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Do removal companies pack for you?

Do removal companies pack for you?

Moving house should be an exciting, fun time – but not when it comes to packing. Packing up your home is one of the most annoying and time-consuming parts of moving, so it’s natural to wonder: do removal companies pack for you?

The short answer is yes – removal companies can and will pack almost everything for you, leaving you with more time to plan your move, arrange your unpacking and focus on the administrative side of things.

However, removal companies won’t be able to pack everything for you, and requesting movers to pack your belongings will incur a larger moving fee than simply transporting them. In this article, I’m going to explain what movers won’t pack, and what they will do to ensure a smooth moving process.

Do movers pack everything?

Mostly. Hiring a removal company is the best way to get your packing done fast and efficiently, and most movers will handle 99% of the process, from providing packing supplies, and dismantling furniture to even unpacking your belongings at your new home. When hiring a removal company, you can expect them to carry out the following tasks:

Supplying cardboard boxes and packaging materials

Most movers will supply all the materials they’ll need to get your home packed up safely and quickly. This includes cardboard boxes, sellotape, tissue paper and bubble wrap for fragile items.

Packing

Movers will also handle the packing if you request them to. Hiring a removal company to pack your belongings, rather than doing it yourself, will save you lots of time, hassle, and will ensure that your belongings are packed safely and stored carefully before transit.

Dismantling and Packing Furniture

You don’t need to disassemble all your furniture for the movers – most removal companies will take care of this for you, and pack all your furniture safely using their supplied materials and boxes.

Loading and Unloading

Don’t worry, you won’t be expected to heave heavy boxes onto the moving truck yourself. The removal company will handle this for you, no matter how heavy your items are. Moving trucks come equipped with machinery for handling heavy objects and boxes.

Transporting your Belongings

Movers will then be responsible for transporting your belongings to your new home, whether it be 10 minutes down the road or 10 miles.

Unpacking

You can even request your movers to unpack for you

Did you know that Goodfellows removal company in Maidstone also offer removal services all over Kent including removals in Sevenoaks, removals in Tonbridge, West malling and beyond.

What will movers not pack?

While most removal companies will be happy to pack up most of your things for you, there are a number of items that most movers won’t pack. These include:

  • Medicine and medical devices
  • Money, financial documents, personal documents
  • Hazardous materials such as varnish, paint thinner, ammonia, anything in an aerosol (to simplify categorising what is and isn’t a hazardous material, imagine that you’re going on an aeroplane and work from there.)
  • Batteries
  • Fireworks and pesticides
  • Food, although this will depend on how far you’re moving. If you’re moving to a building near your previous home, movers might be able to transport perishable food and drink
  • Certain valuable items – jewellery, currency, and irreplaceable items such as photographs or valuable heirlooms

This list may vary for each removal company, so the best idea is to call around various removal companies and ask for a list of items that they won’t move. Most will have one on-hand.

Why don’t movers pack everything?

Removal companies limit what they can pack due to insurance risks, threat of explosion (for example, hazardous materials) as well as the risk of items perishing in transit (plants, food etc.)

Hire a removal company or do it yourself?

When it comes to moving house, having a removal company pack up your belongings will save time and ensure that your belongings are packed correctly and safely.

While it will incur further costs, the DIY method risks the loss of fragile items or badly-packed furniture becoming damaged in transit. A home removal company simplifies the process and can even unpack for you at your new home.

How much do removal companies cost?

The cost of your flat fee or per hour fee will depend on the size of your home, the number of belongings you’re transporting, as well as the distance between your previous home and new home.

When you hire a removal company, you will find businesses that offer a flat move fee (aka a fixed price for the entirety of the move) or a fee per person per hour. A flat move fee might be advantageous over an hourly fee, as it helps prevent the possibility of any surprise extra costs.

Cheapest places to live in Kent

8 Cheapest places to live in Kent (prices as of end of 2025 (looking at Zoopla))

If you’re looking to move to Kent, you may already be aware that house prices have been continuing to rise year-on-year for the past decade, with certain Kent neighbourhoods such as Sevenoaks facing the highest price rises as Londoners flee the capital’s housing market.

As mortgages continue to rise, many aspiring homeowners are now searching out up-and-coming areas with lower house prices in the South East, in favour of saturated markets in London and the rest of the South.

Kent remains a primary destination for the London exodus, and while many up-and-coming neighbourhoods have already experienced an influx of newcomers from London, house prices remain – for the moment – pretty low in comparison to those in the capital.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the 8 cheapest places in Kent: whether you’re new movers, a family, or a professional looking to commute to London from your place in Kent. Let’s take a look!

Dover

While Dover once developed a reputation as one of the worst places to live in the UK, thanks to recent investment and a recent influx of talent from London, it has now transformed into a pretty decent place to get your first home. With the average house price around £231,265, it’s certainly the most affordable destination for young professionals and new families looking to get on the property Ladder in Kent. Kent Live recently published an article about the affordability of Dover here!

One downside to owning a property in Dover is that it’s slightly too far out if you’re looking to commute to London on a daily basis. However, it’s well linked to other more central parts of Kent, where you can find plenty of job opportunities, as well as potential for new businesses.

Sheerness

A commercial Port town, Sheerness is another place in Kent where you can find an affordable property as a first-timer buyer or a young family. While Sheerness, like Dover, has a reputation for being a deprived and socially isolated area in the UK, in recent years it’s become a hub for Londoners looking to flee the capital and find an affordable property outside the big city. The Guardian mentioned that Sheerness is ‘”Not far from London, friendly people and natural beauty. The postman can still leave a parcel on the side of the door, and I do not have to look over my shoulder when coming out of a meeting at night.”

In Sheerness the average price of a property is about £205,011, making it around one-third of the price of its equivalent in London.

Snodland

With a population of over 10000, Snodland is another area in Kent where you can find affordable residential property. With the average property price being around £318,415, Snodland is a great place to settle with a young family, or as a couple.

If you’re looking to commute from Snodland to London by train, this neighbourhood in Kent might be slightly out of your way; it takes on average around 1 and 1/2 hours to get from Snodland to Central London, making it a better choice for those who already work in Kent.

Sittingbourne

A popular spot for new families, Sittingbourne is another place in Kent where you can find an affordable property, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to relocate from another area.

With average house prices sitting around £293,864, obtaining a mortgage on Sittingbourne property is much easier than getting on the housing ladder in London.

Unfortunately for London commuters – or those looking to travel back and forth from the capital on a regular basis – Sittingbourne is around 2 hours by train to central London. However, the neighbourhood has great infrastructure for those looking to commute back and forth from central Kent.

Swanscombe

Voted by Kent Live as the most desirable place to live in Kent, this Dartford village is a great place to find an affordable property, with average house prices hovering around £313,711.

A perfect choice for young families with children, Swanscombe is also the 35th safest place in Kent, out of Kent’s 331 towns, villages and cities. It’s also ideal for London commuters who don’t mind an hour’s train ride back and forth from the capital; the train from Swanscombe to London takes around 55 minutes in total.

Gillingham

Ideal for first time buyers, Gillingham is an up-and-coming destination in Kent when it comes to buying property. While the area once had a reputation for being unsafe and prone to hooliganism, recent changes and an influx of new residents from London have made it a town with a bright future.

On average, you can expect to pay around £279,045 for a property in Gillingham, making it perfect if you’re looking to get on the property ladder as a young professional. With a great local road network and the convenience of 1-hour trains into the centre of London, it’s also the ideal spot for London commuters. With a university, leisure centre, shops, and other amenities, Gillingham is one of Kent’s most popular up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

Erith

Just 35 minutes on the train to central London, Erith is one of the best new neighbourhoods in Kent for young London professionals and new families. With the average property price around £342,774, Erith offers a wide range of semi detached houses and terraced houses perfect for first time buyers, or those relocating their family from other parts of the UK.

Well Erith is close to London, the area has a very suburban feel and has been going through a period of restoration for the past decade. With plenty of local pubs and parks to enjoy, there’s something in Erith for all ages.

Chatham

With lower crime rates and an affordable property market, Chatham is one of the safest and most popular destinations for new movers to Kent in 2022. With average property prices around £290,762, Chatham is an ideal location for anyone looking for a family home near London.

Although Chatham is just an hour’s train ride away from the capital, you don’t need to go into the city to keep yourself busy when you live in this small town. With plenty of recreational activities on offer, as well as an interesting history and military heritage, Chatham is a suitable destination for young families, professionals of all ages, and those looking to take up their retirement in a safe – but central – location.

Removals Maidstone Kent

Changing address when moving house checklist

Changing address when moving house checklist

If you’re moving house, there’s going to be a long list of people you’ll need to inform. You don’t want post, packages and important documents and letters to turn up at your old house.

From government agencies to subscription services, you’ll want to make sure that all necessary parties are informed at least a week before your official move-in date at your new home.

To make things simple, we’ve put together a changing address when moving house checklist, so you don’t miss anyone or anything important.

Government agencies

The first and most important: is government agencies. You’ll need to inform the following government agencies of your change of address at least one week (preferably two weeks) before your move-in date:

  • (DWP) Department for Work and Pensions
  • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
  • The electoral roll
  • TV Licensing body
  • Local council

Financial Organisations

Next up, you’ll need to inform any financial institutions (such as your banks and loan providers) of your change of address. This is vitally important, as you don’t want your confidential financial information falling into the wrong hands or being misplaced.

You can even fall into problems with suspected identity theft or fraud if you don’t update your address with your bank. Updating your financial records to reflect your new address should be priority, after informing all relevant government bodies.

Ensure to make your change of address known to the following organisations, where applicable:

  • Your bank(s)
  • Any credit card providers
  • Loan providers
  • ISA providers
  • Loyalty card providers
  • Pension services

Insurance Companies

You’ll also need to make any insurance providers aware of your change of address. These include the following:

  • Car insurance companies
  • Pet insurance companies
  • Life insurance providers
  • Health and dental insurance providers
  • Mobile phone insurance companies

Utilities Providers

Before your move, you’ll need to also inform the following utilities service providers of your change of address, in order to avoid being billed for your former address:

  • Water provider
  • Gas companies
  • Electricity companies

You should also make sure to take a final reading of your meters in your former address the day of your move, and do the same when you arrive in your new home.

Other bills and monthly payments

Now, you’ll need to inform any organisation or company with whom you have a recurring bill or monthly payment. This can include any of the following:

  • Mobile phone company and service carrier
  • TV company
  • Landline phone company

It’s best to let any monthly payment service know as soon as possible that you’re changing address. You don’t want to be charged twice for any services, and some companies might take up to a week to process your change of address.

Subscription Services and Lifestyle

Whether it be Netflix or food subscription services like HelloFresh, it’s important to let any subscription service you have know that you’re changing address.

If you know the exact date you typically receive a delivery, you’ll want to inform the subscription provider of your new address at least 2 weeks before moving. Subscription services include any of the following, where applicable:

  • Streaming services (Netflix, AppleTV, NOWTV, etc)
  • Amazon Prime – don’t forget to check if you have any “Subscribe and Save” Amazon delivery contracts – you can find these in your Account settings on Amazon.co.uk
  • Magazines, newspapers and newsletters
  • Meal or food subscription services such as HelloFresh, Graze, Glossybox and Birchbox

You’ll also want to update your new address on any online shopping provider websites. If you have accounts with various online shopping platforms (such as online food shopping, supermarkets etc) you should update you new address once you’ve moved in. This will avoid accidentally sending packages to your old address.

Health Providers

You’ll also need to inform any health providers about your change of address. This important as you might miss out on important screening calls if you forget to update your address with the NHS.

Health providers include:

  • Your GP. Make sure that you do this as soon as you can, so there’s no unnecessary waiting times to get registered with your new local NHS GP.
  • Any supplementary healthcare providers such as your dentist, dermatologist, optician or physiotherapist

Work and School

Next up, you’ll need to inform any work and school contacts of your change of address. If you have children and you’re moving outside the catchment area of their current school, you’ll need to organise school switching long before your move. This will prevent any delays and uneccessary absences as you register for a new school for your children.

You should inform your employer of your change of address around 2 weeks before your move-in date. This gives your employer the time to update your contract before you settle into your new address.

Work and school contacts include:

  • Your employer
  • Employers of your family members
  • Any school, college or university contacts
  • University alumni networks
  • Any professional or work associations you are an active member of

Friends and Family

Finally, you’ll want to inform your friends and family of your new address:

  • Parents
  • Grown up children
  • Friends
  • Work colleagues

FAQS: Changing address when moving house:

Will I be able to keep my phone number when I move house?
You might be able to keep your old phone number if you’re moving to a new address within the same area as your former address. That being said, it might cost you a lot more to keep your old number, and some phone providers would simply recommend switching to a new one.

What happens if I forget to update my new address?
Forgetting to update your records to reflect your new address can cause serious problems. Not only might you experience long delays (such as waiting for a new GP) but you might also experience difficulties with your bank, who might suspect you of fraud or identity theft. It’s vital that you update all your relevant records (bank, utilities, government bodies) of your change of address at least one week (preferably beforehand) before moving into your new home.

Removals Maidstone Kent

Can you book removals before exchange?

Can you book removals before exchange?

Moving house is always going to be an exciting process, but it can also be a daunting one. It’s also a process filled with administrative responsibilities, one of them being the task of hiring movers. Like most people anticipating a move, you’ll probably want to get everything organised as soon as possible and book your movers early to avoid missing out on your preferred date. But is it safer to wait until you’ve exchanged?

In this guide, we’re going to cover all you need to know about booking your removal company; from when to book, and what to do if you’ve not yet secured the exchange.

Can you book your removal company before exchange?

The short answer to this question is simple: yes. That said, it’s important to remember that until the contracts have been exchanged, you can end up putting yourself in a difficult situation, whereby you may lose out on your deposit or even end up not being able to move.

It all comes down to the terms of your sale and purchase. If you’ve agreed to a completion date, then it should be fine to book your removals in advance; this will give you peace of mind and reassurance that everything will be organised for the big move. It also allows you to plan more effectively; with a fixed date, you can schedule a time and date for organising your belongings.

On the other hand, if you haven’t yet exchanged contracts, it can be risky to book your removal company too far in advance. After all, there’s no guarantee that the sale will go through until this happens, meaning you could end up out of pocket.

It’s always best practice to check with your solicitor and estate agent to make sure that you’re in a secure enough position to book and pay for your removals company beforehand. Most conveyancers will be able to advise you on the safest way forward, so it’s always helpful getting their opinion before committing.

The best advice is that if you are able to, and the sale is certain, book your removals in advance to secure the date that you need. If not, then wait until the exchange has occurred before making any commitment. That way, you’ll know that the deal is 100% sure, allowing you to go ahead with your plans worry-free.

How far in advance should you book removals?

In general, it’s always better to book your removals as far in advance as possible. This will give you the most choice of available dates and allow for any unexpected delays. Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions with your removal company before paying a deposit or committing to a certain date; as explained above, changing or modifying your removal date can incur additional fees.

It’s also important to remember that if the exchange of contracts is delayed then it will be necessary to extend your removal booking. Again, this could lead to additional costs, so it’s always a good idea to keep some extra funds aside just in case.

How long does it take between exchange and completion?

The length of time between exchange and completion will depend on the terms of your sale. Generally, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, but this can vary depending on how quickly both parties are able to move forward with their end of the agreement. Again, it’s always best practice to check with your solicitor or estate agent to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the timeline.

How can I speed up my contract exchange?

If you’re looking to book your removals company but haven’t yet exchanged contracts, there are a number of steps you can take to hurry along the process. Firstly, it’s important to make sure that all paperwork is in order. This includes everything from the mortgage offer to any other documents required for the sale – any errors on your forms can set back your exchange for weeks at a time.

It’s also important to make sure that everyone involved in the sale and purchase is on the same page. This includes your solicitor, estate agent, buyer and seller as well as any other third parties involved; if any of these parties have different expectations or aren’t acting quickly enough then it can delay the entire process.

Finally, if both parties are able to agree on a completion date before the exchange takes place, then this could also help – the sooner you can all come to an agreement, the faster your sale can go through.

Removals Maidstone Kent

8 Ways to Reduce Stress When Moving House

 

8 Ways to Reduce Stress When Moving House

As the many who have previously moved house or sold a property can vouch for, moving house can be one of the most stressful experiences of a lifetime. For some, moving house can be an extremely exciting life event – starting a fresh, meeting new people and trying new things – for others, a relationship break-up, a financial strain or just the thought of organising and packing up your entire life can be a stressful and worrying period.

Here at Goodfellows, we have complied a list of tips and trick to avoid the dreaded stress when moving house. Here are some simple ways you can eliminate unnecessary stress and enjoy moving house to the fullest.

So, why is moving house so stressful in the first place?

You might have a preconceived idea that moving house is a stressful occasion; if you go into the move with this mind set, you can expect your move to be a reflection of your mood – negative, and inevitably stressful. By breaking the move down into small manageable chunks, you can stay on top of the moving stress.

In January 2018, Forth conducted a survey to understand stress levels in the UK and what the main causes of stress were. According to their findings:

  • 85% of UK adults experience stress on a regular basis
  • The most common cause of stress is money
  • Other common causes of stress include work, health concerns, failure to get enough sleep and household chores
  • Women suffer from stress for three more days per month than men
  • Young adults suffer the most from stress, with 12 days a month impacted by stress
  • In the East Midlands, stress is mostly caused by health problems
  • In London, West Midlands and Yorkshire, stress is mostly caused by work
  • In the North East, North West, Scotland, South East, South West and Wales, stress is mostly caused by money
  • And, in Northern Ireland, stress is mostly caused by work & money

From their research, moving house is nowhere to be seen as a stress factor. Similarly, The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scales, places ‘change in living conditions’ at just 28 in the list stress causes. The death of a spouse, divorce and marital separation rank as the top 3 main causes of stress.

Let’s have a read of some moving house stress quotes to brighten the mood:

“Cleaning out the past, packing up the present, and preparing for a much better future!”

“Moving was a great idea until I started packing!”

“You don’t know what you’ve got… until you move”

“Home is where the heart is, even if you can’t remember which box you packed it in”

So, how can you eliminate stress when moving house?

1. Hire a reputable conveyancing solicitor

First things first, get a reputable conveyancing solicitor on board. A conveyancing solicitor will be responsible for handling all of the legal aspects of your property transaction. With a highly experienced, reputable conveyancing company you can expect a much smoother process, thus eliminating any unnecessary stress.

2. Use a moving house checklist

A moving house checklist can help you get organised. There are many comprehensive moving house checklist to find online, but we recommend class=”text-title”> this one . A checklist will help you sort and finalise things you might not have thought about before your move became a reality. Getting all your ducks in row can really help avoid the stresses of feeling unprepared or unorganised for your move.

3. Start packing in advance

Start packing well in advance of your expected moving date, this can help avoid those last minute mad dashes get things complete. We understand that not everything can be packed in advance, however, things that don’t get used on a daily basis can benefit from being boxed up early.

Packing in advance helps create a tidy and clearer house, and a clearer mind. During your packing escapade you may even come across belongings that can be thrown out or taken to a charity shop – letting you get rid of unnecessary items ahead of your move.

We have a few packing tips that may help with the process:

  • Start from the top and work your way down. The items you use the least often are typically stored in the loft; start by packing these up and work your way towards the bottom of the house.
  • Pack up room by room and label boxes accordingly. When it comes to unpacking boxes, it’ll be much less stressful if you have a box(es) dedicated to specific rooms and that have been labelled according to the room and the belongings inside.
  • Pack out of season clothes and shows. Depending on the season of your move, there are more than likely clothes and shoes you won’t be needed for that season.
  • Pack important documents into one clearly labelled box. For example, birth certificates, marriage certificates, driving licence documents and car insurance, life insurance and home insurance.

For a more extensive overview of packing tips, please view our guide to packing up your property.

4. Plan ahead of the move

One of the greatest causes of stress during a move is the lacking of forward planning. Stress can easily be avoided in you’ve got measures in place for all eventualities and an idea of everything that needs to be catered for. Things you may need to think about prior to your move:

  • Booking time off work during the week of your move
  • Hiring a removal firm in advance
  • Finding pet care during the move
  • When and how you’re going to complete a deep clean of your existing property
  • Arranging a new school for your children if you’re relocating to completely new postcode or county
  • Think about food consumption the week before your move
  • Arrange for a food delivery to arrive once you’ve moved into your new property
  • Make sure bills sent to your current house are forwarded to your new house
  • Set up utility providers, Wi-Fi and TV licence to come to your new house
  • Change your address on important documents and deliveries. For example the bank, driving licence, home insurance, life insurance etc.

5. Hire a removal company

Hiring a removal company can be one of the most important and helpful things you do during your move. Removal companies are there to help eliminate any pressure by taking care of the hard work and – getting all of your belongings from A to B. We are a full service removals company offering the following services:

  • Lifting, loading and unloading of boxes from your old property to your new property
  • A full packing service to relieve some of the moving stress
  • A disassembling/reassembling service of your furniture
  • Kent storage facilities for unwanted, and/or extra belongings

6. Recruit some more help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You might have already hired a removal company, but getting additional help from relatives and friends will be essential in eliminating any unnecessary moving stress. Friends and family can help with a number of things from packing, cleaning, providing child care, and pet sitting to name a few.

7. Get enough sleep and eat well

As previously mentioned, one of the greatest causes of stress is failure to get enough sleep. Make sure you’re getting plenty of rest and sleep during your move to prevent feeling fatigued. Ways in which you can do this is by taking regular breaks for packing, start packing well in advance so you’re leaving plenty of time to pack at a reasonable pace, and eat well to enhance your energy and immune system.

Also, remember to accommodate time to see your close friends and family. This will provide time to help you relax and relieve any stress and tension.

8. Move on a Friday

According to research, Fridays are the most popular for moving house. Moving on a Friday will give you the entire weekend to settle in without taking time off work. Although it’s sometimes hard to control which day you’re move will be, if you have the option, we recommend opting for a Friday.

Removals Maidstone Kent

Where are most people moving to in Kent?

Kent is one of the most popular destinations in the UK when it comes to buying property; with close commuting links to London and a wide variety of picturesque towns and villages to choose from, it’s no wonder that Kent properties are flying off the market – sometimes in just under 24 hours.

So, where are property owners moving to in Kent? In this article, we’re going to list the top most popular destinations for movers in Kent for 2022, and take a look at why these towns have become so popular for buyers.

Why are people moving to Kent?

Kent has always been a popular moving destination for both London-born movers and those coming from elsewhere across the UK. As the city shares close transport links to London, Kent has become the go-to city for those looking to find more affordable properties outside the London housing market. But it’s not just the transport links that attract buyers to the South East. Here are just a few reasons people are flocking to Kent:

Slow paced lifestyle

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees began working remotely from home, in a move that went on to transform and revolutionise the modern workplace. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic change how we work, it also changed our approach to a healthy work-life balance. This has been reflected in the UK property market; many people now work exclusively at home, allowing them to take their pick of the country’s best towns, cities, and villages to settle down in.

As Kent offers a healthy balance between bustling city and sleepy, quiet towns, the city was listed as the fourth most popular destination for movers in 2021. As more people have more freedom over their working hours, this trend is only going to increase.

Great transport links

As already mentioned, Kent shares some excellent transport links with the rest of the UK, especially London. With Kent towns such as Sevenoakes being just 25 minutes by train to central London, Kent has also.

Prices

For most, the London housing market is entirely inaccessible, with wages and salaries failing to increase in line with rising housing prices. With greater choice and lower house prices on average, movers are choosing to move to Kent, where they’ll have the better chance of getting on the property ladder without having to massively exceed the asking price. While Kent does have its own affluent neighbourhoods, such as Sevenoakes, it still remains much more affordable than the capital. According to data by Rightmove, the average price of a home in the South East is £469,449, while the figure rises to £711,862 in London.

So, where are most people moving to in Kent?

According to government data and some studies by Rightmove, the following towns and villages are where most people are moving to Kent:

Maidstone

With 1205 new movers between 2020 and 2021, Maidstone is the number one Kent destination for new movers and property owners. What’s great about Maidstone is its rural feel twinned with a large range of modern amenities; Maidstone also boasts an attractive housing market, with prices markedly lower than in London and other Kent areas. However, given that it’s currently the most popular Kent destination for new buyers, the attractive housing market might be starting to change.

Swale

Swale came in second place in the list, with 988 new movers migrating to the area between 2020 and 2021. A haven for nature lovers, Swale boasts gorgeous nature reserves and conservation areas that make it one of the most stunning places to settle down in Kent.

Dartford

From 2020 to 2021, Dartford recorded at least 787 new movers to the Kent town, making it the third most popular Kent destination for buyers. With great nearby schools and plenty of amenities worthy of any capital city, Dartford is a great area for young families and new couples. Dartford also enjoys a short commute to London, making it the perfect landing spot for London-based professionals fleeing the turbulent London housing market.

Dover

While Dover hasn’t always been the most sought-after postcode in the UK, let alone Kent, in recent years buyers have flocked to take advantage of the attractive housing market, with average house prices lower than across the rest of Kent. A bright coastal town, Dover is slightly out of reach for London commuters, but a great, quiet haven for those working in the wider Kent area. In the period between 2020 and 2021, 691 new movers were recorded migrating to the coastal town, making Dover the 4th most popular place in Kent to buy a house.

Canterbury

A UNESCO world heritage site and a beautifully historic cathedral town, it’s a surprise to nobody that Canterbury was featured in the top five Kent destinations for UK movers between 2020 and 2021. With a vibrant university nightlife, a picturesque town centre, and just an hour’s commute from London, Canterbury combines modern city living with the chance to enjoy a more slow-paced, relaxed lifestyle.

With great schools, universities, and plenty of shopping and hospitality opportunities, Canterbury is a great South East gem, suitable for all ages. On the downside, property prices in Canterbury are higher than other Kent neighbourhoods, which might explain why only 636 new movers were registered in 2020-2021.

Sevenoaks

Possibly one of Kent’s most affluent and sought-after postcodes, Sevenoakes has a reputation for being a haven of the rich and wealthy, with one Sevenoakes street being so prestigious and exclusive that it’s even banned from Google maps! (Yes, really.)

Despite its reputation for soaring house prices, 632 movers were recorded migrating to the prestige area between 2020 and 2021, making it the 6th most popular destination for movers in Kent. It’s not hard to see why Sevenoakes is so popular – with transport links to London and a cosy town centre full of independent shops and amenities, the small population of Sevenoakes have everything they need on their doorstep.