Making the Move:

Once you have bought your new home it is likely that you may want to move at least some of your furniture and belongings . It's not always a good idea though to move everything lock stock and barrel so think very carefully about what to take.

For one thing it is costly in transport costs and secondly the bright Mediterranean light is so different from here in the cooler north and dark furniture and heavy curtains can so easily look dank and dull. Colours can look very different in sunlight and ornate styles can seem tacky. If you are making a permanent move it is the ideal time to decide to weed out those things you don't want or need. Be ruthless.

There is a wide choice of furniture and fittings in the bigger cities and prices are very competitive . Some of the well-known mail order companies in the UK have branches on the continent. Markets are excellent sources of curtains, bedding, towels and ceramics and need not cost the earth.

If I want a removal firm how do I get one?
Personal recommendation is the best or log on to expat websites. Do make sure the company is a member of the overseas group of the British Association of Removers or the International movers Federation.

Get in touch with them as soon as you have a date. They will deliver packing cases in plenty of time for you to pack them.

Can I have my mail redirected?
Yes . Contact Royal Mail and fill in the forms at the Post Office. In Spain mail is not usually delivered to your house but to a post box nearby ( called a buzon). You may inherit one from the vendor or can get one via the local Post Office in Spain . There are also offices in some towns which act as postal addresses.

What about the telephone?
Telefonica own the land -lines like BT and you will either have it transferred from the previous owner or a new one installed. If the last owner transfers the line over to you it will save a reconnection fee . When contacting Telefonica they usually want the passport number of the person named on the bill before they will make any alterations to the service. Find out about this before completion as it is difficult to find once you have parted company.

Bills can be paid by direct debit through your bank .

Broadband ADSL and a wide range of services is available.

Dial code for Spain is 0034 and for the UK 0044.

Will my electrical goods work?
Spain uses 22ov and two pin plugs. Adapters will work with most appliances but you may also need an electrical converter. Surge protectors are a good idea for your computers or tv.