Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Mexico III

The third in a series of topics: “What to do with your current home and belongings”

Before retiring and moving to Mexico from your present homestead, lots of difficult decisions will need to be made. One of many is what to do with all your worldly possessions. If this includes owning a property, you need to decide if you are going to sell, rent or keep it for when you visit family and friends. I would suggest to sell it, especially if you are looking at purchasing a home in Mexico.

If you’re moving to Mexico and you make the decision to sell your current home, then hiring a good realtor should be on the top of your list of ‘things to do’. Having a “to do list” is another highly recommended element for a successful relocation. Once you find a qualified buyer, then the real work begins. But first, you will need to place your proceeds from the sale of your property into an account that will guarantee easy accessibility. When you arrive in Mexico and your dream home suddenly appears and falls directly into your lap, your money will need to be readily accessible.

The time has come for you to choose what or what not to keep. This includes, but is not limited to furniture, housewares and other miscellaneous items. Economically speaking, shipping furniture abroad usually doesn’t have any financial advantages. If you have any heirlooms of substantial size, it is recommended to pass them onto family members. You will most likely want to purchase stylish furniture that will coordinate with your newly acquired Mexico home.

Many of your kitchen ware and cooking aids that you are currently using in the United States aren’t always readily available in Mexico. So keep this in mind when selecting certain items like specialized utensils, thermometers, and pots and pans. I would suggest to pack and ship most of these types of things. But don’t go overboard by taking everything including the kitchen sink! If you have taken the time to shop in or around the Playa del Carmen area, you should have a good idea what is available.

If you are moving from a multi seasonal climate and have an abundance of cold weather clothing, leave it at home or get rid of it all together. Playa del Carmen has two temperatures and they are warm and hot. Heavy footwear or boot type shoes are also not necessary. A pair of tennis shoes, casual dress shoes, and plenty of flip flops and sandals are the norm. If you do get chilled in weather that dips slightly below 80 degrees, then a light hoody will be more than adequate for those ‘cooler’ tempered nights.

There are always a few knick knacks, personal pictures and crafty hobby materials that mean more than life to you. If they fit into a suitcase and stay within the given weight limit, then pack it and take them with you. You will probably have a surplus of inventory that needs to be transported. Take time to decide which items have first priority and take them on the first go ‘round. Usually 4 to 5 pieces of luggage per trip are manageable. Most people normally have to return back to the states for one reason or another. During this second trip, have your remaining items either boxed up or in suitcases and bring them back with you. Always check with your airline to be sure you know the exact size and weight limits. Just don’t stand there, get packing! Your new life is waiting for you!

Don’t forget to read our second series of topics “Making sure all your paperwork is in order”