Based on the number of people who have joined our Facebook Group: Moving
to Mexico in the past month (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1039075733196914/),
there appears to be a growing interest in relocating to this beautiful country.
People frequently ask whether it is best to pack up and ship all your earthly
possessions or buy new items. Both options have as many benefits as drawbacks.
The best decision for one family may not be the best for another. Here are some
things to consider that will help you decide whether shipping is worth the
hassle.

Shipping your furniture and household goods is not as simple as locating a
big van and driving leisurely to your new home in Mexico. First, it is critical
to understand that there are as many good shipping companies as there are bad
ones. When selecting a shipping company, make sure to do many reference checks.
The feedback and testimonials on the company website may display only positive
reviews. Make sure to search for reviews from independent, third-party sites
before settling on the shipping company you will use. Even better, connect with
others who have actually used the company since many online reviews are fake.

A reputable company offers insurance, which is essential, especially if
you have expensive items or valuable heirlooms. No matter how careful a company
is, whether moving large and heavy objects or small objects in boxes, things
are prone to get damaged or broken. A
good shipping company will provide moving materials such as boxes, bubble
wrapping, and protective rugs/blankets. Remember that anytime you move or ship,
there is a high risk of damage or loss.

If you are planning to bring furniture and household items in your
vehicle, plan out how to secure the contents overnight. Unfortunately,
unsecured hotel and motel parking lots are a target for theft. Last year, there
was a higher number of reports through social media of Canadians and Americans
who were the victims of unscrupulous thieves who cleaned out the contents of
vans and storage trailers while their owners were sleeping. Look for
accommodations with a 24-hour guard or secure parking facilities.

Whether you use a shipping company or drive the items into Mexico,
importing your furniture and household goods requires a certificate. This
includes furniture, linen, books, clothes, artwork, and anything you plan to
move to your new home. According to Mexican law, you must hold a permanent or
temporary resident card to import household goods. You must also present a
household import certificate at your point of entry into Mexico. This
certificate is only available in advance from the Consulate closest to your
home.

To obtain this certificate, you will need to present to the Consulate your
resident visa card, a valid passport, a typed letter addressed to your Mexican
Consulate Office, providing the current address of your home in Canada or the
US, as well as the complete address of your new residence in Mexico. Also
required is a typed list, in Spanish, of ALL household goods you are importing,
including the quantity and description of each item and the brand, model, and
serial numbers of electronic appliances. You will need four original sets of
each document, and all must be signed. A reminder that there is also a consular
fee that you must pay by cash. If you are a Temporary Resident with a Temporary
Visa, keep in mind that you are only allowed to keep the imported items in the
country until your Temporary Resident Card expires. When the card expires, you
must leave the country with your household goods and anything you imported. It
will be critical that you keep an eye on the expiry date of your Resident Visa.

Household goods import certificates also have a deadline, and you have no
later than six months from when you first enter Mexico to import your items.
You are only allowed one household goods import certificate, so plan
accordingly to get everything moved within that period.

You may require the service of a customs broker at your port of entry.
Customs brokers are licensed experts in importing and are familiar with all
Mexican customs and tariff laws. The right custom broker will work on your
behalf to ensure you have met all the requirements to import your goods.
Although an additional cost, they will help identify any import duty and
taxes.

Import duty and taxes use a valuation method called CIF. CIF is the total
cost of the items you are importing, the cost of insurance, and the cost of
freight. Some things, such as electronic items, can be imported duty-free. In
addition to the import duty and tax, there may also be a sales tax, customs
processing fee and excise taxes. In the past, with NAFTA, Canadians and
Americans were granted preferential duty rates. Depending on current negotiations,
this may change.

To reduce stress and hassle, if you import your furniture and household
goods, consult experts before you go.

Would you like the name of a great company that ships furniture from the
US/Canada to Mexico? Contact me – I am happy to connect you to the one that is
the best in Mexico. Or, if you prefer to shop, we offer well-made furniture
that will last in this environment. Please email us at
furniture@solutionsmexico.com or send us a message by Whatsapp at
+523221365156.