Spain has always been a popular destination for British expatriates and holidayers, but as a cultural destination it possesses quite a different way of life. Many British expatriates and overseas workers experience some severe growing pains, particularly surrounding the Spanish language and slight cultural differences.

While furniture removals and Spanish relocations are relatively simple, the cultural side of moving to a new country can be quite a taxing difference. For Brits in Spain, language is often a divide between living a full Spanish life, and remaining in a life as a Briton overseas. Expatriates often tell stories about Spanish taps and bathroom hazards, where ‘C’ could mean hot – caliente – or cold.

While Spain’s consulate services and public assistants are drafting changes to language and expatriate assistance programs, cultural divides remain an issue in many other top expatriate destinations. Beyond the logistical side of overseas removals, a range of challenges can pop up when Britons are exposed to foreign customs and business methods.

For British expatriates in Spain, a common issue surrounds housing. Dream villas and beach-side houses are purchased to fulfil a dream relocation or retirement, only to be declared illegal or unsafe for residency. Similar issues are frequent in the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and other countries where British expatriates reside.

Our advice: sort out the logistics or international removals first, and have a backup plan ready for the practicalities. Cultural divides can result in some scary situations, but are almost always controllable with some pre-planning.

A Presidentially endorsed Australian research group has released its 2009 Global Peace Index, naming and ranking countries according to their peacefulness and lack of violence, both social and political. Popular expatriate destination New Zealand has topped the list, with other top 10 finalists including Japan, Iceland, Denmark, and Canada.

As many Britons tire of military action and global political efforts, peaceful politics are becoming a major factor when deciding which country to move to. A large number of expatriates leave the UK for more peaceful soils, not just in terms of overseas military action, but when at-home crime and social issues are taken into account.

While rankings for the UK are unavailable, the United States reported a poor showing, appearing in 83rd place 144 nations polled. The survey was based around 23 ‘violence indicators’, including military size, jail population, the amount of guns and other weapons, and incidences of urban violent crime. With stories of ‘Broken Britain’ appearing all too frequently on TV, it’s certainly not unusual to think that social issues could be behind Britain’s no-show in the top rankings.

Alongside weather woes, social issues and frequent violence is a major factor behind many Britons leaving for other countries. While international removals are slowing from their peak three years ago, many Britons are still interested in overseas removals for life on more peaceful shores.

Thousands of Britons move house every week, and almost all experience the stress that can come with a high-pressure move. Even a simple home can require a plethora of removals requirements, from secure possessions to a reliable removals service. The potential for damage and danger can also be high, with high-value possessions at risk of damage, and removals helpers potentially endangered under health and safety.

However, with the right combination of must-have removals factors, your down-the-street or across-the-country move can be a success. Before you pack away a single book, make sure you’ve got these three removals must-haves ready:successful removals

1.    Strong and flexible storage.

That’s flexible in terms of storage space, not construction. It’s best to look for storage equipment that can house and protect your possessions and valuables. Store items according to size, weight, and value, with similarly shaped and composed items put together in the same storage containers. Ultra-valuables are best left on your person, or at the very least in your own moving vehicle.

2.    A reliable removals company.

There’s nothing worse than uncertainty during a move. Pick a removals team that’s professional, not just the cheapest provider in the area. Almost all experienced removals teams will be able to provide insurance and equipment that suits you. Piece of mind is important, and sometimes it takes a professional removals company to provide it, especially when valuables are on the line.

3.    Excess time.

It’s amazing how many small things can go wrong during a move. These aren’t minor disasters, only small hiccups, but the amount of time they can drain is still incredible. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need, and treat distractions and hold-ups as an inconvenience, not a crisis.