moving boxes and pet dog

Organizing your Move to London

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The decision has been made, the date set and the excitement is building. So now all you need do is go about the ‘small’ task of organizing your move to one of the world’s most vibrant cities!

It probably seems like a mammoth task (and indeed, it is stressful). But fear not – because with a little organization there’s no reason whatsoever why your London move can’t go as smoothly as possible.

To ensure this happens, one of the best ways is to set yourself a checklist – and the earlier you do this the better. Below sets out the timescales you need to consider in order to make sure the big move goes as planned.

More than 3 months before departure

  • Check that you have a passport, that it’s in date and, if possible, covers the whole period that you intend to be overseas. At the very least, your passport should have 6 months validity from your date of entry to the UK.

  • At this point it may well be worth checking out flights. Some of the better deals can be had when booking well in advance. Flight comparison websites, such as Skyscanner and Kayak search multiple flight websites at a time, meaning you can search your route easily and with just a few clicks – much less time consuming than checking each airlines site individually.

 

3 months before departure

  • Book flights (if not already done so).

  • Book any short-term accommodation if necessary. You might need hotels for any stopovers or somewhere to stay in London on arrival. Trivago is a great website that searches all the major hotel booking engines and finds the cheapest price on offer.

  • Decide what you’re taking with you and work out a list of packing boxes. This makes the following step much easier…

  • …because it’s the time to approach moving companies. You should get at least three quotes to compare. Best Global Movers search multiple providers, allowing you to get up to 6 quotes at once. They’re also a member of the International Association of Movers, so you can be assured that the website will only return quotes from reputable companies. Once you’ve decided on a particular company, book your moving date with them.

  • Visit your GP to find out if you (and any family members moving with you) need any health checks or vaccinations.

  • Check out what the requirements are for your driving licence. In general, if you hold a license from any other country, you can drive for up to 12 months in the UK. After that it’s law that you exchange it for a UK licence.

  • Depending on whether you’re selling or renting your current house, you need to either put it on the market (if not already done so), or begin the search for tenants. If you’re currently renting, give notice on your house.

  • Create a folder on your computer and scan all your important documents (passport, visa etc.). In addition, make hard copies – one set to leave with a trusted family member at home, and a copy to carry with you just in case you lose the original documents.

  • If you’re planning on storing any items whilst you’re away, now is the time to search out a location. For any large items you’re not taking with you, consider selling them.

  • Begin packing any items you’re not going to need in the next three months.

 

2 months before departure

  • Contact your bank and explain to them that you’re moving to the UK. Depending on whether your bank has a global presence, they might be able to offer you a UK account in addition to your own. If not, you’ll need to open a UK bank account. HSBC (Passport Account), Barclays (New to the UK) and Lloyds (New to the UK) all offer accounts specifically for those coming to the UK from overseas.

  • Make sure that any necessary direct debits and standing orders are set up to cover various bills and payments (such as savings, pensions, loans and mortgage).

  • Set up Internet banking if you don’t already have it.

  • Check all insurances are valid (such as house insurance)

  • If you’re on regular medication, find out the generic names for each one.

  • If you’re away for a long period of time, you may want to hand Power of Attorney over to a trusted family member or friend. Now is the time to get this paperwork drawn up.

  • Get copies of your medical notes from your doctor. Do the same for any family members travelling with you, and for any pets if applicable.

  • Set up a mail re-direct with your local post office to your new address in London.

  • Cancel your utilities in advance. Telephone, mobile, Internet, gas, electricity, water, TV subscription… Some require you to give at least a month’s notice so ensure you do this in plenty of time.

 

1 month before departure

  • Start to pack.

  • Change your address on anything that needs it, and send out change of address letters/cards to friends, family and work colleagues.

  • Purchase anything you might need for your trip, such as suitcases, guide books, maps, camera….

  • Pay any outstanding bills. It’s a good idea to leave a small amount of money with anyone in case you forget anything.

  • Cancel any subscriptions such as club membership, magazines or newspapers.

  • Put together a folder of hard copies of paperwork necessary for your removal company.

  • Don’t forget to organise a leaving do!

 

Moving day

  • Try to contain your excitement!

  • Go through all the inventory with the removal company, and ensure you get an approximate delivery date.

  • Double check you have all your essential items with you in your suitcase – passport, visa, documents, credit cards, money etc.

  • Once the house is packed, go through and double check nothing has been left behind.

  • Say your final goodbyes to friends and loved ones, and head off to your new life in London!

 

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