Moving home is stressful for everyone, but for the LGBT+ community finding LGBT-friendly moving companies is an additional worry.
Removal companies, estate agents and other professionals need access to our homes to help us move, but doing so can also leave movers feeling exposed and vulnerable. This is especially true if you’re unsure how strangers will react to learning details about yourself and your family.
For this reason, more and more businesses in the property and removal sector are working to make sure their clients feel safe, regardless of their sexuality or gender. In a society that can be hostile, creating a welcoming environment for everyone is crucial – not just during Pride month but all year round.
To make the search a little easier, read on for information on some of the UK’s LGBT-friendly moving companies, real estate agents and lawyers.
LGBT-friendly moving companies
Shirley’s Removals
If you’re looking for LGBT-friendly moving companies in London, start with the original. Shirley’s Removals was founded in the 1980s in partnership with the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Due to homophobia and misinformation, moving agencies at the time would not help HIV-positive clients, and Shirley’s stepped in as London’s first LGBT removal business. Today, Shirley’s helps any and all clients – including myself, twice – with home and office moves in London, Greater London and the South-East.
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The Female AdVANtage
The Female AdVANtage (get it?) are ready to help with all of your moving, storage and person-with-a-van needs. Owners, operators, founders and couple Rachel and Hillary are based in Oxfordshire and are available for bookings within a one-hour radius, as well as any moves to or from Oxfordshire.
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Chess Moves Removals
Based in Brighton, Chess Moves has handled moving and storage on the south coast since 2005. They list themselves in the pink pages, a UK-based business directory with details of LGBT friendly companies and professionals across dozens of industries.
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LGBT-friendly estate agents
Outlet Residential
No one enjoys an awkward look when dealing with legal documents or clarifying that you and your ‘friend’ are looking for a one-bedroom, which is why an estate agent who’s worked closely with the LGBT community for decades can be so refreshing.
From its original office in Soho, Outlet Residential has spent 25 years working closely with London’s LGBT community. They now cover all of central London, offering properties to buy and rent as well as property management services.
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LGBT-friendly legal services
LGBT Lawyers
Seeking legal representation is stressful enough without worrying if you’ll experience discrimination based on your identity. LGBT Lawyers match UK clients with LGBT friendly lawyers suited to their case.
Help is available with all kinds of property law, from purchasing the freehold of your property to dealing with tenancy disputes or fighting an eviction.
