Planning everything beforehand is essential when making such a big and life-changing move. If you’re not fully prepared before moving to Mexico, you can create massive headaches and an unnecessary amount of stress for yourself and your family.
Your exciting plans to move can be completely derailed by just a few setbacks – so it’s vital to have a solid plan well in advance. Moving is stressful enough – having everything planned out on paper can save time and simplify the entire process.
While the following five expert tips might not eliminate every unforeseeable situation, they’ll help you prepare for the most common issues expats face when emigrating with kids.
Table of Contents
1. Before You Move
Once you start to consider moving to Mexico, you should spend some time at your destination with your whole family. Before you begin the moving process in earnest, you should have found a good neighborhood and secured your new home.
You should also take time to look at the supermarkets and other amenities near your new home. If your kids are at school-going age, you should have already chosen a school before making the big move. You should also familiarize yourself with the hospitals and clinics in the area – and don’t forget to secure health insurance in Mexico for expats.
Preparing Your Kids
Before you begin planning your emigration, you should discuss it with your children well beforehand. Preparing kids for this significant change means they are aware of what it entails and how it will affect their daily lives. It will also open up communication about any complications that may arise.
Mexico’s History, Culture, and Traditions
You should introduce your children to Mexican culture and traditions and discuss how Mexico’s history has influenced its current social or political landscape. You should also explain Mexico’s terrain and what your kids can expect in terms of the weather while they are living there.
Finally, introducing your children to Spanish is another critical preparation for living in Mexico. Encourage them to learn as much of the language as possible before you leave.
2. Have the Correct Paperwork
If you or a family member is missing the appropriate paperwork, it can derail your entire move. This includes pets. Here are the essentials you need to move to Mexico.
Making multiple copies of all paperwork and having a lawyer (in Mexico or your country of origin) is highly recommended.
Passports and Residency
All passports must be up-to-date – so ensure everyone renews them before you leave. If you plan on establishing residence, you need to start the process well in advance. If you are unsure about the process, speak to a lawyer who specializes in relocations abroad.
Relocating with Pets
If you are relocating with pets, they will need to have a health certification conducted by a licensed and registered veterinarian.
3. Make Sure Your Finances Are in Order
Before you leave for Mexico, you need to have your finances in order. You’ll need to arrange banking in Mexico and your country of origin.
You’ll need a bank account set up in destination, and maintaining your bank account in your home country for a few months after the move can be a lifesaver.
Don’t forget to let your credit card company know about your emigration and make a plan to pay any debtors in your country of origin before you leave.
4. Secure a Permanent Place to Stay
Securing a permanent place to stay before you leave will make the move a lot easier – this way, you won’t have to move twice in a short period of time.
Making multiple trips or taking vacations near your new home before you leave will also give you an opportunity to set up your utilities and bank accounts, so it’s well worth the money and effort.
5. The Final Steps
Before you know it, the big day will be close to arriving. You should go over your checklist and make sure everything is in order to make the move as easy as possible.
In the days leading up to the move, confirm your flights and arrange transport to and from the airport, if needed. If you are driving to your new home, make sure your car is filled with gas and ready to go.
Check your finances and make sure you have enough money to pay for at least a month’s worth of expenses. Finally, confirm that your new accommodation is ready for you and your family to move in.
A few days before the move, gather your family members to go through the final checklist together. You can probably expect a few hiccups, but having a detailed plan should make navigating them easy. Finally, make sure everyone gets a good night’s rest.
Congratulations, you’re about to start a new life!
