Here’s How To Move To London: Comprehensive Timeline + Checklist

You’ve decided to move to London…now what? 

I’m going to hold your hand while I tell you this: the hard part begins now. You’ve got a lot to accomplish, you’ll need a lot of money to do it, and this process will take a while. 

I’ve moved to London from America twice, and the second time wasn’t any easier. But I’ve learned a lot, and I’m going to give you the guide I wish I had before I started.

Here’s how to move to London, step by step. I’ll show you exactly what I did, when I did it, how long it takes, and reveal my most vital tips for a successful (and relatively painless) move abroad.

Part 1: Planning Your Move

This is the most vital and time-consuming part of the whole process. You’ll need to get these things in order well before you venture out of your home country. 

The rest of your move will be dependent on step one: obtaining a VISA. This is your right to live and work in the UK, and you absolutely cannot move without it.

It’s best to start the VISA process at least 6 months ahead of time, if not more, depending on the reasons for your move and your VISA pathway. 

Step 1: VISAs & Gathering Documents 

Your very first step is applying for and obtaining a UK Visa. You can’t live or work in London without one. 

Always consult with an immigration attorney if you have any questions or problems with this step. It’s better to do it right the first time then to get denied, and have your hopes and dreams crushed.

While you’re gathering paperwork for your VISA application, it’s a good idea to get all your documents in order in case you are, indeed, moving abroad. 

Get a small accordion-type file folder that will fit in your suitcase. As you add these documents to it, scan them with your phone, and keep the folder somewhere handy until move day. 

I like the TurboScan app (which can also email the scanned documents to your address for an extra backup), but regular photos are fine, too. 

✅ Pack and Scan: 

• Certificates: Birth, marriage, divorce, etc. Get certified copies, and make copies of the copies. 
• Medical Records, vaccine records, dental records (especially important as it’s much harder to access these from abroad due to many countries’ privacy laws)
• Social Security Cards or government documents 
• Deeds/property/stock records
• School records
• Tax information & financial records
• Passports (Important: make physical copies of your passports and put them in your carry on, just in case)

How Long Will This Step Take? 

This all depends on how long it’s taking the UK to approve VISAS. Sometimes you’ll be approved in 6 weeks, and sometimes it’ll be 6 months. You’ll have to be patient, flexible, and meticulous when applying. 

Keep in mind that while your VISA is processing, you will be unable to travel out of your home country.

Step 2: Go on a Scouting Trip (Dependent on Your VISA timeline) 

While your VISA is pending, you will not be able to travel (you will have surrendered your passport). It’s best to do a scouting trip either after it’s approved, but before you move, or before you even apply. 

Sometimes you won’t be able to do this step, because of money, timing, or other factors. That’s okay. It’s not a necessity, it’ll just make things easier in the long run. 

If you’re moving with kids, like I did, this step is vital. It will help your children with their anxieties, and cope with such a major life change. Seeing their new country is so helpful with navigating the unknown.

✅ On this trip to London, your objectives are: 

1. Scout out neighborhoods you may like to live in, and set out a preliminary budget for housing costs. 
2. Set up a UK Bank account. You must have one in order to rent a property in the UK. (Sometimes you can do this from your home country, but sometimes you can’t. It depends on what banks are available in your country that also have UK branches).
3. Get comfortable with transport, so you have an idea of how long it takes to get from place to place. This will also help you figure out where to live, and therefore how much to budget for housing. 

How Many Days Should I Stay? 

I’d aim for a week, but sometimes that’s not feasible. Give yourself at least 3 full days to explore, check out the rental market, and get comfortable with London transport.

Step 3: Organize Your Moving Plans (at least 3 months ahead)

Ready to spend a whole lot of money? Here are the things you’ll need to book ahead of time to prepare for the big day. 

✅ Arrange:  

• International movers. There are 2 types of shipments: air and sea. Air is more expensive, but will typically be there in 3-6 weeks. Sea is cheaper, but can take more than 3 months. Get a few quotes, and do this at least 4 months ahead of time if you want to find the best price.
• At least 1 month of temporary housing in the UK (6 weeks is preferable). Have a backup plan for extra time, too. Book this as far in advance as you can, especially if you’re moving in the summer. See my full guide on temporary accommodation in London for more tips. 
• Flights. Add extra luggage on your ticket – this is cheaper than shipping your belongings. 
• Book everyone one last medical, dental and/or vision appointment. Make sure all vaccines are up to date. Have the offices print records for you. 

Step 4: Cancel Your Old Life (1-2 months ahead) 

You’re moving to a new country, so cancel everything old and bring on the new! Make sure all your bills are paid first, of course.

Call/email ahead and give an end date so you know when to expect your last bill from all your providers. Make sure you’re signed up for e-billing everywhere so you don’t miss anything (and have it sent to collections…eek). 

✅ Cancel or notify of cancellation: 

• Any monthly subscriptions you can’t keep internationally (country-specific online subscriptions like Hulu & HBO, subscription boxes, apps, etc.)
• Utilities: Water, Sewer, garbage, electricity, etc. 
• Cell phone plan (more on this in step 7). 
• Internet 
• Car/home/renters insurance 
• Medical insurance (if it’s not connected to your employer)

Step 5: Start Setting Up Your New Life (1-2 months ahead) 

✅ Set up the following services: 

• An international bank account. I keep repeating this, because this is VITAL. You can’t accomplish anything without one. 
• A mail forwarding service. There are a ton of mail forwarding companies that will accept your US Mail (so you’ll also have a US address in case you need it), photograph it, and email you to see if it needs to be opened and scanned. I use US Global Mail so I can still have a US address, and it’s worked well for me.
• E-billing: make sure you won’t receive paper bills anymore. 
• A storage unit in your home country, if you need one.

✅ Purchase or Order New Necessities: 

• Charging converters (get the universal kind for travel–one for each person–plus a few country-to-country specific ones for any countertop electronics you’re bringing)
• A UK SIM card or E-SIM, so the moment the plane touches down, you’ll be connected. Once you’re over the jet lag you can get a new local phone SIM or plan. 
• A 3-month supply of any prescription medications you’ll need. Most American insurance companies will do this. 
• Extra suitcases. In most cases, it’s much cheaper to pay to check a bag than to ship things by freight. 

Step 6: Pack up Your Stuff (start at least 1 month ahead) 

Some things you use daily now you won’t need in the UK, and some things you just won’t have space for. When it comes to packing for moving abroad, less is more. Your entire life is changing, and you’ll be surprised at what that means for your possessions.

Refer to the guidelines set out by your international moving company for what you can and can’t bring, be realistic, and get everything ready by dividing into categories. Less is always more. 

✅ Get supplies: moving boxes, tape, cartons, etc, if you’re not having the moving company pack.

✅ Divide your stuff into categories, even if the moving company is packing you.

Suitcase Stuff 🧳

This one is obvious. If you have an air shipment coming, one week of clothing will likely be enough. 

Air Shipment 📦

These are things you’ll need within the first 6-8 weeks of being in London. I like to pack kitchen essentials (favorite pan, knives, seasonings, etc) so I can keep cooking in temporary accommodation, as well as toys/books for kids, more shoes, toiletries, etc. 

Sea Shipment 📦

Everything else you’ll need for your life in the UK. This will be the bulk of your shipment. Remember not to pack single-voltage electronics if you’re American: they’ll blow out and break in the UK (yes, sometimes even with a voltage converter). 

Storage 🔐

Anything you want to keep, but won’t need in the UK. 

Get Rid of/Sell 🏷️

• Cars and other vehicles
• Furniture, if you’re not taking it with you (tip: don’t bring American furniture to Europe. It’s too oversized for most homes here). 
• Small appliances. They won’t convert to European voltage and you’ll burn out the motors, even plugged into a converter box. (Trust me. I learned the hard way and ruined a Kitchen Aid mixer). 
• Garden equipment (in London, you usually don’t need it!) 
• Bikes/scooters if you’re not bringing them
• Anything else you’re not bringing. Donate or Freecycle/Buy Nothing what you can. 

Step 7: Prepare For Moving Day (1 week before) 

You’re almost there! Book the last few essentials, then double-check your work. 

✅ Book: 

• Transport for you and your bags to and from the airport on both ends. 
• Early check-in at your accommodation if needed. 

✅ Make Sure you Have: 

• Documents (passports & VISA documents, IDs, vaccination records, etc.) 
• Chargers & SIM card
• Medications 

✅ If the moving company is packing your household, make sure you’ve labeled and divided your items according to what is going in which shipment (I used separate rooms – along with labels – for items that were air shipment, sea shipment, storage, staying put, etc.).

Step 8: Moving Day 

It’s here! Besides the obvious travel prep, and physically moving your stuff (or dealing with the moving company) there are a few important things to do: 

✅ The day your plane leaves: 

• Port your phone number to Google Voice (USA only) and install the Google Voice app, or use whatever VOIP is available in your home country. You have to do this whilst still on your local mobile network and it can take up to 24 hours to port. This way, you will maintain that phone number and can still use it online.
• Double-check you have all of your passports and travel/immigration documents, as well as physical photocopies in your luggage just in case. 
• Pack the folder of important documents you created in step 1 into your suitcase.  
• Breathe. You’re almost there! 

Part 2: After You Move 

You did it…now what? 

Step 9: Your First Week in the UK 

Once you arrive, it’s time to hit the ground running. I know you’re exhausted, but you’re almost there, I promise.

✅ Your First Week in the UK:

• Open a UK bank account, if you haven’t done that already. This is priority #1. You can’t rent a property without one. Yes, I keep repeating this. Yes, it’s that important.
• Pick up your Biometric Residence Permit from your selected location (usually a post office) within 10 days of arrival in the country. This is your proof of residency that you must have (these will change to digital cards in December 2024: check current requirements here).
• Change your phone to the UK App store so you can download local apps (Tesco, Boots, NHS, Oyster, etc).  
• Start searching for properties and book viewings. See my guide here for the quickest way to get your foot in the door and bypass phone calls back and forth with agents. 
• Do something enjoyable! Book an afternoon tea, see a West End show, walk along the Thames. You’ve done it, and you should celebrate! 

Step 10: Find a Property

The clock is ticking, and so is your bank account. London properties are being let further and further in advance these days, so it’s important to start searching as soon as you can. 

✅ Start Your Property Search:

• Scour Rightmove. This should be your first, go-to source for rentals. 
• Email/message in the app, using this list (filled in with your own info): 

1. Preferred location: 
2. Ideal move date: 
3. Preferred number of bedrooms:
4. Number of applicants:
5. Pets: 
6. Furnished/unfurnished:
7. Maximum budget: 
8. Combined household income: 
9. Any other preferences:

• Book viewings. Be ready to put in an offer ASAP if you like the property. For very desirable flats, there will be a bidding war where you may have to offer more money or a longer lease.
• Have a backup plan in case you don’t secure the place you want. Keep many irons in the fire to avoid disappointment. This is likely the most stressful part of the whole move, but you can get through it.

Once You’ve Found Your Property 

• After you’ve found your property, gather the necessities you’ll need (dishes, sheets, towels, etc.) to spend the first available night in your new property. IKEA is an affordable source that delivers. Don’t pay for one more night in your temporary accommodations unless you have to. 
• Order any larger furniture you will need ASAP (sofas, mattresses, etc) and secure a delivery date. 
• Register with your local GP with your new address. Drop off your medical and vaccine records. Get familiar with the NHS app. 
• Order internet for your new flat. If the current tenants are with a certain company, installation with that company may be faster. Search here to see the options for your address. 
• Establish renter’s insurance and notify the property management company. 
• Sign up for Council Tax and utilities. The rental agreement should show you which companies to contact. 

Step 11: You Now Live in London! 

The last few bits of admin need to be taken care of, but then you can just start to acclimate to your new life! 

✅ The Last Few Bits:

• Change all addresses to your new address, including bank account, credit card, phone billing, rewards cards, etc. This is especially important for your bank, because if your address doesn’t match your records, you can run into trouble. 
• Move to a monthly mobile plan if you’ve been on a pay-as-you-go SIM (it may be cheaper, especially for family plans). Change your phone number on all of your accounts if you moved from a temporary SIM to a monthly plan. 
• Check on your sea shipment, if you have one coming. They will usually call and offer you dates, and grab whichever one you can. Their slots fill up fast, and you don’t want to have to wait two weeks when your stuff is just sitting in a warehouse ready to be delivered. 

Suggested Timeline for Moving to London

If you want just the timeline of what to do and when to do it, I’ve got you covered.

This is estimated based on my two separate moves to London, but will – of course – vary based on your personal circumstances.

6+ Months Before Move

1. Start VISA Process & Gather Documents
   • Duration: 6+ months (can vary)
   • What to do: Apply for a VISA, gather necessary documents (birth certificates, medical records, financial records, etc.). The processing time for visas varies, so start this step early to avoid delays.

4-6 Months Before Move

2. Scouting Trip to London (Optional)
   • Duration: 3-7 days
   • What to do: If possible, visit London to explore neighborhoods, get familiar with transport, and start setting up a UK bank account. Consider your budget for housing during this trip.
3. Get Quotes for International Movers
   • Duration: 1-3 weeks to gather quotes and choose movers
   • What to do: Book movers for air and/or sea shipments. Air shipments take 3-6 weeks, and sea shipments take 3+ months, so plan accordingly. A combination of both is usually the easiest.

3+ Months Before Move

4. Book Temporary Housing & Flights
   • Duration: 1-2 weeks
   • What to do: Secure at least 1 month of temporary accommodation in London. Book flights and add extra luggage to your ticket to save on shipping costs.
5. Set Medical Appointments
   • Duration: 1-2 weeks to schedule and complete appointments
   • What to do: Book final medical, dental, and vision appointments. Ensure all vaccinations and health records are up to date.

1-2 Months Before Move

6. Cancel Subscriptions & Services
   • Duration: 1-2 weeks
   • What to do: Cancel utilities, internet, insurance, and other subscriptions you won’t need in the UK. Set up e-billing for any remaining services.
7. Set Up Your New Life in the UK
   • Duration: 1-2 weeks
   • What to do: Open an international bank account and set up mail forwarding services. Order charging converters, SIM cards, and stock up on prescription medications.

At Least 1 Month Before Move

8. Start Packing
   • Duration: 3-6 weeks
   • What to do: Start packing belongings into categories (suitcase, air shipment, sea shipment, storage, sell/donate). Stick to a realistic packing plan to avoid last-minute stress. Start early to avoid headaches.
9. Sell or Donate Items You’re Not Bringing
   • Duration: 3-6 weeks
   • What to do: Sell large items like furniture, cars, and appliances that won’t make the move. Donate or recycle other items you no longer need.

1 Week Before Move

10. Final Prep for Move Day
    • Duration: 1 week
    • What to do: Confirm transportation to the airport, double-check important documents, and ensure luggage is packed and ready.

Moving Day

11. Final Tasks on Moving Day

• Duration: 1 day
• What to do: Port your phone number, ensure all travel documents are in order, and relax! You’re almost there.

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After Arrival in the UK

1. First Week in the UK
   • Duration: 7-10 days
   • What to do: Set up a UK bank account (if you haven’t already), pick up your Biometric Residence Permit, start searching for properties, and cope with jet lag.
2. Property Hunt
   • Duration: 2-8 weeks (can vary)
   • What to do: Actively search for properties, book viewings, and be prepared to make offers. Having a backup plan is essential in London’s competitive market.
3. Settling into Your New Home
   • Duration: 1-2 weeks after securing a property
   • What to do: Move into your new property, set up utilities, internet, and register with the local GP. Finalize any last-minute moving admin tasks.
4. Final Tasks:
   • Duration: Ongoing
   • What to do: Change your addresses for all important accounts (bank, phone, etc.), set up renter’s insurance, and adjust to your new life in London.

Moving to London Checklist

Print , download, or screenshot this essential checklist below:

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