Despite the fact that Spain is merely a few hours away from the UK by flight, there are actually quite a few things to consider when moving abroad to one of the many beautiful cities in the country, such as Barcelona or Madrid. We’ve collected some of the top considerations for you to make.

It’s warmer! Thanks goodness

First of all, the fact that Spain is warmer than the UK won’t have escaped you, but make sure you actually consider this as part of your packing process. In areas where it does get extremely hot during the summer, you’ll need to have the right clothes and furniture to match the lifestyle in a hotter climate.

Equally, don’t forget that it does get cold as well in Spain, which is a very large country with varying climates depending on the region you are staying. You might also want to visit the Alps on a holiday, so don’t forget your winter gear for this. We recommend bringing items that are light and breathable, yet still appropriate for work and more formal events.

As an expansive country much larger than the UK, Spain’s climate varies from region to region. In the North, it has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. In the South it gets extremely hot. You can also experience the cooling effects of the Ocean in Central Spain, which experiences extremes of both hot and cold.

The cost of living in Spain

It’s generally slighter cheaper in Spain than the UK. Part of this is the strength of the pound against the Euro, but it is also the fact that certain of life’s simple pleasures in Spain cost less, such as meals and alcohol. This can help you save more than you normally would be able to in a city such as London, for example.

It’s worth remembering however that Spain is still in Europe, so prices will only be reasonably lower than you are used to. You will still have to budget a large portion of your income for things like accommodation and transport.

Work and income

Are you starting a new job? Or perhaps creating your own business that you will run from a Spanish city? Whatever you are doing, working in Spain will require a great detail of research and planning before you can make it work. As well as overcoming any language difficulties, you should consider the differences in workplace culture and how your employment and visa status impact things like your national insurance or your British pension. It is also worth looking into taxes that need to be paid in Spain.

Speak Spanish?

If your Spanish isn’t great, sign up for some classes before you go, to understand the basics. This will go a long way and you shouldn’t simply rely on the fact that English is spoken by many in the country. Even if you are going to be moving to an area with many British expats, like Costa del Sol, you will find that at least speaking a bit of Spanish will help, and if nothing else, is a show of respect to the locals.

Transportation

For Europeans looking for removals Spain, the most common method of goods transportation is by road. There are several expert removal companies who will be able to handle the packing and moving of your items through to Spain from the UK, however, check the company’s reputation before you commit to any.

There will be a number of transport options for Spain removals where’re you items are either delivered as part of a shared truck load with the belongings of other individuals, or transported privately. This will impact the cost of the process, but there is usually an option to fit every budget. If you are still looking to save money however, you can always consider driving your items to Spain yourself in a rental van! Or simply cut down on the items you need and bring it all in your luggage?