Challenges of moving to London for work

Moving to London for a new job can be a stressful and challenging experience. Depending on where you are moving from, living in the capital can be an overwhelming experience with lots of things to consider. Here are a few of the challenges you may face when relocating to London.

It's expensive

Moving house and relocating to London can be expensive. The cost of moving house in London can sometimes be a deal breaker if your company doesn't offer to cover some of the relocation expenses. However, some London employers may offer relocation packages depending on your circumstances. Talk to the company about the costs associated with commuter travel expenses, hiring a London removals company, and possible corporate housing.

It can take time

If you can't take advantage of any corporate or temporary housing, finding a decent place to live in London within your budget can be a nightmare. For those of us with families, buying or renting a decent sized property within reach of your workplace can take some time. Renting options are a plenty in London and if you're a single young professional, you'll find lots of options through estate agents and online. For families you will need to give yourself a bit of time and plan ahead.

Finding a good school

If you have children then you will likely be searching for a good public or private school. It's important to note that you will need to search for a home within the boundaries of the particular school district you would like them to attend. Finding a good school is not always as easy as it sounds in London. Search online forums and try and find some reviews or chats in forums to build a better picture of a particular school.

Finding the best transport routes

If you are moving to London from a rural area, you most probably will need to ditch the car and take public transport. Learning all the new transport routes or finding the best route can take a bit of time. In London the fastest route is not always the most obvious one. The London underground tends to get very busy during rush hours in the morning and evening. Sometimes depending on where you are catching the train from, picking a slightly later or earlier train can make a world of difference on our commute. The DLR overground service is usually pretty good also, however it's not always as reliable as the underground.

Making new friends

Being social and making new friends can be difficult. If you are a private person, introverted or moving home alone then it's not always easy to mix with people. A good way to make life a little easier would be to take up a hobby, join a gym class, or attend meetup groups. There are lots of meetup groups advertised online for young professionals working in London, they are a great place to make new connections and lasting friendships.