To bring or not to bring?

Try a 20kg backpack and a laptop.

That's what I did.

Most people carry a boatload of total rubbish when they can simply buy new when they get there.

Look up 'minimalist'. It saves loads of cash, effort, and worry.

Yes we came down with what fit in the car. Just dont buy furniture in gringolandia.... They will rip you off. We live in the lake chapala area and went to guad for big items. Saved at least 40% over the local shops trying to rip us off.

@Jsworrad

Yes

@Jsworrad,

I did, and I was sorry. My hobbies are quilting and embroidery. It was difficult to source my supplies here, and quilting cotton does not exist.

I wish l had brought more appropriate clothes. In Houston everyone wears sandals and shorts year-round, but in Saltillo no women go out in shorts.

I wish I had carried my grooming supplies; they are all different here, and it will be expensive trying out several to find which ones l like.

I wish l had included some of my favorite cooking tools, which just aren't available here.

Everyone's experiences will be different but I wish I had researched for myself instead of just following the ubiquitous advice to carry only what you're wearing.

Still, I live in Mexico now and that makes it all worth it!

@jazzpaz

You can't find them on Amazon Mexico?  And Mercado Libre is also one of our go-to places.  We have been able to find most things we want at either, if not available locally.

We moved down and packed our car with the basics.  That was it.  However, it was easy to pare down, as we had been living in an RV for the last few years of our work life and during our first three years of retirement. 

@MexicoAfterlife I did try Mercado Libre, but they require a Mexican phone number to place orders, and mine's still an American plan.

I will try Amazon Mexico. That's a great idea!

Gracias.

@jazzpaz

Its very worth it to get a Mexico number and easy.  20 ish usd a month gets you a good plan.

@MexicoAfterlife

Thanks. Do l need to replace my current phone to get a Mexican number? What's a reliable carrier?

I am so grateful to you you for help!

I just moved to Mexico from the US. I have att. I have no need to change numbers, as phone calls, text and internet access works just like in the US. I'm not sure about other carriers.