Relocating to Mexico with your Family

When relocating to Mexico with your family, preplanning is just as important as the move itself. Not being totally prepared can create numerous headaches and endless stress throughout the whole process. The excitement of starting a new life in a new country can be postponed for several months with just a few minor setbacks. Not having a solid plan on paper is like taking a trip without a map or GPS. The following information will hopefully simplify this whole process. It may not eliminate all the unforeseen problems, but again, it will prepare you for the more common ones.

Relocating to Mexico: Basic Tips

Pre-requisites

Spending time in your chosen destination before relocating to Mexico with your family is very important. Before you return home, make sure you have the following tasks completed before moving on to the process.

• Find a neighborhood you like and feel comfortable with. Then secure a home that suits your needs. You can elect to purchase or rent – this is discussed in “The second step of moving” section. Just like anywhere else, you can always move to your dream home once you get established. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice living conditions, but having everything you ever wanted in a home could change with time.
• Take time to shop at the local supermarkets and know how to maneuver them. You will also want to know what other retailers, services, and amenities are offered in your new neighborhood.  
• If applicable, establish a school for your children. There is plenty of charter and private schools to choose from. We highly recommend meeting with the director or principal before making a final decision.
• It is highly recommended to know where hospitals and medical clinics are located. It might also be smart to find a doctor and dentist. Mexico has a lot of great doctors that provide exceptional care to their patients.  

1. The first steps are important

Before any planning occurs, the parents need to discuss specific points with their children about their new home. Having them aware of the coming changes in their lifestyle will help with any complications that might arise with the move. Here are a few suggested topics.

• Talk about the culture and traditions of the Mexican people.
• Discuss some of Mexico’s history and how it affected their country as a whole.
• Talk about the surrounding terrain and what it is like living in it.
• Explain the food and how it is traditionally prepared. 
• Let your children know about the Spanish language and how important it is to learn it as soon as possible.
• Finally, tell them that the infrastructure, buildings, and certain facilities are not like back home.

Take notes

Three months before your move date, sit down with your family. Take out a pen and notepad and start putting together a detailed plan. Give everyone in the family assignments regarding packing up and taking care of their personal business. You should do a follow up periodically. This serves several purposes.

• This will take some of the workloads of the person who is directing the move.
• Everyone will be in the loop regarding the progress being made.
• This assures that if any issues or problems develop, they will be handled accordingly.

Have the proper paperwork in order

Your relocation won’t happen if you or someone in your party does not have the appropriate paperwork. This also includes family pets. Here are a few briefs and essential items that need to be done and confirmed.

• Passports need to be up-to-date and have a maximum expiration date. This simply means that you should renew your passport before you go abroad.
• Suppose you and your family are going to establish residence. In that case, this process needs to start before you leave your country of origin. Don’t hesitate to seek counseling from a lawyer that specializes in foreign relocation.
• If you are takings a pet, they will need a certificate of health by a registered and licensed veterinarian.
• It is highly advised having a lawyer either in Mexico or in your country of origin. Make sure all of your paperwork is in order, with multiple copies.

Read also: America is Retiring to Mexico

Finances ready to go

The next most important thing to do is have all your finances straightened out and ready to go. Make sure your banking needs are prearranged and not only in your country of origin but also in your new destinations. This includes but not limited to: 

• Having a bank in your new home ready to accept and take money.
• Making sure your credit card companies are aware of your new situation.
• Have a plan to pay any obligations you may have in your country of origin.

We highly recommend maintaining a personal account in your home country for a given length of time. When visiting your country of origin, it’s nice to have a bank to do any transactions. It also offers an easier way to transfer funds from one bank to another.

2. The second steps keep things moving 

Having a place to go to is a logical thing to do. Moving twice in a short period can be very time consuming and rather costly. It would be well worth the time and money to make several trips to your new location. This would allow you to make the necessary arrangements regarding housing, banking, and setting up utilities. Here are a few more selective options to consider.

• If you plan to rent for a given amount of time, contact a local management company and negotiate a long-term rental agreement.
• Making a choice to purchase can be financially beneficial in the long run. Take time to contact a full-service real estate company who can help you through the whole process.   
• Making the decision on what and what not to move can be an emotional roller coaster. It cost a lot of money to ship physical goods internationally. With that said, any furniture that is older or worn out should be eliminated. Keeping beds, newer purchases, or family heirlooms are well worth shipping. Here are some things to consider.
• Just keep in mind that you will be relocating to a home that most likely has a different ambiance. This will not only include indoor but outdoor living as well.
• Shipping household goods might cost more than what they are really worth. There are plenty of furniture and accessory retailers throughout Mexico. The furniture and home décor stores will provide furnishing that will adapt much better to your new environment.
  

Read also: How Safe is it to Live in Mexico?

Shipping your car to Mexico

Don’t get too attached to your vehicle unless you will have a place to park it at your new home. The cost of shipping a car could cost more than what it is actually worth. If you are still wanting to send your car or drive it to Mexico, make sure you get a complete checkup and have it fully serviced. Here is what to expect regarding your vehicle.

• Even though mechanics charge less than in America or Canada, depending on if you go to a dealership or a local garage, the technology could not be as up-to-date as your past auto shop. Parts availability could also be an issue.
• Excluding the federal highways and thoroughfares, many roads in Mexico are not maintained very well or even paved. This can be too rough on a vehicle and cause potential problems. 

Adding to the cost of shipping your car, you will also need to pay import and sales taxes and other fees associated with bringing a vehicle into Mexico. Purchasing a car in Mexico could be a much better option.

3. The third step is crucial

The time is growing near, and before you know it, there will be only 3 days left before your life will change forever. No more stressful days at the office worry about who is talking behind your back or vying for your job. Imagine not having to break out winter clothing, shovel snow before you go anywhere, or plan your weather report activities. Instead, you will be enjoying great year-round weather, going to the beach, and experiencing a lower living cost. Life is going to get that much easier.

Three to five days before departure, your checklist should be in its final phase. 

• If you are flying, confirm your flight times and transportation to and from the airport. 
• If you are driving, make sure the car is packed, gassed up, and ready to go.
• Ensure all your finances are in order, and you take enough money to get you through at least a month or so of expenses.
• Check to make sure your new living arrangements are ready to accept you and your family.  

A day or two before departure, bring the family together and make sure every bullet point, line item, and ‘To-dos are checked off the list. You need to expect that there could and most likely will be a few hiccups. With having a completed list of potential problems already covered, overcoming the minor issues will be a walk in the park. It’s not easy relocating your family to Mexico, but the rewards are well worth it. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for your new life!