{
 "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1",
 "type": "situation",
 "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london/",
 "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london.json",
 "publisher": "What to Buy For",
 "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/",
 "pricesAsOf": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
 "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.",
 "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.",
 "title": "What to buy for a move to London from abroad",
 "section": "home",
 "answer": "Five things for a move to London from abroad, because the UK does them its own way: an adaptor for UK plugs, a world adaptor for non-EU appliances, an extension lead, a duvet in UK sizes and a filter jug for hard water. Visas, housing and bills are not covered.",
 "published": "2026-10-02",
 "updated": "2026-10-17",
 "noindex": false,
 "whyThisBasket": [
  "The plug, voltage and adaptor advice comes from Electrical Safety First, the UK electrical safety charity.",
  "The hard water line comes from Morphy Richards and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.",
  "The duvet size comes from Silentnight's buying guide.",
  "For the first-night box itself (bedding, towels, loo roll, a smoke alarm check), our first flat list covers it."
 ],
 "basket": [
  {
   "id": "power",
   "label": "Plugs and power",
   "intro": "Check every appliance's rating plate before you plug it in.",
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "Adaptors for European plugs",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london/#role-eu-adaptor",
     "quantity": "1 per appliance you use every day",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B08926Z4RH",
      "name": "VGUARD 2Pack European to UK Plug Adaptor",
      "amazonTitle": "VGUARD 2Pack European to UK Plug Adaptor, BS8546 Certified EU to UK Adapter",
      "brand": "VGUARD",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YTGDLailL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08926Z4RH?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08926Z4RH.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 7.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": {
       "label": "Worth waiting",
       "note": "on offer 8 of 20 days, not today",
       "basis": "our daily price checks"
      },
      "amazon": null,
      "buyersSay": null,
      "ourName": "VGUARD European to UK plug adaptor (2)",
      "ourTake": "The UK has one plug type, G: three rectangular pins with a fuse in the plug, on a 230 V, 50 Hz supply, Electrical Safety First says. European appliances run on the same voltage and frequency, so an adaptor is all they need. The listing says these are BS 8546 certified, the standard every travel adaptor sold in the UK must meet."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Electrical Safety First: Travel adaptor for the United Kingdom",
       "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-the-united-kingdom/",
       "checked": "2026-10-07"
      },
      {
       "name": "Electrical Safety First: Travel advice",
       "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/safety-advice/travel-advice/",
       "checked": "2026-10-07"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "An adaptor for US, Australian and other plugs",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london/#role-world-adaptor",
     "quantity": "1, plus one per extra appliance",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B096SZZ1FP",
      "name": "MyTravelPal World to UK Plug Adapter",
      "amazonTitle": "MyTravelPal World to UK Plug Adapter | British Safety Standards | Grounded",
      "brand": "MyTravelPal",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31zthxbGt7L._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B096SZZ1FP?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B096SZZ1FP.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 9.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": {
       "label": "Worth waiting",
       "note": "on offer 7 of 20 days, not today",
       "basis": "our daily price checks"
      },
      "amazon": null,
      "buyersSay": null,
      "ourName": "MyTravelPal World to UK plug adaptor",
      "ourTake": "Check the rating plate first. Electrical Safety First says a dual voltage appliance shows something like INPUT: 110-240V and works on UK mains; one rated only for 110 V needs a voltage converter or transformer, not just an adaptor. The listing describes this one as made to British safety standards; look for BS 8546 on it."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Electrical Safety First: Travel adaptor for the United Kingdom",
       "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-the-united-kingdom/",
       "checked": "2026-10-07"
      },
      {
       "name": "Electrical Safety First: Travel advice",
       "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/safety-advice/travel-advice/",
       "checked": "2026-10-07"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A switched extension lead",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london/#role-extension-lead",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B07XJFH54B",
      "name": "Masterplug Four Socket Extension Lead",
      "amazonTitle": "Masterplug Four Socket Extension Lead, 2 Metre Cable, Surge Protection, Individual Switches, Power and Surge LED Indicators, 4-Way Plug Extension Cable, Power Strip, White, 13A, 4G, 2m, SWSRG4210N",
      "brand": "Masterplug",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21thbO5b27L._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XJFH54B?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B07XJFH54B.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 14.49,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": {
       "label": "Worth waiting",
       "note": "on offer 27 of 31 days, not today",
       "basis": "our daily price checks"
      },
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:18:33.093Z",
       "rating": 4.8,
       "ratings": 1211,
       "boughtLastMonth": "5K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 2,
        "category": "Power Strips"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 10,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Each socket has its own switch, handy for turning things off",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "Feels solid and well built rather than flimsy",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "The 2 metre cable is a useful length",
         "count": 4
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "Masterplug 4-socket surge lead, 2 m",
      "ourTake": "Electrical Safety First says one lead per wall socket and never one lead plugged into another, and that extension leads are rated at 13 A. This Masterplug has four switched sockets, surge protection and a 2 m cable, per the listing."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Electrical Safety First: Extension leads safety",
       "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/extensions-and-leads/",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "home",
   "label": "Bed and water",
   "intro": "Two things that catch people out in the first week.",
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A duvet in UK sizes",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london/#role-duvet",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B00YYBY3JU",
      "name": "Slumberdown Anti Allergy Double Duvet 10.5 Tog",
      "amazonTitle": "Slumberdown Anti Allergy Double Duvet 10.5 Tog - Allergy UK Approved All Year Round Double Quilt for Allergy Sufferers - Made in the UK, Anti Bacterial and Machine Washable Bedding (200 x 200cm)",
      "brand": "Slumberdown",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iBa6+Tm8L._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YYBY3JU?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B00YYBY3JU.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 20.95,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": {
       "label": "Worth waiting",
       "note": "on offer 21 of 51 days, not today",
       "basis": "our daily price checks"
      },
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:18:27.157Z",
       "rating": 4.6,
       "ratings": 53398,
       "boughtLastMonth": "2K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 5,
        "category": "Duvets"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Feels light and fluffy while still keeping you warm",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "The outer fabric feels soft against the skin",
         "count": 2
        },
        {
         "text": "Good quality for the price",
         "count": 4
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "Slumberdown Anti Allergy double duvet, 10.5 tog",
      "ourTake": "Buy bedding once you know the bed. Silentnight gives 200 x 200 cm for a standard UK double duvet, and this one is that size. At 10.5 tog it sits at the bottom of Silentnight's winter range. The listing says it is machine washable."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Silentnight: Duvet buying guide",
       "url": "https://www.silentnight.co.uk/blog/guides/duvet-buying-guide",
       "checked": "2026-09-26"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A filter jug for hard water",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-move-to-london/#role-filter-jug",
     "quantity": "1 jug with 3 cartridges",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0BT1HTR9Q",
      "name": "BRITA Water Filter Jug MAXTRA Marella",
      "amazonTitle": "BRITA Water Filter Jug MAXTRA Marella, 3x Pure Performance cartridges | Graphite (2.4L) fridge-fitting pitcher with digital LTI, Flip-Lid, reduces PFAS, chlorine, metals & more (SmartBox packaging)",
      "brand": "BRITA",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DL-fFbXJL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BT1HTR9Q?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0BT1HTR9Q.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 22.68,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:44.307Z",
       "rating": 4.7,
       "ratings": 11830,
       "boughtLastMonth": "10K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Water Filter Jugs"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Filtered water tastes noticeably fresher than straight from the tap",
         "count": 8
        },
        {
         "text": "Slim enough to sit neatly in the fridge, even in the door",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "Flip lid for refilling and a reminder for filter changes",
         "count": 4
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "BRITA Marella filter jug",
      "ourTake": "Morphy Richards says London, the South East and East Anglia have the UK's highest mineral concentrations in their water. The DWI says ion-exchange jug filters reduce the scale that forms in kettles and the scum on hot drinks. The BRITA Marella uses ion-exchange cartridges and comes with three, the listing says."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Morphy Richards: the definitive guide to kettle maintenance",
       "url": "https://www.morphyrichards.co.uk/blogs/appliance-maintenance-guides/the-definitive-guide-to-kettle-maintenance-how-to-keep-your-kettle-clean-and-remove-limescale",
       "checked": "2026-10-17"
      },
      {
       "name": "Drinking Water Inspectorate: Water hardness",
       "url": "https://www.dwi.gov.uk/consumers/learn-more-about-your-water/water-hardness-hard-water/",
       "checked": "2026-10-17"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "totals": {
  "today": {
   "amount": 76.1,
   "currency": "GBP",
   "itemsPriced": 5,
   "itemsMissingPrice": 0
  },
  "monthlyRunningCost": null
 },
 "canWait": [
  {
   "what": "A voltage converter or transformer",
   "why": "Only for an appliance rated for 110 V alone. Electrical Safety First says most converters come with plug adaptors, so you may not need a separate one, and to stay within the converter's power rating."
  }
 ],
 "skip": [
  {
   "what": "An adaptor from an unknown third-party seller",
   "why": "Electrical Safety First says to buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the adaptor may not have passed the safety checks. On Amazon, check who the seller is before you buy."
  },
  {
   "what": "A non-earthed adaptor for an appliance that needs an earth",
   "why": "Electrical Safety First says some adaptors suit only double-insulated equipment, usually marked with two rectangles; check the adaptor's power rating too."
  }
 ],
 "questions": [
  {
   "question": "Do I need a plug adaptor when I move to London?",
   "answer": "Yes, unless your plugs are already UK Type G. Electrical Safety First says the UK has one plug type, with three rectangular pins and a fuse, and that all travel adaptors sold in the UK must meet BS 8546."
  },
  {
   "question": "Will my appliances work on UK voltage?",
   "answer": "Check the rating plate. UK mains is 230 V at 50 Hz, Electrical Safety First says. A plate reading something like INPUT: 110-240V means the appliance works here with an adaptor; one rated only for 110 V needs a voltage converter or transformer as well."
  },
  {
   "question": "Is the water in London hard?",
   "answer": "Yes. Morphy Richards says the UK's highest mineral concentrations are in London, the South East and East Anglia, where the water is drawn from chalk and limestone aquifers. For your own address, the DWI says to ask your water company. Our hard water list covers the kettle, the shower and the dishwasher."
  },
  {
   "question": "What size is a UK double duvet?",
   "answer": "200 x 200 cm for a standard double, Silentnight says. Measure the bed you have before you buy sheets."
  }
 ],
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Electrical Safety First: Travel adaptor for the United Kingdom",
   "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-the-united-kingdom/",
   "checked": "2026-10-07"
  },
  {
   "name": "Electrical Safety First: Travel advice",
   "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/safety-advice/travel-advice/",
   "checked": "2026-10-07"
  },
  {
   "name": "Electrical Safety First: Extension leads safety",
   "url": "https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/extensions-and-leads/",
   "checked": "2026-09-26"
  },
  {
   "name": "Silentnight: Duvet buying guide",
   "url": "https://www.silentnight.co.uk/blog/guides/duvet-buying-guide",
   "checked": "2026-09-26"
  },
  {
   "name": "Morphy Richards: the definitive guide to kettle maintenance",
   "url": "https://www.morphyrichards.co.uk/blogs/appliance-maintenance-guides/the-definitive-guide-to-kettle-maintenance-how-to-keep-your-kettle-clean-and-remove-limescale",
   "checked": "2026-10-17"
  },
  {
   "name": "Drinking Water Inspectorate: Water hardness",
   "url": "https://www.dwi.gov.uk/consumers/learn-more-about-your-water/water-hardness-hard-water/",
   "checked": "2026-10-17"
  }
 ],
 "related": [
  {
   "title": "What to buy for a first flat",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-flat/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-first-flat.json"
  },
  {
   "title": "What to buy for hard water",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hard-water/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/hard-water.json"
  },
  {
   "title": "What to buy for damp and condensation",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/damp-and-condensation/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/damp-and-condensation.json"
  },
  {
   "title": "What to buy for a small flat with no storage",
   "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-small-flat-with-no-storage/",
   "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-small-flat-with-no-storage.json"
  }
 ]
}