[Expats] [Indians] What to pack while travelling/migrating to UK for a year or so ?

Hello..I'm here sitting in London trying to help you in your preparation for a life changing time. First of all, congrats to you for the opportunity and do make the best of it.

As the saying goes, "If a man is bored of London, he's bored to life."
This is quite true as London is a truly a distinct city. I'm here just a few days back and realizing a few things about the new place. Roaming and sight-seeing is quite good, but when it comes to stay you are quite on your own. So, do prepare accordingly to take care of yourself and pack keeping 46 Kgs airline limit in mind.


Here goes the list and a few points :

• Everything is available here, so if you don't wish to bring anything don't. I assume you have some good money to spend and time to shop here. So, you can close this tab off. :)
• Shopping for groceries maybe challenging at first, because the Supermarkets are huge and the brands will be new to you.
• Bring small quantities of more things to get yourself started quickly rather than more quantities of less things.

THE LIST (Not ordered by importance)

Clothes

• Winter clothes as the weather is most likely to be cold all year as compared to India.
• Formal pants and shirts.
• 1 good jacket which is enough to handle extreme cold weather. The ones we wear there (win-cheaters or zippers are of little use in chilly winds here). I bought Nike Storm-fit in a sale.
• 1 pair of gloves, muffler, winter cap.
• Hangers
• Umbrella which can handle heavy winds.
• Socks, formal shoes, and another pairs as needed. Shoe brush, polish.
• 2 warm lowers.
• Thermals (Inner) at least 2 pairs.
• Night dresses. There is heating everywhere inside buildings maintained at approx 20-25 degrees.
• Bed sheets(1 single) and pillow covers(2).

Kitchen

Maybe you don't know cooking, but a few items are good to have especially a pressure cooker as the same is not available commonly here. Pack as per your luggage and your needs/taste here.

• Pressure Cooker (small)
• kadai
• Fry-pan non-stick and accessories.
• Knife
• Plates, cutlery, glasses, mug.
• Small quantities of Masalas like Garam Masala, Red Chilli,  whole Cumin seeds(Zeera), coriander powder, chat masala, turmeric (haldi), hing, black pepper etc.
• DON'T bring salt, sugar etc. No sense in that. Reduce your luggage.
• 1 Kg Atta
• Honey (optional)
• A few soups, dry-fruits

Bathroom/Toiletries

• Small soap, toothpaste, brush. These items are costly here as compared to India.
• A few shampoo sachets only as you'll have to buy here as per water here. It's little hard and you won't get much lather from Indian shampoos.
• Talcum powder, deodorant
• Body lotion (must)
• Towels

Electrical

Power sockets are different here, so bring Universal travel adapters.

• Travel Adapter(s)
• Electronic weighing machine hand-held (scale  - 40kgs) - for checking your luggage weight and not overpay airlines.
• Your favorite pair of headphones. :)
• Mobile phones are generally cheaper in India compared to UK. So, if you plan to change, then buy from there only.

Others

• Beers/ Alcohol is not expensive here. So, enjoy some good single malt scotch. :)
• There are many Indian restaurants here. Approx cost of lunch for two is 10 pounds.
• In many areas, Indian groceries are available so you can always stock up. Otherwise, big brands here are ASDA, TESCO, Sainsbury etc.
• London in general is a safe city and people like to mind their own business.
• You'll need to buy pillows, quilts from here unless packing your own.
• Be prepared to leave things here, so as to make space to pack gifts for your family and friends.
• Enjoy London metro (old system) and feel how good Delhi metro is. :) No comparison though as Delhi metro is newly built.

So, here it is. Hopefully, something will be helpful. This list is not exhaustive and of course, not applicable to everyone. Enjoy your stay.

If any questions, please leave a comment.

Cheers!