Moving to London From Overseas: How to Get Settled and Make The Big Smoke Your New Home

Moving to a new house is an exciting time in anyone’s life. Signifying a new chapter beginning, it provides a fresh start and the chance to make new memories in a new place. That being said, deciding to move to a new place can be an emotional one. You might find yourself sad to be leaving your current home and nervous about settling down elsewhere. This is entirely normal, and you should do what you can to address and embrace these feelings as and when.

However, moving to an entirely new country is a whole new kettle of fish. Not only will you be embarking on a lengthy relocation, but you will have to adjust to a new way of life and might face some cultural or language barriers along the way. That being said, you should not let these factors put you off; you are heading into an exciting time in your life and stepping out of your comfort zone is sure to pay off.

Suppose you are in a position where you are moving to London from overseas or are planning to in the coming months. You might have found yourself wondering what you need to know to make these plans a reality. If that is the case, you have found yourself in the right place at the right time.

Below are some tips on getting settled in the capital and how you can make yourself feel right at home. Read on for more!

Decide On Where You Want to Live

London is a bustling metropolis, and it is for this reason that you should understand which part you want to settle down in. With an impressive thirty-two boroughs to choose from, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to location. Each area offers its own character and charm and tends to feel like its own town within the city’s perimeters.

It is recommended you complete a certain level of research before deciding on a location. Consider what amenities you will need in your new area and what boroughs of London provide these. At the same time, it is worth considering your safety while in these areas. Assessing the crime rates is always recommended, no matter what part of the country you are moving to. From here, you can put measures in place to protect yourself moving forward.

One of the most critical elements to consider when moving to a new place is the overall cost of living. London is more expensive than other areas in the UK, but that does not mean it is impossible to afford to live here. Creating a budget and matching what you can afford to areas of London you wish to live in is a proactive way of getting the ball rolling.

For those moving from overseas, it might be worth exploring the areas of London where friends and family members are living at present. Having this support network of people around you during an unfamiliar time will make the process run that bit smoother and make you feel more comfortable both in the short and long term.

Once you have established where you want to live and found a place to live, nothing stands in your way from bringing your plans to fruition. That being said, you will need to be aware of what sorts of belongings you will need to take with you on your relocation. This takes us to the following point.

Establish What You Will Need

Sorting out and establishing what necessities you will need to move to the Big Smoke from overseas is a somewhat large task. For some people, this will include needing a car for transport or being within close proximity to transport links – which is relatively easy in London. In this case, you will want to explore the travel card options available, including those that relate to the zone of London that you live in, alongside the more standard and well-known Oyster card.

At the same time, you will need to consider what types of utilities and necessities are needed within your property too. Broadband is one of the staples of our everyday lives; we would not be able to keep in contact with others or stream our favourite television shows without it. When relocating to a different country, you will naturally want to contact loved ones back home. While broadband can be used when you are at home, you will need to consider what you need to stay in contact with these people while out and about exploring your new home city.

Exploring what phone plans there are, including the likes of a Lebara SIM only plan, will ensure you can stay connected with those that matter the most while you are out and about. Offering interested parties a thirty-day rolling plan that can be used to contact up to forty-one international countries, you can learn more on Lebara here.

Necessities also go beyond the likes of utilities. Creating a comforting home environment is paramount to making you feel settled in your new home and gives you a space to relax and unwind. What’s more, you want somewhere that you feel safe, for relocating to a different country can be daunting and dredge up a wide variety of emotions. Investing in decorative items for your home will make a world of difference and enable you to feel right at home. Whether you buy your decorations new or transport them from your previous home, the choice is entirely up to you!

Explore The City

It seems obvious to mention but to get used to the area you are living in and get a better idea of your surroundings, you need to take some time to explore the area in question. Visit the multitude of tourist attractions nestled amongst the city and explore your local area and those further afield.

Finding out what is in your local area and creating a map in your mind will do wonders in making you feel comfortable in your new home. What’s more, you could even take a friend or family member out and about with you; you will be showing them the sights and have some company while doing so! What more could you want?

While you should jump at the chance to explore your local area, you should also do what you can to remain safe while doing so. If you find yourself with limited English, consider hiring the services of a translator to help with this adjustment process, or as mentioned previously, relying on a friend or family member to help you settle in.

At the same time, you could find different groups or organisations that you want to join. Dance groups, sports teams, and bands provide you with the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals while also enabling you to explore a newfound talent or favourite hobby. Furthermore, this is a great social opportunity and gives you the chance to put yourself out of your comfort zone to meet other people who will become a significant part of your support network.

We hope you have found this piece interesting and insightful and will be leaving us with a better understanding of what needs to be done moving forward to make you feel more comfortable in your new home. No matter where in London you decide to move to, we feel confident you will feel settled in no time!