6 mistakes that will turn your move into a disaster

Let's start with the obvious. Moving to another country is not like going on vacations, it's much more complicated. The consequences of a planning error in a recreational journey are temporal bumps, bruises that pass; while the ones from a miscalculation in an international move are permanent injures that leave ugly scars.

We present you then with 6 mistakes that will guarantee, without any doubt, your international move will be traumatic for your family and patrimony. There's no need to say (but I'll go ahead and say it anyways) that you should avoid them.

1.  Thinking in terms of price, not cost

An understandable, but dangerous mistake is deciding to book a move by its price, without taking into account the final cost it might reach. And we're not only talking about money here, but about losing that painting your grandpa made, or your son's favorite, irreplaceable toy. These are costs you probably wouldn't be willing to pay, at any price! Now, economically speaking, it gets worse: many companies will hide in their initial quote customs fees or delivery costs, for example, and the price will duplicate. With your goods in their hands, you'll have to pay. Beware.

2.  Wanting to ship EVERYTHING

Even if it seems minor, this is a mistake that could cause you many headaches. If you accept leaving behind some stuff you don't really use anymore your international move will get lighter, both materially and emotionally. You'll save on the economical and ease things up.

3.  Not paying attention at the game's rules

In moving like in life, he who doesn't follow the rules shall lose. If you don't take a close look at the prohibited items, requirements, or paper work needed for your country of destination you'll surely regret the long delays, expensive fines and painful confiscations at customs. For a peaceful sleep, get professional advice.

4.  Planning short time ahead

In the world of international moves there's nothing worse than leaving things to the last minute. If you start researching and comparing companies two weeks before packing day, your decision will be hasty and (most probably) wrong. Between 2 and 3 months is a good time frame to start planning.

5.  Loss of contact

Lack of communication before, during and after your move can unleash chaos. If you close the e-mail account with which you communicated with your moving company, change cellphone, or by any reason stop being reachable during the process, there will be trouble. So make sure to provide at least two different ways of contact both at your move's origin and destination.

6. Not looking for an experienced international moving company

There exist a huge number of companies that don't have the resources, personnel, knowledge and experience required to move you. These people will offer a low price just to get your money. Be careful, you could lose much more than your hard earned dollars.

We want to help you avoiding these and more mistakes; help us help you by visiting How to move to Mexico

Oh, and follow us on Twitter @moversmexico and Facebook  Moving to Mexico  (you'll find plenty of free advice and special offers).

by Mauricio Pozas