Moving to Spain can be one of the most exciting and life-changing decisions you ever make. With its warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful landscapes, it’s no wonder so many people choose to start a new chapter here. But even paradise has its pitfalls. In this article, we’ll cover the 7 biggest mistakes people make when moving to Spain—and how you can avoid them to ensure your transition is smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Whether you’re settling in Torrevieja, La Marina, Rojales, Guardamar, Ciudad Quesada, Orihuela Costa, or San Javier, this guide is for you. These areas of the Costa Blanca are popular destinations for international residents, and understanding the challenges upfront will help you integrate successfully and enjoy your new life to the fullest.
Planning Your Move: Avoiding the Biggest Mistakes When Moving to Spain
Many new residents arrive in Spain full of enthusiasm, but overlook critical aspects of daily life that are very different from their home country. The biggest mistakes when moving to Spain are often avoidable with the right preparation and a bit of local insight.
Below, we break down the 7 most common traps people fall into when relocating—and offer real advice from those who’ve done it successfully.
1. Underestimating Bureaucracy
Spain is famous for many things—efficient paperwork isn’t one of them. One of the first mistakes new residents make is assuming the process of getting your NIE number, residency card, or healthcare registration is quick and easy.
Avoid it: Prepare in advance. Book appointments online (early!), bring copies of everything, and consider hiring a gestor to help you through the process.
2. Choosing the Wrong Area
Many people fall in love with the idea of living near the sea, but not all coastal towns are created equal. Some are packed in summer and ghost towns in winter. Others have poor services or no community.
Avoid it: Spend at least a few weeks in the area before deciding. Talk to locals and expats. Look at year-round population, infrastructure, and accessibility.
3. Importing Furniture That Doesn’t Fit the Climate or Lifestyle
It might be tempting to ship over your furniture from your home country, but what works in colder climates often doesn’t in Spain. Bulky, dark sofas and heavy curtains don’t belong in bright, open Mediterranean homes. Worse yet, they can make your home feel hotter and more cramped.
Avoid it: Embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle. Use lightweight, breathable materials. Design spaces that let air and light flow. Outdoor living is essential—investing in the right outdoor furniture is key to enjoying your terrace, patio, or solarium all year long.
4. Assuming All Homes Come Ready to Live In
In many parts of Spain, houses are sold or rented completely unfurnished—we’re talking no light fixtures, no kitchen appliances, sometimes not even wardrobes.
Avoid it: Don’t wait until the last minute to start furnishing. Visit local showrooms or explore options that let you buy complete sets or coordinate styles quickly.
5. Ignoring the Impact of the Climate on Daily Life
The heat is one of the reasons people move to Spain—but it also changes how you live. Trying to live exactly as you did before, with closed spaces and indoor routines, can make life here less comfortable than expected.
Avoid it: Adapt to the climate. Design your home for airflow. Think in terms of outdoor dining areas, shaded seating, and functional terraces. Spain isn’t just warmer; it’s a different rhythm of life.
6. Not Budgeting for "Hidden" Expenses
While the cost of living is lower than in many countries, there are costs people don’t anticipate: community fees, A/C usage in summer, car ownership in rural zones, or the sudden need for pest control in older houses.
Avoid it: Make a full yearly budget, not just month to month. And remember—buying furniture and setting up your home can cost more than you think, especially if you want quality that lasts under Spanish sun and sea air.
7. Thinking It’s All Beach and Sunshine
Spain is more than beaches and tapas. Without preparation, some people feel disconnected or isolated, especially if they don’t integrate with the local community or if they expected a permanent vacation.
Avoid it: Set realistic expectations. Build a real life—learn the language, make local friends, get involved in community events. And yes, create a home that’s comfortable and welcoming, not just pretty for visitors.
Avoid These Mistakes When Moving to Spain—and Start Right
Moving to Spain is an adventure—but it’s also a commitment. Avoiding these seven common mistakes can mean the difference between struggling to adapt and truly thriving in your new life on the Costa Blanca.
And when it comes to creating a home that matches your new lifestyle, choosing the right furniture is not just a detail—it’s the foundation. At In&Out Furniture, we’ve helped hundreds of new residents design functional, beautiful spaces that work with the Spanish climate, not against it. Whether you’re looking to create a breezy living room, a shaded garden retreat, or a Mediterranean-style terrace, we’re here to help you do it right from the start.
Visit our showrooms in Torrevieja, La Marina, Rojales, Guardamar, Ciudad Quesada, and San Javier, or explore our collections online. Make your home in Spain feel like home—for real.
