LIST: Things you wish you had brought with you

Ziplock bags (the kind that have an actual zip -- the press together ones are annoying), especially the 2.5 gal. size.

Me too! I always, always make room to bring back assorted sizes of ziplock bags, I don't care for the press together ones either, they are a pain to use

I buy zip-lock (not the press together kind) bags from Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Ohhhhh I dd not realize they sold them in Tesco!
I am going to put ziplock bags on my list right now so I remember to look for them on this week's shop, thanks Chary 

I've never tried the Tesco ziplock bags, but the Sainsburys ones are rubbish. So bad I will never ever buy them again. The zip often snaps off when you're first trying to use the bag. Alternatively, the zip doesn't actually open it when you go to reopen something stored in it, then in trying to get it open, the top of the bag tears & zip falls off. Worst design ever!

I've never tried Tesco's so can't comment on those. People I know with a Costco membership here have said you can buy the American ones there, but I'm not a member so can't confirm.

I've never found Zip-locks in Sainsbury's -- maybe only the big stores carry them?  I have found them occasionally in a "pound" type store: Simply Seal by Sealapak.  Not bad; the bigger ones are good for storing opened packages of pasta.

I also wish I had file folders (in colors).  Find those wallet things awkward for storing papers.

This last trip back I shopped my closet to discover the size 10's I had stockpiled now fit (lost about 10 lbs. on the British lifestyle) -- so what I brought over a year ago is sorta getting baggy.  Would be nice to just ship the whole shooting match over 

They definitely sell real Ziploc bags at Costco.  I'll check next time I'm in if they are the zipper top or press together.  I *think* they are the press together kind.

Thank you TravelingFrog, Hello Panda!, Albatross, and MeShell!!  Great recommendations, especially about the Lawry's and Franks! I have seen Burts Bees in a couple places, but the prices are close to extortion! haha  I used to get a $5 off coupon and snag a killer deal at Ulta, getting me a whole kit for $10.  I can get just a BB chapstick for that much, lol. 

Hello all, didn't read this one in the posts i read but here goes one mine

Miracle Whip salad dressing, unheard of in the UK

Hello all, didn't read this one in the posts i read but here goes one mine

Miracle Whip salad dressing, unheard of in the UK

http://theoatmeal.com/blog/miracle_whip

 

Plastic clothes hangers with the clippy things on so you can hang a top and bottom together.  Some of mine also had a hook so you could hang a coordinating belt, scarf, necklace, whatever with the outfit.  Saves space on the hanging rail and saves time in hunting for the shirt/jacket/sweater to go with those trousers.

I note that M&S no longer give you the hangers when you buy something.  Most of the hangers I do have were theirs.  Regular plastic ones are expensive to buy.  (I know the advice is to use only wooden hangers but they're even more expensive and quite bulky.)

I note that M&S no longer give you the hangers when you buy something.  Most of the hangers I do have were theirs.  Regular plastic ones are expensive to buy.  (I know the advice is to use only wooden hangers but they're even more expensive and quite bulky.)

This doesn't solve the issue of the clippy things, but if you're looking for inexpensive and nonbulky hangers, I always get the flocking ones from Dunelm Mill. £2.49 for 5. And nothing ever slides off them! They're brilliant!

This doesn't solve the issue of the clippy things, but if you're looking for inexpensive and nonbulky hangers, I always get the flocking ones from Dunelm Mill. £2.49 for 5. And nothing ever slides off them! They're brilliant!

Thanks.  As it happens, we were in TK Maxx yesterday and I spotted some of those flocked hangers with the clips!!!  Alas, they were much too pricy for me -- somethings like 13 quid for 10. 

Burts bees may be everywhere, but it is as expensive of heck here.  I get mine from the US still where I can afford it.

A good thing about moving in stages: you get an opportunity to find out what you really need/miss.  I've started a list where every time I think longingly about something I left behind I write it down.  Then next time I'm back in the US I review the list and see if I still really really want it.  Sometimes I spot something when I'm there that wasn't on the list but generally I find that if I haven't yearned for it there's no point in lugging it back.

Yall were SO RIGHT about the sheets. We didn't bring any with us in the end because we didn't have room and had to spend a ridiculous amount of money for crappy sheets. My in-laws are bringing some when they come over in a few weeks!