Making The Move

Moving out of the country is not an easy undertaking – certainly not for sissies!  So many things to think about; visas, where to live, take the car or not, what furniture – if any – do we take?   An international move is not cheap, so you only want to bring those things you absolutely cannot live without.  For me, that included my AllClad cookware.  Don’t judge me.  

In Mexico, I had read and it has been my experience, that small electronic items are both hard to find, and very expensive here.   I’m glad I brought my KitchenAid Mixer and other small kitchen appliances.  Fortunately my electric rollers made the cut as well.  With the humidity here, my hair frizzes when I am just thinking about going outside.  I like to think that my rollers tame the mane.  Somewhat.   The same is true for cookware, cooking utensils, lamps, and linens.  Bring yours. 

The fees for moving internationally are partially based on weight, so really only bring what you think you will need.  Other charges you will want to take into consideration would be port fees and custom broker fees.  If you want your move to go smoothly, you MUST hire a custom broker.  You will not be allowed in the port to be with your “stuff” while it is inspected.  Your broker is key in getting your household items through successfully.  Many of the nightmare stories I read about were as a result of not having the representation of a customs broker.  That, and make a very detailed list of what you are moving, contents of each box, in both English and (in our case) Spanish. 

We sold all of our furniture so did not move any.  That was a good decision.  We have been able to find suitable replacements (plus, the condo we rented was mostly furnished).  Our style at home would not fit in this tropical environment anyway.  We still had 70 boxes of “stuff.”  Even after purging upon purging, we still brought too much.    

The decision about whether to bring an auto or not was easy for us.  The cost of shipping the vehicle and registering it in Mexico was, for us, very prohibitive.  Further, if you have a car note (loan), you will not be able to register it or keep it in the country.  For us, it was much easier to purchase a car here.  Clearly if you are able to drive the car across the border, it would be a difference scenario.  Driving from Washington, D.C., to the Riviera Maya was not an attractive option for us. 

Everyone commented that they felt we had a very smooth move compared to experiences other expats had.  It was all because of planning….and a stroke of luck I’m sure.  Good planning = good results; bad planning = bad results; I don’t think I need to tell you what happens when you do no planning!  Research.  Plan.  Research. Plan.  Then research more. 

Many ask; "Was it worth it?"  "Would you do it again?"  Yes, totally worth it, every time I look out the sliding glass doors and see that beautiful, peaceful, tropical scene.  And, not only would I do it again, but - as many others before me have claimed - I wish I had done it sooner!

My blogs thus far have been touching on part of the preparation and experience of moving out of the country.  Starting with my next post, I’m going to talk about our experiences here with every day life – finding and going to the doctors, grocery shopping (complete with pictures),  adjusting to the climate, and learning to snorkel!!! 

Adios!