Nov 23, 2022 | Collaborative, Relocation
There are a lot of fantastic reasons to relocate to Spain, such as the beautiful cities, the abundant culture, the high quality of life, the relatively inexpensive cost of living, the excellent healthcare, and the large ex-pat community.
As soon as you have established that moving to Spain is a possibility for you, it is time to prepare yourself with information, and we will look at some of the things you need to know here.
Culture and traditions
The traditions of Spanish culture are numerous, and these traditions have a significant impact on how modern Spaniards live their lives. This can be seen in everything from the way they greet one another to the way they date, as well as in the food they eat and the way they observe regional holidays. In general, increasing your knowledge of Spanish culture and traditions is only going to assist you in better understanding the natives and easing into life in Spain with as few or as many unexpected cultural bumps as possible.
Language
Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Spanish are the four most widely spoken languages in Spain. Spanish is spoken by almost everyone in the country, either as a first or second language. The regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands all speak Catalan. Galician is spoken in Galicia, and Basque is spoken in the Basque Country.
You should try to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools available, or at the least, you should try to acquire some fundamental Spanish phrases so that you can get by.
Requirements
Once you have determined that you want to move to Spain, where in Spain you want to reside, and whether or not you have the financial means to do so, the next step is to determine whether or not you fit the requirements to relocate to Spain.
Moving to a new country is not a simple task for people who are not citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area because they do not have the right to be restricted in their movement or where they choose to live inside the Schengen area. To get residency in Spain for a period of one year or more, most non-Europeans will need to either find employment in Spain or gain admission to one of the country’s institutions. Alternatively, they need to have substantial funds or a steady passive income in order to relocate to Spain.
Housing
You should start looking for a place to live while you wait for the approval of your visa. Because of the large number of new arrivals from other countries, housing in Spain is in high demand; thus, you should begin your search three to four months in advance. When looking for the perfect house to rent in the city, it is important to investigate the various neighbourhoods and consider the accessibility of public transportation in each one. It is also a good time to look into climate controlled storage if you need extra space.
Oct 26, 2021 | Collaborative, Relocation
Any type of relocation can be exciting, but moving abroad is a particularly exhilarating prospect. It’s natural to approach a move with a mixture of trepidation and enthusiasm, especially when you think about the stresses of packing and organising logistics, but there are steps you can take to make life easier. Here is a handy guide to help you oversee a seamless move.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/plane-wing-flight-sky-clouds-841441/
Finding somewhere to live
The first task to tick off your list when moving to Spain is to find somewhere to live. You may want to rent a house or an apartment while you find a permanent home, or you may prefer to buy a home to move straight into when you relocate. Explore both options and figure out where you want to put down roots. Consider locations based on where you plan to work or what kind of job you have, your lifestyle preferences and your budget. Spain is a country that caters to everyone and you can choose to enjoy city life, escape to the peace and tranquillity of the countryside or embrace outdoor living by the coast. Start narrowing down your options and use filters to find properties that match your wish list criteria. It’s wise to use virtual tours and to browse listings online before you arrange viewings. If you’re hoping to get over to Spain before you move to see properties, you’ll have a shortlist ready and you can visit agents to add any other properties that fit the bill.
Learning the language
It’s not possible to learn a language in a matter of days or weeks, but if you’re counting down the days until you move to Spain, it’s a great idea to try to learn some simple phrases and common vocabulary. There are various options to explore, including taking beginner classes at home, learning Spanish online through sites like Memrise and hiring a tutor. If you have friends or family members who speak Spanish, you could also ask them to help you learn some words and phrases before you relocate. You can also watch TV programmes in Spanish with English subtitles and use activities and exercises to hone your speaking and reading and writing skills. Once you get to Spain, and you’re immersed in the culture and people around you are talking Spanish, you’ll find it easier to pick up common phrases, improve your accent and expand your vocabulary.
Building friendships
It can be daunting to leave family and friends behind and embark upon a new adventure, but technology has made it possible to make friends and build relationships without actually meeting people in person. When you know where you are moving, look for community groups and social media accounts you can join or follow to meet families living in the area and get to know people before you move. Being sociable online can also help you access practical information and useful tips to make your move simpler. You might want to ask about schools or colleges, local amenities or how to set up a bank account, for example. People who know the ropes and have experience of relocating can help you.
Image by https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-family-hanging-out-building-a-sand-castle-on-the-beach-8623434/
Relocating to Spain is an incredibly exciting prospect, but it’s natural to be stressed or a little anxious before a big move. If you’re preparing for a new adventure, take these tips on board!
Oct 18, 2021 | Collaborative, Life, Relocation
Before moving to Spain with your family, it is essential to know how best to help your child dig in and transition. This guide will provide you with four simple ways that will help ensure that your child is happy and prosperous in their new life in Spain.
Discuss with your Children About the Move
It is essential to let your child know you will move to Spain. You want them to know that the new home they will move into is unique for everyone. It would help if you discussed the reasons for the move, so your children can feel at ease. A more straightforward way of describing it is by saying that you are on an adventure. Your children will benefit from this information as it helps them understand why things may seem different.
Pack and Ship Before You Move
You will want to ensure that your child’s room has plenty of their belongings, but you will also want to make sure you don’t pack everything until they arrive. Pack and ship most of your child’s belongings to Spain before you arrive. It helps your child feel like they already have many things with them when they get here. It can frustrate a child if their clothes and toys are still in boxes even after they’ve moved into a new house.
Give your Child New Exploring Opportunities
When you arrive in Spain, please encourage your child to explore their new home and surroundings. When they are out exploring, have a map of the area so your child can become familiar with their surroundings and to help them easily find their way back home.
Since it is a new area, take all precautions necessary to ensure that they are safe. You may choose to appoint someone to accompany them as they explore the new location. Better yet, to be safe, you can track your child’s cell phone without having to install any tracking app; you can read the guide here.
Language Classes
Once you arrive and settle, get your child involved in language classes. These language classes will give them the tools to continue to learn and pick up additional phrases and vocabulary about Spain and themselves.
The teacher can also be constructive in this process as they will try to decipher how your child learns. It is helpful because they will find a method to help your child keep learning and comprehending things better.
Conclusion
When you take these steps to help your child adjust to their new home in Spain, they will feel right at home. Your child will feel like they belong wherever you live, and it will show in their behavior and lifestyle.
You want them to flourish in this new environment, so the extra time and effort you put into getting them to acclimate to the new location are worth it. As a parent, you want them to thrive wherever they are. Spain is great for kids to live and grow up in, so make it work for your family.
Mar 18, 2021 | Collaborative, Relocation
Moving to a new location and into a different house is a significant change and may cause you some anxiety or worry initially. While it can be an exciting time in your life, it’s also probably a bit nerve-wracking.
What will help ease your emotions is to take actions that will help get you settled into your new home and location as soon as possible. The following ideas will ensure that you feel comfortable getting acquainted with your new surroundings and that you can make your new house a home.
Unpack Your Boxes & Get Organized
One step for getting settled into your new home after you relocate is to unpack your boxes. Get organized by finding places to store all your items and making sure your home is clear of any clutter. Leaving your boxes packed and a mess around your home may make you feel more stressed out than usual. Go through your items and figure out where you want to store all you own and get organized so you can find what you’re looking for at a later date. The reason you want to get unpacked and organized is so you can start decorating and feeling comfortable in your new space.
Look into Job Opportunities
When you move you may also be starting over with your career and professional aspirations. You may want to find full-time work or maybe you decide you want to Find courier jobs on Shiply that you can take on in your free time or when the kids are in school. Either way, you’ll want to discover ways to earn money or an income and how to support your family in your new location. Working will give you purpose and help you get more familiar with the area.
Get into A Routine & Schedule
It’s also in your best interest to get into a regular routine or schedule shortly after moving into a new home and location. Get settled by figuring out how you want your days to unfold and making sure everyone is on the same page about how the days are going to go. Avoid letting your move bog down and disrupt your life too much. Show your kids and family that while moving may have been a slight disruption to your life, that you can soon get back into the swing of things and enjoy your new location.
Explore the Community
You can get settled into your new home and area by exploring the community. Get out there and meet new people and your neighbours. Figure out the best places to eat and where you can shop to buy new clothes or items you need. Work on building a local support group and getting to know others in the area so you can be there for one another and have friends to spend time with. You can increase your emotional well-being and satisfaction with your home life by engaging with those in your area and getting more involved in the local community.
Nov 9, 2020 | Collaborative, Relocation, Where to live
One of the biggest questions when planning to relocate to Spain is where, exactly, you should choose to live. Of course, this is subjective depending on exactly what you want out of your move, but we have nevertheless tried to narrow down some of the best places to live in Spain for ex-pats.
As well as suggesting what we think are some of the nicest places to live in Spain, we’ve also tried to point out some of the cheapest for those planning a move on a budget, and will also discuss whether or not you need to pay for a Spain work visa if planning to take up employment.
Where is the best place for British families to live in Spain?
We might be a bit biased on this, but we truly believe that one of the best villages to live in Spain for Brits is Mijas Pueblo in the Malaga province.
It not only provides easy access to the extensive coastline and beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol and the famous whitewashed villages in the region, but it’s also close to the Montes de Málaga Natural Park.
If you’re planning on moving to Spain with family, you can also rest assured that there plenty of great educational facilities for kids in the area, both at private and state-run schools.
Of course, if you’re a city kid at heart, you might not be so eager to give up the hustle and bustle and move to the coast. In that case, a great alternative option is the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Valencia, one of the most popular metropolitan areas for British ex-pats in Spain.
Some other great destinations worth considering if you’re moving to Spain include:
- Alicante, especially the stunning Costa Blanca coast
- Malaga, Marbella, and Alhaurin el Grande, all on the Costa del Sol
- Oviedo in Asturias considered the cleanest city in Spain
- Madrid, which boasts a large ex-pat community
If your main reason for moving to the country is the ample sunshine, you might consider relocating to the Canary Islands. The capital, Gran Canaria, is the warmest place in Spain in the winter and has the best climate year-round.
Best places to live in Spain as an American
While Brits tend to favour the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca areas, if you’re planning to move to Spain from the US then you’ll find most of your fellow American ex-pats living in the two biggest cities, Madrid and Barcelona.
Madrid, with its vibrant culture, large green spaces, and excellent international schools, is a particular favourite among Americans who live in Spain as an ex-pat, although those who like to have a beach and the seaside close by tend to favour Barcelona.
If you’re only planning to stay for a short time in the country, these cities are also probably the best places to live in Spain for a month or two, as they provide the biggest samples of Spanish cultures.
What is the safest city in Spain?
Barcelona and Madrid are also considered among the safest places to live in Spain and are in fact regarded as among the safest in Europe.
However, if the large amount of tourist interest in these major cities doesn’t really appeal to you, there are plenty of charming coastal towns that are just as safe (or safer!).
Some of the best small towns to live in Spain along the country’s coast include Altafulla in Catalonia, Ribadesella in Asturias, and Salobreña in Granada.
What is the cheapest city to live in Spain?
If you’re relocating to Spain on a tight budget, the living costs in your destination may be one of the biggest factors in your decision. Luckily, there are plenty of cheap places to live in Spain that are equally as pleasant and pretty.
For example, Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is often considered the cheapest city to live in Spain, and it is a positively gorgeous place with beautiful historic architecture.
Other places in Spain where the overall cost of living is low include:
- Granada
- Alicante
- A Coruña
- Cordoba
- Las Palmas
- Pamplona
- Vigo
- Valladolid
Saying this, the cost of living will vary for everyone no matter where in Spain you choose to relocate. It’s always possible to get by on a budget in most places if you inform yourself of the cheapest neighbourhoods to live in beforehand.
How to Live in Spain for Free
The good news for Brits planning to move to Spain is that, as EU citizens, they do not currently need to pay any visa or permit fees, although this may well change if you’re moving to Spain after Brexit.
If you’re planning to live in Spain for more than 3 consecutive months, however, you’ll have to register as a foreign resident and pay a small fee to get a resident’s permit at a local police station.
Once you register for residency and begin contributing to social security, or are retiring in Spain, you and your family members will also able to use Spain’s public healthcare free of charge. But that my friends, is an article for another day …
Jun 3, 2020 | Collaborative, Relocation
Relocating is tough for many people. It involves saying goodbye to your friends and family, it can put you in an uncomfortable position and it’s a struggle to stay on your two feet while integrating with the local community. However, for some people, these are the perfect circumstances for uncapped growth. It’s an opportunity to learn more about yourself as well as your surroundings, and it can help you identify new paths in life that you never thought were possible in the past.
It goes without saying that relocating can be a scary thought, but it’s also something that can completely change your perspective on life. So here are some of the top reasons to relocate in the future.
Relocating abroad for a slower pace of life …
1. It helps you build character
Putting yourself out of your comfort zone is a brilliant way to build character. Relocating will put you in a situation where you need to quickly adapt to your surroundings and learn new cultures and languages in order to feel more comfortable. This makes relocating a great way to build character and improve yourself over time.
2. There are plenty of accessible property services for foreigners
Regardless of where you plan to relocate to, there are going to be plenty of property services that are geared towards foreigners. This might be more expensive than what locals pay for, but it’s a small additional cost for all of the help that you’re going to get.
3. It opens up your tastes
Relocating can expose you to lots of different flavours, delicacies and types of cuisine. Broadening your palette like this can be a lot of fun and you’ll learn to appreciate different types of food around the world.
4. It teaches you about language
Languages are difficult to learn, especially if you don’t get to actively use it. But when you relocate to another country, you’ll be thrust into an environment where you need to quickly learn a new language in order to fit in and be able to communicate. This makes relocating one of the best ways to learn a language and integrate with a completely different society to what you’re used to.
5. It can enhance your career prospects
Moving abroad can open you up to new career opportunities and prospects, especially if you’re going abroad with a proven existing set of skills. However, there are also plenty of chances for you to learn a new skill, such as a language, or develop technical expertise working on something completely new.
6. You develop better social skills
It can be difficult communicating in a language you don’t know. However, relocating can put you in uncomfortable situations that will help you develop not just language skills, but also social skills that can be helpful throughout your life.
7. It’s incredibly rewarding
Few people muster up the courage to say goodbye to their old life and start fresh abroad. This is often because it takes a lot of dedication, hard work and motivation to even start living and working abroad. However, after a couple of months or even just a few weeks, all of the benefits will start to appear and you’ll be able to embrace opportunities in your new country. Whether it’s learning about the culture, traditions, meeting people or getting a new perspective at life, there are plenty of rewards just waiting to be claimed.
8. You develop a sense of self-sufficiency
One of the key skills you learn when relocating is being self-sufficient. There’s nobody to hold your hand and guide you through difficult times and there’s nobody to rely on. In fact, you might not even speak the language of the country you moved to. However, it goes without saying that these are the conditions that are required in order for someone to become self-sufficient and start relying on their own ability, leading to immense personal growth.
9. There are countless opportunities to meet new people
Travelling is a great opportunity to meet new people, but rarely do you ever turn those encounters into long-lasting relationships. When you actually decide to relocate, you’ll have more time to nurture these friendships and explore them, turning those first encounters into lifelong friendships or even partnerships.
10. It will change your life forever
A stagnant life is nothing to be proud of. While some people enjoy the idea of a stable and predictable lifestyle, others find that it can be easy to fall into a stagnant daily routine that makes their life boring and tiresome. Relocating could be the change you need in life to reinvigorate your passion and give you the boost you need to start fresh and reach for your dreams.
In our new online course, we include lots of information about costa and procedures for starting and running a business in Spain.
NEW Online Course for a successful Move To Spain .
Jun 1, 2020 | Business, Collaborative, Relocation
Moving your family to Spain is a big decision. Telling family and friends about your decision can be pretty daunting; it takes time to find the right home and the right schools for your children. It’s not a decision you make lightly.
It can be even more of a challenge if you run a home business. On the one hand, running a business means that you don’t need to worry about finding a job in a different country and that you might be able to carry on as you are. But, the practicalities of keeping your business going during the move, and making money in a new country can be tricky.
It can certainly be worth it, however. Moving your home, your family and your business to a different country is a chance to have a different kind of life. One with freedom, flexibility and sun! So, here are some tips to help you to keep your business going while you relocate, and to get set up again as you settle into your new adventure.
Here are some tips for Keeping Your Home Business Going During a Relocation:
Get a Virtual Address
Having your mail redelivered can be tricky enough if you are moving down the road and don’t have a home business. We’ve all had mail lost during a home move. This can be a disaster if you run a business, and you are in a different country, unable to chase important letters. A PhysicalAddress.com po box can make the whole process much more straightforward, avoiding potentially costly mistakes and missed business.
Schedule Any Downtime and Let Your Customers Know
As much as you’d love to keep your business going, it may not be possible to relocate your life without taking a little time off. Schedule and automate what you can, even hiring a VA or someone to run things for you while you are busy moving. But, if you need time off, schedule it in, plan for it, and let your customers or clients know how long you’ll be away from your home office.
Get Your Internet Set-Up
One of the key ingredients to running a successful home business, whatever country you are based in, is a stable and quick internet connection. Make sure you are connected as quickly as possible in your new home.
Pack Business Materials Separately
Pack your home office separately, and clearly mark it so it can all move into your new office asap. Within this, make sure important documents and files, as well as anything that you can’t possibly work without, are separate and labelled.
Prepare Insurance
Your business insurance will need updating if you are working from a new address, whatever country it is in. Your home insurance for your new home will also need to reflect any equipment or machinery that you keep in your new house.
Get To Know Your Local Market
If your business operates primarily online, you may be able to pick up where you left off, still serving the same customer base. But, even then, and especially if you serve people face to face, you should get involved in your new community, meeting other local business owners and getting to know your new local market.
Keeping Your Home Business Going During a Relocation can be a challenge but it is certainly worth the effort. If you play your cards right and take the right steps from the outset, you’ll be enjoying more time with family and friends in a beautiful new country, before you know it!
NEW Online Course for a succesful Move To Spain .
In our new online course, we include lots of information about costa and procedures for starting and running a business in Spain.
May 6, 2020 | Life, Relocation, Where to live
When it comes to quality of life, southern Spain tops the charts in just about every category that relates to health, gastronomy, comfort and happiness with its endless sunshine, over 320 days per year! It’s no wonder Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world.
Living in Spain is a dream for many. If you visit inland Costa del Sol, up in the mountains, you will discover the authentic Spanish whitewashed villages with charming cobblestoned narrow streets, lovely shady squares with flamenco music playing in the background, and a great choice of local cafes and fabulous restaurants.
More and more foreigners seem to be moving to inland Costa del Sol. Although many people like the fabulous beaches and nightlife that the coast has to offer, if you move slightly more inland, up into the hills, you get to discovery and enjoy the real Spain, you will seek a way of life that seems almost untouched by tourism, it’s like taking a step back in time.
The valleys scenery is spectacular in all directions. As roads wind their way up the mountains, the views get better and better. The Guadalhorce Valley includes 8 municipalities; Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande, Almogía, Álora, Cártama, Coín, Pizarra and Valle del Abdalajís. All are within a 30/40 minute drive from the coast, so really not far at all and the road infrastructure is very good making a journey by car a relaxing and enjoyable experience. If you want to be a little bit more adventurous you can branch off from the main road and take any of the many dirt tracks and you will quickly come across herds of goats and sheep and often mules ploughing between the olive trees.
The lifestyle that this part of Spain will offer you is incredibly rewarding in so many ways.
For one, the opportunity to get to know and live within an entirely different culture is something most people never get to experience.
You can spend a lifetime exploring this natural habitat either on foot, bicycle or horseback.
You will be amazed by the quality of life and how cheap it is to live well in this part of Spain.
Water costs are very low, particularly in the inland areas. Homeowners pay a municipal tax that is a fraction of the rate that you would pay in other European countries. Other expenses such as home and car insurance are also much lower.
Eating out is very reasonable. The average price for a full menu del dia (menu of the day), is between 8-10€ available in nearly all bars and restaurants.
In local bars, you pay no more than 1-1.50 € for a beer, glass of wine or a cup of coffee. And for groceries there is a wide choice of supermarkets. The local markets offer cheap fresh produce and a wide range of household necessities.
Another very important factor to take into consideration is the crime rate which is low in this part of Spain. When you compare the crime numbers to other countries, we are quite fortunate to have a lower crime problem.
Aside from the wonderful weather, there is also less pollution in this part of Spain. The major industries are mainly located in the north of the country. This part of Spain relies mainly on agriculture and tourism.
Life here in the mountains runs at a much slower pace. This is something that most foreigners would find strange at first, but this kind of lifestyle is certainly welcomed. This can have a huge impact on your health, as it can significantly reduce stress levels.
Spain prides itself as having a very diverse and rich culture. In these old towns and villages there are a lot of activities that not only serve as a form of entertainment, but also as a means of conserving old traditions and practices. Fiestas and festivals are the perfect example. Residents continue to practice old customs.
For years, the warmth of the people have made it a wonderful tourist attraction. The regions wonderful personality makes visitors feel immediately at home, integrating them into their culture. This joy permeates in the streets, especially in summer and that energy can be contagious. A typical Andalusian is a helpful person, willing to help others, especially visitors, making southern Spain a favourite destination for foreign visitors for years.
Andalucía is the best place in the world for the good life according to The Telegraph and this is not the first time it’s been granted such a popular destination.
Another bonus for people living inland from the Costa del Sol are the seasons. In this part of Spain you can really appreciate the changes of vegetation and enjoy the four seasons of the year and what they have to offer.
Although the climate in Andalucia is characterised by hot and dry summers and mild winters, between seasons you can enjoy the changes in flora and fauna. You will see snow-covered mountain peaks in the winter and lush green pastures in the spring covered with almond blossom and bright yellow endless fields of sunflowers. Autumn brings a palette of dark ochre and green colours that paint the landscapes of Andalucia.
The Natural Park, ‘Sierra de las Nieves’, is one of those destinations worth discovering with its authentic white villages and its beautiful natural spaces. It is one of the areas of Malaga, as the name implies, where it can snow in winter.
The villages in the Sierra, with its highest peak Torrecilla of 1.919m, are surrounded by extensive fields of almond trees that are a delight when in pink blossom.
The Guadalhorce Valley, also known as the orchard of Málaga, is where you will find endless fields packed with fruit trees.
No wonder so many northern Europeans travel south in search of their Mediterranean dream home.
If you have not yet visited this part of Spain…what are you waiting for!?
Inland Costa del Sol is waiting for you!
This article was written by Kelly Summerelle of Mediterranean Homes a local family run business. We have worked with Kelly for many years.
If you are thinking of moving to the Malaga area, renting or purchasing a property,
and, together with Kelly, we will find you your ideal inland Costa del Sol property!
Oct 31, 2019 | Collaborative, Life, Relocation
We were recently interviewed for the When In Spain podcast, talking about moving to Spain with children. For those readers who follow our blog and social media posts, you will know that we share the truth about living in Spain. The good, the bag and the sometimes downright ugly.
For any newcomers, don’t be afaraid. There is always a solution to every situation. However, research and homework, in adundance, are essential for a successful relocation with or without children!
Pour yourself a cuppa, sit back and remember to send us your questions once you have listened to the interview.
Over to Paul, from th When In Spain podcast …
I talk to Lisa Sadleir who runs the Family Life in Spain blog about the practicalities of moving to Spain with children. Lisa has spent more than 20 years in Spain and has raised her own two children here and she’s also helped many other families make the move.
We examine all of the factors to consider when relocating as a family including which type of school to choose, state, private or bilingual. We run through the Spanish State education system and look at the pros and cons for the different schools available.
Lisa also shares her advice for helping your children integrate into Spanish culture and community and gives some tips for making the transition as stress-free as possible.
Lisa has also written a book called Moving to Spain which you can find on Amazon here. She also runs her own house finder service and relocation consultancy for anyone thinking about moving to the Málaga area of Spain. movetomalaga.com
Listen to the When In Spain podcast episode via the links below…
Apple Podcasts/ iTunes: https://apple.co/2D3wS5P
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Ci2wuA
TuneIn Radio: http://tun.in/tjb2Hn
Android: https://bit.ly/2H4Qdaz
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2M9zCl5
When in Spain website: http://wheninspain.blubrry.net/
Join the conversation at the When in Spain Facebook group https://bit.ly/2H6YHLr
Follow When in Spain on Instagram to see photography from across Spain. https://bit.ly/2D5p6IJ
Sep 26, 2019 | Collaborative, Relocation
Moving overseas can be a fantastic adventure, especially when heading somewhere as beautiful as Spain. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and romance of the prospect. However, if you’re expecting a smooth transition, you may be disappointed. Relocating is hard and complex work. There are many potential complications that could trip you up along the way. The good news is, they can be avoided. With that in mind, here are six critical mistakes to avoid when moving to Spain.
Six Critical Mistakes To Avoid When Moving To Spain
1. Buying Property Too Soon
Falling in love with an area is often the driving force behind a decision to relocate. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t commit to purchasing a particular property before moving to Spain. If you’re able to do so, it’s better to rent a house for a year or two before buying. This gives you enough time to get used to the area and learn whether or not you really want to live there for the rest of your life.
2. Waiting To Find Employment
Although you shouldn’t rush to buy a house, you will need a job right away. After all, you can’t survive on excitement alone. Thankfully, today’s technology means you might be able to keep your current job for a while. With cloud computing, teleconference tools, and remote desktop for Mac, it’s easy to telecommute. When this isn’t possible, start researching jobs in the local area.
3. Picking A Bad Removalist
When you ship your belongings overseas, you need to know they’re in good hands. Many expats make the mistake of choosing the cheapest removal company they can find. You have to be smarter than that. While cost is important, make sure you look into other factors, like past customer reviews. You must also check that the company you choose has the right insurance.
4. Taking Everything With You
The more you take to your new home, the more stressful the move will be. After all, you’ll have more belongings to pack and unpack, which makes the process trickier. The costs will be higher too, as your things might require a larger truck or container. Because of this, you should declutter your home before moving. Many expats also sell most of their furniture and buy new things later.
5. Avoiding Learning The Language
Only being able to speak English shouldn’t hold you back from seeing the world. However, it might stop you from fully immersing yourself in it. When you can’t speak the local language, you’ll find it difficult to become a part of the local community. That is why you should start learning the language before you plunge into your new life in Spain. Trust us, it really will make a huge difference to your experience of life in Spain!
6. Overlooking The Hidden Costs
Moving house is an expensive process, especially when moving abroad. Many people underestimate just how much it will cost to relocate. These costs, however, will depend on many different factors, so make sure you do your research. Once you have, you can create a budget and start saving up. Make sure you have enough cash to cover any unexpected costs too. For more details on this, and to help you budget, check out our Online Calculator for Moving to Spain
Moving abroad can be tricky, but you’ll find it easier to do if you avoid making the mistakes listed above. Remember, we are here to help!
Contact Us For More Information about Moving To Spain
