Moving Tips

1) What Goes

   Surface shipments between the US and Mexico are most cost effective at weights of 4000 Lbs or above (a normal 2 bedroom apartment). Small shipments to Mexico are VERY expensive. In the US, van lines normally have minimum weight requirements and in Mexico, you cannot mix international shipments on the same van, so you are paying for a dedicated trip. Of course, the more you ship the higher the cost, but larger shipments are less expensive per pound than smaller ones. If you have a sizeable shipment you can boost the cost effectiveness of your relocation by limiting your shipment to the most essential items. If you plan to return, you can store the remainder, if not, you might want to have a garage sale. If you have a weight limit or cost restriction, make a list of the items you want to ship in descending order by priority. When you get estimates, the estimator should be able to tell you how much can be shipped within your weight or cost guidelines.

2) Plan Services

   Packing, crating, disassembly and appliance preparation are customary origin services. You may be able to reduce your moving cost by doing some (or all) of those services yourself. If you decide to participate in the packing, be aware the insurance will NOT cover breakables unless they are packed by qualified mover personnel. You must make a contents inventory of each carton. ALL packed electronic appliances must be listed by make, model and serial number. Since 9/11 most foreign governments do not permit the import of strictly packed-by-owner (PBO) cartons and the forwarder must open, inspect and confirm the contents of all cartons which are not packed by the movers. There is a nominal charge for this service. Particle board desks and furniture, pool tables, satellite systems, and items which can't be moved intact MUST BE DISASSEMBLED for transportation. If you do it yourself, you $ave money. You can also save on transportation costs by self hauling your shipment to (or from) the border crossing location in a rental truck or trailer.

3) Get Estimates

   We recommend you obtain a minimum of three written relocation proposals from reputable household goods forwarders. This should be accomplished at least 30 days in advance of your planned move-out date. International moving estimates are NOT binding. Your cost will be determined when origin services are completed and your shipment has been weighed, so be sure to show the estimator EVERYTHING you wish to ship and make sure he understands ALL the services you will require such as packing, appliance service. Though we are usually more than competitive with other international forwarders, occasionally someone beats our price. If the difference in cost is substantial we often ask who bettered our rate so we can add them to our list of vendors - and offer subsequent customers the benefit of YOUR experience. We are just as interested in finding you the best way to move your household into or out or Mexico as we are in handling your shipment through our own interline system.

4) Choose a Mover

   Go with the mover with whom you are the most comfortable. Remember that professionalism counts. Go over the estimated charges, the items to be shipped and the services you will require. Be sure to get confirmation of packing and loading dates and obtain the anticipated delivery dates for your shipment. Delivery dates cannot normally be guaranteed on international shipments. Be sure to discuss payment terms. Unless billed to a domestic corporation, international shipments must be prepaid. If unforseen circumstances require additional services at delivery (elevator or stair carry, inaccessible location, etc.) additional charges may accrue and be payable before delivery can be made. If delivery cannot be made as scheduled, you may also have storage and redelivery charges.

5) Get Prepared

   Be sure to notify your financial institutions and insurance companies of your relocation. Send change of address notices to all appropriate firms and individuals. Utility services must be discontinued and set up at your new location. Subscriptions should be stopped or forwarded. You should obtain copies of your medical and dental records or have them forwarded. Normally, the customs broker working with your forwarder will walk you through the documents needed to import your household goods. Documents MUST be in Spanish, notarized by the Mexican consulate in many cases. If you are not going to be present in person to clear your goods at the border and you will require the customs broker to act in your place, a letter of proxy may be required and additional copies of forms may be needed.

6) During the Move

   Depending upon the size of your shipment, packing and move-out can take two to three days. Be sure you, or someone you trust, will be present for packing and loading to instruct packers and movers on what is to go and what is not. Prior to loading, an inventory of your shipment will be prepared and you may be asked to assign a value to each inventory item for insurance purposes. Be sure you agree with the contents, condition and value of each inventory item as it appears on the inventory form at origin. When the inventory is complete, you and the mover will sign it and you will be given a copy as a receipt for the items you have shipped. KEEP A COPY OF YOUR INVENTORY. If you are going to present yourself at the consulate for crossing, be sure to stay in contact with the Customs Broker to determine when the translated export inventories will be ready and to determine a date and time for the importation transactions at the consulate office. If you are using the brokers' proxy service, you are ready to travel to your new home in Mexico.

7) On Delivery

   When the van arrives to deliver, be prepared to show the crew chief where everything is to be placed. As items are redelivered, checkmark the inventory number of each item received back. When delivery is completed, everything should be checkmarked. If ANYTHING is missing or damaged, document the shortage or damage on the delivery documents and then call the forwarder or insurance company immediately for instructions on filing a claim.

8) After Delivery

   RELAX. If you survived step 7, you are going to make it. Settle in. Get acquainted with your new environment. Enjoy the beauty which is MEXICO.

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