What are the popular areas to live in London?
As the largest city in the UK by a large margin, it can be difficult to decide on where to live.
South London is ideal for those seeking green spaces and a family-friendly atmosphere. Crystal Palace offers more affordable rent compared to the city centre, allowing you to enjoy life without overspending. Earlsfield's village-like vibe comes with excellent transport links, making it easy to settle in. For spacious homes and good schools, Balham is the perfect choice for young professionals and families alike.
West London provides a relaxed suburban feel. Chiswick is known for its great schools and parks, balancing convenience and tranquillity. Ealing combines lush parks with top-rated schools and strong transport links, including the Elizabeth Line, ensuring quick access to central London and Heathrow for work or leisure.
North London features trendy neighbourhoods like Islington, with a lively High Street full of fantastic restaurants and cultural attractions such as the Almeida Theatre. This area is buzzing with energy and is ideal for families. Crouch End, on the other hand, offers a charming, leafy environment with independent shops and a relaxed vibe, perfect for those wanting a quieter lifestyle close to the city.
East London is a hub for creatives and young professionals. Hackney’s artsy atmosphere attracts many young creatives, while Bethnal Green blends history and modern living, offering affordable housing and community spirit. With plenty of good schools and easy access to central London, these neighbourhoods are perfect for your next move!
No matter where you plan on moving, trust our London moving experts to help you on your journey. Our London-based partners know the city well and can help you navigate the challenges of moving, saving you time and money.
Public Transport in London
Navigating London’s public transport system is easy once you get the hang of it! The city is well-connected, and there are multiple options for the same journey when travelling. The transport system is run by Transport for London.
The Tube (underground) is the quickest way to get around, and the Overground and DLR serve areas outside the central zone. To use the system, simply tap in and out with an Oyster card or contactless payment card (like a debit or credit card) at the barriers.
The bus network is extensive and accepts the same contactless payment methods. For convenience, download the Citymapper app or TFL GO to plan your journeys — it’ll help you navigate the best routes and find the quickest connections.
If you prefer a more active option, there are dedicated bike lanes in some areas of the city and bike hire schemes are widely available.
Education and Schools
Moving in London with school-age children means you’ll need to find the right school for your child, whether it’s a state or private school. To find local schools, use the Find a School service or check out the London Boroughs’ Education Pages. You can put up to 6 schools on your application. If you’re moving mid-year, you can apply for an in-year transfer through your local council’s website. Don’t forget to look into school admissions criteria and deadlines, as they can vary by area!
Parking and Permits
How do I arrange parking for my London Removal?
Once you have confirmed your moving date, it's a good idea to contact your local council to find out about any parking restrictions in your area. Even if street parking is available, arranging a parking suspension guarantees you a space.
Each council has unique procedures, so it's great to check early to make loading and unloading faster. If your removal team needs to park along a red route, you can check if you can arrange a dispensation on the TFL Red Route website.
What about the ULEZ and Congestion Charge Zones in London?
Depending on your destination, you may need to pay the Congestion or the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges during your move. London's Congestion Charge (CC) is £15 per vehicle daily. You can check the TFL Website to determine if you will be in the CC zone during your move.
The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) covers the whole of London and costs £12.50 per vehicle daily. Top Tip check on this early as you may be eligible for a Resident’s Discount on the congestion charge zone.
Local Storage Facilities
All of these companies have several locations across the capital. No matter where you are, you’ll find a solution for r short-term storage needs as you settle in or longer-term storage.
- Big Yellow Self Storage : Big Yellow offers flexible storage options for both personal and business use. They have secure facilities, 24/7 access, and a range of sizes to suit different needs.
- Access Self Storage : Access Self Storage provides secure and affordable storage with options for short and long-term rentals. They offer both personal and business storage solutions.
- Shurgard Self-Storage : Shurgard provides a variety of storage units, including climate-controlled options. They offer flexible rental terms and 24/7 security monitoring.
- Storebox : Storebox has convenient options near major transport hubs. They offer secure, accessible storage with flexible rental terms, ideal for both short-term and long-term needs.
Waste and Recycling
One of the most effective ways to reduce moving costs is to declutter before the big day. Items that are in good condition can be donated to local charity shops or through council donation programs. For information on local recycling centres for damaged items, contact your local council.
