Moving to Birmingham: A Complete Guide

Mar 22 2024

Here is a handy moving house checklist to tick off as you go along, from the beginning of the moving process to your first night in your new home.

Confirm the date of your move

First, you will need to get your moving date officially confirmed. If your new home is at one of our Corkfield apartments, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need ahead of time so you can make the necessary preparations for your new home in Birmingham, setting time-frames for the rest of your to-do list.

Settle any outstanding debts or bills

Should you be renting elsewhere or a homeowner already, you’ll need to tie up any loose ends with your existing utility providers. So, be sure to inform your utility providers of your change of address.

Make sure to settle any bills and council tax payments still owed at your current property before leaving. You may also wish to transfer accounts to your new home, so informing your provider of your change of address will kickstart this process.

Your list of bills may look something like this:

  • Gas
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Council tax
  • TV licence
  • Internet
  • Mobile phone

Inform work, friends, and family of your house move

Chasing up old letters can be a hassle and can cause concerns if sensitive information ends up in the hands of strangers. So, contact the following to let them know you are changing your address:

  • Your employer
  • Consider all healthcare professionals with files in your name, like doctors, dentists, hospitals, or other health specialists
  • Car insurance provider and DVLA
  • Buildings and contents insurance provider if applicable
  • Your bank, home insurance, life insurance, pension, and credit card companies
  • The council and electoral roll

Downsize your belongings to save time and money

Before moving, you could also consider downsizing. It could mean the difference between multiple trips, vans, or breakages. Be stricter with what you keep, or donate or sell the items that you do not need anymore. This can reduce stress when it comes to moving day, minimising any clutter and allowing you to focus on the important things.

If you’re worried about storage space, no need to fret – the clever storage solutions available in our 1-bedroom apartments can cater to a single person, while 2-bedroom apartments offer ample storage for couples or housemates.

Finally, if you’re living with extended family or have children, our 3-bedroom apartments can support families with space-saving and storage needs.

Pack and label boxes

If you have already downsized your unwanted items, this step should be easier. When you’re packing your boxes, be sure to use accurate labels. Additionally, you could consider more robust plastic containers, which can be stacked easily and provide a bit more protection for your valuables than cardboard boxes.

Your first night essentials

So picture this: you’re striking out on your own, about to spend your first night in your brand new, contemporary studio apartment, but the internet isn’t set up yet, the fridge is empty, you have no cutlery, and you haven’t had a brew all day.

To help you settle in on your first night, prepare at least some of the following essentials to help you get settled and make things a little more like home.

  • Duvet and bedding for the first night
  • Cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, and bin bags for cleaning
  • Sanitary and hygiene products
  • Television or radio to keep you occupied
  • Board game
  • A kettle and mugs for coffee and tea

 

Moving to Birmingham: Exploring the city

Now that you know more about how to move to Birmingham, let’s get into what you can expect from this vibrant city.

The cost of living in Birmingham

If you’re considering a move to Birmingham you will be pleased to hear that it is a cheaper place to live in than most other UK cities – especially for those who are moving from London to Birmingham.

As with any town, the closer to the city centre and local amenities you are, the more expensive it is. House prices and council tax are below the national average, making Birmingham one of the more cost-effective places to call home.

Working in Birmingham

A report from Birmingham City Council shows that, in 2021-2022, the top 5 industry sectors to work in are:

  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Retail
  • Military
  • Hospitality

So, if your career is in any of these industries and you’re looking to find work in the city, be sure to check out the local job market before moving, so you can set yourself up with work ahead of time.

Nightlife in Birmingham

There are a variety of different bars and clubs around the city that are always thriving. And, if you’ll be calling Corkfield your home, you’ll have your very own Neighbourhood to explore while living here.

What is the Neighbourhood, you might be wondering? Designed to incorporate a thriving community of independent businesses that fulfil all manner of needs, we’ve partnered with the best of the best. Saving you money with discounts exclusive to Corkfield residents and providing a place of excitement and enrichment right on your doorstep, it’s all part of what makes living at Corkfield so special.

Somewhere in Brum, for example, is a cosy haunt to get merry with your friends. There’s also the quintessentially British Pub The Queen’s Arms, which will be ready to welcome you with, well, open arms, should you yearn for bubbles on a Friday night.

For a more industrial vibe, Attic Brew Co. is another trendy venue for a well-poured pint with your friends.

Transport in Birmingham

Transport is always something to consider when moving to a new city.

The last thing you want to do is move and not know how to get around easily or experience stressful, poorly managed public transport networks.

Thankfully, Birmingham offers a good public transport system, including bus, train and tram networks.

For context:

  • Your commute on the train from London to Birmingham generally only takes between 1 and 2 hours
  • A commute to Manchester Piccadilly from Birmingham New Street is 1 hour 30 minutes
  • The commute between Birmingham and Leeds is just under 2 hours

Not only is getting around Birmingham itself easy, but there are three central rail stations – including Birmingham New Street Train Station – so you can easily access the rest of the UK. Whether for work or pleasure, it helps to be connected.

Culture

For a spot of history and culture, there are plenty of museums and art galleries to venture out to, such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Birmingham has lots of young families living in the area, and there are heaps of fun attractions and events held locally to keep the kids entertained.

For the football fans out there, the football teams Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom all call Birmingham home. There are also many parks and green spaces for the whole family to enjoy, so you can spend time exercising or kicking back, relaxing and soaking up some nature – even in the heart of the city! This is great for people with pets too.

For lunching and socialising, our very own Neighbourhood Heroes offer homely, independent cafe experiences like Boston Tea Party in Edgbaston.

If shopping is more of what you’re looking for, Birmingham provides a wealth of retail therapy. There are multiple different shopping districts, like the Bullring & Grand Central shopping centre, to indulge in a shopping spree should you want to treat yourself or your loved ones.

Find your next best thing in Birmingham

If you love metropolitan vibes and green spaces, then moving to Birmingham will get you exactly that. Stacked with career, social, and leisure activities, keeping you both busy and entertained, Birmingham is a charming city to call home. Many beautiful moments await.

Still not settled on your apartment? Feel free to book a Corkfield viewing. Have a question for us? Don’t hesitate to get in touch or call us on 0121 716 7959.

 

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