Thinking About Moving to Spain? How to Make the Decision With Clarity and Confidence

Thinking about moving to Spain often brings excitement, and just as often, uncertainty. Questions around timing, lifestyle, finances, and whether it’s the right decision can leave many people feeling stuck before they ever begin the practical process. In this interview, the Dils Lucas Fox team speaks with psychologist and life-design expert Dr. Colleen T. Crowley about how to move past overwhelm, make intentional choices, and approach a move to Spain with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

When someone feels stuck on “where should I live?”, what is usually driving that feeling?

That feeling usually comes from a mix of emotional and practical factors. On the emotional side, there’s often fear of the unknown, self-doubt, or anxiety about making the “wrong” decision. On the practical side, people may feel overwhelmed by finances, visas, taxes, work options, or simply not knowing what daily life would actually look like in a new place.

What’s most important is recognizing two things: first, these feelings are completely normal, especially when making a big move, and second, they’re a signal that something needs to be unpacked and explored.
Once you slow down and explore where the stuck feeling is coming from, you can gain clarity and create a realistic plan to move forward instead of staying frozen in indecision.

What are the first 2–3 steps you take with a client to turn an overwhelming move into a clear plan?

Before any practical planning can happen, we start with vision. You have to reconnect with your goals and how you want your future life to look, not just where you want to live, but how you want to feel day to day.

Once that vision is clear, we break the move down into very small, manageable steps across several areas: emotional and psychological readiness, finances, housing, taxes, schooling (if applicable), and lifestyle logistics.
When you know where you’re headed, even complex moves become manageable because you’re no longer trying to solve everything at once.

What values or questions matter most when choosing between two cities or regions in Spain?

The most important question is: How do you picture your ideal life and future self? Do you thrive in a busy city with career opportunities, international communities, and constant stimulation? Or do you prefer a quieter pace, lower cost of living, and close access to nature?

Spain is an incredibly diverse country, and two regions can feel like completely different worlds. Many people don’t realize this before they move. Understanding your values, community, pace of life, climate, work opportunities, family needs will dramatically narrow down the places that will truly feel like home rather than just “a nice location.”

What are the biggest mindset traps you see during a home search, and how do you help clients move past them?

All of them…over-researching, perfectionism, and fear of regret are extremely common. Buying a home abroad is a major decision, and a certain amount of apprehension is both normal and healthy.

Where people get stuck is when fear turns into paralysis. That’s why doing the groundwork ahead of time—clarifying goals, understanding finances, and aligning the purchase with long-term plans—is so important. It reduces uncertainty and builds confidence.

I also remind clients that moving forward with some nervousness doesn’t mean you’re making a bad decision. It usually means you’re being thoughtful and intentional. Very few life-changing decisions come without any fear at all.

How should couples or families handle different priorities and risk tolerance when deciding where to live?

Moving abroad and buying property can actually be an incredible opportunity for couples and families to grow closer. It opens up conversations about values, priorities, finances, and long-term goals that many people never fully explore otherwise.

Different risk tolerances and priorities shouldn’t be seen as problems, but rather as strengths. One person’s caution balances another’s boldness. When everyone’s perspective is respected, the family benefits from better decision-making overall.

As someone who moved abroad with a family of five, an elderly parent, and multiple pets, I know firsthand how important it is to make space for every voice in the process. This kind of work with couples and families is some of my favorite work because of how transformative it can be.

What should people look for in a trusted property advisor during a relocation?

The most important quality is someone who truly listens. I often joke that a good property advisor should feel a bit like a trusted therapist. Buying a home isn’t just a financial transaction, it’s about investing in a future, a lifestyle, and a sense of belonging.

You want someone who understands your goals, respects your concerns, and guides you without taking decision-making power away from you. When you feel seen and heard, the process becomes far less stressful and much more empowering.

For international clients new to Spain, what helps them feel “at home” quickly once they arrive?

First, it’s important to normalize the discomfort. Feeling unsettled at the beginning doesn’t mean you made a mistake, it means you’re growing. You chose change over familiarity, and that takes courage.

Prioritizing mental health is key. Get grounded in the basics first: food, routines, rest, and simple daily structure. Then focus on connection. I always encourage people to cast a wide net initially…local communities, interest groups, and especially other expats who have already walked this path. Feeling connected makes all the difference.

What are the most common mistakes people make when relocating?

One of the biggest mistakes I see is doing the process backwards. Many people choose a country first and then decide to move. In reality, it works much better to start with self-reflection: your goals, values, priorities, and vision for your life, and then choose a community or country that supports those things.

Another common mistake is trying to do everything at once. Relocation is a massive undertaking, both before and after the move. Progress happens through small, intentional steps, not giant leaps taken all at once.

If someone feels overwhelmed right now, what are three practical actions they can take this week?

Take one small, actionable step. Momentum matters more than perfection.
Ask for help. No one relocates successfully alone…whether it’s visa support, financial planning, or property guidance.
Do some inner work. Before focusing on where you want to go, spend time clarifying why. Your goals and vision for the future should guide every practical decision.