Originally posted on https://www.justlondonjobs.com/blog/top-tips-for-living-in-london-from-londoners/

 

In the past decade, nearly 12 percent of job seekers have chosen to relocate for work. For most people, finding a job that pays well and that has great benefits is a must. In some instances, finding this job in your local area will be impossible.

One of the most lucrative job markets in the world exists in London, England. London is home to some of the most successful small businesses and corporations in the world. If you are thinking of taking a job in this employment mecca, finding out more about living in London is essential.

The following are some of the things you need to know about living and working in London.

 

Accommodation in the City is Very Expensive

As soon as you land a dream job in London, you will need to start planning your move. The first decision you have to make before moving to this city is where you will stay. Most newcomers to London fail to realise just how expensive renting a home or apartment can be.

The closer you get to downtown London, the more expensive the housing accommodations will become. If you don’t mind a bit of a commute, living in Surrey or West Sussex may be a good option.

Before deciding on where you want to live, be sure to go and tour the areas. This will provide you with information regarding what amenities an area has and how far it is from where you will be working. With this information, choosing the right place to live will be much easier.

 

Get Rid of Items You Don’t Need Before the Move

If you are moving from the United States to London, one of the main concerns you should have is getting your possessions to your new residence. The best way to ensure this goes off without a hitch is by working with a long distance moving and shipping company. You need to be aware that shipping large items to a different country can be extremely expensive.

This is why you need to take a good hard look at the possessions you have before paying to have them moved. If at all possible, you need to cull things you don’t really have a need for instead of lugging them along on your moving journey.

Also, you need to avoid having your car shipped to your new home in London as well. Often times, it is far cheaper to buy a car once you arrive. Before choosing a long-distance moving company to work with, be sure to get some quotes to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.

 

Developing a Sensible Budget is Vital

Going from living in a small town in the United States to the big city of London can be quite a culture shock. One of the main things you will notice when moving to this city is that things are extremely expensive. The only way to manage this expense increase is by developing and sticking to a very strict budget.

For instance, if you don’t have a car when you arrive, you will have to take public transportation. While this is a convenient way to get around, it will cost you money. There are also things like council taxes you have to factor in when creating your budget.

However, if you are a student, you will not have to pay this tax. If you are unsure about how to properly develop a budget for your new life in London, working with an accountant is a fantastic idea. With their help, developing a comprehensive budget will be much easier.

 

Get All of Your Important Documents in Order Before the Move

While moving from the United States to the United Kingdom can be a fun adventure, there are things you need to have to make this process easy. Getting important documents like your birth certificate and passport together is a must. As you enter the United Kingdom, you will have to present these documents to get approval to become a resident of London.

Also, you will need these documents to prove who you are to landlords and even your new employer. If you are going to be renting a home or apartment in London, you probably need to put together a few references.

Most landlords will want to see and verify these references to ensure they are renting to a trustworthy person. You may also need to prove income information like how much you have in savings. Staying organised is essential when trying to keep all of these documents safe and accessible.

 

Going Through the Hassle of Getting Bank Account

One of the biggest problems most newcomers to London will face is getting a bank account. In most cases, you need an address to get a bank account and you need a bank account to get an address. The best way to get over this hurdle is by finding a bank that is accommodating.

Most financial institutions will work with you if you can prove you are coming into the city to be a productive member of society. Before leaving the United States, you may want to check with your existing bank to see if they have any connections to financial institutions in London.

If they do, this may be a way for you to make getting a checking account with a London-based bank easier.

 

The Joys of Living in London

While living in London can be difficult at first, over time you will start to love your new life. The key to having success in this city is staying motivated and organised.

Are you looking for employment in London? If so, check out our job board for some top-notch listings.