28 Mar 2023
Ultimately, making the decision to move overseas is both exciting and nerve-wracking. In order to help you prepare for moving overseas, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain so you don’t have to make them.
If you've already committed to this big step, our removals to Spain will help get you there.
Although there’s no expectation that you will be fluent in Spanish before moving to Spain, learning the basics before you go is a good idea. Spain does not rank very highly in proficiency in English, so you’ll need to make the effort here if you are to make your move a success. Spanish is a notably easy language to pick up compared to others, with countless free resources on the internet. Once you have decided that this will be your destination, you can enrol in a short course at a local college or University to begin your education.
You should also be aware of the different languages spoken around Spain. Depending on where you move to, you’ll be deciphering a different way of speaking, from Castilian Spanish to Catalan, Basque to Galician. Don’t get caught out or make assumptions, as you could end up in constant miscommunications!
Diversity in Spain can be mind-blowing - don’t be hasty in securing a permanent address. Like any other country, there is a lot of differentiation between regions. Trying to buy without knowing which area you want to live in can lead you to wonder, “Was moving to Spain a good idea?”.
People who have already made the move suggest visiting many regions to get a real feel for what you like - and renting at first to give yourself less permanent accommodation. If you want to buy in Spain, it’s a good idea to visit at different times of the year to get a real feel of the place. Some places in Spain differ greatly between summer to winter, which can be shocking if you've only ever visited in the summer.
The laid-back culture is part of the charm and may be a reason you are choosing to move to Spain. However, if you are unprepared for it, it can feel like a shock. Here are just a few typical things that surprise Brits in their first few months:
The slower pace of life is key to acclimatise to, especially in the first few months while you are trying to get banks, paperwork, and visas in order. You may find that the opening times are shorter than in the UK and that people aren't in a rush. Being prepared to change your plans and going with the flow will help you settle into a slower pace of life.
It can be easy to think that you can move to Spain and make fast connections with Spanish locals. While this may be true, reaching out to communities of expats who have already made the move can be invaluable. This mistake is especially important if you are still learning Spanish, or are moving with a young family. There are plenty of expats in Spain, and a good way to find these communities is online. Just finding a few people to help you settle in and having someone to ask questions to can help make moving to Spain go as smoothly as possible.
Before moving, it would be a good idea to consider what you want to pack and take with you. You are not going to need to take everything you own so try to declutter before packing. If you don’t want to get rid of some items or are keeping your home in the UK, using a self-storage unit might be a good option. For the items you definitely want for your new life in Spain, book a moving service to get your furniture and items to your new home.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving to Spain is not starting paperwork quickly enough. When you first move, there will be complex government paperwork that you need to fill out and appointments that you need to attend. Some institutions are walk-in only, which can leave you queuing for a while to be told you haven't brought the right information or they need something additional from you. Our advice is to do your research and get started on this as soon as possible.
Moving to Spain can be an exciting adventure, but some people make the mistake of expecting their life there to be a non-stop holiday. Although Spain offers beautiful weather, plenty of fun and relaxation, daily life there is not without the responsibilities and challenges that you face at home. It's important to have a realistic mindset and be willing to adjust to a new culture and way of life. By embracing the differences, you can make the most of your experience in Spain.
If you’re looking to make your relocation as smooth as possible, Bishop’s Move can help. We take all the stressful parts of a move abroad and allow you to concentrate on settling into your new environment. Get a free moving survey or contact us today to find out how we can help you relocate to sunny Spain.
