A British expat who relocated her family to Spain has shared five ways the move transformed their lives for the better, encouraging others to consider a trial period before making a permanent commitment.
The Decision to Move
Ale, a mother of two, now living in the Alicante region, posted on TikTok about the benefits of swapping the UK for Spain's sunnier climate. She emphasised that a trial move is possible, saying: 'If you've ever thought about living in Spain with your kids or dog, you don't have to move forever to try it.'
Five Key Improvements
- No screens: Her children are living without screens.
- Calmer dog: Her dog is calmer.
- Outdoor lifestyle: The family spends time outside every day.
- Slower pace: Life is slower but better.
- Better weekdays: Weekdays feel good.
In a follow-up video, Ale elaborated on the slower mornings: 'The best part of leaving the corporate 9 to 5 isn't just Spain. It's the slow morning. In our old life, we were in the car by 8am, stressed and rushing. Now, I run my consulting business on a flexible schedule that allows me to laugh while three different beings are trying to brush their teeth at the same time. This is the definition of wealth I was chasing.'
The Trial Approach
Ale admitted: 'We didn't move forever. We just chose to live here for a while as a family (with a husky).' She highlighted that it is more possible than people think. The first step is obtaining an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), a tax identification number required for economic, professional, or social activities in Spain. With an NIE, you can rent a property, open a bank account, and secure insurance.
Advantages of a Six-Month Trial
Pack & Go, an international removals specialist, describes a six-month trial as a wise move. Their advantages include:
- Changing your mind while keeping UK roots.
- Keeping your UK home before investing in Spain.
- Taking advantage of cheaper flights and removal costs.
- Focusing on settling in without moving all belongings at once.
- Flexibility in property hunting.
- Parting ways temporarily for settling in.
- Time to clean or sell UK property and renovate in Spain.
- Flexibility to relocate within Spain if needed.
Pack & Go conclude: 'With a well-planned six-month trial, you have the best possible chance of moving to Spain successfully. Take your time, plan in detail, and don't be afraid to ask yourself difficult questions. The result could be a change that vastly improves your quality of life.'
