Tips on Moving to Spain
Moving overseas can be stressful: you’ve had to pack up your belongings, say goodbye to your family and friends and leave your home country, all in a very short space of time…don’t worry there are a few things you can do to make the transition a little easier.
Although there are maybe a few things that you cannot prepare for, like Spanish drivers for example, we have listed below a few handy tips to make your relocation a little easier.
Do your research prior to moving
Moving to Spain is definitely one of the biggest and best things you’ll ever do in your life, so it´s best to be as prepared as possible. It is very important to do as much research as you can about your chosen area. There is such a wealth of information available on the internet these days right at your fingertips, so make the most of it. The simplest Google search, linking onto the relevant Facebook groups and asking questions on the ex-pat forums can give you vital knowledge before your big move.
Buy through a reputable agent
Always buy through a reputable agent who knows the area well. Azahar Properties have a great reputation for helping our clients with many aspects and we appreciate that buying your property is not the end of our service. Keeping you happy in your new home is our long term goal and having a contact here is priceless. Simon has helped many clients with their transition over the years, we have gained a lot of experience in this field!
Join the local language class
Learning some of the Spanish language will actually help you to keep your stress levels down in the long run, although it doesn’t always feel that way! A simple greeting ‘hola’ (hello) or ‘hasta luego’ (see you later) is an easy way of integrating into the Spanish community and being polite to the Spanish locals at the same time.
Language is the key to unlocking another culture and once you’ve got the hang of it there’ll be no stopping you.
Language classes will also give you a chance to meet other ex-pats, invaluable when you’re living in a new country and need to make new friends. The people that you meet on arrival are crucial to helping you through your first stages of your relocation.
Copy the Locals
This is great advice whether you’re just nipping out for groceries or going out for a meal. If a place is full of Spanish locals then you know it will be good food at a good price. Simple!
Buy a mobile phone with a local number
This is important as when making new friends in the area you will need to contactable and let’s face it, most people don’t want to be calling a UK number to talk to you if you living in the same town. Make sure that you have the local emergency numbers tucked in your wallet that you can normally pick up from your local town hall.
Don’t forget to keep in touch with old friends too. Hearing a familiar voice on the end of the phone can be comforting – at least until you’ve settled in a little. Communication has changed so much over the years and now with applications like Skype, keeping in touch with friends overseas has never been so easy.
Keep calm and drink tea!
There will be times when your transition is not always going smoothly. When we find ourselves saying things like, ‘Oh but in England…’, we must remind ourselves that we are living in another country. If all else fails, go home and put the kettle on.
Enjoy yourself
I think that many of us forget to do this sometimes. Especially when the constant worry about achieving the simplest of things seems to take over. You must bear in mind that it does get easier! Every new Spanish word you have learnt, every new sun filled blue sky day you enjoy and every new friend that you have met gives you a little bit more confidence and fullfillment. So make sure that you enjoy all your new experiences. Your relocation is unique to you but just remember that many people have stood in your shoes, got the t-shirt and more importantly, survived having much fun!
