Everything in a suitcase

Okay... after months of debate and pulling my hair out over shipping I have 24 hours to pack it all up in 2 suitcases. It was tough to just go through everything and separate "junk" and what I should actually take. Any tips, so far I re-packed three times, still pushing kitchen pans in there... which I am starting to think was really silly. Any suitcase international movers out there that can give me some last minute tips and encouragement. Surely someone else must have gone the suitcase route. 

I moved over with 3 suit cases and one carry on.

However when my DH was visiting I sent him home with one suitcase to help ease my load. I literally moved with nothing but by clothes, photos, a few pairs of shoes, a bit of my homemade Xmas decorations and that's about it. I still have about 3 boxes in storage at my granny's that I will bring next time I go visit. I got rid of pretty much everything I could. I didn't bother to bring household items because my Hubby already had everything and if not I knew it was easy enough to buy and replace stuff once I got here. Good luck with the packing! I know for me the hardest part was letting go of all my stuff and deciding what stays and what goes.

Only tip I can think of is that most airlines don't have weight restrictions for the carry on so put the heaviest stuff you can fit into the carry on bag to help not go over weight with the big suitcases. It can get very expensive if you do over pack so be careful. 

I moved with a few suitcases too and what I strongly suggest is to take some things that make your home feel like home. Things like a blanket, certain linens, candles or smelly stuff that you use, a couple small trinkets, believe it or not, can make the difference if you get a little homesick. Pots and pans you can get here or have shipped over later, but little creature comforts can be, well... comforting. 

I agree with pkmac...I moved over in two suitcases (DH brought two as well) and I mostly brought clothes and little things from home.  I shipped all my books using M-bags and mailed other things like kitchen stuff and music/DVDs/out of season clothes.  Bring the things that really matter to you now...so that you have them close when you need something familiar.

I'm a suitcase mover too!  And like everyone has said here, I highly recommend ditching the pots and pans and bringing those things that will make your new home really feel like home.

Since I knew this was going to be my first Christmas with my hubby in our new home I made sure to bring my Christmas ornaments (which did take a lot of space but I'm glad I did).  I packed one box that was the largest I could find within the space requirements with Christmas things and other knick knacks... I had one suitcase filled with clothes and a second carry-on suitcase filled with some fragile items and clothes.  I also found the largest purse looking bag possible for my "personal item".

My only regret (and therefore my suggestion to you) is to stock up on any US cosmetics you use before you come.  They are wicked expensive here if you can find.  Everything else will be easy for you to replace.

Oh, and one other tip, dress in layers on the plane.  Wear bulky items (like a big sweater or coat) to save a little bit more space too!


Have a safe trip and WELCOME! 

Thanks for the tips, I am slowly cutting down the amount of stuff I am taking. I mean... London has socks.. And thanks Jessica for the tip, stopped at Ulta on my way back to the house today Not sure if the UK has bare minerals makeup.

stopped at Ulta on my way back to the house today Not sure if the UK has bare minerals makeup.

I love Ulta! I've always been one to keep stocked up with make up so last time I visited I didn't need anything so didn't go in. I've seen mineral make up in several shops so I'm pretty sure you could find it here but it will most likely be super expensive. Ok just found a link for ya! You can defo get it!

http://www.debenhams.com/beauty#storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&lid=%2F%2Fproductsuniverse%2Fen_GB%2Fproduct_online%3DY%2Fcategories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_59001%7D%2Fcategories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_59001_77103%7D&txt=bare+minerals&ps=default&sid=

I agree with the others.  Don't bring a lot of things that can be easily replaced and mean nothing to you (socks for example).  I brought sentimental items and left behind pretty much everything else.  We started from scratch when we moved so we had a lot of shopping to do anyway.  Unless those pots and pans have some deep sentimental value, I seriously would toss/sell them.  There are a millions places to buy those here.

I agree too that little things can make you feel more "at home" (even stuff you wouldn't think about like your pillow, a special blanket, etc.).

I honestly didn't bring a lot of clothes...they can be easily replaced.  I wish I had been able to bring more shoes though.

ETA:  I also wouldn't worry too much about bringing a lot of summer clothes.  It doesn't get that hot here so there's really no reason to have 20 tanktops and 30 pair of shorts (if you get the point).

I love Ulta! I've always been one to keep stocked up with make up so last time I visited I didn't need anything so didn't go in. I've seen mineral make up in several shops so I'm pretty sure you could find it here but it will most likely be super expensive. Ok just found a link for ya! You can defo get it!

http://www.debenhams.com/beauty#storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&lid=%2F%2Fproductsuniverse%2Fen_GB%2Fproduct_online%3DY%2Fcategories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_59001%7D%2Fcategories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_59001_77103%7D&txt=bare+minerals&ps=default&sid=

Awesome thanks so much for the link!!

And thanks Jessica for the tip, stopped at Ulta on my way back to the house today Not sure if the UK has bare minerals makeup.

You're absolutely welcome! I know I'm having my Mom send me makeup for Christmas...because even if you can find it, it's super expensive! (at least that's what I've found).