What to bring... a question for the settled N.A. Expat Spouse in the UK

[nyclon]

Originally Posted by WestCoastCanadianGirl

(and for the returned UK expat who has ever spent time in Canada or North America in general)

Am in the process of sorting through my stuff and getting it ready to ship to the UK, and wondered if there's any "must haves" that people don't normally think of when moving to a new country.

Yes, I know that pretty much everything that I can get here in Canada could (should?) be "get-able" in the UK, but I'm sure that there are things here that just don't exist over there.

So, my fellow North American newlyweds, what would you recommend I add to my "must bring" list for my new married life in England?

As always, I give you my heartfelt thanks in advance and hope to see you all in October!

If you like to cook/bake and you use Imperial measures you might want to bring a set of measuring cups and spoons. Keeping with the cooking theme, I have yet to find decent aluminum foil, cling film or ziplock bags--especially freezer type bags so if you have space and these and they are things that you use I would bring the biggest rolls and packages you can find as they can last a couple of years.

[mehemlynn]

Originally Posted by ddang

Yay for that

Make sure you get "American" Lipton Tea bags, they are different in the two countries, if I remember correctly.

M

[ddang]

Originally Posted by mehemlynn

Make sure you get "American" Lipton Tea bags, they are different in the two countries, if I remember correctly.

M

Oh yes they are.. I know

[mehemlynn]

Originally Posted by nyclon

If you like to cook/bake and you use Imperial measures you might want to bring a set of measuring cups and spoons. Keeping with the cooking theme, I have yet to find decent aluminum foil, cling film or ziplock bags--especially freezer type bags so if you have space and these and they are things that you use I would bring the biggest rolls and packages you can find as they can last a couple of years.

I think each person misses different things. In the US the one thing my husband was really missing were Savory pies (you can get them, but not the same).

Think about your "comfort" foods, blankets, TV Shows, ect. Those are the things you might miss.

Every time I go over, I miss showers (we only have a bath in our house - as soon as we can afford it, I'm getting a shower put in). The other thing I miss is Kraft Mac and Cheese - just nothing like scary yellow cheese sauce - I can get it but it is something like $3 per box - no way I'm paying that unless I'm desperate. Most things can be bought (especially if you live in a city - and I think I remember you are going to London), but if you need to have it shipped from the US/Canada side of the pond, you'll pay alot for it.

M

[ddang]

Originally Posted by mehemlynn

I think each person misses different things. In the US the one thing my husband was really missing were Savory pies (you can get them, but not the same).

Think about your "comfort" foods, blankets, TV Shows, ect. Those are the things you might miss.

Every time I go over, I miss showers (we only have a bath in our house - as soon as we can afford it, I'm getting a shower put in). The other thing I miss is Kraft Mac and Cheese - just nothing like scary yellow cheese sauce - I can get it but it is something like $3 per box - no way I'm paying that unless I'm desperate. Most things can be bought (especially if you live in a city - and I think I remember you are going to London), but if you need to have it shipped from the US/Canada side of the pond, you'll pay alot for it.

M

Haha... I know, I love my showers not much of a bath person but I better get use to it as that's all we will have is a bath... Yes I will miss the little things

[nyclon]

Originally Posted by mehemlynn

I think each person misses different things. In the US the one thing my husband was really missing were Savory pies (you can get them, but not the same).

Think about your "comfort" foods, blankets, TV Shows, ect. Those are the things you might miss.

Every time I go over, I miss showers (we only have a bath in our house - as soon as we can afford it, I'm getting a shower put in). The other thing I miss is Kraft Mac and Cheese - just nothing like scary yellow cheese sauce - I can get it but it is something like $3 per box - no way I'm paying that unless I'm desperate. Most things can be bought (especially if you live in a city - and I think I remember you are going to London), but if you need to have it shipped from the US/Canada side of the pond, you'll pay alot for it.

M

Have you looked at Tesco for Kraft Mac and Cheese? Tesco usually stocks Kraft Mac and Cheese in store and on line for £1/box which is pretty much what it costs in the US.

[mehemlynn]

Originally Posted by nyclon

Have you looked at Tesco for Kraft Mac and Cheese? Tesco usually stocks Kraft Mac and Cheese in store and on line for £1/box which is pretty much what it costs in the US.

Hi,

The last time I checked Tesco for it was about 6 years ago and they didn't have it. I'll have to check again when I finally get over there again. Especially at some of the larger stores.

Thanks for the advice. :-)

Maggie

[nyclon]

Originally Posted by mehemlynn

Hi,

The last time I checked Tesco for it was about 6 years ago and they didn't have it. I'll have to check again when I finally get over there again. Especially at some of the larger stores.

Thanks for the advice. :-)

Maggie

No worries. Don't tell anyone, but I have to confess it is one of my guilty pleasures as well and I was thrilled when I noticed they carried it. Shhh!

[liam85]

Originally Posted by ddang

Deodorant as I noticed it seemed hard to find

HAHA really?? You can't be looking hard! You trying to say we're all smelly Brits haha only joking

[ddang]

Originally Posted by liam85

HAHA really?? You can't be looking hard! You trying to say we're all smelly Brits haha only joking

Yeah yeah lol it's a personal preference of mine, I only like certain deodorants and I feel like some of them don't work well.... I have a very high sense of smell which sucks sometimes... Ha but no really when I went into a few shops I looked for them and there are sort of different if that makes sense.. Maybe I should be looking somewhere else??