Relocation Tips For Moving To Sheffield

Moving to Sheffield in the UK?

Whether you’re relocating from afar or from a neighbouring town, we’ve got some essential relocation tips for moving to Sheffield. We’ve helped move plenty of families, couples, individuals and businesses to the area, so we know a thing or two about making the move less stressful.

A city in South Yorkshire, it has an industrial history and plenty to offer – including the Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield Botanical Gardens and the nearby Peak District.

Facts about Sheffield

• Sheffield is the second largest city in South Yorkshire, measuring 367.9 km² by area.
• According to the most recent census (2021), there were 556,500 people living in Sheffield.
• Named the “Steel City” for its historical prominence in the steel industry, it was here that high-quality steel was produced, including the steel used to construct the iconic Brooklyn Bridge!
• Sheffield’s name is derived from the river Sheaf, which runs through the city.
• The average lowest temperature is around 4°C and the highest is around 17°C.

Living in Sheffield

When it comes to living in this vibrant city, there are several key factors to consider. From understanding the cost of living to choosing the best neighbourhoods, many important aspects come into play when deciding where to make your home.

Cost of living

Sheffield offers a mixture of properties, from modern apartments, to traditional family terraces. The most popular type of property in Sheffield is a terraced house, then semi-detached and detached houses. Living costs are approximately 30% lower than in London, with rent prices being reduced by around 62% compared to the capital. When searching for somewhere to live in this big city, it’s important to consider lifestyle, budget and future aspirations.

Renting vs buying

In Sheffield, there are many buying and renting options, for various budgets. The market value here is much more affordable compared to some other major cities. If you are unsure how long you wish to reside in Sheffield for, then renting would be the better choice, as it gives you flexibility to move around without being anchored by a mortgage.

Visit your neighbourhood

Whether you’re moving to the city centre or to one of the suburbs, such as Nether Edge, Attercliffe or Broomhill, visiting your new neighbourhood before you move can help make the change easier. You can locate the essential amenities and ‌get your bearings of the area.

Education and employment

When moving to another city, it’s important to take into account job prospects and education options, as this will most likely fund your living expenses. There are many opportunities for employment and learning in Sheffield, making it suitable for both individuals and families with children.

Schools

Sheffield houses two universities; the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, providing a future prospectus for ambitious students. There is also an array of primary schools, with many rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, such as Dore Primary School and Hunter’s Bar Junior School. In terms of secondary schools, the quality of education is also good, with many schools also being rated ‘outstanding’, such as the prestigious Mercia School.

Economy

In 2023, Sheffield was considered one of the fastest growing economies in the UK and is developing three times faster than London. Furthermore, it has a very diverse economy driven by industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and engineering. Sheffield boasts a comparatively low unemployment rate, offering numerous job opportunities across various industries.

Job opportunities

Sheffield has a diverse economy with a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors, making it an attractive destination for both young professionals and experienced workers. It is also home to many businesses across industries such as healthcare, retail, tourism, financial services, food processing, and textiles. Additionally, the public sector and two prominent universities provide significant employment opportunities in education, research, and other public services. With its mix of established industries and emerging sectors, Sheffield offers job prospects for people at all stages of their careers.

Climate and culture

Whether you’re drawn to the city’s industrial roots, its thriving arts scene, or its scenic natural beauty, Sheffield’s unique blend of culture and climate ensures that there is something to captivate and delight every visitor who steps foot within its boundaries.

Geography

Situated at the foot of Pennie highlands, Sheffield is built near the confluence of five rivers: Don, Sheaf, Loxley, Porter and Rivelin. It is surrounded by beautiful views, verdant countrysides and hillsides. This rich city is also located near the beautiful Peak District, making it popular destination for avid hikers and naturalists.

History

Sheffield’s history stretches back to the Roman era, with the city’s strategic location along important trade routes contributing to its early development and prominence. However, it was Sheffield’s booming steel industry during the Industrial Revolution that truly cemented its place as a powerhouse of British manufacturing and innovation. It stands out as a truly unique and multifaceted city that offers something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Population

There is a mixture of different ethnicities, religions and ages here, making it a multicultural and vibrant city to live in. Also, as of the last census, people 15 and under account for around 17.9% of the population, and over 65s represent 17.0% of the population. There is almost an equal ratio of males and females, so is a hub of different cultures, ages and opportunities!

Amenities

Aside from living costs, education and job prospects, it’s also important that the city you move to has many things to do. If you’re moving as a family, this will help your children adjust and prepare for the move. You can find the local parks, scout for clubs they could join and even arrange a visit to their new school.

Places to eat

There are many places to eat in Sheffield for avid foodies. From quick takeaway spots to high-end restaurants, there is something for everyone. Some notable places include Joro, a modern restaurant offering a staggering eight-course meal! There is also a range of cultural eateries, providing a variety of tastes and textures. If you love an Indian, Ashoka is well-known local restaurant, offering a multitude of mouth-watering dishes to savour on!

Activities

There will be no time for boredom in Sheffield with a wide selection of activities available. From sightseeing spectacular structures such as the largest urban glass house in Europe to attending shows at the largest theatre complex outside of London, there’s lots to experience in Sheffield. If you prefer to breathe in the outdoor air, this city has a magnificent botanical garden and parkland valleys you can follow out to the peaks.

Where to shop

Providing endless opportunities for retail therapists, Sheffield is certainly not short of shops. Fashion lovers can explore chic designer showrooms and high-street gems on Fargate, while antique enthusiasts will find treasures in the Devonshire Quarter’s vintage shops. For the ultimate shopping experience, Meadowhall, one of Europe’s largest malls, boasts a vast selection of brand-name stores, outlets, and entertainment. Sheffield’s vibrant retail scene offers endless options for a shopping spree.

Packing and moving tips

Before you make your move into this historic and culturally rich city, you need to equip yourself with handy tips to make packing and moving easier.

• Label everything: When packing your belongings for your exciting venture, it’s best to categorise your items into large, medium and smaller boxes to make unpacking easier.
• Pack fragile items separately: To reduce the chance of your most delicate items getting damaged, pack them separately from everything else and store them in bubble wrap for an added layer of protection.
• Pack strategically: However you choose to pack, implement a strategy to minimise stress. For example, unpack room by room to ensure nothing is forgotten.
• Use storage facilities: If you’re downsizing or have items that are surplus to requirements, arrange a suitable furniture storage solution ahead of time. If you’re unsure how long you need storage for, it’s best to choose a flexible company that allows you to end your hiring term whenever you like..
• Choose a reliable removal company: Removal companies are specifically trained to handle move ins. Ensure to check reviews, recommendations and expertise of the company for the highest-quality service. The sooner you book your removal company, the better! If your house sale has been confirmed, start your search for a reliable Sheffield removals company.

A removal company you can trust

Here at Hallam Removals, we have an extensive amount of expertise and a wide fleet of vehicles to handle even the most complex moves. We also offer a range of storage options, from furniture to business storage solutions, for a hassle-free experience.

Contact our specialist team today to start your stress-free move to Sheffield!