Moving to Mexico involves many logistical decisions and one of the most important is how to bring your household goods with you. Whether you’re driving across the border with a car full of belongings, flying with multiple suitcases, or shipping larger items via freight or sea, there are several options available. While the menaje de casa (“household goods”) process is an excellent choice for those bringing in large amounts of goods, it’s not the only way to import items into Mexico. 

This article will explain the menaje de casa process and highlight the differences, pros, and cons of various ways to bring your items into Mexico, whether you’re traveling by land, air or sea. 

What Is the Menaje de Casa? 

The menaje de casa is a customs procedure that allows individuals moving to Mexico to import household goods without paying import duties. This option is ideal for those bringing a significant amount of furniture, appliances, and personal items, especially if you’re shipping your goods via freight or sea. 

Who needs the menaje de casa? 

The menaje de casa process is ideal for: 

• • Temporary or permanent residents wishing to move a large number of items. 
  • Returning Mexican citizens after living abroad. 

However, if you are only bringing a small number of items that can fit into your vehicle or in your suitcases, you do not need to go through the menaje de casa process. You can simply declare (if applicable) your items at the border or airport and proceed without the extensive paperwork required for larger shipments. 

What is included in a menaje de casa? 

For those using the menaje de casa process, it includes most household items: 

• • Furniture (e.g., sofas, tables, chairs, etc.). 
  • Kitchen appliances (e.g., refrigerators, microwaves, etc.). 
  • Electronics (e.g, TVs, computers, sound systems, etc.). 
  • Clothing, linens and personal items. 
  • Tools for your trade or profession. 

Newly purchased goods and items for commercial use, however, may not be included and could be subject to import duties. 

What is the process to obtain a menaje de casa? 

The menaje de casa procedure for moving household goods to Mexico is typically completed at a Mexican consulate in your home country. Here’s the process in more detail: 

• • Prepare a detailed inventory of your household goods (in Spanish and English), which includes descriptions, brands, models, and serial numbers where applicable. The list should also assign an estimated value to each item. 
  • Visit your local or nearest Mexican consulate. You will submit the inventory, along with any required documentation such as proof of residency status in Mexico (temporary or permanent). 
  • Once the consulate approves the inventory, you will receive an approved menaje de casa document. 
  • Once your residency is finalized in Mexico, you have 6 months to import your items into the country, and the menaje de casa is only for one-time use. 
  • You then present this document to Mexican customs authorities when you cross the border or your goods arrive at the border or port of entry. 

It’s important to complete this process at the Mexican consulate and ensuring your residency has been finalized in Mexico before bringing or shipping your goods to Mexico. 

Bringing Goods Without Menaje de Casa: Options for Smaller Moves 

If you’re moving to Mexico and don’t have an entire household’s worth of belongings, you can skip the menaje de casa process entirely. Many people who move to Mexico, particularly those without a lot of large items, can easily bring their possessions by driving or flying. 

Driving with your goods: For those who live near the border, or who prefer to drive, loading your belongings into your car or truck can be a simple and flexible option. 

Pros of driving across the border: 

• • No menaje de casa required: If your goods fit in your vehicle, you only need to declare items beyond the personal allowance at customs. 
  • Direct control: You handle your items directly and can bring everything with you in one trip. 
  • Cost-effective: No shipping fees or freight costs involved. 

Cons of driving across the border: 

• • Limited space: You can only bring as much as your vehicle can hold. 
  • Border inspections: You may face inspections at the border, and customs officials may ask you to declare or pay duties on new or high-value items or those items beyond the personal allowance. 

Key tips:

• • Have an itemized inventory list ready of all your items in both Spanish and English, along with estimated values in U.S. dollars and the equivalent in Mexican pesos.
  • If you’re bringing electronics, appliances, or other high-value items, ensure you have proof of purchase or ownership to show at the border. 

Flying with your goods: For those with even fewer items, flying into Mexico with several suitcases or boxes is an easy solution. Airlines allow a certain number of checked bags and carry-ons, so you can transport essential items with you. 

Pros of flying with your belongings: 

• • Fast and convenient: You arrive with your goods on the same day. 
  • No menaje de casa needed: For items that fit within airline baggage allowances, no customs paperwork is required (unless items exceed duty-free limits). 
  • No need for a vehicle: Ideal if you don’t plan to bring a car into Mexico or don’t want to drive across the border. 

Cons of flying with your belongings: 

• • Limited volume: You’re limited by the airline’s baggage restrictions and additional baggage fees can add up. 
  • Customs declaration at the airport: If you’re bringing high-value or restricted items, you may need to declare them and potentially pay duties. 

Key tips:

• • Before flying, check with your airline about baggage fees and weight limits.
  • If possible, purchase extra baggage allowances in advance to save on costs. 

Shipping Larger Items: Sea and Freight Options 

If you’re moving with large or bulky household goods that won’t fit in a car or suitcases, you can use freight or sea shipping to bring them to Mexico. 

Pros of shipping by sea or freight: 

• • Large capacity: Shipping allows you to transport furniture, large appliances and a significant amount of goods in one go. 
  • Flexibility: You can ship items to various Mexican ports or freight locations and then have them delivered to your home. 
  • Customs brokerage assistance: Many shipping companies offer customs brokerage services to help with the paperwork and customs clearance. 

Cons of shipping by freight or sea: 

• • Expensive: Depending on the volume and destination, shipping costs can be in the thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars. 
  • Time-consuming: Sea shipments can take several weeks to arrive. 
  • Customs procedures: Even with the menaje de casa, the customs process can be complex, and working with a broker may be necessary to ensure everything is processed correctly. 

What to Expect at Customs: Declaring Your Goods 

Regardless of how you choose to bring your household goods into Mexico, you’ll need to be prepared for customs clearance. This process can vary depending on whether you’re arriving by land, air or sea. 

Land crossings: If you’re driving across the border, customs officers may ask you to declare any high-value items or new goods or items beyond the personal allowance. As long as your belongings fit within your vehicle and you’re not bringing in commercial quantities, the process is typically straightforward. Like already mentioned, have an itemized list of all your belongings printed and ready. 

Airports: Customs officers may ask you to declare any goods exceeding Mexico’s duty-free allowances. For personal items and luggage, the process is generally quick, but any new electronics or high-value items may be subject to duties. Like stated earlier, have an itemized list of all your belongings printed and ready. 

Ports or freight entry: For larger shipments, such as those arriving by sea or freight, the customs process is more detailed. You’ll need to provide an inventory of your goods and may require the assistance of a customs broker to ensure all paperwork is properly completed and filed. 

What Is Allowed and What Is Not 

When bringing personal and household items into Mexico, there are specific duty-free allowances and restrictions to be aware of. Residents and visitors alike can bring certain items without incurring duties or taxes. The following is not meant to be an exhaustive list but is fairly inclusive. 

The following personal items are allowed: 

• • Personal use: Goods such as clothing, footwear, beauty products and toiletries.
  • Personal electronics: You can bring 2 cameras, 3 cellphones, 1 laptop, 1 portable printer and related accessories.
  • Print media: Books, magazines and printed documents.
  • Recreational items: 2 sets of sports equipment, 4 fishing rods, a tent and camping gear are permitted. 
  • Music and hobby items: 2 musical instruments, binoculars and a telescope are allowed.
  • Media:5 laser discs, 10 DVD discs, 30 compact discs (CD’s), 3 software packages and 5 storage devices for any electronic equipment.
  • Tools: A tool kit including, but not limited to, a drill, wrenches, pliers, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.
  • Toys: 5 toys including video games and a gaming console.
  • Household items: Strollers, cribs, and other baby gear, as well as wheelchairs or walkers for those with disabilities. 
  • Limited alcohol and tobacco: Adults can bring up to 10 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco, along with 3 liters of alcohol and 6 liters of wine. 
  • Prescription medications: You can bring prescription drugs as long as you have a valid prescription. 
  • New items: New or recently purchased goods may be subject to import duties. 
  • Luxury items: High-value goods such as jewelry may attract customs duties. 

You can review the following document that goes into greater detail about what is allowed duty free and up to what value. This is subject to change and you can check on the Aduanas‘ website or with your local Mexican consulate, if in doubt. 

The following items are restricted or prohibited: 

• • Firearms and ammunition: For all intents and purposes, these are strictly prohibited, unless you have special permits which involves a lengthy and complicated process that can only be carried out in Mexico City. 
  • Food and other products: Certain food products (e.g., fresh produce, meats, seeds) that can pose biosecurity risks, as well as items like sealed containers made of materials such as cement, are strictly regulated in regards to allowable amounts. 

In regards to food products, you can review the following document that goes into greater detail about any restrictions. This is subject to change and you can check on Aduanas‘ website or with your local Mexican consulate, if in doubt. 

Methods for Bringing Goods to Mexico: Pros and Cons 

To summarize, here are some of the pros and cons of the different methods of bringing household goods to Mexico: 

Driving:

• • Pros: No menaje de casa required (if applicable) and cost-effective. 
  • Cons: Limited space and customs inspection.

Flying:

• • Pros: No menaje de casa required, convenient and fast. 
  • Cons: Limited volume, extra baggage fees and customs inspection.

Freight/Sea:

• • Pros: Large capacity and flexible. 
  • Cons: Expensive, shipping times and customs complexity. 

Helpful Resources 

Stay up-to-date on all the current regulations in regards to customs, the menaje de casa, and more, as outlined in this article, by checking the following websites: 

• • Gob.mx: Mexico’s official federal government portal with details on all government matters, including customs processes and the menaje de casa. 
  • Aduanas: Mexico’s official federal agency responsible for customs and border control, overseeing the import and export of goods while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. It plays a critical role in collecting customs duties, preventing smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade. Aduanas operates under the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), which is part of the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP), Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.
  • Moving companies: Consider reputable companies that specialize in international moving and shipping to Mexico. A good place to check is in local Facebook groups geared towards foreigners. 
  • Customs brokers: Professionals who assist with the legal aspects of importing goods into Mexico. Like mentioned for moving companies, getting referrals from local Facebook groups is a great resource. 

Conclusion 

Whether you’re bringing a few suitcases or a house full of furniture, Mexico offers several options for moving your household goods. The menaje de casa is ideal for large shipments, but for smaller moves, you can simply drive across the border or fly with your belongings without needing extensive paperwork. Each method has its advantages and challenges, so choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. 

By staying informed and preparing your documents, your move to Mexico can be smooth and efficient, whether you’re relocating with just a few personal items or an entire household’s worth of goods. 

Please feel free to leave us a comment below about your personal experience of bringing your household items and personal belongings to Mexico. We would love to hear from you!