Moving into an accommodation after leaving your comfortable life at home is a thrilling yet daunting experience. There's the excitement of new beginnings coupled with the challenge of ensuring you have everything you need from food to daily essentials. So, don't worry and relax, here's a rundown of my moving day essentials such as what I brought with me, what I had to buy, and where I got it all from.

What I brought from home

Moving day isn't just about transferring your belongings from one place to another; it's about making a new place feel like home. For me, as an international student coming all the way from India, the itemas I brought along where a mix of necessity and nostalgia. 

[1] Personal belongings

I started with the basics - clothes, shoes and personal items. These are essential and need no introduction. I packed these carefully, ensuring my favourite outfits were easily accessible. I made sure to bring a balanced amount of summer and winter clothing as the weather in Glasgow is very unpredictable and just got two extra pairs of shoes to limit the baggage weight. Also do not forget about your prescribed medicine as it can take a time to find the alternative here. 

[2] Bedding and linen

There is nothing quite like the comfort of your own bed. However, to limit my baggae weight I brought just one bedsheet and decided to get my pillows, duvet and another bedsheet delivered straight to my acommodation by Argos as they provide planned and same day deliveries. You can find the links of what I bought here:

Image shows three items from the Argos website: mustard yellow bedsheet, gingham yellow duvet set on a bed, and duvet and pillow in packaging.

[3] Kitchen essentials

I made sure to pack my favourite kitchen utensils, a couple of pots and pans, and some basic spices and as an Indian I obviously got Maggi. Cooking in a new kitchen with familiar tools and flavours makes the transition smoother. I also got 1kg of rice and dal from home to sustain my diet for at least the first two weeks. 

[4] Sentimental items

Photos, artwork and keepsakes came along too. Those personal touches are vital for creating a homely atmosphere. They bring a sense of continuity and personal history to a new space. I also vaccum packed in my soft toy, for when things get tough as it really helps to have something comforting when you miss home. 

What I bought

While bringing items from India was important, moving to a new home inevitably means acquiring new things. Here's what I bought and where I got them from:

[1] Storage solutions

Moving in is the perfect time to get organised. I invested in some storage solutions like shelves and drawer organizers from TK Maxx. These helped in keeping everything tidy and accessible, making the most feel more functional and less cluttered.

[2] Home decor

To add a personality to my new home, I ordered up some affordable decorative items from Temu. Throw pillows, wall art, and some quirkly knick-knacks make the place my own. You can find the link to the website here: 

[3] Kitchen and bath supplies

For kitchen and bath supplies, I headed to One Beyond and the pound store near city centre. I stocked up on essentials like dishware, cooking utensils, and bathroom supplies. You can even go to Aldi as their wide selection and reasonable prices make it a one-stop shop for all moving day necesseties. There is also no need to bring utensils from home as you buy them from the nearby stores, like I got myself a whole dinner set from Spar for £5.

[4] Winter essentials, coats and jackets

If you are moving to Glasgow in September, I would suggest not to increase your baggage weight limit by carrying thick winter wear and bulky jackets or coats as you can easily buy them at Primark at affordable prices which will suit the weather and will be more appropriate. 

Tips for Moving Day Magic 

[1] Plan ahead

Make a checklist of essentials items you need to bring and buy. Planning ahead helps in avoiding last-minute chaos. 

[2] Declutter

Moving is  great opportunity declutter. Donate or dispose of items you no longer need. 

[3] Labelled pouches

Clearly label your pouches. This makes unpacking much easier and ensures you know exactly where your essentials are. 

[4] Set up the essentials first

Focus on setting up your bed and kitchen first. These are the areas you'll need immediatey. 

Moving day can be stressful, but with a bit of planning and some thoughtful purhcases, it can also be an exciting start to a new chapter. The jey is to strike a balance between bringing familiar items that make you feel at home and buying new things that cater to the needs of your new space. Happy moving!

First published: 16 January 2025

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