When you retire, many people downsize the domicile. We have actually done the pack and purge thing several times in the last three years.

First we sold the big four bedroom house and moved to a rental two bedroom condo. That required some serious scrutiny of what George Carlin calls your "Stuff." You can't imagine all the "stuff" you seem to have carted along with you in thirty years of marriage and five homes. If you are a real pack rat this could become a life threatening time! If you are moving to Mexico it is prudent to  accept that you have to let go of some "stuff."

When we pretty much decided that Mexico was going to be the next move the remaining "stuff" became even more endangered. And when in August we bought our home fully furnished the death knell rang for the "stuff."  Since then we have sold most of the major pieces of furniture. We kept the bed and a dresser for clothes, a couch, a chair, the kitchen table and two chairs, but most of the rest of the furniture is  going or gone. The remainder will go as we get closer to July.

We brought the TV's, clothes, some lamps, the oriental rugs, cooking pans ( box 6 , ollas de cocina in the menaje de casa- are you impressed?), china, silver, books, pet equipment, garden and house repair tools and so on. We  scrutinized clothes over the next few months as I didn't think I would need three winter coats and Harry sure wasn't going to need all those suits!. Other than that I guess what you decide to bring depends on how far you are coming from, who is doing the moving and what you feel you can't live without.

Many of our friends who now live in Ajijic, say even with ruthless weeding they still brought too much "stuff." You will see many of those cast offs for sale at Barbara's Bazaar at greatly reduced prices! As you move on to this new phase in your life you are often inclined to purchase new things. Since the Mexican artisans are so talented and the cost, versus moving something here from the States, is often cheaper, many people opt to leave the old behind and purchase new when they get there.

I am bringing that one set of good china, but I can't wait to go to Talacapacque and purchase a colorful new set for everyday. You will probably want to bring your own cooking utensils, small appliances, bed linens, and towels. Those items seem to be cheaper and much better quality in the States. Almost any type of furniture can be fabricated here and the price rivals the best of the Carolina outlets. Still if you have something you love, a chair etc. You may not be able to find its exact match here. And if you do it will cost as much as replacing it would in the states. But you didn't pay an arm and a leg to ship the furniture to Ajijic. Your choice.

Try not to argue too much over the "stuff." If you have a partner, each of you should have one "get out of jail free item." Something you have to bring even though your better half thinks you are nutz. After you have each used up your free item card, it is time to compromise on the rest. Remember this is an adventure so pack light, you can always buy more once you get there.