10 Things I Packed That Made Moving to Spain Easier

When I moved to Spain, I definitely packed some things I didn’t need and forgot some things I absolutely should have brought.

You can buy most things here, obviously, so don’t panic too much. But there are a few things that made my life so much easier when I first arrived.

The first thing I’d recommend is a proper folder for all your paperwork. I know that sounds boring, but Spanish admin is no joke. You’ll need copies of your passport, visa documents, insurance, empadronamiento, NIE/TIE paperwork, university documents, contracts… the list never ends. Having everything in one folder saved me so many times.

The second thing I'd also bring printed copies and digital copies of everything. Keep photos or PDFs on your phone and laptop, and maybe even email them to yourself too. You never know when someone is going to ask for a random document you haven’t thought about in months.

Third: My UK extension lead was one of the best things I brought. Instead of needing loads of adaptors for all my chargers, I just used one Spanish adaptor with my UK extension lead. So much easier.

Fourth: A portable charger is also a must, especially when you first arrive and you’re relying on your phone for literally everything. Google Maps, translations, messages, bus routes, house viewings… your battery will disappear so quickly.

As the fifth thing I'd also recommend bringing some medicines from home. You can obviously get medicine in Spain, but when you’re ill and don’t know exactly what to ask for in Spanish, it’s nice to already have the basics. Things like paracetamol, cold and flu tablets, antihistamines, plasters and anything you normally use.

My sixth suggestion would be a decent backpack which is really useful. Whether you’re going to school, travelling for the weekend, going hiking or just doing a big food shop, you’ll use it constantly.

Seventh: I'd bring at least one outfit that makes you feel confident. Moving abroad can make you feel a bit all over the place at the beginning, so having clothes that feel like “you” actually helps more than you’d think.

Eighth: Passport photos are definitely worth bringing. You’ll probably need them for paperwork at some point and it’s easier to have a few already with you.

This ones a big one, my ninth suggestion is a reusable water bottle, which is another simple one, especially in Tenerife. You’ll be walking around a lot more than you expect, and if you’re going to the beach, hiking or travelling, you’ll use it all the time

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And finally, bring one little thing from home. Nothing massive, just something that makes your room feel familiar. A photo, a blanket, a candle, a little decoration, whatever. Moving abroad is exciting but it can feel weird at the beginning, and having something familiar in your room can make a big difference.

The truth is, you don’t need to pack your whole life.

You’ll buy things here, you’ll forget things, you’ll realise you packed things you never use. That’s all normal.

But if you have your documents, your chargers, some practical basics and a few things that make you feel at home, you’ll be absolutely fine.