Ready, Set, Spain!

What to pack and what… to leave behind

The first first big move I ever made was after graduating college. As would any budding writer who admired the beats, I grabbed my diploma, packed up my things, and moved to San Francisco. You should read that as: I filled a moving truck with IKEA furniture and mugs from The Goodwill and towed my car behind it. When I arrived to my new home I had already spent all of my money on gas and rental fees. With just a little bit of foresight I’d have sold or donated my furniture, drove my car with the necessities, and bought brand new furniture.

So, what does this have to do with Spain?

I made the same mistake last month when moving to Malaga. Fool me once...

I overpacked, paid for checked luggage, and wound up dragging my bags all over Paris and Sevilla before settling into my new home. Instead of some shoulder pain, I could have a few new pieces of Spanish clothing in my wardrobe.

Here are three tips for what I would do differently:

Tip One: Focus on the Necessities

If you have enough to get through your first week of teaching, you’ll be golden. With a few pairs of pants, shirts, sweaters, and jackets, I had more than enough to get through the first few weeks without looking like I was wearing the same clothes every day. Most Spanish apartments have clotheslines to hang out the wash to dry. In my apartment there is just enough clothesline for two weeks of laundry. Take this into account!

Definitely bring some nicer clothes for teaching days (and the discoteque), but you can buy t-shirts & shorts more cheaply in Spain than you’d expect for weekend travels and the beach. I didn’t do this. I packed nearly every t-shirt I own and then arrived in Spain and discovered bew t-shirts on sale for €2.

Tip Two: If You Don’t Love It, Leave It

I’ve found myself neglecting the clothes I don’t like wearing as they moulder in the bottom of my dresser. Don’t bring those clothes! What I thought would be appropriate for teaching in Spain was a bit fancy for the school where I am teaching. Some of the clothes I brought with me I haven’t worn once. I usually wear a sweater, jeans, boots or sneakers. Viola!

To make my new home feel like home, I brought along with me some postcards, photographs, and art pieces that were thin and could pack light. As soon as I moved into my apartment I stuck them up and I was happy I had packed them. Things I brought which I never use and am now storing under my bed: sentimental magnets, that third pair of black jeans I couldn’t leave home without, v-neck sweaters, a harmonica (“I’ll finally learn to play in Spain!”...), a high tech voice recorder to finally start that podcast, and my electric beard trimmer that doesn’t work with the Spanish electrical grid.

Remember, you can always buy it here!

Which reminds me of the third tip.

Tip Three: If you can buy it in Spain, BUY IT IN SPAIN!

I arrived in Spain just after Christmas, but before the Spanish gift-giving holiday of Los Reyes Mages. After the holiday passed, Malaga had the biggest sales I’ve seen anywhere. I was able to buy €2 t-shirts, and most everything else for 50-70% off. Good thing I over packed.

From my experience… buy things in Spain! It costs less! Not to mention you will blend in with the Spanish locals, you’ll save the headache of carrying a massive duffel bag or dragging your giant suitcase down cobblestone streets and into miniature elevators, and you’ll probably save some money.

And finally: you will want to buy some clothes in Spain anyway. You might as well plan for it.

To conclude...

They might not have your favorite brand of deodorant or peanut butter, but if the Spanish don’t need Old Spice Original Scent Deodorant or Peanut Butter & Co Crunch Time, then I guess I don’t either. Pack light and let go of things that you’ve been holding onto. Who knows, you might reinvent yourself and have to start a podcast to tell everyone about it.