Moving to a new town, city or country calls for adjustment–even to the shortest of distances. You might have moved on your own volition; you might have finally saved enough for your dream home or you a starting a family with your spouse. Sometimes, the changes come with life’s demands; work demands that you find a flat closer to the office or family duties calls on you to visit your elderlies more often.
Whatever the case may be, many cities within the United Kingdom not only gleam in beauty but also with promise. Here are some things you can keep in mind before making a final decision:
Do your research: Unlike before, more information is public domain today. We can read up on people’s travels and perspectives on certain places they have lived in, some more articulate than others. Take advantage of this and gather as much insight as you can.
Make a list: Before choosing a particular place, list down some rules and deal-breakers. These will help you set some boundaries and keep your brain focused on cities (and, eventually, properties) that matter. While they do not have to be wrought in stone, noting things down like your monthly budget can help you from making unsound financial mistakes.
Be open to change: If you are moving to a new country, be open to learning new cultures and lifestyles that are different from what you are used to. This also works on a macro level. As your new neighbours will be different from the ones you previously lived next to, so will the other aspects of your life that you’ve gotten used to like the layout of your nearby grocery store. While an inconvenience (at the very least), these changes are necessary to help you explore and expand your identity.
Pair your moving company to a trusted self-storage unit: While movers help bring your things from one place to another, self-storage units temporarily keep some of your belongings. Until you have properly settled in and made enough space in your home, these items will be locked in a unit where they can be safe from damage. Complete with 24-hour security and insurance, these types of services can ease the initial exhaustion from moving.
As you and your family decide which city to move to, we compiled a shortlist to help you pin down the place you’re looking for.
Listing Them Down
Back in 2013, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published a report that declared that the UK is one of the places to build your career and, subsequently, your future life. This was based on different factors such as income, jobs, community, housing, environment, education and health–to name a few.
As we begin a new decade, it’s good also to acknowledge how these cities have improved since 2013. We considered this factor while we made our list.
Leeds
According to OneFamily, Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK as its population currently sits at 761,500. Apart from the citizens’ high satisfaction rating for their salaries, cost of living, and rent, walking through its streets can already bring a smile on your face. While 11high fashion boutiques and expensive food appeal to someone’s sophistication, Leeds’ proximity to Yorkshire also gives a rustic balance.
Aberdeen
While Aberdeen is Scotland’s third most populated city, its residents feel happy and secure living there and consider it the best place to live and work in. They also have self-storage facilities available for rent. This will keep you from travelling from city to city just to get your things sorted. Aside from its well-known bars and night-life, you are sure to see old, magnificent churches and buildings will awaken your Victorian spirit.
Cardiff
Even though Cardiff stands as Wales’ largest city and capital, it is one of the more affordable cities to live in. You will be surprised at the larger spaces that are priced similarly to smaller flats in busier areas that you will have extra budget to get a skip hire company to handle your waste. Aside from the avid energy from rugby fans, Cardiff also offers peaceful spots where people can experience nature.
London
With over 300 languages spoken in this city, London can just be one of the most culturally diverse cities you can live in. While the cost of living is higher, companies make sure that your wages meet that need. Once you move, it would be best to find a self-storage unit in London as flats tend to be smaller in size. This means that you will not have as much storage space as you used to.
While moving to a new city can be a daunting task at first, this is also an opportunity for a fresh start. Welcome this change as you set your sights on the new place where your new adventure shall begin.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.