Moving To West London: What I Had Wish I’d Known

-This post is in collaboration-

Moving is a stressful process for anyone, no matter where you are in the world, but in today's post I'm talking about some factors to take into consideration before moving to West London.


The Cost Of Living Effect

Unfortunately the cost of living is still on the rise across all of the UK. In West London, rent is more expensive than anywhere else in the city, a visit to the local coffee shop or a night out will all cost more than the average cost in the UK. However, people in the London tend to have a higher salary (depending on what sector you work in) so that can help to offset the cost of living slightly. But it’s definitely something you need to take into consideration before moving to London. 


Work Out Your Budget Beforehand

Before you even start looking at places to rent or buy, you should sit down and work out a realistic budget before planning your move to London to make sure you can afford to live there comfortably without having to make any big compromises. You can also look into loyalty cards and memberships for shops and public facilities in the local area and use apps such as Top Cashback and Airtime to help you save some money too.


Moving Day Is Extra Stressful

Due to the streets being narrow and busy (depending where you move to), moving day can be a logistical nightmare. You should check the local council parking suspension rules and make sure you book a reputable West London removals service to help you on the day of the move. If you’re moving to Notting Hill or a nearby area then man and van Notting Hill will be able to help you.

Public Transport Is The Way To Get Around

It’s much easier to use public transport such as the tube or buses over travelling in your own car. Owning a car is more of a hindrance as you can get stuck in traffic for long periods of time. Parking is also a nightmare and you may have to pay for a parking permit which can start from £120+ per year. You also have to take the Ultra Low Emission Zone (which covers most of London) into consideration if you have an older car too. Thankfully public transport is fast and frequent enough for you to get around easily. You can also walk to places a lot quicker than you’d think or you can buy or rent an bicycle to get around. 


There Are Plenty Of Green Spaces To Visit

West London may be one of the most busiest places in the capital depending on the neighbourhood you live in, however there are still plenty of calm green spaces to visit which are great if you just need to get some fresh air, get some exercise in or even if you just want to see some wildlife. These places include Holland Park and Kyoto Garden, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Gunnersbury Park and Brent Lodge Park.


The Rental Market Moves Fast

The rental market in London moves super fast and you really have to be on it. Make sure you have all the estate agent apps such as Zoopla, Rightmove and OnTheMarket on your phone. You also have to be prepared to be disappointed because you will more than likely miss out on properties. Also virtual tours are useful but you should ideally physically view any property you're interested in before renting or buying it. 


It Can Be More Of A Shock Than You'd Think

If you’re moving from the countryside or a small quiet town where not much happens then moving to West London may be a shock to the system. Make sure you give yourself time to adjust and figure everything out. 


Photo Source: Pexels

0 comments