That really depends on how much belongings you want to move from where to where?
Best is not always cheapest.
Some DIY, others use a man and a van, we used a professional removal company.

Ours came by ship in a container, not cheap but cheaper than purchasing new and we are almost 1000 miles south west of Europe.

Rent for a year before you buy, make sure your happy with your chosen area.

Only downside of renting before you buy, is the market is on the up in Spain, so in a year the houses you were looking at now could be costing a lot more.

I suggest you consider very carefully what is really necessary to bring - it is a good opportunity to have a real sort out. I never regretted arriving with very little and acquiring what I really needed here. And as many new houses and even rentals are available ready furnished you might be surprised at how little you need to bring. This will also, of course, save you money.

Good advice! ....It will cost you around 20% of the purchase price to sell & buy again if you get it wrong.

We rented for a few months in a number of different areas and different towns/villages before finally buying our property. It took us a couple of years before we found our "Goldilocks" village and we rented there for 6 months before buying. It is a lot easier buying property while you're living in the area and you get a better idea of what's a realistic price and where the bargains are.....not all property is advertised on English websites.

Good luck with your new adventure

How would removal costs affect your pension? Are removal rate charges different depending on if you are buying or renting? or if you have a job?

Perhaps you are getting your threads mixed up a bit. This is ‘’ Cost of moving to Spain ‘’ started by yourself.Are you sure you are doing the right thing?