Moving to London - Packing Advice

[nyclon]

Originally Posted by mamasue

Oh well, it's no big deal, I was just trying to be helpful!

So was I.

[SilversMiller]

Hi Proost11, I will be moving to UK to settle, I am a 50+ female, so apart from being overly sentimental... it's going to be hard enough to sell & give away most of my cherished belongings, simplify & choose what will be most important to have with me when I'm in UK. We can buy most anything online these days & we can store photos, music & videos on our phones & computers. So I was really hoping to hear a few more tips on what to bring from US in suitcases, but I guess only WE know what we'll miss most. Obviously they sell PLENTY of umbrellas in UK with their rainfall, so if we only have "so much room" in our luggage...my thoughts are to maybe pick the small, light "regularly used comfort items" that will give you a sense of "home" while you adjust to your new surroundings. The satin pillow cases my Mother made me will be the first thing I grab, but maybe you have a favorite travel mug or an old handmade Christmas ornament? Pack things you can't replace easily, and then invite your family/friends to visit you in UK & bring what you miss...then you can help replace the space with goodies from UK for their return. We're definitely creatures of habit, but we're also more adaptable than we think.

[proost11]

Thanks SilversMiller! This sentiment is actually what I was hoping to help capture. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and you're right, that one "thing" will be unique to each of us. And I know exactly the thing I'll want.

Good luck with your move! Here's to making new memories and traditions abroad!

Originally Posted by SilversMiller

Hi Proost11, I will be moving to UK to settle, I am a 50+ female, so apart from being overly sentimental... it's going to be hard enough to sell & give away most of my cherished belongings, simplify & choose what will be most important to have with me when I'm in UK. We can buy most anything online these days & we can store photos, music & videos on our phones & computers. So I was really hoping to hear a few more tips on what to bring from US in suitcases, but I guess only WE know what we'll miss most. Obviously they sell PLENTY of umbrellas in UK with their rainfall, so if we only have "so much room" in our luggage...my thoughts are to maybe pick the small, light "regularly used comfort items" that will give you a sense of "home" while you adjust to your new surroundings. The satin pillow cases my Mother made me will be the first thing I grab, but maybe you have a favorite travel mug or an old handmade Christmas ornament? Pack things you can't replace easily, and then invite your family/friends to visit you in UK & bring what you miss...then you can help replace the space with goodies from UK for their return. We're definitely creatures of habit, but we're also more adaptable than we think.

[SilversMiller]

Originally Posted by proost11

Thanks SilversMiller! This sentiment is actually what I was hoping to help capture. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and you're right, that one "thing" will be unique to each of us. And I know exactly the thing I'll want.

Good luck with your move! Here's to making new memories and traditions abroad!

Good luck to you too Proost11...I've learned a lot on this forum and people seem to be very helpful and genuine. I will look forward to hearing how you're doing and hope that the process goes smoothly. Take care!

[Francesca,BRIT]

If you go to a doctor in the UK and they prescribe you some paracetamol they give out 100 or more at a time

[Liz in UK]

On the subject of Tylenol, if you ever use Tylenol PM, bring that with you as it is about 12 pounds for 12 tablets of the equivalent here, but about $12 for 500 in the States (If you buy the generic). And the one thing that I forgot and asked my family for when they came over for my wedding was American measuring cups. I brought an American cookbook, but no measuring cups or spoons, and got very annoyed with conversions, and then couldn't figure out why my recipes were slightly off if I used British cups. (A British cup is 10 fl oz as opposed to the American 8 fl oz)

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by Francesca,BRIT

If you go to a doctor in the UK and they prescribe you some paracetamol they give out 100 or more at a time

Yes, but unless you are under 19 or over 60 or on low income etc, you have to pay prescription charge of £7.40. Or you can buy two packs of paracetamol (32 tablets) for around 50p, and you just have to go around three different supermarkets or bargain shops (will cost more in pharmacies) for a grand total of around £1.50.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Joppa

Yes, but unless you are under 19 or over 60 or on low income etc, you have to pay prescription charge of £7.40. Or you can buy two packs of paracetamol (32 tablets) for around 50p, and you just have to go around three different supermarkets or bargain shops (will cost more in pharmacies) for a grand total of around £1.50.

..... and legally you have to be over 16 (and prove it if there is any doubt) to buy paracetamol over the counter in the UK

Jo xxx

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by jojo

..... and legally you have to be over 16 (and prove it if there is any doubt) to buy paracetamol over the counter in the UK

And you have to be 18 or over to post here (have read the rules!)

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by Liz in UK

On the subject of Tylenol, if you ever use Tylenol PM, bring that with you as it is about 12 pounds for 12 tablets of the equivalent here, but about $12 for 500 in the States (If you buy the generic). And the one thing that I forgot and asked my family for when they came over for my wedding was American measuring cups. I brought an American cookbook, but no measuring cups or spoons, and got very annoyed with conversions, and then couldn't figure out why my recipes were slightly off if I used British cups. (A British cup is 10 fl oz as opposed to the American 8 fl oz)

Measuring cups and spoons is an excellent idea. The other thing, though, is that British flour may be different from the US type. I know the flour here in France is "moister" than US flour and really doesn't work well in baking recipes. (Made one of my favorite cake recipes and wound up with a cake pan full of goo rather than a nice cake.)
Cheers,
Bev