and those of any fellow travelers.
Keep in mind that some visas require specific documentation such as proof of funds or sponsor letters and, for more complex cases, it may be in your best interest to consult legal or immigration advisors.
As part of your immigration application, most people need to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) for access to the National Health Service (NHS). Once your application has been approved and you’ve paid your dues, you can then register with a GP surgery and receive care. You’ll also want to explore your banking options prior to your departure, so that you can easily access and send money internationally via digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut, or transfer services platforms like Wise or XE.
Taking the Family
Moving to London with a family requires careful consideration. Family-friendly neighborhoods such as Richmond, Wimbledon, and Dulwich offer excellent schools, parks, and playgrounds, as well as foster a sense of community that will help your children and family life thrive. With various schooling options—including public (state-funded), private, and international schools, the latter being a great option for expat families needing a global curriculum like the IB program—it’s important to gather info on registration timelines to ease a smooth transition of education.
Finding family-friendly practices is equally essential (and cost-effective!) with universal healthcare through NHS, and childcare options include nurseries, daycare centers, and after-school programs, with government subsidies available for eligible families.
Traveling Solo
Whether you’re a digital nomad or a student pursuing your degree, London is an incredible city for solo travel. For professionals, living near business hubs like Canary Wharf or the City of London puts you right in the heart of career opportunities, with plenty of networking events and co-working spaces to help you connect with like-minded professionals.
If you're a student, selecting accommodations close to your university—either in halls of residence or private student housing—can make life much easier. Plus, London offers fantastic student discounts on transport, food, and entertainment, which can make a big difference in keeping costs down while you explore everything the city has to offer.
Traveling with Pets
Moving to London with pets requires a little extra planning, but with the right preparation, your furry friend can settle in just as comfortably as you. The UK has strict pet travel regulations—your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a valid pet passport or health certificate. Depending on the country of origin, some pets may need additional health checks, while others could be exempt from quarantine.
Finding pet-friendly apartments in London can be tricky on your own, so putting together a 'pet resume' with vaccination records, landlord references, and a bit about your pet’s personality can help win over landlords. Alternatively, working with a serviced accommodation provider like Synergy can help cut out all the noise and help you identify a range of pet-friendly options across the city. Neighborhoods like Hampstead, Richmond, Battersea and Clapham Common are great for pet owners, offering spacious parks, pet-friendly cafes, and excellent veterinary services.
If you’re planning to use public transport, dogs are welcome on the Tube and buses but must be leashed, and larger breeds may need a muzzle. London also has plenty of dog-friendly parks and businesses, so you and your pet will have no shortage of places to explore.
Finding the Right Home
While relocating to London is exciting, finding the right home can be a bit tricky—especially if you're coming from abroad. The rental market moves fast, and landlords often ask for a UK-based guarantor, which isn’t always an option for international movers. This means you might need to pay a higher deposit—sometimes up to six months’ rent upfront. To stay ahead, have all your documents ready, like proof of income, UK visa status, and references, so you can act quickly when you find the right place.
Choosing the right neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, and with London’s accessible public transport, no matter where you reside you can easily get into the city or from Point A to Point B without a car. If you do drive, be aware of the Congestion Charge and ULEZ fees, but you can save significantly by opting for the Tube, buses, or trains. It’s important to research affordability, safety, and local amenities, and make sure you know your tenant rights so there are no surprises down the road.
The Perfect Temporary Accommodation
With so many factors to keep in mind, serviced accommodations and corporate housing are a stress-free alternative to buying or renting. Avoid long-term lease commitments and extensive paperwork with the help of companies like Synergy that help facilitate a hassle-free transition in your relocation. With flexible, fully-furnished, serviced apartments in London—including utilities—you can settle in quickly without worrying about the fine print.
Enjoy the comfort and security of a home base with everything you could need—furniture, dishware, linens, appliances, WiFi, and award-winning guest service—without the red tape of rental agreements. Synergy’s serviced and furnished apartments are the perfect housing solution for extended stays, work trips, or as a place to land while you get to know London and discover your next long-term residence.
London Calling
Moving to London is an exciting adventure, but the key to success lies in thorough preparation and understanding the unique challenges that come with the move. Whether you’re choosing the right neighborhood, budgeting for the city’s high cost of living, or navigating visa and healthcare requirements, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Take advantage of local networks, professional relocation services, and expat groups to build connections and make your move smoother. For more expert insights, be sure to explore Synergy’s Guide to London and other related resources.
London is waiting—reach out to Synergy for personalized relocation advice and start your adventure today!
