Should I throw this away? Maybe I'll use it for something.
Were you ever in this dilemma?
You probably were, it's normal. You know the feeling that comes to it, right? Now, imagine having it every single time you want to get rid of something. There are no moments of clarity when you clear everything, just the feeling of keeping on to something.
That's hoarding, and it's a psychological disorder. In fact, it's classified under anxiety disorders, and it's complex and serious just as an eating disorder.
According to Help for Hoarders UK, there are over 1.2 million people in the UK who suffer from it, which is approximately 2-5% of the population.
It's not easy to overcome this, but there is a way. The first thing that needs to be done is admitting the problem and getting psychological help.
Along with emotional support, people suffering from hoarding also need help with organising.
Professional organisers & declutterers Sally Ryan (Love2Declutter) and Mimi Bogelund (The Organised Home and Life) shared their experiences with us.
Decluttering tips for hoarders
1. Create categories and subcategories
Mimi points out that having a plan is a starting point. - However hard it may be, trying to work methodically, in specific categories and subcategories can help. Start with what you find easiest.
-You might feel ready to let the paper go, so tackle the subcategories: magazines, newspapers and flyers that were piled up - explains Mimi.
2. Start with small areas
Sally suggests starting with small areas.
- It can be a small drawer, a handbag or just a magazine pile. Deal with each item, one by one. Only clear that one small space and congratulate yourself on what you have achieved, don't beat yourself up about what you have yet to do - says Sally.
3. Make a schedule to make a habit
Creating a schedule with clear goals and sticking to it is another good technique for clearing the space.
- Give yourself a goal of one, two or three items a day with weekends off. Again, pat yourself on the back for decluttering your chosen number of items and don't stress about what is still to do. Decluttering is a habit and takes practice - recommends Sally.
4. Room by room
When you feel ready, try to clean out a whole room. Start with your bathroom. Tell yourself over and over again that keeping old pills can be really harmful. Toss away any personal care products you have over a year. When you're finished with the bathroom, move to the next easiest room.
5. Organise the throwing away part
Decluttering isn't just about clearing one drawer or one room and moving the clutter to another part of your home.
You can't just toss everything in front of your house, or stash the garbage in the backyard as you will most probably find yourself returning some of the items.
Ideally, says Sally, you can do the following with the waste:
- Good quality items: give away to charity.
- Share the sentimental family items with your family and relatives.
- Recycle paper, plastic, metal.
- Sell on Freegle/Freecycle or other pre-loved marketplaces; or sell on a car boot sale (of course, once these lockdowns stop).
6. Box the stuff you still can't throw away
Once you get to that phase that you cleared a lot, but you're still uncertain about some things, box them. But limit the number of that boxes to a maximum of three.
Don't tuck them somewhere in your pantry, shed or attic.
Move them to a storage facility, somewhere out of your sight. After a year passes, if you didn't need any of the items in those boxes, you should get rid of them. How? Like we explained.
7. One in, other out
After you finally clear out the clutter, it will be tough to keep it that way. So, try to stick to a simple rule: One in, other out.
For example, if you buy new jeans, throw one. That will keep your mind and your things in order. Try to be a minimalist with clothing.
Always ask for help
A lot can trigger the hoarding disorder, and as people are different, so are their collecting habits.
From Mimi's experience, collected items are rarely something practical.
- Items that hoarders collect vary hugely from each individual and rarely have anything to do with monetary value or practical use - says Mimi.
People can pile anything, magazines, books, toy cars, video cassettes, old cables, shampoo bottles... The important thing is that they shouldn't be judged.
If you have a problem with your clutter, always remember to go back to the first step - ask for psychological help.
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We're sorry, we don't want to sound grinchy, but it's time to say goodbye to Christmas. Just look at your Christmas tree. The poor thing doesn't have any needles on it anymore.
If the tree's sad look isn't reason enough, maybe the fact that everyone is removing it is. Since the Victorian Era, people across the UK are removing decorations on the Twelfth Night of Christmas.
That info can be confusing as some consider January 5 as that day while some think its January 6 as it's the 12th day after Christmas.
January 6 is the Epiphany, the day when the Three Kings came to baby Jesus with gifts, guided by the star.
Whatever day you pick for storing Christmas decoration, that's absolutely fine (although the superstition says you'll have bad luck if you don't take it off on the right date).
Superstitious or not, the best way to store your Christmas decorations is to store it so you can use all of them next year.
Basic tips for storing Christmas decorations
- Sort everything - Christmas baubles, lights, and whatever else you might have.
- Clean the ornaments from artificial snow if there is any.
- Remove batteries from any lights or ornament you might have.
- Use transparent plastic bags for storing plastic baubles.
- For fragile Christmas ornaments, you can use old egg cardboard boxes to store them.
- When putting ornaments in a box, use bubble wrap or tissue paper to avoid damage.
- Label everything.
- Store them in a dry place to prevent mould from appearing on the decorations.
Your Chrismas decorations should be perfectly fine when you store them like that, but we have more insights on storing the festive stuff.
How to store Christmas lights?
Store your Christmas lights separately from other ornaments. There are two reasons to do so:
- You can use your Christmas lights for any party you will be organising, especially if your Christmas lights are outdoors. Summer evening garden parties look really nice decorated with tiny lights.
- Lights are electronics, and storing electronic devices has its own rules and principles.
Whenever you'll use the lights again, whether it's the garden party you don't want to occupy yourself with detangling. It's the worst-case scenario, and it can ruin your decorating mojo.
To be sure you've done everything right:
- Remove the batteries from your Christmas lights if there are any.
- Check if all the light bulbs are working and try to fix them by twisting or wiggling them.
- Wind them up. It's vital to wind the lights neatly, so they are ready for use when you unbox them.
You probably got a plastic winder with the light which you probably threw away. So, find a coat hanger or a piece of cardboard and wrap the lights around it. Wrap the lights around it neatly, and you're ready for the next season. Of course, use a separate piece of cardboard or a coat hanger for every Christmas light.
- Put the lights in a cardboard box, add some newspapers bubble wrap in between.
- Store in a dry place.
Store your artificial Christmas tree like this
Having an artificial Christmas tree has its benefits - the needles don't fall off and, even though it's made out of plastic, you can use it again and again.
If you want to make a positive impact on the environment, environmental experts say, you have to use it for, at least, 10 years.
But to use it for a decade and more you have to store it with care, so it resembles the tree you picked up at the store.
1. Remove the sections first, unplugging them one by one and gently laying them on the floor.
2. Gently clean the dust off. Make sure that everything is dry.
3. Fold up the branches, so they are pointed upward.
4. If you don't have a bag or a plastic container take some plastic wrap (the kitchen one will do) and put it around the folded branches. That way you secure it.
5. Store your tree in a dry place. Even though it's plastic, it can get a mouldy smell if stored in a damp place. You really don't want your magical Christmas tree to smell like an old basement once you open it up next year.
Where to put your Christmas decoration?
When you live in a big house with a big garage, you don't ask yourself that question. If you live in London, you're one of the lucky people who have space, and you can put it in your attic or shed. Most of us live in apartments.
The most important thing is to put your Christmas decoration and the tree in a dry place or protect it from moisture.
Try to move the boxes under the bed or deep in the pantry, where you don't usually go in.
When the bauble box becomes yet another annoying box that you trip over, it's time to send it to storage.
Access Box Storage can pick it up whenever you want & we'll return it right before your next Christmas. It's hassle-free storage.
Having a clean and neat home can be one of the most satisfying feelings, but finding the time and motivation to clean up is not always the easiest. Over time, your things naturally accumulate, piling up until you notice how many things you have in your home.
At one point, you may get sick of seeing the mess and the extra or unwanted items lying around in different parts of your place. When this happens, it may be time to declutter your house.
Decluttering may not be the most exciting thing to do, but the thing about this task is that if you don’t do it now, the chances are you won’t do it.
Thus, pushing yourself to get to the task at hand will be the best way to ensure you can accomplish it.
Fortunately, it’s possible to finish this in one day. Decluttering may sound like a time-consuming activity, but with the tips below, you will learn more about how to declutter your house in one day.
Make a house decluttering plan
Before you get to work, start by creating a home decluttering plan.
Having a plan beforehand can ensure you maximize your time and use it efficiently. To declutter your home, start by designating a space to put all the unused items that you plan to sell or donate.
One of the most common techniques is to go from room to room, so you do not feel overwhelmed or mix things up. This is essentially the divide and conquer approach, which is also often considered the most efficient since you concentrate on one area at a time.
Another way to approach your decluttering plan is the KonMari method, popularized by Marie Kondo, where you “divide and conquer” by category, rather than by location.
The order starts with clothes, followed by books, papers, miscellaneous goods, then mementoes. There is no answer as to what method is better, so the important thing is to find what works best for you.
As you go through each room, it will help to make an inventory of your belongings. List down all your items per room, then mark each of them under Keep, Throw, Sell, or Donate. This way, you can have an organized system and checklist to go back to if you are looking for a particular thing.
When In doubt, ask these questions
If you’re not sure how to declutter your home or where to begin, an effective way to breeze through the process is to ask questions. One of the most challenging parts about decluttering is determining what to do with some items, especially if you feel conflicted about keeping or getting rid of them.
For some, the answer may come quick and easy, but for others, it may not be as clear.
When in doubt, ask these questions the next time you pick up an item:
- Do I use it? If I do, how often do I use it or when was the last time I used it?
- Do I have something similar that serves the same purpose?
- Do I truly love it? Does the item hold irreplaceable sentimental value?
- Is this something I can borrow instead?
- Can I move these to a reliable box storage space in my area and make space for items I truly need in my home?
- Would I rebuy this item or recommend it to someone?
- Do I have another one of these?
There is no hard rule to decluttering as there are truly many ways to go about it, but the key is to take the first step. The thought of rummaging through tons of things may not sound like the best way to spend your time, but once you see the effects of cleaning your home, you may just be convinced. By having a proper plan and organized system, you can get the job done in a day.
Storing your electronics temporarily can be a good idea, especially if you're renovating your city home or getting away for a while.
We don't want to sound like we don't trust people, but leaving gadgets and electronics unprotected could make them not just disappear but also - get damaged.
If you're leaving the city for a while, your appartment could get broken into, especially if you live in an unsafe part of London.
When you find yourself in those scenarios, it's much safer to store your gadgets in storage.
Before you do so, read a few tips on how to store electronic devices properly.
Can you put electronics in storage?
The first question you may have is: Can you put electronics in storage? The answer to this is yes, you certainly can!
However, before placing any type of electronic device in a storage unit, you must prepare them carefully to ensure that they stay protected while stored.
Having a climate-controlled environment is crucial in storing electronic devices as the wrong temperature, and humidity levels can damage your possessions (a shed or a garage aren't a good choice).
First, electronics must not get mixed with water, so your storage unit must have controlled humidity levels to prevent moisture from seeping into your devices. Second, the storage facility must not be too hot or cold and must maintain optimum temperature levels of about 50 to 80 degrees throughout.
If you have old electronics laying around and not being used, the best thing you can do is recycle them. However, if you still plan to use them, but not for the time being, it will be useful to keep them in a storage unit while they are not in use.
How to store electronics in storage?
Preparing your devices for storage is important to keep them intact and in good condition, especially if you plan to keep them in storage for a long time.
- Clean your electronics
Like how you would prepare any other item for storage, start by cleaning all your electronics thoroughly, use a cloth to wipe off any dust, making sure to reach the crevices and circuit. Doing this will not only help keep your electronics clean but also give you an idea of their current condition, so you know if there is any damage to them once you inspect your storage unit. - Disassemble and take out batteries
Removing your electronics' batteries is important if you will not be using them for some time to prevent leaking and preserve the battery. If there is anything else you can dismantle from the device, make sure to do so and organize all the components together, so nothing is lost while in storage.
Whether it be electronic parts, cords, wires or other things, make sure you take inventory of everything you have for each device. This way, you can easily determine if anything goes missing after checking your storage unit. - Pack in original boxes
Once your electronics are ready, pack them in their original boxes, if possible. The original packaging is most ideal since your device will fit perfectly into it and often has anti-static material to prevent the device from breaking while in transit. If you no longer have them, you can pack them in a similar-sized box and wrap it with bubble wrap and other packaging materials.
Do electronics go bad in storage?
A common question that many people may have is: Do electronics go bad in storage? Say, you have an old television lying around in your apartment, and you want to store it temporarily for some time.
You might be wondering: Is it safe to store a TV in a storage unit? Electronic devices tend to be significant investments, so naturally, you may be concerned about what will happen to them when kept in a storage unit for a longer time.
Fortunately, if you choose a reliable storage company that has the proper facility and prepare your electronics carefully, you can rest assured that your devices will stay safe in storage.
For example, with Box Storage, the process is straightforward and easy. All you have to do is type in your postcode, and you will get an overview of the rates based on the number of boxes, length of storage, and add-ons like protection plans.
Once you're done filling out your booking details, then these will be picked up from your home on your specified date and time. Your items will all be stored in a secure facility with 24/7 monitoring to ensure safety.
Should you need to get your things back at any time, you can easily schedule a return date through your online account.
Whether you need a few or all of your boxes back, you can specify these and have your items delivered back to you in no time!
The year 2020. isn't a year anybody will remember by their backpacking through Europe adventures or business trips. It will be remembered, though, by bad DIY haircuts and home improvements.
Given that travel has been put to a halt, you may likely find your suitcases and duffle bags collecting dust.
If you live in a small apartment, finding where to store suitcases might be, at least, freeing yourself from the painful reminder of how you can't go anywhere.
Also, having some creative ideas on how to use your suitcases can free some space.
5 storage ideas for your suitcases
- Under the Bed or Couch
The area under your bed or couch is a hidden but golden storage spot that you can use to store virtually anything. If they are high enough, you will likely be able to squeeze in your suitcase or travel bags under your bed or couch, and you are good to go! - In the closet
Another common option is to store your suitcase inside the closet. More specifically, try to see if you have any dead space there. The top area is often left untouched or unused since it is too high to reach and thus impractical for clothes and accessories. However, for suitcases, you only use them occasionally, so placing them in that area will be perfect for times when they are not in use. - Behind the curtain
The area behind the curtain is one of the most overlooked spaces, but another hidden spot where you can tuck in your luggage. - On a hook on the wall
If you have free space in your wall, especially in the higher part of your wall, you can install a peg or hook and hang your suitcase up there. It can be easy to get caught up thinking about where to store suitcases that you forget that you can utilize wall space. - Behind furniture
Similar to the area behind the curtain, you can also make some space behind furniture pieces for your suitcase. You never know, there could be tons of hidden space that are left unused in those areas.
Use your suitcase as a storage unit
If you're still pondering about where to store suitcases in your small apartment, why not start by storing some items inside the suitcase itself? This way, you can empty some of your belongings and have more space to keep your actual luggage.
- Tuck away seasonal clothing
Your suitcase is the perfect place to store seasonal clothing. After all, you will most likely not be wearing clothes for a different season at a particular time, so placing them in your luggage can be a huge space-saver. - Store extra bedding
Bedding can be quite bulky and thick, so storing them in your cabinets can take up much space. By placing extra bedding in your suitcase, you can free up tons of space and instead use the space that was initially for your bedding to keep your luggage. - Keep anything you don't need
Generally, your suitcase serves as a storage unit in itself, so you can use it to store anything that you are not currently using.
If you still don't find any space for your suitcases and travel bags, you can always put it in temporary box storage. We can help you out, as we can pick them up at your front door and deliver them back once you start travelling.
Packing your stuff may sound like a trivial matter, but in truth, it’s not that easy. You can’t just tuck everything into boxes & close them.
We mean you can, but it’s not realistic to expect that your items will be intact in transport.
Your things will be whole if you use the right packaging materials and packing methods. Also if you know how to pack boxes for moving correctly.
For a never packer, buying the materials can be somewhat confusing. After all, you don’t do it every day.
You surely know about bubble wrap and it’s addictive popping characteristic, but what about other packaging materials (that are not as exciting)?
We’ll explain it now as knowing when and how to use each one can ensure your items stay intact while in transit.
What do I need for packaging?
- Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap usually comes in rolls that you can easily tear when you need it. It’s the top material choice for more delicate and fragile items since they provide cushioning and protection.
When using this material, make sure you let the bubble side face inwards so your item is more securely wrapped. It is also recommended that you line the inside of your box with bubble wrap to provide added cushioning within the box.2. - Foam Sheets
Like bubble wrap, foam sheets are also thick and padded, thus being suitable for fragile possessions that need more protection.
However, foam sheets are thinner than bubble wrap, so you can usually fit more items in your box when using them. You can use packing tape to secure your packaging more when using foam sheets, ensuring that you do not leave any side exposed. - Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is a helpful packaging material that you can use to provide an initial layer of covering on your fragile items before putting on the bubble wrap or foam.
It's most commonly used for delicate things like fine china and silverware since you want to avoid scratches or damage of any form. To use tissue paper, all you have to do is cut out a neat sheet and secure it with scotch tape. - Loose-Fill Chips
After packing all your belongings and placing them in boxes, you may notice a few void spaces due to the shape of your things. When this happens, loose-fill chips can come in handy to fill in these spaces.
They are extremely useful since you want to get rid of as many gaps as possible in your packing boxes to keep all your things intact while the boxes are in transit.
Where to buy packaging materials in London?
Another concern you may have is where to buy packaging materials. Common options would usually be online stores or the supermarket.
You can always buy it there, but if you’re going to use our temporary box storage services, you can order it while placing an order.
It saves you the time and hassle of having to look for materials elsewhere!
Packaging may not be the most enjoyable thing to do, but when you do it, do it right.
Handbags can indeed be a woman’s best friend, acting as the perfect complement to any outfit and the ultimate place to keep personal belongings.
Truly, you can never go wrong with having too many bags. The problem is that there's not much space for all of them. You must get creative with handbag storage ideas.
It can be fun to switch around your handbags on separate occasions, but without proper organisers, you may find yourself leaving them on the table or stuffing all your bags in a cabinet after using them.
If you have a situation like this on the image, you really need some handbag storage ideas.
Fortunately, there are tons of creative and easy ways in which you can organise your handbags. From bag racks to door-mounted hooks and shelves, here are five fun and creative ideas for you to store your handbags properly.
Handbag storage ideas you can recreate tomorrow
#1 Cabinet with shelves
For the true handbag lovers and collectors, dedicating a separate space solely for storing bags is certainly worth the effort. You can think of it as a second closet, but designed for your handbags, so add in some shelves and drawers to store your collection.
You can play around with the design and go for straight shelves or add partitions to separate each bag.
Whatever design you choose, make sure to allocate enough space to store each of your handbags.
#2 Wall-mounted shelves
No space to add a separate cabinet for your bags? If so, you can achieve the same storage space by mounting some shelves to your wall and arranging your handbags as you see fit.
Try tilting the bags at a slight angle, so you can fit more into each shelf. Likewise, avoid overcrowding the bags, so you can also display your collection in your room!
#3 Display Shelves
If you want to showcase your handbags while keeping them tidy and organised, you can get or build a shelf with compartments to place your bags in.
Having the compartments allows you to separate each bag from one another, so you can preserve their condition and maintain their quality.
#4 Hanging hooks
If you're struggling to make space to build a cabinet or some shelves for your bags, you can always make use of the space you already have in your closet.
Use hanging hooks and place them on your closet rod to hang your bags in an organised way. With this storage idea, you can easily grab your desired bag after picking your outfit of the day, effectively saving you time.
Alternatively, if your closet is too full and can no longer accommodate space for your handbags, you can mount a hanging rack to an empty space in your wall.
The rack essentially acts like a closet road, where you can place hooks to hang your bags. To save space, you can also place two bags in one hook, provided that your rack and hooks are strong enough and the two bags are of different lengths.
#5 Hanging hooks over-the-door bag rack
Another great space-saving idea to organise your handbags is to opt for vertical storage. Your door can be the perfect place to do this. Mount an over-the-door bag rack or organiser to your door, so you can easily get your desired handbag before leaving and hang it back right after use. As a bonus, placing a bag rack on your door can serve as a beautiful display of your handbag collection, which can add personality to your room.
Do you have tons of handbags but struggle to organise them? If so, try out one or more of the five ideas mentioned above.
When you have too many of them and you're still not ready to give them away, you can move them to storage. Just box them and we will pick them up - it's easy, check out how it works.
To a musician, instruments are the most valuable possessions. Some guitarists swear their instrument is like a third limb.
Playing an instrument is a need, and creating music in front of an audience is a thrill.
However 2020. happened (unfortunately) and the concert part of being a musician is cancelled. Of course, a lot of people still play, create and publish online. However, their concert equipment and extra instruments are lying around. Waiting for better times - spring 2021, if we're all lucky
If that person is you, you could put away your instruments and musical equipment somewhere safely, in a storage unit or in box storage.
Just follow these simple rules for storing instruments, and you're all ready for a pick-up.
To do list for storing an instrument in a storage
1. Clean your instrument
Start by cleaning your instruments thoroughly using the proper solutions and cloths or pads. There are cleaning tools used specifically designed for instruments, so make sure to use these. Doing this is important to prevent dirt and moisture from building up while your instruments are stored.
2. Disassemble instruments if possible
If your instrument is made up of parts that can be disassembled, take it apart before storing into a unit. Loosen the strings in stringed instruments and drumheads in your drum sets, then remove reeds and mouthpieces in brass instruments. For those that cannot be disassembled, such as a piano, you can instead opt to place a tarp or sheet to prevent dust from collecting.
3. Store the instrument in the original case
As much as possible, it is best to place your instrument in its original case before putting it into a storage unit. Though the purpose of renting a unit is to keep it protected, you still have to pack your instruments carefully before storing them. Storage companies, like Access Box Storage, require instruments to be stored in a travel case before accepting them to ensure that they are protected while inside a unit.
4. Get a unit that has the right temperature
Climate control is crucial for musical instruments, so when renting a storage unit, make sure to ask about the temperature. Exposure to high humidity can cause moisture to seep into your instruments, and this can be particularly damaging for wood instruments as the moisture can cause wood to expand and crack.
A reputable storage company will be able to answer your questions about How to store instruments in a storage unit? They will likely be familiar with the importance of proper temperature for instrument storage.
5. Check your instrument
After placing your instruments and musical equipment in your storage units, it is highly recommended to check on them every few months, or more frequently depending on how long you plan to store them, to ensure that they remain in good condition.
Doing a periodic inspection can help you check for potential issues like warping or cracking, which can be fixed if brought to a professional for repairs immediately. During this time, you can also tune up your instruments and lubricate them if needed.
Are you ready for storage?
When you decide it's time to store your instrument for a while, measure your instrument case and place your request.
Your case will be picked up on the scheduled date, then stored in a secure facility with proper alarm systems.
You can then check on your units at any time, and whenever you need your instruments back, they will be delivered to you.
Finding a room to rent in London isn’t an easy task, and most outsiders would be shocked when they see how such a small space can command very steep prices. The city probably has one of the highest rates per square foot when you compare the area to the average rent.
The simple reason is that housing in the UK is costly. Landlords have to make profits from their investment.
As a result, those on a shoestring budget are forced to share the flat with other mates. And that can be a major adjustment, apart from acclimating yourself in London.
According to estimates, the average rent for a basic flat in London is £1,665 per month. The rate is also increasing by three per cent every year. The rental rate also depends on which area is the property located.
For example, a studio flat in Barbican, Westminster, and Marylebone would cost you upwards of £1,800. However, you can still find some studio flats in Ilford, Dagenham, Purley, and South Norwood for under £750. The rent in Wallington is only around £200, but it’s best to steer clear of that area because of the high crime rate.
However, if you are looking to rent a cheap room in London, we’ll try to help you with some tips.
Tips to find a room to rent in London
- Keep it real
Put everything on paper-- your budget, your expectations, and distance to work. When looking for a room, don’t only base your decision on the price. You also have to commute to work.
For example, if your office is only a walking distance from your flat, it should save you a lot of money in transportation costs over time.
Would you rather waste an hour on more on public transit every day just because you save a few pounds on your rent?
- Focus your search on only one London area
Several websites approximate the average prices of room for-let in London. You can focus your search according to your budget. It’s best to avoid blowing your budget on the flat. You need a lot of room to manoeuvre when it comes to your cash flow, especially if you’re new to the city as there might be some expenses that you are not aware of. Also, you have to research the neighbourhood & need to make sure the essentials are available, transport is accessible, the area is safe, and it is near your place of work or school.
If you are going to flatshare, you also need to be aware of the most expensive boroughs in London. Here are some of them:
- South Kensington/Knightsbridge
- St Paul’s
- Holland Park
- West End/Soho
- Strand
- Holborn
- Westminster
- Pimlico
- Belgravia
- Chelsea
- Aldgate
Expect to pay upwards of £1,100 even if you are sharing a flat with someone else.
- Search online
Here are some of the platforms that can help simplify your search for a flatshare in London.
Nestpick. The website has one of the largest databases of flats in London. Unlike other websites, the company only lists furnished and semi-furnished apartments, which means that they are move-in ready. You don’t have to worry about buying the basic furniture.
You can categorise your search from the studio, apartment, room, and student residence. Input the date of your target move-in date, and the website will parse the search results for you.
Study Abroad Apartments - If you’re a foreign student in London, the website is an invaluable tool to find a room that suits your budget. You can also filter the search according to your budget, or whether or not you want a whole apartment, a room, or a bed.
Open Rent - One of the best things about this website is that it doesn’t require an admin fee, which saves you some much-needed sterling. There are also no dead listings, which means all the rooms or flats you find on the website are available. It’s a platform for both the landlord and the renter.
What to do when you’re homeless during the search?
Ideally, your accommodations should be ready before you pack your bags and travel to London. However, if you find yourself without room to sleep in while you continue your search, you can rent an Airbnb for the meantime. The advantage is that they are all over London, and you can focus your search on your target borough so that you can get a feel and vibe of the community.
Among the most popular boroughs for Airbnb are:
- Hillingdon
- Southwark
- Camden
- Westminster
- Tower Hamlets
Hillingdon is not surprising because of its proximity to Heathrow Airport, and travellers would rather spend the night in the relative comfort of a bed than the cold chairs at the airport.
To save on rent, you can settle for a room, which will cost you between £42 and £128 per night. The expenses can quickly ramp up when you fail to find a room or flat the soonest possible time.
Another alternative is CouchSurfing, which is similar to Airbnb in the sense that you need to register. It is a community of 120,000 hosts in London. The best thing is that you do not have to pay in cash, and despite the name, you don’t always have to sleep on the couch.
You can also rent some extra space in London where you can leave your luggage and other stuff as you couchsurf or rent a temporary Airbnb room. A storage system is an excellent option so that you can move around to find a place or flatshare without worrying about the safety of your belongings.
Finding a room in London may seem intimidating, especially when you realise that the prices of rent are somewhat prohibitive. Nevertheless, it is not an impossible task. As you can see, the location is crucial as some boroughs are more expensive than others. Simply follow the tips above and pretty soon, you will find the ideal place for you.