​Hi, I’m Idanika! I’m currently working as a sourcing & Marketing Intern at Multilingual Jobs Worldwide. I am 20 years old and originally from the Netherlands. Through my studies in International Business, I had the opportunity to live abroad and of course I had to grab that opportunity!

When I decided to move to Málaga, I quickly realized it wasn’t just about packing a suitcase and booking a flight. Moving abroad comes with a list of things to do. To help others who might be planning the same adventure, I’ve put together my own “moving to Málaga checklist”. These are the things I had to think about and fix before I could really settle into my new home.

1. Housing & rental agreement

The very first step was finding a place to live. In Málaga, rooms can be booked out quickly, especially if you are staying for a shorter period of time. I ended up finding my shared apartment on Idealista, Spain’s largest platform for finding apartments, houses and rooms. If Idealista doesn’t have what you’re looking for, it’s worth checking other rental platforms or browsing through Facebook groups. Another tip is to read your rental contract carefully (mine was in Spanish, so I double-checked the terms) and to move in a bit earlier rather than the night before.

2. Budgeting & money matters

Of course, you should enjoy your life abroad and make the most of the experience. But all those iced coffees, tapas nights, and the tempting fashion shops in Málaga can quickly add up. That’s why budgeting became an important step for me. I budgeted for essentials and extras, using a budgeting app to track my spending and avoid overspending.

3. Packing smart

I’ve traveled quite a lot, so I’m pretty used to throwing a few things into a backpack and calling it a day. But moving abroad is a bit different, and it’s easy to overpack when you’re not sure what you’ll really need. Here are a few ideas that helped me with packing for Málaga:

• A small first-aid kit always comes in handy.

• Choose clothing you can easily mix and match.

• Pack a few personal items from home in order to make your room feel cozy.

Golden rule: other countries have shops too. Forgot socks? Just buy them in Spain, no need to overpack.

4. Learning the basics of Spanish

Before moving, I only knew a few basic Spanish words, just enough to get by at the supermarket or in a café. Now that I’m living in Spain, I’m picking up more words every day, and it’s a great way to connect with people more genuinely. If you want to improve your Spanish, there’s really no better place to learn than by living here.

5. Cultural aspects

Depending on where you’re coming from, moving to Málaga can bring some culture shocks. For example, mealtimes are completely different. Lunch is around 2 or 3 pm, and dinner often doesn’t start until after 9 pm. Shops may close around noon and it’s quite normal in Spain for people to arrive a little later than planned. What I like most, though, is the social culture. People spend so much time outside, meeting friends for tapas or strolling along the beach, which makes it easy to join in.

6. Expectations

Moving abroad isn’t just practical, it’s also emotional. The first week may not feel perfect, and that’s completely normal. It can be both exciting and overwhelming. Therefore, it’s important to give yourself time to adjust, build a routine, and explore. Soon enough, you’ll feel more at home and start to appreciate the beautiful country you’ve moved to.

Final thoughts

The preparation might feel like a lot, but once you’re here you will be happy that you did it. Walking along the beach, enjoying tapas in the old town, or taking a quick trip to the mountains, it’s all worth it. If you’re planning a move abroad, I hope my checklist helps you feel a little more prepared.

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