Moving Guides • 14 min read • Updated October 21, 2025
Planning to move to London? This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right neighborhood to navigating transport, finding accommodation, and settling into life in one of the world's most vibrant cities. Based on insights from helping over 50,000 people relocate to and within London.
London is a city of incredible opportunities, world-class culture, and diverse communities. With a population of over 9 million people from every corner of the globe, it offers unparalleled career prospects, educational institutions, and lifestyle options. However, moving to London requires careful planning and preparation to navigate the competitive housing market, understand the cost of living, and choose the right area for your needs.
Whether you're relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, this guide provides expert advice to make your transition to London as smooth as possible. We'll cover the practical aspects of moving, from logistics to local insights that only come from years of experience helping people settle in the capital.
London is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own character, advantages, and price points. Understanding this geography is crucial for choosing where to live and work.
Central London encompasses the City of London, Westminster, and surrounding areas. This is where you'll find major tourist attractions, business districts, and the highest property prices. Areas like Shoreditch, Camden, and Clapham offer vibrant nightlife and cultural scenes. Living centrally means shorter commutes but significantly higher costs—expect to pay £2,000-£3,500+ per month for a one-bedroom flat.
Inner London provides a balance between accessibility and affordability. Areas like Brixton, Hackney, Walthamstow, and Stratford offer excellent transport links, diverse communities, and more reasonable rents (£1,400-£2,200 for a one-bedroom). These neighborhoods have seen significant regeneration and offer great amenities, parks, and local culture.
Outer London areas like Croydon, Bromley, Ealing, and Harrow offer more space for your money, better access to green spaces, and a more suburban lifestyle. One-bedroom flats typically cost £1,000-£1,600 per month. While commutes are longer (45-60 minutes to central London), these areas are ideal for families and those prioritizing space over proximity to the city center.
Choosing the right neighborhood depends on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of London's best areas for different needs:
London is one of the world's most expensive cities, but costs vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and location. Here's a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses for different scenarios:
| Expense Category | Budget | Moderate | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed flat) | £1,000-£1,400 | £1,600-£2,200 | £2,500-£3,500+ |
| Council Tax | £100-£150 | £120-£180 | £150-£250 |
| Utilities (gas, electric, water) | £80-£120 | £100-£150 | £120-£200 |
| Transport (Oyster/contactless) | £100-£150 | £150-£220 | £200-£300 |
| Groceries | £150-£200 | £250-£350 | £400-£600 |
| Eating Out & Entertainment | £100-£150 | £200-£400 | £500-£1,000+ |
| Internet & Mobile | £40-£60 | £50-£80 | £60-£100 |
| Total Monthly | £1,570-£2,230 | £2,470-£3,580 | £3,930-£5,950+ |
London's public transport network is one of the world's most comprehensive, but it can be overwhelming for newcomers. Here's everything you need to know to navigate the city efficiently.
The Tube is the fastest way to travel across London, with 11 lines serving 272 stations. Service runs from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays, with Night Tube services on weekends on major lines (Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria). Peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) are extremely crowded—avoid if possible or consider flexible working hours.
London's extensive bus network covers areas the Tube doesn't reach. Buses run 24 hours on many routes, with night buses (prefixed with 'N') serving most areas after midnight. Bus fares are cheaper than the Tube (£1.75 per journey with Hopper fare allowing unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour). Upper deck offers better views and is less crowded.
The Overground connects outer London areas and is less crowded than the Tube. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) serves East London and Docklands with driverless trains. The new Elizabeth Line (opened 2022) provides fast connections from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, significantly reducing journey times across London.
London's rental market is highly competitive, with good properties renting within days or even hours of listing. Here's how to navigate the process successfully:
Be prepared to move quickly when you find a suitable property. The typical process involves:
Once you've secured accommodation, it's time to plan the physical move. London presents unique challenges for moving day, including narrow streets, parking restrictions, and congestion charges.
For moves to London, professional house removal services are highly recommended. They understand London's logistics, have appropriate insurance, and can navigate parking restrictions. Expect to pay £300-£800 for local London moves, or £800-£2,500 for long-distance relocations from other UK cities.
After moving day, there are several essential tasks to complete to settle into your new London home:
London can feel overwhelming at first, but there are many ways to build community and feel at home:
The cost varies significantly based on where you're moving from and the volume of belongings. Local moves within London typically cost £300-£800 for a 2-bedroom flat. Long-distance moves from other UK cities range from £800-£2,500. Additional costs include deposits (typically 5 weeks' rent), letting agent fees, and initial setup expenses for utilities and council tax.
Richmond, Wimbledon, and Dulwich are excellent for families, offering good schools, green spaces, and community atmosphere. Greenwich and Blackheath provide a village feel with excellent transport links. For more affordable options, consider Ealing, Walthamstow, or Bromley, which offer good schools and family-friendly amenities at lower prices.
London's transport network includes the Underground (Tube), buses, Overground, DLR, and National Rail services. Get an Oyster card or use contactless payment for the best fares. The network is divided into zones 1-9, with zones 1-2 covering central London. Daily and weekly caps limit your spending. Consider your commute when choosing where to live, as transport costs add up quickly.
Most Londoners don't own cars due to excellent public transport, high parking costs, and the Congestion Charge (£15/day for driving in central London). However, outer London areas may benefit from car ownership. Consider your specific circumstances: families with young children, jobs requiring travel outside London, or living in poorly connected areas might find a car useful.
Start your search on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. Be prepared to move quickly—good properties rent fast. Budget for 5 weeks' rent as deposit plus first month's rent upfront. Consider temporary accommodation initially while you search in person. Be aware of scams: never transfer money before viewing a property and verifying the landlord's identity.
Moving to London is an exciting adventure that opens doors to incredible opportunities and experiences. While the city can be expensive and overwhelming at first, careful planning and the right support make the transition much smoother. From choosing the perfect neighborhood to navigating the rental market and understanding transport, this guide provides the foundation you need for a successful move.
Whether you're moving from elsewhere in the UK or internationally, Speedy Van specializes in London relocations. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges of moving in London, from parking permits to navigating narrow streets, and we've successfully helped over 50,000 people make London their home.
For more moving advice and tips, explore our other moving guides, or get an instant quote for your London move today.
Professional moving services across London and the UK. Same-day service available. Trusted by 50,000+ customers.
Get Your Free Quote Now