Malaga-based relocation consultant and mother, Lisa Sadleir, explains why she decided to write her essential guide, about Moving to Spain with Children (and without!).
You’ve been helping clients relocate to Malaga and the Costa del Sol for many years now. What made you decide to write a book?
Having worked for many years as an adviser and consultant to families relocating; seeing the traps it’s easy to fall into, and the mistakes made time and again when families hadn’t received professional help, I decided to offer all the knowledge and experience I’d accumulated over the years, into a handy format which everyone can read, and use as a reference – it’s really a complete guide to starting a new life in Spain.
What can readers expect from Moving to Spain with Children?
As well as offering up-to-date advice which will help with all aspects of moving; from schools and language, to timing, social integration, property rental and purchase and even pet care. Moving to Spain with Children offers a clear message that coming to live in Spain with your family needs to be carefully planned and thought-out, not done on a whim.
The book offers a comprehensive, detailed rundown of all the admin aspects you need to take into account – documentation (of which there is a ridiculously large amount), the health system, bank accounts and starting a business.
My advice is based on more than 20 years of living in Spain, in the Canary Islands and other regions before settling in Malaga. I firmly believe there are few better places for bringing up children – the emphasis on family life, the open and friendly people, the warm welcome wherever you go, the fantastic weather, which means you’re outdoors in the sunshine most days.
I share the good, the bad and the challenges 😉
After living in various countries and regions of Spain, what are your future plans? Another move?
Spain is a wonderful place to live. It is the place I have chosen to bring up my children. Having lived here for over 25 years now, I cannot envisage living anywhere else (although I will never say never!).
Living in Spain allows us, as a family, to appreciate that: we have more time with our children; we spend more time outdoors in the fresh open air; family comes first; material possessions are not important; people are generally very friendly and open; we are living an invaluable experience. And we have given our children the gift of a second language.
Every year, many people consider moving to Spain. Every year people make the move and sometimes it doesn’t work out and they return home (you know, the stories often published in the tabloids and UK sensationalist TV programs). From experience, I am inclined to say that many failed relocations are due to inadequate research and incorrect advice (Health issues aside!).
In your opinion, why is Spain a great place to move to?
Where do I start?! Obviously, my opinions are based on my own experiences and those of many people that I have helped to relocate to the Malaga area.
Without wanting to state the obvious, Southern Spain enjoys a climate which encourages outdoor living, masses of fresh air and healthier eating. After over 25 years living here, the blue skies and sunshine still make me smile.
However, I think it is fair to say that Spain offers a wonderful environment to all kinds of people. I love the fact that my children (aged 10 and 12) attended a Spanish state school in their primary years, are doing very well and are both bilingual. They eat a wide variety of different foods (shellfish from a very early age, much to my mum’s despair) and spend more hours outside than in. They interact with children of all nationalities, social classes and races and neither language nor background is of importance.
Can you give us your five top tips for families considering a relocation to Spain?
- Timing is a key factor to a successful relocation if you have children
- Research the area you are considering moving to. Choose your location before choosing your house
- Be prepared to slow down. Get ready for a more relaxed pace of life
- Forget the “but in England, they do it this way….” attitude. Start learning the Spanish language and customs as soon as you can if you want to integrate with the local Spanish community
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice, but beware of the bar stool grapevine. Our Move to Malaga blog is full of important information relevant to living in Spain and if the information is not there, we will happily find it for you
How can people order a copy of Moving to Spain with Children?
To order a copy of Moving to Spain with Children:
Ebook (Kindle edition): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moving-Spain-Children-Essential-thinking-ebook/dp/B00P5JRM2APaperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moving-To-Spain-With-Children/dp/1908135603
Some of the many 5 Star Reviews …
Final comment before people go off to buy a copy?
This book was not written to sell you the dream. It is a factual guide that involves true life experiences of our own. We show the rough with the smooth. It will help you to make the best decisions when planning your move, with or without children. And please remember that we are here on hand to help you.
Contact Lisa via her websites: www.familylifeinspain.com and www.movetomalaga.com
On Twitter https://twitter.com/FamilyInSpain
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FamilyLifeInSpain
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movetomalaga/
