Moving your family to the UK is quite a big step! Transferring to a new country, especially one as diverse and exciting as the UK, needs prep work. When you pack correctly, it can make settling into the UK a whole lot smoother. You’ll have everything you need from the get-go, from your children’s favourite toys to the kitchen essentials.
So, let’s get you packing like a pro and make your transition to the UK as easy as possible!
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The Importance of Preparation
Moving to a new country is a big step that can be tough. We’re talking about a new way of life, different norms, and even a different language. But with a bit of preparation, settling down can go smoothly. All you need is a plan that involves packing smart.
Don’t go cramming everything and anything into your suitcase. You must consider what to pack now and what to ship later. It might take a few weeks for your shipped items to get shipped over, so make sure you have certain things on hand when you arrive.
Pack essential clothes, important documents, and any immediate necessities in your luggage. Don’t forget your children’s favourite toys or comfort items to help them adjust to a new environment. Here is a simple checklist if you’re still unsure what to bring and what can’t wait for later.
Essential Documents
By the time you need to pack, you’ll be over the endless need for paperwork. But you’ll need a raft of documents when moving to the UK, which include:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate
- Children’s school records
- Medical records
- Professional qualifications or references
- Diplomas
- Any kind of certificate that will be challenging to get outside of your home country
Keeping these documents safe and organised is vital. Start by getting yourself a sturdy, waterproof file holder. Label each section clearly, and keep a checklist of what’s inside. Nothing beats the peace of mind knowing you’ve got everything in one place.
And don’t even think about stashing them in your checked luggage. Imagine the nightmare if your bags get lost in transit. Keep them in your hand luggage at all times. That way, you’re prepared for every eventuality.
Necessary Medications
Some things might never cross your mind, like how different the medicine can be in the UK. Quite often, the drugs you’re used to at home may not be readily available in the UK or are sold under a different name. It’s wise to bring a three-month supply of your necessary medications, giving you plenty of time to register with a GP who can prescribe what you need.
When it comes to packing your meds, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always pack them in your hand luggage, not your checked bags. If your luggage goes missing, at least your health is covered.
- Keep them in their original boxes, complete with labels and your prescription details, so you don’t face any problems at customs.
- Store them at the right temperature. Most medications need to be kept cool and dry.
Clothing and Footwear Essentials
Having enough clothing for the first month in the UK is a lifesaver. You may be busy settling in and may not have time for laundry. So, pack enough underwear, socks, and clothing to last a month.
Consider the weather. Pack warm clothes like jumpers, coats, and scarves if you move during winter. If it’s summer, ensure you have plenty of light clothes and sun hats. Remember, the UK weather can be unpredictable, so having a waterproof jacket is always a good idea.
For footwear, three pairs of shoes each should do the trick. A good pair of trainers is a must-have. Pack a pair of formal shoes for special occasions, and bring some comfortable boots or wellies in case the weather is rainy. Put the shoes in plastic bags so as not to dirty your other clothes.
I gotta say that we brought just some clothes and the rest we bought all new. The weather from our home country was hot and our clothes weren’t a fit anyways to London weather. I think this is a good opportunity to get yourslelf a new wardrobe, if you can afford it.
Your Kid’s Belongings
You can’t just leave your kid’s beloved toys and books behind. Their favourite teddies and storybooks will make them feel at home in the new place. Let them pick a few comfort objects to take along, but remember to keep it reasonable.
Knowing how to pack their drawings and other pieces of artwork safely is also vital. You don’t want to arrive with a suitcase full of crumpled papers, do you? Use sturdy folders to keep the drawings flat and intact. Bubble wrap can protect 3D artwork from getting squashed or damaged. Preserving these little mementoes from back home will comfort your kids in their new UK home.
We let the kids bring one suitcase per child wth their best selected toys. We gave this some allownces to buy new toys when we got here. It was a great call 🙂
Valuables
You’ve got to make some decisions about which costly items you’re bringing along to the UK. For electronics, consider the voltage difference. British outlets run on 230v, so if your devices can’t handle the change, you’re better off selling them before you move.
Please don’t leave your jewellery and heirlooms in your checked luggage. Always keep them on your person during travel. Bubble wrap is your best friend when packing valuables. Wrap each item individually and use plenty of padding. And don’t forget to check which items you can bring and which must be declared to customs in advance.
Home Accessories and Kitchenware
Those well-loved cushions or framed family photos can instantly make a new place feel like home. Cherished décor pieces will help your new space feel familiar and cosy. If you own some traditional or folk art pieces you can’t bear to part with, take them with you. They can make you feel like you’re back home, even across the ocean.
How about using your pots and pans to cook a new recipe in a different country? It will make things less overwhelming. So, throw in your favourite frying pan and that lucky mug you love so much. You can even take that overly expensive blender to make your favourite smoothies in the morning.
The Last Checkmark
Don’t let the packing process stress you out. Instead, see it as the first step in your family’s exciting adventure. Every item you pack, from the children’s favourite toys to the essential documents, is part of your journey.
Once you get to the UK, taking the time to unpack and set up your new home will be rewarding. It’s the start of creating a cosy, familiar space for your family in a new country.
Yes, moving can seem overwhelming, but you’ll be more than ready with the right checklist. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping a cup of tea in your new British home, wondering why you ever worried.
