Lindsey Phillips is originally from northern California and moved to London to be with her British husband in 2005. They currently live in St John’s Wood with their three children. Her love of London is shown in her blog Urban Mums, which is dedicated to stylish family life in London. Some of Lindsey’s personal favourites include: the cute boutiques on Westbourne Grove, eggs benedict from Raoul’s, the beautiful Hampstead Heath, black bottom cupcakes from Hummingbird Bakery and renting bikes and cycling around London with my husband.
As an expat, she knows the ups and downs of making a big move and settling into a new city and recently set up Urban Living – a new relocation agency which helps expats navigate the cobble streets of London – from finding the perfect home to where to get the best flat white in their ‘hood.
WLM recently caught up with Lindsey:
What inspired you to start Urban Living relocation services?
Since moving to London, I’ve met two groups of expats. The first group moves here and is frustrated, uninformed and feels “lost” even after a year or two in London. They don’t know how to make friends, where to shop or eat, what neighbourhoods to explore. It’s such a shame they miss out on this amazing city that’s actually very family-friendly. There’s also a second group – these are expats who explore their local area and London. They find shopping boutiques, after-school clubs for their kids, new restaurants, cool hidden streets, social groups. They come to love and really understand London. I have friends in this category who are then really sad to leave London after 2-3 years. They move home with this amazing London experience and email about how much they miss it!
I understand both groups. I moved here eight years ago and I know what it’s like to make that change. But I love living here and I think it’s such a shame there are some families who miss out on all that this city offers. I want everyone to enjoy London and take advantage of it. I started my business to help families establish their new life quickly so they can start enjoying London from the start.
What services do you provide for newcomers?
I provide services to help identify the right neighbourhood for their family, the right family home based on their needs, and a lifestyle and orientation day to show them around their local area and fast-track their knowledge about family life in London. I’ve also had other requests, like property searching for families while they are still living in their home country.
What do you find is the main concern most expats have upon arrival? There isn’t one single concern, but several little things that are very overwhelming when all combined. Everything from figuring out how to use the National Healthcare System to which laundry detergent to use!
What sets your service apart from other relocation companies?
I focus on families moving to London. It’s what I know and what I’ve experienced. Most London relocation services concentrate on finding expats a house. They do a good job, but it’s a generic service that still leaves too many families feeling unsettled and unprepared for life here. My services help with finding a neighbourhood and home while also addressing family and lifestyle priorities, interests and needs.
Do you specialise across London or just in specific areas?
I work across London, but I find most expat families focus on West London.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to a family relocating? Get to know London. Explore. Walk down that side street and see it where it leads. Sit down at the adorable cafe down the road. Visit independent bookstores and boutiques. Take the train to an area of London you don’t know and wander. The people who love London are the people who embrace it. It won’t be like home, but that’s what makes it so special. You’ll love it!
URBAN LIVING LONDON
