Moving to Javea and don’t know what to pack?

Think about how long you plan to stay here for. If you plan to move to Jávea long term, then sentimental items such as family photos are important. If you're not sure whether you will be staying for more than a season or two then be prepared to keep these things in storage. Assuming you are here for the long haul, VillaMia recommends the following:

Clothing

Spanish winters can get pretty cold and it is easy to forget your favourite boots or a decent coat, but it's worth remembering to pack these for when the cold days do come.

Electronics

Besides the obvious such as your laptop and phone, remember to pack converters, adapters, and chargers for your devices, although you can get them here of course. Also note that some items may be more expensive to buy here depending on which country you are moving from so you may want to remember to bring certain items that you use a lot back home.

Prescriptions & Medication

Research whether your current medication is available here and how much it costs compared to your country of origin. If the medication you regularly use isn't available, make sure to figure how you will get around this issue before you move over. You can get more over the counter medicines here but no harm bringing the basics like Lemsip, Paracetamol, and Calpol if you have children. Also, if you have a dog remember worming tablets and a flea collar.

Paperwork

You may need it to register the children in schools or buy a car so will need to get an NIE number. Remember to bring all paperwork such as passports, driving licence, birth certificates for children and medical books, as well as marriage certificates.If you are an EU Citizen, remember to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will allow some leeway whilst your NIE or private health care is arranged. For international citizens, be sure to read up on Visa requirements. Also make sure that you remember your medical and vaccination records, especially if you have an ongoing medical issue that will need seeing to when you arrive.

Items that are difficult to find in Spain

If you have the space, think about whether there is anything you know that is unique to your home country that is important to you – such as a particular brand of peanut butter or a large jar of marmite. Although there are a growing number of expat stores here and you can order things online, bear in mind that they will be more expensive and they may not have exactly what you are looking for.

Furniture

Whether or not you need to bring furniture depends on where you would like to live once you are here. If you are looking to stay in furnished accommodation it may be worth selling your current furniture or keeping it in storage. Or, you may have such a comfy bed you want to bring it over – that is your decision and personally, I wish I had brought more of my furniture.

Lastly, remember long term rentals don’t include linens so you may want to bring bedding and towels.