I quickly learned that moving to another country is not exactly a “pack your bags and go” situation. It’s a process. A long one. There are forms, documents, appointments, and more paperwork than you ever thought existed. Unfortunately, there really aren’t shortcuts. You just have to go through the steps one by one. Depending on your situation, the process can take months or even years.
Since this was my first major move abroad, I knew I needed to stay as organized as humanly possible. Thankfully, the NALCAP program has a lot of resources on their website that help guide you through the process. And if you know me, you know I love a good printed checklist. I’m a little old school in that way. I like having physical papers, highlighting things, checking boxes, and spreading everything out on the table so I can actually see what’s going on.
So here are some of the things I did to stay organized during the process, along with a few tips that made the transition a lot smoother.
1. Do Your Research (and then do a little more)
Most of us aren’t able to just hop on a plane and visit the area before moving there. That means research becomes your best friend. Start learning about the culture, the cost of living, housing options, transportation, and what everyday life might look like in your new city.
When it comes to apartments in Spain, these are some of the most common websites people use:
Idealista – One of the most popular housing websites in Spain with tons of listings.
Fotocasa – Another great platform with detailed apartment listings and photos.
Habitaclia – A major real estate portal with properties across Spain.
Facebook groups can also be incredibly helpful when it comes to finding roommates or apartments. Many people post available rooms, housing opportunities, or even just general advice about neighborhoods.
Plus, these groups give you the chance to start connecting with people before you even arrive, which makes the move feel a little less intimidating.
2. Print Everything
This might sound excessive, but printing resources saved me more than once. There are so many bloggers, guides, and helpful posts online from people who have already gone through this process. Take advantage of that knowledge.
I printed checklists, visa guides, timelines, and anything else that might help me stay organized. Having everything physically in front of me made the process feel a lot more manageable. You can also join forums or online communities where people share updates and advice in real time. Sometimes the best information comes from someone who just went through the exact step you’re about to take.
3. Start Networking Early
One thing that helped me a lot was connecting with people before I moved. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even TikTok can be surprisingly helpful for finding people who already live in the area you’re moving to. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, or introduce yourself.
These conversations can give you insight into local culture, housing tips, and sometimes even job opportunities. Plus, it never hurts to have a few familiar faces waiting on the other side.
4. Join Facebook Groups
If you’re moving abroad, Facebook groups are honestly gold.
I joined groups like:
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Auxiliares de Conversación en España
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Auxiliares de Conversación en Valencia
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Auxiliares de Conversación Spain 2024–2025
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Expats in Valencia
These groups are full of people asking questions, sharing resources, posting apartments, and helping each other out. It’s also comforting to know you’re not the only one navigating the process.
5. Create Your Own Timeline Checklist
There are plenty of checklists online, but everyone’s process is a little different. I used a few guides as a starting point, then created my own personalized timeline. Breaking everything into categories helped me stay organized.
Some of the sections I created included:
Visa Documents
Keeping track of everything needed for the visa application.
Moving Essentials
What to pack, buy, sell, or donate before leaving.
Healthcare Preparation
Transferring medical records and understanding healthcare options.
Financial Planning
Opening accounts, budgeting, and preparing for the cost of living.
Neighborhood Research
Looking at safety, transportation, and proximity to work.
Having everything written down in one place makes the process feel way less chaotic.
6. Visit Before Moving (If You Can)
If you have the opportunity to visit beforehand, it can make a huge difference. Seeing the city in person helps you understand the neighborhoods, transportation, and general lifestyle. You might even find housing while you’re there.
It’s also a great chance to meet people and start building connections before you officially move.
7. Start Learning the Language
Even learning basic phrases can make a huge difference once you arrive. Apps like Duolingo or Memrise can help you get started, but you can also practice with native speakers through language exchange apps like Tandem or HelloTalk.
Another fun trick is to immerse yourself in music, movies, or podcasts in the language.
8. Keep Copies of Every Document
This one is important. Make digital copies and physical copies of every important document. That includes your visa, passport, insurance papers, and anything related to your move.
Store them in multiple places so you always have access if something gets lost.
9. Plan Your Finances
Moving abroad comes with a lot of upfront costs. Think about things like flights, visa fees, housing deposits, transportation, and everyday living expenses. It’s also smart to build a savings cushion for unexpected situations. Having that safety net can bring a lot of peace of mind during the transition.
10. Prepare for Healthcare
Research the healthcare system in your new country and make sure you have the proper insurance coverage. If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last at least a few months while you figure out the local system.
11. Prepare for Cultural Differences
Every country has its own customs, social norms, and way of doing things. Doing a little research ahead of time can help you avoid culture shock and adjust more easily. Keep an open mind, be curious, and remember that adapting to new ways of living is part of the adventure.
12. Stay Connected to Home
Moving abroad is exciting, but it can also be emotional. Make time to stay connected with family and friends through video calls, messages, and social media. At the same time, try to build a life in your new city by joining clubs, attending events, and exploring new hobbies.
13. Consider Professional Help
If the logistics feel overwhelming, you might consider hiring a relocation consultant or international moving company. They can help with transportation, customs paperwork, and organizing the move itself. Sometimes having professional help can save a lot of stress.
14. Start Selling Your Belongings Early
I started selling my things about a month before leaving, and honestly, I wish I had started earlier. Between coordinating buyers, meeting people, and organizing everything, it became more stressful than I expected. If you can start the process sooner, it will give you more time and flexibility.
15. Think Through the Small Logistics
Before moving, don’t forget about the everyday things. Schedule doctor and dentist appointments. Cancel or pause phone plans. Update bank information. Handle car insurance if you’re leaving your car behind. I also recommend bringing at least a three-month supply of medications if you take any. Taking care of these details before you leave makes it much easier to settle in once you arrive.
Moving abroad is one of the biggest transitions you can make in life. It can feel overwhelming at times, but with preparation and the right resources, it becomes much more manageable. The most important thing I learned is to take it one step at a time. You don’t have to have everything figured out overnight.
If the opportunity to move abroad has come your way, trust that it’s happening for a reason. Try not to stress about every unknown detail and focus instead on the experience you’re about to have. Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new life on the other side of the world.
And I promise, it will all be worth it.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
