Remote working has fundamentally transformed the world of work in recent years. More and more professionals — programmers, designers, consultants, translators, copywriters, marketers — can work from anywhere with a good connection. But moving also means setting up a new productive home office at your destination. This guide explains how to plan a move with your remote work in mind, without losing days of productivity.
The specific challenge of moving while working remotely
Unlike someone who works in an office (and can be away for 2–3 days), the remote worker depends on their entire setup to earn a living:
- High-speed internet
- PC/laptop + monitors + peripherals
- Ergonomic chair + suitable desk
- Access to clients and synchronous meetings
- Physical or digital documentation
A poorly planned move can mean 5–10 days without being able to work normally. That is 1,000–3,000 € in lost billing + unhappy clients.
Before the move: professional planning
Block out 3–5 days in your diary
Communicate to clients 2–3 weeks in advance:
- "Out of office" period from [X] to [Y]
- If there are urgent matters, a temporary contact or extended response time
- Date of full return to normal operations
Get ahead on deliverables
2–3 weeks in advance:
- Finish outstanding projects so you do not carry them through the move
- Deliver the month's work ahead of schedule
- Chase outstanding invoices (you do not want a payment delayed during the move)
Set up "minimum support mode"
For the transition days:
- Activate an automatic email reply explaining the situation + return date
- Schedule social media posts in advance
- If you have a team: temporarily delegate the critical tasks
Internet in the new home: absolute priority
Apply 2–3 weeks in advance
Fibre installation usually takes 5–15 days from signup. To have fibre active on day 1 in the new home:
- Contract it 3 weeks before the move
- Verify coverage at the exact address (not just the area)
- Book the installation appointment for the first available day after your move
- If you are moving to the Canary Islands, confirm coverage by address (some rural villages have limited fibre)
Internet backup
While fibre is being installed, have a plan B:
- 4G/5G router: Vodafone, Yoigo, Movistar sell data SIMs with unlimited data (~30–50 €/month). Activate before the move
- Tethering from your mobile: temporary solution for 1–3 days. Check your operator's data plan
- Nearby coworking space: for video conference sessions that require a stable connection. In the Canary Islands there are coworking spaces in virtually every urban area
Packing your remote working equipment
IT setup in specific boxes
- Box "DESK 1": laptop, charger, mouse, keyboard, headset
- Box "DESK 2": monitor(s) in original box or well protected
- Box "DESK 3": webcam, microphone, ring light, cables organised
- Box "DESK 4": documentation, diary, professional books
Label all of them as TOP PRIORITY. These are the first boxes you open at your destination.
Data: triple backup mandatory
Before disconnecting the PC:
- Local backup: external hard drive with full copy
- Cloud backup: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive synced
- Professional backup: Backblaze (5 €/month), Veeam, or similar for businesses
If you lose your PC during the move (rare, but it happens), your work and client data are protected. More on professional data: self-employed office move.
Ergonomic chair: the underrated asset
If you have an ergonomic chair (Herman Miller, Steelcase, IKEA Markus, etc.), value it in the thousands. Do NOT let it go without specific packaging:
- Full plastic cover
- Mark the adjustment settings for quick reassembly at destination
- Label "OPEN FIRST – OFFICE CHAIR"
Desk
If you have a height-adjustable desk (Flexispot, IKEA Bekant, etc.):
- Disassemble and pack screws in a zip-loc bag attached to the tabletop
- Take a photo of the assembly before disassembling (to reassemble easily)
- Motor cables in a specific bag with instructions
The first days in the new home
Day 1: set up the desk before anything else
While unpacking the rest at your own pace, prioritise:
- Desk assembled
- Ergonomic chair adjusted
- Monitor(s) and laptop connected
- Internet working (fibre or 4G backup)
- Adequate lighting
Tomorrow you will be able to work normally. The rest of the house can wait.
Days 2–3: technical testing
- Internet speed test (speedtest.net): minimum 100 Mbps symmetrical for serious remote work
- Test video call with a friend: check camera, audio, stability
- Automatic backup configured and running
- Access to professional tools (Slack, Teams, Asana, GitHub, etc.)
Moving to the Canary Islands as a remote worker
Why more and more digital nomads choose the Canary Islands
- Exceptional climate year-round
- Fibre optic in practically every urban area
- Coworking spaces and a growing international community
- Lower cost of living than many European capitals
- Air connections with the rest of Europe
- Attractive tax framework (IRPF + IGIC vs VAT)
Top areas for remote working in the Canary Islands
- Tenerife: El Médano (Granadilla), Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz centre
- Gran Canaria: Las Palmas (Las Canteras, Vegueta, Triana), Maspalomas, Mogán
- Lanzarote: Famara, Costa Teguise, Arrecife
- Fuerteventura: Corralejo, Costa Calma
- La Palma: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Tazacorte
Recommended coworking spaces
- Tenerife: Tropical Coworking (S/C), Coworking Tenerife North (Puerto de la Cruz), Espacio Hub (Adeje)
- Gran Canaria: Tropical (Las Palmas), The Coworking (Mesa y López), Cobu (Las Canteras)
- Lanzarote: NestCity, Coworking Surf Lanzarote
Tax framework for digital nomads in the Canary Islands
If you relocate to the Canary Islands as a self-employed person:
- IGIC vs VAT: many professional services in the Canary Islands are EXEMPT from IGIC (franchisor regime <100,000 €/year). Immediate saving vs peninsular VAT
- Autonomous community IRPF deductions: deduction for residence on a non-capital island if you move to La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro
- RIC investment: if your activity generates high turnover, the possibility of using the Reserva para Inversiones en Canarias (significant deduction)
More detail at REF de Canarias.
Insuring your professional equipment during the move
Professional remote working equipment (high-performance PC, multiple 4K monitors, ergonomic chair, accessories) can easily be worth 5,000–15,000 €. For the move:
- Specific declared-value insurance for these items
- Prior photos + purchase receipts
- Appraisal if you have high-end equipment (Mac Pro, workstation, professional OLED monitors)
Frequently asked questions about moving while working remotely
Can I keep working in the first few days after the move?
Yes, if you plan well. If you have fibre active on day 1 + desk set up quickly + 4G backup in case of delay, you can be at 80% productivity from day 1–2. Block out 3–5 days of margin in case something unexpected comes up.
What if my new home does not have fibre available?
Before signing the contract, check coverage (Movistar/Orange/Vodafone/Digi all have address-level coverage on their websites). If there is no fibre:
- Unlimited 4G/5G plan (sufficient for most remote work)
- Nearby coworking space for critical sessions
- Reconsider the location if your work requires very high bandwidth
Is the move tax-deductible if I am a self-employed remote worker?
Yes, 100% deductible as a professional expense provided the move is justified by work reasons or a change of business base. Keep the invoice in the name of your tax identification number. More detail: moving for work: deductible expenses.
Is it worth paying for professional packing as a remote worker?
Yes, very much so. It saves you 1–2 days of manual work = 500–1,500 € in billing you actually receive. Cost of professional packing: 300–700 €. The difference is positive, and you also arrive at the new home far less exhausted and ready to work.
How do I manage synchronous client meetings on moving day?
Communicate in advance that you will not be holding meetings on those days. If unavoidable, schedule one at a nearby coworking space (better quality than a home full of boxes). For critical meetings, consider delaying by 1 week until you have your full setup in place.
Are you a remote-worker-friendly company?
Yes. At Horizont Atlantic many of our clients are remote workers and digital professionals. We adapt our timetables (afternoon moves to avoid interference with meetings), provide an activity certificate for tax deductions, and prioritise assembling the desk. Request a quote specifying that you need the move adapted to your professional schedule.
A move optimised for your professional life
At Horizont Atlantic we understand the specific needs of the remote professional: minimising downtime, protecting critical equipment, advising on the tax framework. Request a quote and we will design a move that respects your professional schedule.
