Britton and I are moving to London!
We have so many family members and friends who are eager to keep tabs on us that this seems like it’ll be the easiest way to distribute information. That, and maybe a Facebook page (tbd).
Here’s what we know so far:
- We’re leaving the country August 10. We’re having a party August 1. Yes, you’re invited. Or, contact us if that day doesn’t work and you still want to see us!
- We will have temporary housing provided by Britton’s company for 30 days once we get there. After that initial 30-day stint, we are 100% on our own, just like we would be in the States.
- We’ll scout housing almost immediately when we arrive. We really like the Maida Vale neighborhood.
- Our place will most likely be teeny-tiny (think: 240-sq-ft studio). We’re choosing Maida Vale over a neighborhood that is a little farther out, where we could get a little bit more space, but have to ride the train in to the city every day. (Britton’s offices are very near Paddington Station.)
- Maida Vale is also well-positioned on transit lines, so whenever I get a job it hopefully will be relatively easy to commute.
- We’re working with a relocation specialist who knows the ins-and-outs of renting in the UK. She is going to save our sanity.
- I get a work visa under Britton’s visa. This is apparently rather rare, so we are quite thankful that this is the case!! I haven’t started a “real” search yet — I will hit that hard once we’re in London — but am keeping my eyes peeled for opportunities.
- We’re selling our stuff. All of it (except clothes). Most apartments in London are rented furnished, so we should only have to supplement a few pots and pans once we’re over there. We had the choice between shipping our things over or taking a cash buyout, and chose the latter.
- We’ll take all the help we can get. Do you have a random relative in the UK? How about an old college roommate? Any job leads or just delicious places to grab a bite to eat? Let us know!
- We want you to visit! Finding a place that can accommodate a guest or two is high on our priorities list. So, while 240sqft might not fit that bill, we’re hopeful that a couple dozen extra square feet might do the trick. London is for exploring, apartments are for sleeping!