The decision has been made, the date set and the excitement is building. So now all you need do is go about the \u2018small\u2019 task of organizing your move to one of the world\u2019s most vibrant cities!<\/p>\n
It probably seems like a mammoth task (and indeed, it is stressful). But fear not – because with a little organization there\u2019s no reason whatsoever why your London move can\u2019t go as smoothly as possible.<\/p>\n
To ensure this happens, one of the best ways is to set yourself a checklist<\/a> – 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.<\/p>\n Organize and apply for your visa<\/a><\/span>. The type you need will depend on whether you\u2019re moving for work<\/a>, with family<\/a> or coming to study<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Check that you have a passport, that it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n At this point it may well be worth checking out flights. Some of the better deals<\/a> can be had when booking well in advance. Flight comparison websites, such as Skyscanne<\/span><\/a>r<\/a> and Kayak<\/a><\/span> 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Book flights (if not already done so).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Book any short-term accommodation if necessary. You might need hotels<\/a> for any stopovers or somewhere to stay in London on arrival. Trivago<\/span> is a great website that searches all the major hotel booking engines and finds the cheapest price on offer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Decide what you\u2019re taking with you and work out a list of packing boxes. This makes the following step much easier\u2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u2026because it\u2019s the time to approach moving companies. You should get at least three quotes to compare. Best Global Movers<\/span> search multiple providers, allowing you to get up to 6 quotes at once. They\u2019re also a member of the International Association of Movers<\/a><\/span>, so you can be assured that the website will only return quotes from reputable companies. Once you\u2019ve decided on a particular company, book your moving date with them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Visit your GP to find out if you (and any family members moving with you) need any health checks or vaccinations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you\u2019re taking pets to London<\/a>, find out what the quarantine requirements<\/a><\/span> are, and if your furry friends need any vaccinations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Check out what the requirements are for your driving licence<\/a><\/span>. 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\u2019s law that you exchange it for a UK licence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Depending on whether you\u2019re 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\u2019re currently renting, give notice on your house.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you\u2019re planning on storing any items whilst you\u2019re away, now is the time to search out a location. For any large items you\u2019re not taking with you, consider selling them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Begin packing any items you\u2019re not going to need in the next three months.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Purchase any relevant travel\/health insurance policies<\/a> you\u2019ll need for your time in London.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Contact your bank and explain to them that you\u2019re 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\u2019ll need to open a UK bank account. HSBC<\/span> (Passport Account<\/span>), Barclays<\/span> (New to the UK<\/a><\/span>) and Lloyds<\/span> (New to the UK<\/a><\/span>) all offer accounts specifically for those coming to the UK from overseas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 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).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Set up Internet banking if you don\u2019t already have it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Check all insurances are valid (such as house insurance)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you\u2019re on regular medication, find out the generic names for each one.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Set up a mail re-direct with your local post office to your new address in London.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Cancel your utilities in advance. Telephone, mobile, Internet, gas, electricity, water, TV subscription\u2026 Some require you to give at least a month\u2019s notice so ensure you do this in plenty of time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Start to pack.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Change your address on anything that needs it, and send out change of address letters\/cards to friends, family and work colleagues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Purchase anything you might need for your trip, such as suitcases, guide books, maps, camera\u2026.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Pay any outstanding bills. It\u2019s a good idea to leave a small amount of money with anyone in case you forget anything.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Cancel any subscriptions such as club membership, magazines or newspapers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Put together a folder of hard copies of paperwork necessary for your removal company.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Don\u2019t forget to organise a leaving do!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Try to contain your excitement!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Go through all the inventory with the removal company<\/a>, and ensure you get an approximate delivery date.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMore than 3 months before departure<\/h2>\n
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3 months before departure<\/h2>\n
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2 months before departure<\/h2>\n
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1 month before departure<\/h2>\n
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Moving day<\/h2>\n
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