Relocating to Mexico, or to anywhere in the world for that matter, is an exciting yet complex step. You will find there are many things you need to organize on both sides of your move to make sure that everything runs smoothly while relocating to Mexico.

There are dozens of reasons for relocating to Mexico: great opportunities, adventure, fantastic weather, the chance to expand your linguistic and cultural horizons, and, of course, the delicious food. But, now that you’ve decided to make the move… do you know how to go about making it happen smoothly? With so many things to do, so much to consider before relocating to Mexico it can be very overwhelming. Here are some of the most essential things to consider when you’re making this big move to Mexico.

Do you have all your documents in check?

It’s so key that you make sure that you, and everyone in your family relocating to Mexico with you, have a current passport, and that you have applied for all the appropriate visas to live and work in Mexico. If you need to, you should contact your local Mexican consulate for any of the forms you will need to complete, and to pay any fees that are required. You should also gather together any important documents you wish to take: birth certificate, marriage certificates, and diplomas should be gathered up and kept safe. You may wish to have them all apostilled before relocating to Mexico.

Have you made a list of what to take?

Not everyone is a “list person” but when relocating to Mexico a list will come in handy to help you decide what to take with your. What items you will take with your to Mexico really depends on you as a person, and your personal circumstances. If you don’t see relocating to Mexico as a permanent or long-term move you might wish to leave some of the larger items (furnishings etc) behind in storage and take only the essentials (like clothes) with you. After all you will find plenty of furnished rentals for grabs in Mexico, and you can always purchase some items when you get there. If you do leave your larger items in storage you can always have them sent at a later date when you’ve settled in. On the other hand, if you’re sure that this is it you may want to get it all over with in one go, and as such a professional moving company which specializes in long-distances should be your priority.

Do you want to take your car with you to Mexico?

If you live in the Americas already and have a vehicle you’re in a good position of being able to bring your car with you if you wish to. You should think about whether you wish to sell, store, or bring your car, and this, once again, will depend really on you and how permanent you see your move being. If you intend to drive to your destination with some of your belongings you should make sure that your car is serviced and in top condition before taking such a long journey. You will also need to apply for a special permit for your car, which is only valid while you are in the country as long as you current visa is valid.

How will you arrive?

If you cannot drive or do not wish to, then flying will be the quickest way when relocating to Mexico, although you may find you are paying high fees for your excess baggage.

Where will you live when you first arrive?

Firstly, you’ll need to deal with your current housing. This means giving notice that you’re leaving if you’re in rented accommodation, or deciding what to do with your home (if you own it). For homeowners there is always the option of renting your house out to secure extra income, but you can also sell it or leave it vacant. As soon as you know when you’ll be moving you should begin to look for accommodation in your destination. Renting is perhaps the best option when first relocating to Mexico so that you can get to know the areas where you may wish to purchase real estate once you are settled.

What do you have planned for your children?

If you’re bringing kids on this move you’ll definitely want to look into the best schools, maybe even private schools, and plan some time to tour a few when you arrive so that you can decide which best fits your family. Before relocating to Mexico, you will need to arrange for their last day of school (if its mid-term), and pick up their academic transcripts/report cards. Make sure you know what official paperwork you will need.

Deciding whether to bring your pets

Taking your beloved family pet is less hassle than you might think; you really only need to ensure they have the necessary shots and a certificate from a licensed vet. Some more unusual animals may require permits, however, so look into that before relocating to Mexico with your pet tarantula.

Are all your finances in order?

You should first of all find out if any of the banks in Mexico are affiliated with your own bank; this can help you to avoid ATM fees at their machines. You might also consider simplifying your finances by closing bank and savings accounts, and culling unnecessary credit cards. Make sure you have online accounts for all your banking needs and any gadgets that you need for logging in securely while living in Mexico.

Have you tie up all loose ends?

Make sure all pending bills are paid, and that your memberships, subscriptions, and unneeded services are cancelled before you leave for Mexico.

Related notes: Relocation to Mexico – Coping with Missing your Family

Get more recommendations in our FAQ section.