Nod, nod, and nod. I'm taking notes. I've never moved house across the planet like this before on my own so I'm not really sure what I'm getting myself into. Thanks for the tips!
And I'm so jealous! I did some shopping already but autumn in California's just got to be different from autumn in London. I'm not really sure how much of this will work out. I'll have to do some research.
I love dogs!! I can't have one at Lara's place, but I'm all for living vicariously through you. Sand and surf in the morning sounds like a great way to start the day. :D