Relocation

[anywhereawayfromhere]

I live in London in private rental, I work part time (for health reasons) on minimum wage and with rent costs so high I'm struggling.

I'd like to move to a cheaper area. I have no family or friends keeping me tied to here so I can move anywhere really. But I have no idea where to start.

I don't know if I can even afford to move, I have very little savings so even if I choose somewhere with very low rents I don't know if I will be able to afford a deposit and months in advance and all the fees and removal van costs.

How do you choose where to go when you can choose anywhere at all? Spin a globe? Throw a dart at a map? If you like where you live in an area which doesn't have crazy high rents I'd love some suggestions!

My only requirement is not too rural as I don't drive.

Any tips on the cheapest ways to completely relocate your whole life? Are removal vans very expensive, would it be cheaper to get rid of all my furniture and just move myself and a suitcase and start over completely from scratch? What do I do if I can't get another private rental, can I apply for council housing in a different area?

hopeful bump 🙂

Would you plan to commute to your current job? If so look at fares as well as rent. Traditionally Kent and Essex are lower cost options within a shorter commute but it depends how often you need to and what physical limitations you may have. Two days from further away may still be doable, for example.

No commute, I just work in a shop so will find a new job in whichever area I move to

Would you like a city or a town?

If a city is where you see yourself I'd look at Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle.

Town or city, open to all suggestions!

I would suggest a small market town. Big enough to get about on busses etc but small enough to have a community feel and a thriving restaurant and pub culture.

Ooh you lucky thing- the world (well, UK) at your fingertips! How I wish I was in your boat right now.

You won't be eligible for council housing as a single adult, no, waiting lists are usually around 5-10 years long.

I'd move to the seaside! Somewhere pretty. If you've got furniture you love then just rent a van and take it all with you. If you're not bothered, sell the lot and buy new bits when you arrive.

I like Broadstairs- is pretty, good transport and excellent beach and cheap.

This sounds perfect!

Does anyone have any suggestions for nice market towns? Anywhere in the uk, no family or job commitments so don't need good schools or easy commute or anything like that.

Yes somewhere pretty would be nice! Or the seaside. I kind of assumed pretty and beaches would be on the more expensive side.
Googling Broadstairs, sounds perfect thanks for the suggestion

That one was too expensive. Anyone got any other suggestions?