Over the past 10 years, many expats and snowbirds from Canada and the U.S. have contacted me to furnish their homes throughout Mexico. Some contacted me after they tried buying furniture on their own and realized it is not as easy as they thought it was going to be.
It is tough enough to furnish a whole home in your own country, never mind one where you may not speak much Spanish, not have a vehicle, nor have a lot of time.
Add to that not being knowledgeable about what will last in this climate and its no question so many people seek assistance.
It is not cheap to furnish a home, so getting it right is critical.
Based on my experience, these are some of the biggest mistakes I think people make when they try to furnish and decorate their new home in Mexico.
Not allowing enough time. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people say they plan to come down for one week to buy all their furniture and décor. Unless you want to pay too much, get completely stressed out and settle for inferior style and quality, one week is not enough.
The average new home requires over 500 items. This includes big-ticket items such as living, dining, bedroom and outdoor furniture to small items such as lamps, towels, bedding, cutlery, décor and cleaning products.
Solution? Don’t wait until you get to Mexico to start purchasing. Online shopping allows you to buy almost everything you need and even have items delivered either before or when you arrive. Also if you are buying just the big-ticket items online, you will significantly decrease your stress levels and ensure you are getting the best for your hard earned dollar.
Not setting a realistic budget. “You get what you pay for” is as valid in Mexico as it is everywhere else.
The cost of furniture and décor in Mexico is about the same as what you would pay in Canada or the U.S. In fact, there are some items such as electronics that are more expensive.
Sure, you can get cheap furniture here. But just like back home, it is going to fall apart, get eaten by termites or crack and split about as soon as you get it delivered.
We all want furniture that is comfortable, and well-made at a reasonable and fair price. A realistic and average budget to furnish a two-bedroom, two bath home in Mexico with the type of comfort, quality and style we prefer is around US$25,000. If you are paying more, you either want some unique, high-end pieces, or you are spending too much.
Next week: More mistakes people make when buying furniture.
Buying a new place in Mexico? Contact me at furniture@solutionsmexico.com for a free checklist to make outfitting your home easy!
