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mariemcc

Mar 26, 2004, 3:19 PM

Post #1 of 47 (2832 views)

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Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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I'd like to know with the benefit of hindsight, what belongings do you now wish you had brought with you when you moved to Mexico? (Be specific, please. Electronics? A floor fan? A favorite lamp?)

And which things did you pay to have shipped that you now think were not worth the shipping cost?

Which items are you really, really glad that you did bring with you? (Books, DVDs, music CDs?)

I'm not ready to move yet, but when the time comes, these are the sorts of questions that I wonder about.

Thank you!

Marie
Alexandria, VA

elcoqui

Mar 26, 2004, 3:25 PM

Post #2 of 47 (2817 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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We are considering moving too and these are good questions that I would like some insight on as well. We have sold many things and have gone over my boxes like 3 times. Each time leaving more things behind and wondering if I will regret it. Any input would be great!

king1522

Mar 26, 2004, 3:59 PM

Post #3 of 47 (2803 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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I second that! I plan to put my home on the market mid next month. As soon as it sells, I will be moving down. I plan on taking most of my stuff, but would like to know what to weed out. I plan on bringing essentially all my electronic products, appliances and furniture. I also intend to bring my power tools. It would be helpful to know which specifit items would be best to bring or leave here. Clothes, garden tools, power tools I may not need, which hand tools, what clothes to bring or leave behind....the list goes on and on. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Don

Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more paper that
is rolled off, the faster it goes.

Marlene

Mar 26, 2004, 8:41 PM

Post #4 of 47 (2759 views)

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Re: [king1522] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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Bring what you think you will need in the way of your tools. If you want to keep building things, bring your tools, otherwise replacement costs will set you back. The one thing that I did not bring, but quickly missed was my vacuum cleaner, an implement that my Suegra stares at in amazement and wonders why on earth it would be necessary. The cleaning lady on the other hand is quite impressed by how well she can clean very dark corners in the bottom cupboards. She loves the sound of something being sucked up the hose. She had never seen one before either and she quite likes it. But not for floors- only the escoba works for floors. I love my vacuum cleaner and had no idea how much until I did without for a couple of years. The other thing is the dishwasher but let's not get all carried away...we can live with what we have, and happily.

gypsypat

Mar 27, 2004, 7:30 AM

Post #5 of 47 (2704 views)

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Re: [king1522] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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Don,

The self-designated "mr. fix-it" of my neighborhood often remarks about some tool or other; that he is amazed that he can't find one down here! So I would say bring 'em all. And yes, definitely a vacuum cleaner. There's enough dust in the air without the cloud from sweeping. My maid was no stranger to a vacuum and was very happy to see mine arrive on the moving truck. As for gardening tools: My gardener was making do with some clumsy old fashioned tools of his own, and like my maid, was very happy to see that moving truck arrive with a variety of newer, nicer tools. But most rental homes (in Ajijic) come with a lawn mower. Mine did. I regretted not bringing step stools and ladders. Ceilings are high and I immediately had to buy ladders.

I'll let you know if I think of more stuff.

Pat

gpk

Mar 27, 2004, 8:36 AM

Post #6 of 47 (2690 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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I don't know where others live, but here in the state of Guanajuato everything is available--tools, vacuums, etc.--but generally at a higher price, so figure the cost of moving, age of tool, etc. and decide which is better--moving old things or buying new. If you bring a vacuum, bring lots of bags--the type you need may be hard to find here (or maybe not, but just in case). Bring your books and CDs, you can trade them if you don't need to keep them. After 4 years here, if I'm missing anything from the US I can't remember what it is, so it doesn't matter anymore. (I did have a dishwasher (GE, bought here) put in--it's a necessity for me.)

king1522

Mar 27, 2004, 9:37 AM

Post #7 of 47 (2672 views)

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A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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A couple more questions if I may. I own a 410 shotgun I use as a snake gun. Don't like to kill snakes but occasionally we have a rattlesnake. I like other kinds of snakes, but hate rattlers! Anyway, I also own a .22 I had as a kid. Kind of keeping it out of sentiment, but that's all. I will definitely NOT bring it across the border in my car. However, can those be shipped along with the household goods? Also, regarding computers. I intend to bring my laptop across in my car which I understand is legal. However, I intend to ship my desktop computer along with my other household items. Will I have any trouble shipping it?

Thanks

Don

PS. I have read several posts on owning a gun in Mexico. I am not even sure I want one. May give them to my brother-in-law.

Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The more paper that
is rolled off, the faster it goes.

esperanza

Mar 27, 2004, 9:48 AM

Post #8 of 47 (2672 views)

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Re: [king1522] A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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Let your brother-in-law have the gun. You're not allowed to bring it even in your household goods in the moving truck.

You can bring your desktop computer in your menaje de casa without any trouble.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Bubba

Mar 27, 2004, 3:28 PM

Post #9 of 47 (2622 views)

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Re: [esperanza] A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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May I suggest that you bring 4,000 Krispy Kreme doughnuts and 250 Whataburgers. Leave everything else back in Podunkville. Three years after you arrive here you will wonder what the hell you were thinking bringing down all that American Grafitti crap. Even if you pay a premium here for the same tools and other junk, you will be, at worst, even.

How do Mexicans survive without precious U.S. tools? I have never seen a mechanical problem a Mexican couldn't face down. 'Mericans want to go out and buy a new one.

Mexicans keep a car running 25 years after we assign it to the garbage dump.

What are Mexicans, chopped liver? When I remodeled my home in Northern California, I had to keep my shotgun loaded because of the Meth Freaks on the crew. They screwed up everything. If Mexicans found a failed derigible left by Americans they would make it fly again. Get off of your high horse. Come down here to finally live. Forget the past. Leave everything in the cesspool you are exiting.

My wife just gave away the vaunted Cuisineart we imported here and never used in three years.

Get over it!

(This post was edited by Bubba on Mar 27, 2004, 3:48 PM)

gypsypat

Mar 27, 2004, 4:33 PM

Post #10 of 47 (2595 views)

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Re: [Bubba] A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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Oh Bubba, would I love a Whataburger right now!!

Ed and Fran

Mar 27, 2004, 4:49 PM

Post #11 of 47 (2589 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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Like many of the questions asked here there's no one correct answer for all. A lot depends.

Where are you moving to? If you're going to be in or near a big city you can probably find everything, or at least enough to satisfy your needs, although maybe at a premium. If you're going to be out in a small town, availability and selection will be greatly limited.

How much stuff do you have now and how much do you use it?

Obviously the more you move the more you pay. Costs will vary based on where you are moving from, moving to, how you are moving your stuff. We used a commercial mover from southern US to mid-eastern Mexico and it ran about a dollar a pound all in, so you may be able to use that as a rough approximation of your costs until you can get a better figure from a mover.

We brought virtually everything except the plants (and some of them crossed in the car with us, but don't tell anyone). We even bought some stuff specifically to bring with us because we knew it wouldn't be available where we live. Now we lived in an apt in the U.S., not a house, and we already had all our major appliances in our house in Mexico, so we weren't talking about a full house of stuff including basement and attic. We're glad we brought all our stuff (but then again I'm partial to my books and magazines [like nat Geographic]).

Your mileage (and opinion) may vary,

Ed & Fran

mariemcc

Mar 27, 2004, 5:28 PM

Post #12 of 47 (2578 views)

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Re: [Ed and Fran] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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"We even bought some stuff specifically to bring with us because we knew it wouldn't be available where we live. "

That was my question: with the benefit of hindsight, what would you bring that you left behind? What items that you would find useful are not easily available in Mexico? You say you bought stuff that you knew wouldn't be available, but you don't say what that "stuff" was. That's what I'm trying to find out.

I know that most common things are available in Mexico. I'm trying to find out more specifics on other people's experiences who have the benefit of living in Mexico for a period of time of what things are not so available so that I may decide for myself if they apply to my individual situation.

Thank you!

Ed and Fran

Mar 27, 2004, 6:23 PM

Post #13 of 47 (2560 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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"That was my question: with the benefit of hindsight, what would you bring that you left behind?"

The only thing we left behind were the plants and you're not supposed to bring them in.

"What items that you would find useful are not easily available in Mexico? "

Where specifically in Mexico?? As I said, in the bigger cities you can find almost anything.

"You say you bought stuff that you knew wouldn't be available, but you don't say what that "stuff" was. That's what I'm trying to find out. "

Okay, but since your situation will vary I don't think this will be a very useful list for you. We bought a gas grill. They're commonly available in much of Mexico but not where we live.

We bought specifically and brought system shelving components (supports, brackets, shelves, rods) for our large closet. These things are available in many parts of Mexico but not where we live.

The furniture we bought for our apt in the U.S. was specifically purchased with the intention of bringing it down here when we moved. Furniture is commonly available in Mexico but we already knew that the selection in our area is very scarce and not to our preference.

Regards

E&F

joyarn41

Mar 31, 2004, 6:09 PM

Post #14 of 47 (2466 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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I brought everything (excluding appliances) - people said I was nuts but I'd inherited furniture and it had sentimental as well as real value. Regrets? Absolutely none. I'm especially glad I brought our industrial-style pots and pans. I love to cook and the expense of replacing what I had would have been excessive (and the style/brand I have isn't available in Mexico anyway).

On the other hand, all our appliances were bought here - no problem. Gourmet stove, dishwasher, fridge, washer/dryer, etc. and we CAN get them serviced. Checking out the prices, electronics are not that much more expensive here and you have to think about service.

Essentially, it depends on what you have. Basic furniture? Sell it and buy here. Special furniture? I say bring it but it's a personal choice. After 4 years here we've come to the conclusion that there isn't much you can't get but sometimes you have to pay for it (fine furniture for one).

karamia

Apr 1, 2004, 5:11 AM

Post #15 of 47 (2432 views)

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Re: Moving your belongings:

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Thank you for the ""frankness"" in these forums .... sooo, am
I reading this right. Don't bring beds, linens, ordinary couches/
chairs ?? Only what you are sentimentally attached to ??

I was thinking of picking up some ""NEW"" COMFORTABLE lawn / patio furniture to compliment the indoor/outdoor lifestyle .. ?? And a new un- assembled desk ... as the one I have here can not be moved ?? I need / like a good ...good mattess.

Can all this be gotten at Sam's for the same prices as here .
Is the Sam's the same there as here ??

This would sure make the move a lot easier !!

Bringing in the kiln and the artglass is going to kill me $$$ anyways !!

Boy, do i feel like my mother when she came to US from Yugoslavia in the 40's ...... Karen

johnv

Apr 1, 2004, 8:15 AM

Post #16 of 47 (2398 views)

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Re: [karamia] Moving your belongings:

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My experience has been that it would be wise to bring EVERYTHING POSSIBLE. Including all the little things, that if you don't bring, then nickle and dime you to death, once you are here. Many people say that everything is available. I have found that you can not just go out and buy anything you want, because it's just not available. Also, it seems to me that Mexico is full of products of poor quality.

Don

Apr 1, 2004, 8:26 AM

Post #17 of 47 (2391 views)

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Re: [karamia] Moving your belongings:

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We brought everything when we moved here to Mexico. 10,000 lbs of belongings. We don't regret the move and are very happy we brought what we did.

colleen garcelon

Apr 1, 2004, 9:22 AM

Post #18 of 47 (2377 views)

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Re: [karamia] Moving your belongings:

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Hi again! From what I've read, if you want a good, good bed, bring yours. I don't think there is much of a choice in Mex . . lots of talk about egg-crate-type mattress covers from Sams, the bed seems to be one of the more problematical items to find. Also, I believe linens are better/cheaper if brought from the U.S. Think I just read that somewhere here, yes?

Colleen
Hello! I am new to this forum. I will be visiting Lakeside in Late April (two weeks after Easter) to take my first of many visits for the purpose of considering Lakeside as my retirement home. I was on the one week's free subscription and now have signed on for a year as a paying member.

I am a single woman who will be taking an early retirement and moving down with my dog, Hunter-Bear. about a year from now is when I'm thinking of making my move. I will be renting for 6 months to a year before cutting my ties here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Meanwhile, I'll be making trips down during all of the seasons. I look forward to communications with you all.
regards,
Colleen

elcoqui

Apr 1, 2004, 9:50 AM

Post #19 of 47 (2372 views)

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Re: [colleen garcelon] Moving your belongings:

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This website was shared at one point on the forums. You are able to see the different type of items you can buy in Mexico - at their store as well as over the web. So this can also give you an idea on what you can get and prices.

http://www.todito.com/.../tiendas/tsMapa.html

This is a directory of where all the Walmarts and Sams are at but I have not been able to find yet like their web catalog to compate prices. Does anyone know the website address if they have one??

http://www.walmartmexico.com.mx/directorios.html

julietl

Apr 1, 2004, 1:02 PM

Post #20 of 47 (2346 views)

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Re: [mariemcc] Moving your belongings: What would you do differently?

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Definately - bring it all!!

Although, alot of my stuff was stolen when I shipped it down here, and that was a major bummer. For example, of my bed, only one mattress arrived. The frame, headboard and box spring vanished somewhere along the way.

I would bring any furniture you really like. I wish that I had brought mine down instead of selling it. I live in México City and I assumed that I could just find some great furniture down here. Wrong! I don't mean to be rude, but the furniture selection down here is severely lacking. It is either overstuffed "Country Kitsch/Rustico" or poorly made minimal euro design.

Which makes me wonder - if anyone knows a good store to buy furniture, please let me know!
___________________________________________________________
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Uncle Jack

Apr 1, 2004, 1:27 PM

Post #21 of 47 (2337 views)

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Another vote for bringing it all

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Patty and I made the mistake parting with too much of our stuff. We started regretting it almost as soon as we got here. A lot depends on the type of house you move into here....size, storage space, rental, purchase, furnished, partially furnished, etc.

My only advise is: If you can afford to bring it, and have a place to put it here in Mexico, bring it!

uj

mariemcc

Apr 1, 2004, 3:30 PM

Post #22 of 47 (2292 views)

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Re: [Uncle Jack] Another vote for bringing it all

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Thank you all so much for your responses. Although I'm not very close to hauling my stuff down, this information is so very helpful. I have a much better idea now of what is available in the area and what I can cut down on. It'll also definitely keep future recreational trinket shopping down to a minimum!

Muchas gracias!!

ms mac

Apr 1, 2004, 4:07 PM

Post #23 of 47 (2279 views)

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Re: [Bubba] A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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I know Krispy Kremes, but what are Whataburgers? Not a Midwest chain, I guess.
ms mac

Rolly

Apr 1, 2004, 6:28 PM

Post #24 of 47 (2254 views)

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Re: [ms mac] A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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Bubba, Whataburger is a Texas operation. I don't know how far it has spread. I first found them when I was in the U of Texas a hell of a long time ago (ummm make that 55 years ago). They are large, very taste hamburgers. Two for one on Wednesday nights at the one near my sister's house near Dallas. I always plan my trips to include a Wednesday. Smile

Rolly

(This post was edited by Rolly on Apr 1, 2004, 6:32 PM)

smokesilver

Apr 1, 2004, 6:52 PM

Post #25 of 47 (2245 views)

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Re: [ms mac] A couple more questions regarding moving guns and computers

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Whataburgers is a Texas chain HQ in Corpus Christi. I doubt that any are outside Texas. They are the BEST.

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