Packing

Packing Considerations.  

By American standards, typical UK houses are smaller.  Even if you find a larger home, it may have a staircase so narrow you won’t be able to get your bedroom furniture upstairs.  If you have large furniture (including queen-size beds or larger), it is probably best to leave it in storage and replace it once you are here.   The larger the furniture, the greater the risk of limiting the homes you can move into, and storing such furniture will be tremendously expensive.  Storage can be obtained at RAF Croughton if necessary.  Be advised that an extension of TLA payments will not be authorized because you are unable to fit your furniture into an otherwise acceptable home.  Your sponsor can give you an idea of what is too large and what is not; queen-size box springs (UK bed sizes are NOT the same as U.S.) and large dressers, etc., are often a problem.   If you really want to keep your large-size bed, it’s best to get box springs that come as a split pair.  Some other considerations to take into account: 

a. Garages.  

Not all homes have garages, and those that do typically fit only one small car – don’t count on them for storage.  Similarly, if you intend to live near or in downtown London, you are unlikely to have a garage. 

b. Living in Central London. 

 If you think you might want to live in central London, take a look at some properties in your budget and get an idea on how much you should bring. Houses, particularly in summer, move quickly. By contacting estate agents (who you can see in most online property listings), you can get options that are not currently listed but will become available in the timeframe you desire. 

c. Clothes.  

UK homes rarely have closets.  Instead, they have standalone wardrobes, smaller than typical American closets.  UK homes often come equipped with washer and dryer machines, though with significantly smaller capacities than American versions.  Carefully consider how many clothes you bring, as it can take up to 4 hours to get one load of laundry through the washer and dryer. 

d. Electrical Items.  

Current in the UK is 220~240 volts and 50 hertz (U.S. standard is 110 V / 60 Hz). Unless the appliance is dual-voltage, you will need to plug it into a transformer to use it in the UK.  Please keep in mind that transformers only convert voltage, not frequency (hertz). Because of this, it is generally not recommended to bring items with a motor or heating element (e.g, a kitchen mixer (although large Kitchen Aid mixers seem to be OK) or hair dryer) as repeated use of 50 Hz electricity sources will cause significant wear and tear.  Better to leave such items in storage in the U.S.  Also, anything with an electric clock will not keep accurate time (i.e., wall plug alarm clocks).  Small international power plug converters are handy for charging mobile phones and other devices that accept them, but DO NOT confuse converters with actual transformers.  Direct feed from 220 V only takes a few seconds to toast a 110 V stereo system or other electronics! 

e. Computers.  

If your computer is dual-voltage (most are), it will work just fine in the UK. However, if you are using a power strip, double-check the back of the strip to make sure it is rated for 240V, or it may burn out or catch fire. 

f. Televisions.  

The UK uses a PAL broadcast format, whereas the U.S. uses NTSC, so your television will not work on its own in the UK.  If you have a nice television you want to bring with you, you can purchase a signal adapter from www.amazon.com or a similar site that will allow you to use it.  The adaptor is more expensive in the UK, so we recommend purchasing it beforehand and bringing it with you. Alternatively, you can buy UK televisions, but realize they are much pricier here. 

g. TV License.  

Annual requirement for anyone with a TV in their home.  As soon as you move into your permanent UK home, go to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/ to purchase a TV license.  This is mandatory, and UK authorities have ways to determine which homes have it and which do not.  Hefty fines apply if you get caught watching TV without one. If you do not have a TV or use live TV streaming services (e.g., BBC iPlayer), a TV license is not required, and you can go to the website above to provide that information. 

h. Lamps.  

Modern lamps have a cord rated for 300V. If your lamps are so rated, they can safely handle UK 240V, and you can bring them.  You will need to purchase wall adapters for the plugs and purchase UK light bulbs. 

i. Transformers.  

As stated earlier, you will need transformers to operate U.S. electrical equipment. You will get two from the Housing Office to keep for the duration of your tour.  Each one will usually have two plugs.  Recommend inventory: how many U.S. electrical plugs you will need, then purchase transformers while in the U.S. to ship with your household goods move, as transformers are much more expensive in the UK than in the U.S.  Again, www.amazon.com is a good source for purchasing additional transformers if you’re willing to wait on shipping.