I’d lived in Northampton all my life. It has everything from grasslands and wetlands to meadows and butterfly gardens. A true nature lover’s paradise, it has given me some of my most cherished childhood memories and experiences. However, when a promising career opportunity opened up in London, I was both hesitant and nervous about leaving the quieter, peaceful energy of Northampton.
I’d been to London several times earlier and was well aware of its fast-paced and exciting nature. It was a stark contrast to Northampton’s tranquillity. While I was excited about the possibility of moving to the big city, I also found it daunting in many ways. I knew if I had to make a smooth transition, I had to be well prepared financially, mentally and emotionally.
This included taking care of practical things like decluttering my current house, planning my moving day, checking out rentals and finding a decent place to live.
In this article, I share how I prepared for my move to the big city.
1. Spring Cleaning and Packing
Having lived in Northampton for so long, my house was cluttered with stuff that I didn’t need. It felt like it was the right time for a spring clean and to declutter my space for a fresh start in London. I sold some of the stuff on eBay for a decent price and donated the rest to local charities. It felt so good doing that.
This left me with things that I truly loved and wanted to take with me to London. I also got my car serviced in Northampton before moving day so that it would be in good condition for the move. I packed my stuff and labelled the boxes clearly to avoid any hassle to make my unpacking easier once I got there.
Friends recommended going for a man-and-van service to save on moving costs, which turned out to be a good idea too, since I had a smaller load.
2. Searching for a New Neighbourhood
I spent considerable time researching places in London that are well-connected, have all the amenities, and make for a good location. After discussing with a few friends I had in London and much deliberation, I finally settled on Pimlico. It was a surprisingly peaceful neighbourhood for a place in central London. I loved the apartments in London, but especially the ones in Pimlico, as these were spacious and had an excellent location.
I got a feel for the community by visiting a few local cafes and shops, and enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of the people there. This made me feel more at home and gave me a sense of belonging.
I realised renting in such an area would move fast, so I wasted no time in securing my apartment. I found what I was looking for and couldn’t have been more pleased with the location and its vibe.
3. Adjusting to My New Lifestyle
Moving to London was a big change for me, and it was nothing like I expected it to be, despite having been there before. I think more than a physical move, it was also a mental shift and adapting to a new pace. Busier streets, fun places to hang out, a lot of festivals and cultural diversity – the list goes on. I needed time to appreciate my new surroundings.
The new job turned out to be a great opportunity and allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds. This made for an enriching experience, and I continue to explore and make new connections.
I’ve also made it a point to explore London’s art scene, especially unconventional venues like the Kew Gardens. They’re known to hold some wonderful exhibits of art installations throughout the year. It’s the closest thing to the gardens I’d enjoyed visiting back in Northampton, and it was my way to connect with nature.
4. Budgeting for the Big City
Being a finance guy all my life, I knew moving to London would require me to review and adjust my budget. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world, after all. The first few months were spent just prioritising essential expenses and saving up. This was a wise financial move for the long term, as you never know when you’d face an urgent expense and have to take an emergency loan.
London has top-tier public transport facilities, and I decided to utilise those instead of taking my car every day, especially for work. This made practical sense, was much more environmentally friendly and saved me a few pounds each week on my commute.
The cost of living in London was a huge jump from what I was used to in Northampton. One could easily lose their way here with non-essential spending, as your options for leisure, shopping and entertainment are plenty and super-tempting. It’s important to plan wisely to secure your financial future when living here.
Conclusion
When I look back on the initial decision of moving to London, I remember how reluctant I was because I got too comfortable in Northampton. However, I can say that without adequate preparation, especially on the financial and mental aspects, this move could’ve been quite taxing. I hope sharing this experience has given you insights into how best to prepare before you make a big move.
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