London 4 mos in two suitcases- what are the best things to pack and ways to pack?

Question

I need to live from late summer to the middle of December out of two suitcases weight limit 50lbs each and buy as little as possible in London. Any tips from locals or study abroad vets?

And if it is layering, could you be a bit more specific? How does one layer? And are there certain types of items that are necessary? Wool jumpers I know.

Any thing would be appreciated. Thank you!

Oh yes and I am social and a girl so dresses/ skirts vs. Trousers for going out?

Jeans in a club allowed?
Oh yes and should i bother bringing my football boots or just play in trainers? I am looking to join a Sunday league or something in Kensington.

Answer 1

First, work out your laundry cycle! You can limit packing by increasing the frequency you are prepared to wash your laundry. For example, if you only pack three sets of underwear, you have to launder daily - wash the set you are wearing, wear the set now dry and hope like anything the set that are still damp will dry by tomorrow. Pack four sets and you can miss a day and no-one will notice. Miss two and ...

Second, pack to mix and match. You should be able to wear every shirt with each pair of slacks, etc. Two pairs of slacks and three shirts gives you a six day cycle without a repeat. Alternatively, wear black, and no-one will know how often you launder!

Third - plan to socialise, take a set of good gear. Depending on what social life you will have, you will want to go clubbing, be asked around for more formal meals, etc, etc. You will need to work out if the various dress standards mean something different to Brits. In Australia, casual in my social circle means tailored slacks and an open necked, collared shirt. Whenever I have visited the UK, it has meant tailored slacks, jacket and tie. As a visitor, you might be able to get away with just taking a jacket and matching it up with your standard clothes rotation. Have a pair of shoes that won't get you stopped at a club door. Some places won't allow trainers/joggers/etc.

Fourth - plan to exercise. Unless you really don't exercise, plan to take a minimal kit of training shoes, sports shorts, running top or tee-shirts and track suit. You will need a gloves and beanie for winter, but you could get these at an op-shop when you get there.

There are a heap of packing lists etc. One of my favourites is One Bag, listed below.

Answer 2

Whenever I travel I always bring a lot of underwear. Try to pack things that can be multi-functional. You know, pants that look good formal and informal, shirts that match a lot of different pants, etc. Shoes are the biggest hassle. Bring a comfortable pair of walking/hiking shoes/boots. As for sweaters, well, bring one that goes with a lot of other things. You'll find second hand shops everywhere that have clothing cheap enough to afford and yet can leave behind for someone less fortunate to enjoy when you've gone home. Also, bring a cheap wrist watch, one that if you lose it you won't be in physical pain over its loss. Check to see if your mobile phone will work in Europe as well and that way you only have to buy a new SIM card. Good luck.

Layering clothes means a tee shirt under a shirt under a sweater under a jacket.

Answer 3

Cash. Buy what you need when you get there, like at a Salvation Army store so you get it cheap enuff to leave behind when you return home. And if you could find someway to pack ice cubes, do it. You can't find them anywhere, except little tiny ones that seem as precious and rare as diamonds. Layering?? You talking about wearing clothes? If so, best to wear about 3 light layers than anything heavy. London doesn't get terribly cold, though, so a thinsulate coat should do for outdoor wear, and some boots in case of some snow.

Answer 4

couple pair of jeans, tshirts, black trousers and matching jacket, colorful blouses,underwear and pajamas, tennis shoes, dress shoes ,purse. you can buy makeup, perfume and grooming aids there