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Relocating my family to Spain

Although it was a difficult decision, my wife, Teresa, and I decided to move our little family in Spain. We had two girls who were in primary school. My company offered me a great opportunity for a position in Spain that I could not refuse. In addition, Teresa had family in Spain she had never met. She was happy to meet and learn more about his Spanish heritage. We knew that moving would be difficult, but we were glad to get BeginEdit on our new adventure.

The first thing that Teresa and I have been to write and print a list of what we needed to do to be ready for this change. We wrote our list in chronological order so that the most important things would be done first. One of the first things we did was sign up for a class of basic Spanish at a local college. As none of us knew Spanish, we thought it would help us communicate once we got there and make it easier for us to move.

Next, we asked our visas Spain. We obtained the documents and for my wife and I and our two young daughters. Because we live in New York, I could take no Consulate in New York. They assured me it would take about a week to process everything. I later learned that if I waited to get in Spain, I had to return to the U.S. just to get my visa.

We also decided to cancel our trip to the United States. Although we would be citizens of the United States, we could avoid having to pay U.S. taxes. This meant the cancellation of all bank accounts, subscriptions and property assets in the States. However, we felt at ease because we knew we were going to live in Spain for a long time. We had planned to teach girls simple words and phrases too, to help people understand, after we moved to Spain.

Because my business to travel to Spain, moving all my stuff was paid by the company. However, it was my responsibility to obtain estimates and know that I wanted to do with our movement. I called several companies for estimates and found one that was less expensive, very friendly and able to move my bike. They gave me dates, estimates and all the information I needed. They also gave me tips for packing and has offered to provide boxes if we needed it.

Because I was able to make plans with the movers, I now had a date that we needed to be in Spain. I was able to make our flight reservations so we can be there when our membership reached. In addition, we have made arrangements to take our dog with us on the plane. Spain has had some strict rules about pets in the country. However, because we planned ahead, we felt secure knowing that our dog would be with us.

Our next step was to begin to make an appointment to visit our doctors, a dentist, and optometrist. As the girls needed booster shots, we made sure to let the pediatrician know that we are moving to Spain. We also saw our dentist who did a thorough cleaning and examination requirements for all our family. Finally, we visited our eye specialist because my wife and oldest daughter to wear glasses. We all had eye examinations and they each bought a pair of glasses to take to our new home in Spain. We knew that once we started to pay the tax in Spain, we would be eligible for their state benefits.

My wife and I also renewed the licenses and passports to drive so they do not expire soon. I called our car insurance company for coverage while in Spain. We also made a list of friends and family members that we need to contact us before our departure, by sending them our new address in Spain. Although we had only a temporary housing arrangement, we knew that once we were in Spain, you can find a great apartment or house to rent or buy.

Last but not least, we hired several books and DVDs on the life and culture of Spain. Although we were very excited, we wanted to be as informed as possible about what awaits them there. For example, we learned that every afternoon, all the stores closed for a period of two to three hours for a nap in Spanish. We also learned about how to communicate with the Spanish and how to make friends. Learn more about the culture and history of the country also helped to prepare us for the pride and patriotism we were soon to experience our new country.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very nice blog, family vacations in spain is a good idea. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I called several companies for estimates and found one that was less expensive, very friendly and able to move my bike.

John Alen said...

We also made a list of friends and family members that we need to contact us before our departure, by sending them our new address in Spain

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