Twenty-three years of my life in Australia, banging around in the cargo hold of a passenger cabin.
All of my most precious material possessions, compressed into two suitcases. When I booked a one-way ticket to London in December, that was one of my first thoughts. What the hell do I pack—and how do I decide what not to?
I’ve been here for a week now, and so far there haven’t been any facepalm, there’s-no-way-I-forgot-this moments. So let me run you through my process.
Obviously, it depends on how much luggage you’re allowed, but the process of elimination is essentially the same. For me, I had two suitcases with a maximum allowance of 32kg, plus an extra suitcase my mum will be bringing over in a month.
If you can, split your things into two categories: absolute non-negotiables and everything else. Pack the essentials separately so that if you’re over the weight limit, you know exactly what not to touch. This isn’t one of those generic packing lists you Google the night before your flight—this is my ultimate guide for nostalgic movers.
My Non-Negotiables
Memorabilia
Just a little envelope’s worth. They weigh next to nothing and are so essential to making yourself feel at home. Trust me, the homesickness will settle in soon enough. Of course you have photos on your phone, but having them on your windowsill or wall is so comforting.
I also packed my teddies, sorry! I had to sacrifice a book to read on the plane to stuff my two favourite jellycats in my hand luggage. I’m writing this article while leaning against them, and I’m extremely comfy, so… worth it.
Toiletries
This was a controversial topic in my house. My sister and mum tried countless times to convince me to remove some toiletries, and to be fair, they were heavy. But as I kept telling them—do you know how much an Olaplex routine costs? There was no way I was leaving that behind.
I skipped things like face wash, shower gel, and hair oils because I usually buy cheaper versions of those, and I knew I could easily repurchase them once I landed. The same went for makeup, although I was much stricter. I’m already trying to narrow my routine down to products I know work for me, and this felt like the perfect excuse to commit. Project Pan was one of my goals for 2026.
Clothes
Surprisingly, this was the easiest and most fun part of packing. Even though I had to sacrifice more coats and sweatshirts than I would have liked, it was freeing to think: You’re moving to a new country. No one knows you. You get to decide how you want to be perceived.
I have so many clothing items that I like individually, but they just don’t fit or suit me anymore. I kept them around for ‘one day’ or because I had a memory attached to them, but they had no place in London Sophie’s wardrobe.
Honestly, now that I’m set up in my new room, I have so much less stuff than I realised. And I’m not missing anything. I’m so excited to do some more shopping, for my wardrobe to adapt to a new temperature and new city. I guess part of the appeal of moving was for a new beginning, although it’s not that I’m trying to erase the old me—I just want her to evolve.
I promise, you don’t need that one sweatshirt that your ex gave you, that you’re keeping around because men’s hoodies are just so much comfier (seriously, what’s the science behind that?). You don’t need the five Victoria’s Secret sprays you bought because they smelled good in the store and you only used them when you remembered they existed. You’re going to be okay. There’s nothing that can fit in a suitcase that you won’t be able to get back.
If you’re moving soon, spend your last weeks with your friends and family, you’re going to miss them and unfortunately they won’t quite fit into checked luggage. I’m so excited to keep changing and growing, and the next time I move I’m sure I’ll have a completely different capsule.
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