Are you thinking about moving your furniture and belongings from the US or Canada to your new home in Mexico? Buyer beware!

With many people relocating between states and provinces and across borders, the demand for shipping services in North America has increased exponentially. Sadly, so has the rise of unscrupulous companies and their scams to get more money out of your pocket than they should. One of the most frequently used tactics is to win your business by offering a low quote but then increasing the total cost after you have signed the contract.

The truck arrives, and the workers load your items. Once the truck is underway, you get an invoice by email that there is an increase in the total price because of additional weight. This extra weight, of course, is grossly over- estimated. Your items are withheld until you cough up the additional money. It is no surprise then that complaints to government and consumer service organizations are increasing.

Another scam is to tell customers their items must be moved via a specific route. Since part of the cost of relocation is based on distance, it is easy to bump up the price and grab more money from your pocket. Be careful of companies pushing a flat-rate option, so you do not have to weigh your goods. Often, this is simply a scare tactic.

The flat-rate option is usually based on a much higher weight than what you would pay based on the actual weight. Since you do not know the exact weight, it seems like a better deal to go with the other option. If you see any terms like "destination surcharge", "over-allocation fees" or "fuel surcharge" make sure to quantify the amount before you sign any contract.

There are challenges to be faced crossing borders. One scam to separate you from your money is to email you that your household goods are held up at the border in customs, and additional funds are required to get them released. Ask for verification, and you are sent multi-page legal jibberish in Spanish that provides nothing of merit. Again, with your possessions in their hands, there is little recourse if you have a hope of seeing them reach their intended destination.

The company must adequately trained workers and materials. Moving companies that scam skimp on both means that your items will likely arrive at their location with damage. Another risk in Mexico, which is different from Canada and the US, is the high jacking of shipping trucks by banditos. Always ask the shipping company for information about loss and damage insurance – many of the smaller shipping and relocation companies that bring items into Mexico do not offer any.

So how do you know which is the right moving company? The best solution is to work with a well-known one, google the brand, and get independent references (not ones supplied by the company). Moving furniture is not without its risks.

If you plan to relocate any of your household goods and furniture, contact us. We help you avoid mistakes and save you money. Visit us at our Puerto Vallarta store: 363A Constitucion just off Basilio Badillo or Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126. Both are open Mon through Fri 10 to 4 and Saturdays 10 to 2. If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +52 322 136 5156.

Almost all the new condo buildings going up in the Bay of Banderas area offer one- and two-bedroom units. The days of larger units seem to be over, at least for the foreseeable future. Smaller condos mean it is more important than ever to maximize space. A sofa bed is, without question, one of the best space-saving pieces of furniture you can add to your condo. If your first thought is that a sofa bed will not be comfortable, let me assuage your concern.

Right here in Puerto Vallarta, you can get a sofa bed made with revolutionary new materials such as cooling gel, memory foam mattress, webbing support, and anti-rust mechanisms. Sofa beds have certainly come a long way from the days when you could feel the metal bars pressing into your back while you sleep! We have one of these new sofa beds in both of our stores (Romantic Zone and Bucerias) so that we can prove how comfortable they are. Customers who sit in it while in the sofa position cannot believe they are sitting on a sofa bed. It is medium-firm making it great for relaxing. When we put it into the sleeping position and lie down on it, they do not want to get up!
We have sold thousands of Palliser sofa beds in the last ten years and have never had one complaint.
Here is why I think this brand is the best sofa bed in Mexico for your money.

If you plan to use your sofa bed mainly as a sofa and only occasionally as a sofa bed, then it must be comfortable for sitting. It should be difficult to tell you are sitting on a sofa bed. Make sure you test it before you buy it. If it is not comfy to sit in, you won't use it, and that defeats the purpose. Ask the salesperson what type of foam is used in the seat cushions. Avoid any seat cushion made from HD (high-density foam). HD foam feels good when it is new but use it for six months, and it will compress, harden, and feel like you are sitting on a rock. The correct material is HR (high resiliency foam). This foam costs more but will last twenty years. It will bounce back (resiliency), not compress over time. Many manufacturers use HD foam because it is cheap, and you cannot tell the difference when you try out a sofa bed or sofa in a store. You only find out six months later when it is too late.

You want great reviews to maximize rental revenue if you rent out your home. That's why it is essential to get a sofa bed with a good mattress – one that supports the back, shoulders, and hips. There are two different types of sofa bed mattresses. One option is a coil or spring mattress. If you purchase a coil mattress, look for one over 600 coils. Anything less will be uncomfortable. If it is a spring mattress, look for one with stress-relieving springs. If possible, avoid the springs and get a memory foam mattress. Although they cost more, they are well worth the price. Memory foam mattresses offer consistent support, mold your body, and quickly return to their original shape (resilient). They are also dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic—some even cool and warm to regulate your body temperature. If your budget has a little extra room, invest in a memory foam mattress.

The open and close mechanism is essential. If made with the correct materials, it should glide in and out from sofa to sofa bed smoothly and without much effort. Test it out - open and close the bed three or four times. All motion should be smooth. Also, inspect the edges of inner mechanisms so that they are smooth – you do not want your sheets and blankets to rip.

Two other features I love about the new sofa beds are that you do not have to take the cushions off the sofa, and you can leave the bedding on. The pillows have concealed, no rust zippers that stay attached to the couch regardless of its position. There is enough room allowance to leave your sheets and blanket on the bed so that it is not a pain to remake every evening.

If you have purchased a new condo, or are planning to, give some serious thought to getting a sofa bed. You can get one as a standalone piece or as part of a sectional. It will be the best decision you make after buying a new home in Vallarta!

Come test out a sofa bed at one of our stores! We offer furniture/furniture packages, furniture shopping tours, furniture rental and furniture relocation services (national/international). Visit us at our Puerto Vallarta store: 363A Constitucion just off of Basilio Badillo or Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126. We are open Mon through Fri 10 to 4 and Saturdays 10 to 2. If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com

DUE TO SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES AND UNPARALLELED DEMAND, NO MATTER WHERE YOU GET YOUR FURNITURE FROM, IT CAN TAKE 4 TO 6 MONTHS TO RECEIVE. ALLOW MORE TIME IF SHOPPING FOR FURNITURE.

If you are a new condo owner in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Nayarit, you may be wondering if you should ship furniture from the US or Canada. Although laws change here from time to time and more often, the enforcement thereof is sporadic at best, I thought it would be helpful to share info on importing household goods.

First, to import household goods, you cannot be a tourist. You must hold a visa status that shows you are either a temporary or permanent resident. As of this writing, getting a different visa status takes anywhere from a few days to six or seven months, depending at which Mexican Consulate you start. For those not familiar with the process, you must apply for a change in status outside of Mexico. Once you receive approval, you must proceed to an immigration office in Mexico for completion. There is a cost to apply for a change in visa status.

You must also provide documentation that proves economic solvency (enough money in your bank account or investments to mean you will not be working in Mexico). For those who plan to work in Mexico, there are additional requirements. Since most people purchasing a new condo in Mexico are retired or do not plan to work here, I will not detail the immigration requirements for this category. (If you need info, please feel free to contact me, and I can put you in touch with the experts.)
Once you have your temporary or permanent visa, you have the right to import household goods duty-free, one time within no more than six months after the date of your formal entrance to Mexico.
So, what qualifies as household goods? Household goods are any items that make up the furnishings of a home. They must be exclusively for use daily by a person or a family. This could include your clothes, linens, books, furniture, pots, and pans right down to your cutlery. Artwork is also allowed if it is not for exposition for sale or in a gallery.

The Mexican government specifies that these items must not be new; you must have purchased them at least six months before importing.
Anyone importing household goods must fill out an application form called Menaje de Casa a Extranjeros. This official document costs approximately USD 170 (at time of writing and is subject to change). All fields must be filled in with blue ink only, and your documents must all be signed. In addition to the usual information required, including copies of your passport and visa, you must also submit a detailed inventory.

When I say detailed, I mean detailed. For instance, you must describe the item and the quantity, such as 2 x small boxes of children's clothes, 4 x large boxes of bedding including one duvet, two sheet sets, and four pillowcases. When it comes to electronics or appliances, you must also include the name of the brand, the model name, and the item's serial number—for example, 1 x Flat 42" Panel TV (Sony, Triton Series, QWEW135432686860).
The inventory list must be in Spanish because English will not be accepted. You will need four copies of your inventory list. A disclaimer: make sure the name on the application form and inventory list are precisely the same as your passport and visa. If not exact, you may run into hassles.

Mexican law requires that you hire a customs broker at your port of entry or use an international moving company (who uses a broker on your behalf). If you hold a Temporary Status, your goods are considered here temporarily, and if your status expires, you are not legally allowed to keep your items in Mexico. If you move once you have imported your goods, you must notify customs authorities of your address change.

Want to move your furniture? Let us make it smoother with our international furniture relocation. Free quote! Visit us at our Puerto Vallarta store: 363A Constitucion just off Basilio Badillo or our Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126. Both are open Mon through Fri 10 to 4 and Saturdays 10 to 2. If you are not currently in Mexico, email me at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +52 3221365156

If you plan to purchase a new condo in Nuevo Vallarta, you will most likely want some nightstands. The nightstand is where you usually find a lamp, a favorite book, and a glass of water. Where would we put these useful items if it were not for these small bedside tables? Nightstands have been part of bedroom furniture and décor for centuries. Perhaps not for the same reasons we use them today, but they have always been a valuable item.

The original reason for a nightstand was to have a place to put a bedpan or chamber pot. Indoor plumbing, a luxury, was not available before the early 1800s in North America. Instead, people used outhouses or latrines. This worked well during the day and with good weather. Unfortunately, outhouses were not ideal if you had to go in the middle of the night, in the rain, or in the winter. Chamber pots were the solution.

After use, you can imagine how smelly it could be. The commode was invented to hide away the offensive odor. Commodes were a closed cabinet where you would store the chamber pot. Some even had drawers as well as a cupboard.

Once indoor plumbing became ubiquitous, we did not need commodes anymore. However, many people got used to having some storage space for other items, so the commode became the nightstand.
Today, nightstands usually have one to three drawers. Some have an open space called a cubby or cubby hole to put a basket, magazines, or books. Over the past ten years, many nightstands started to come with high-tech features. You can charge your cell phone with a port that is built right into the woodwork. Some even have cord management tools to keep your electronics tidy.

A nightstand and a bedside table are not the same. The difference between the two is that a nightstand usually has at least one drawer. Bedside tables do not.

A nightstand should be the same height or no more than two to four inches taller than your mattress. This height makes it easier to reach and access the items you place on top. The standard size, which is the same for most end tables, is about 25 inches. The main difference between nightstands and end tables is that nightstands are usually not as deep. Place your nightstand about two inches away from your bed for optimal spacing.

Until recently, it was common to purchase a matching set of nightstands to go with your headboard and dresser. Today, the trend is to coordinate instead of match. You can mix up shapes, materials, and styles to get a more contemporary look. I like to mix round and rectangular shapes and have one piece open with just one drawer and the other with a cabinet. This approach not only gives some variety in the design but also allows for storage. I look for elements in the design, such as metal or colors, that are part of each piece. This way, everything ties together.

Another contemporary concept that is popular in Nuevo Vallarta is the floating nightstand. A floating nightstand is one without legs, mounted directly to the wall. If you are short on space or prefer a clean look, this might be a good option. It is critical to mount a floating nightstand correctly. If not, the weight will pull away from the wall and cause damage. Make sure to mount to a stud, not just to drywall. You can use a d-hook or a screw and cleat to ensure even more stability.
Would you like interior décor advice or need furniture for your home in Nuevo Vallarta? We offer free decor consultations to help you buy right the first time. Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126 (Open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 to 2). If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +3221365156

Over this past year, we have sold more wall beds than in the previous five years. I believe it is because there are more one-bedroom and studio condo units being built in Nuevo Vallarta. Smart condo owners realize they can maximize their investment with space-saving furniture. When they have family or friends come to stay, they can accommodate them. When their guests leave, they can use the space for themselves. It sure makes sense to get the most from what you pay for your monthly homeowner association (HOA) fees.

Another benefit of a wall bed is that it can generate incremental rental revenue. Most condo units in Nuevo Vallarta are used by their owners when they have holidays, and for rental because they are not ready yet to retire. A queen or king wall bed accommodates two more adults and, in most condos in Nuevo Vallarta, will drive an extra USD100 per night. There is no question that a wall bed can provide a great return on investment.

A wall bed, also called a pull-down bed, fold-down bed, or Murphy bed, is hinged to the wall, and concealed in a cabinet when not in use. For those with visitors only a few weeks a year, this is a great solution. You can custom-build shelving around the bed cabinet, a bench, or even a desk for when friends and family are not here.

The Murphy bed is named after William Murphy from San Francisco. He was the first person to patent this space-saving solution in the early 1900s. Legend has it that he was smitten with a lovely opera singer. Unfortunately for poor William, it was not considered proper to invite a woman back to your studio apartment with the bed in the middle of the room.

To address this, William improved what was in existence at the time (apparently, Sears Roebuck & Co. were already selling a type of bed that folded away). He patented a disappearing bed with a pivot and counterbalance. Whether he was successful in wooing the opera singer is unknown. What we do know is that his invention became a favorite piece of furniture.

Murphy beds have two essential components. The first is the mechanism, and the second is the cabinetry that stores the mattress.
The mechanism, arguably the most crucial part of the bed, is sold in a kit. You get the mechanism, screws, nuts, and bolts, cut list and instructions. The same size mechanism works for individual (twin), matrimonial (double) and queen. A king-size bed requires a more robust mechanism due to its weight.

Cabinetry, the slats, and the frame are built with your preference of wood. Liston wood is the recommended wood species in Mexico for a Murphy bed. You can also get slats and frames in aluminum or steel if you prefer a king-size bed or for frequent use, like in a hotel. The aluminum and steel kits cost more than the standard kit.
You can take the cut list supplied in the kit to your local wood supplier or carpenter. It details every piece of wood you will need along with its dimensions. The wood supplier or carpenter will cut your preference of wood species to these specs. If you are a handyperson, you can quickly put together the Murphy bed with step-by-step instructions. Make sure the instructions come in both English and Spanish if you want to hire a local carpenter to assemble the bed for you. Assembly generally takes a couple of hours to about half a day.

Once the bed and cabinet are assembled, you can add extras such as shelves and drawers to make a complete wall unit.

Although a special mattress is not required for a Murphy bed, it is crucial the depth of the mattress not be larger than the depth of the cabinet. If it is, you will not be able to close the cabinet properly.

Most people don't realize that Murphy beds can fold down horizontally or vertically. Almost all rooms can accommodate a wall bed either one way or the other.
If you consider a wall bed for your home in Nuevo Vallarta, here is the most important thing to know. Purchase one that has a mechanism that will not rust. It may sound simple, but you would be amazed by how many times people have purchased the wrong mechanism. There are different types on the market, and most are not meant for our climate.

Want a Murphy bed that will not rust, for your new condo in Nuevo Vallarta? Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126 about three blocks south of CMQ Hospital on the southbound lateral. (Open Mon through Fri 10 to 4). If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +52 322 136 5156.

I was at the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz airport on Saturday, and wow, was it packed. October and November are the months that most Americans and Canadians who spend their winters in Nuevo Vallarta generally arrive. Last year, with COVID, was an exception. If you are finally back after a long time away, welcome home!
If you own a home in Nuevo Vallarta, you will likely be doing your annual inspection. One of the first things to check is to ensure you do not have termites. Did you know that the queen from the Termitidae family can produce 10 million eggs per year? Hopefully, they will not be in your home! Here are some tips to keep them at bay.

When inspecting your home for termites, there are some tell-tale signs. Some termites leave a tunnel-like elongated cave that sits on the surface of walls. Others leave small piles of what looks like sawdust which is termite excrement. If you are not sure, sweep it up and then check again within 4 to 6 hours. If small piles or tunnels reoccur in the same place, call your exterminator immediately.

Sometimes you cannot see the damage, so knock on every wood surface and wall - furniture, door jams, doors, and even your kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. The areas where termites have eaten will sound hollow. You should be able to see indentations and even be able to push your finger right through the surface.
Termites like to crawl between the walls and along pipes. It's always a good idea to seal any open spaces they can crawl through as a preventative measure.
Some kitchen and bathroom cabinetry in newer condos and casas are prone to attract termites due to the materials they are constructed. Termites love cabinetry made from untreated particleboard. They start behind the walls, climb through the back of the cabinets, and eat the particle board inside the doors. Make sure to remove all items in your cabinetry and inspect them to the back.
Many door jams and mirrors are affixed with plywood or untreated pine blocks. These and shims are also very attractive to termites.
Regularly seal all your countertop seams. Water seeps into the particle board beneath the countertop, making it damp - an ideal location for termites.

Be wary of any furniture you purchase. Lower cost furniture is made from wood that termites like. Carpenters and manufacturers use untreated softwoods such as Mexican pine (often available at roadside bodegas) and low-grade particleboard (like what you might purchase back home in a well-known Swedish furniture store or most department and big box stores). Termites may have already embedded themselves inside the item at the carpenter's shop or in the warehouse. Paying more upfront for hardwood or treated higher grade softwoods often saves you a headache and money in the long run. Once a piece of furniture is infested, your best defense of future problems is to get rid of it.

Since no insurance covers termite damage, it's a good idea to spray your home regularly as a cautionary measure. There are no guarantees, but regular inspections and proactive measures can reduce your risk. A whole house spray for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is comparatively inexpensive and can be completed in less than one hour. For those with allergies and sensitivities, ask your exterminator for alternatives.
Are you or someone you know purchasing a new condo in Nuevo Vallarta? We specialize in helping our clients buy right the first time. We offer furniture shopping tours, furniture packages for sale and for rental, and international relocation services.

Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126 (Open Monday through Friday 10 to 2).
If you are not currently in Nuevo Vallarta, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +322 136 5156

One of the most popular pieces of furniture that new condo owners in Nuevo Vallarta purchase is a recliner. If you want a comfortable chair to relax in at your condo here, nothing beats it.
The challenge is the extreme humidity at least six months per year and salty ocean air in the Bay of Banderas. This means that if the recliner you purchase is not made with the correct materials or manufacturing processes, it is sure to rust. Rust means that it will not be long before the mechanics seize up and no longer allow you to change your recliner from a closed position to an open position.
The average price of a well-made recliner is between MXN 10,000 (500 USD) and MXN 20,000 (1, 000 USD), depending on features. It is crucial, therefore, to ensure you buy right the first time.
The best and easiest way to know you will buy right is to purchase from a manufacturer specializing in making recliners. Two big brand names in the market that are known for their recliners are La-Z-Boy and Palliser. La-Z-Boy has been around since the 1920s and is an American company. Two cousins, who purchased a furniture business in Michigan, used orange crates to invent a wood-slat chair that had a reclining mechanism. Their goal was to create a chair that would be the most comfortable way to relax when sitting. They held a contest to name their invention, which is how the term "La-Z-Boy" came to be.

La-Z-Boy does not manufacture in Mexico, so their items must be imported. La-Z-Boy retail price points for their recliners are more expensive because of shipping from their plant in the US to the Mexican border, import fees and taxes and then shipping to stores in Mexico.
Palliser Furniture was started in 1944 in Canada by a Russian-born immigrant. Abram DeFehr first made furniture in his basement in Winnipeg before opening his first factory. Today, Palliser is available worldwide. Fun fact: Abram DeFehr, a recognized humanitarian, is also a fan of Mexico and owns a home in San Miguel de Allende.
Palliser Furniture is not only available at retailers in Mexico; they also manufacture here. In addition to their facility in Winnipeg, they have two locations in Saltillo and another two in Matamoros. Palliser creates jobs in Mexico. The other benefit to us in The Banderas Bay is that we do not have to pay the additional shipping costs to the border and import fees and taxes.
For the past fourteen years, I have sold hundreds of Palliser recliners in Puerto Vallarta and only had a couple of minor issues (which were resolved by their manufacturing team). I can attest to their quality, comfort, and value.
People often ask me how Palliser and La-Z-Boy compare to the brands available at big box or department stores. To me, there is simply no comparison. The big box stores purchase furniture manufactured in Asia. The materials and manufacturing processes are unknown. What appears to be leather may end up being just a material that is sprayed to look like leather and will crack and peel within a year. The mechanism, which is the most critical part, is usually not adequately treated to avoid rust. Finally, the manufacturer is not in Mexico, so the purchase is not creating more jobs here.

Some department stores carry Mexican manufactured brand recliners. In my opinion, supporting job growth in Mexico is always better. The downside is that the brands they offer are not manufactured to last. The cost may be less, but the materials and manufacturing processes are not the same quality as Palliser Furniture or La-Z-boy.
If you want to purchase right the first time, my recommendation, after years of experience, is to go with Palliser Furniture. They tick all the boxes when it comes to quality, comfort, and value for your money.
Want to try out a Palliser recliner in Nuevo Vallarta? We specialize in helping you find the manufacturers and suppliers that use the correct materials with the proper processes. Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126 (Open Mon through Friday 10 to 2).
If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +52 322 136 5156

If you are new to buying furniture for your condo in Nuevo Vallarta, it is helpful to get advice from someone who knows the differences between furniture shopping in Mexico compared to back home. Our climate in Nuevo Vallarta is very different from most places with its salty ocean air, high humidity strong UV rays and termites. That is why it is important to purchase from the right manufacturers in Mexico that use the right processes and materials. To make sure you buy the right headboard, here are some questions we ask our clients with new places in Nuevo Vallarta.

What size bed do you prefer – King, Queen, Matrimonial or Individual? Headboards should be visible above the mattress. There is no right or wrong as to how high or wide the headboard needs to be – it is based on everyone's preferred decor style and individual taste. As a rule of thumb, standard headboards range anywhere from about 14 inches to 60 inches above the mattress. When it comes to width, standard headboards can be up to 4 inches wider than the mattress. It is also essential to consider the overall size of the room and ceiling height. It is best to keep the headboard proportional to the room.

This is just a reminder that in Mexico, mattresses are of different dimensions than in the US, Canada, or Europe. Mexican mattresses are generally broader and shorter than mattresses north of the border. (For those that wonder why their feet tend to stick over the end of the bed or why sheets purchased at a big box store do not fit properly, here is the reason.) Some headboard and bed base manufacturers make American or European sizes in Mexico because their primary business is export. Make sure you double-check that the headboard, bed base and mattress are all the same – either Mexican or American/European when purchasing. Otherwise, you will end up with a headboard that does not match your bed base and mattress.

How do you plan to use your bed? Some people use it solely for sleeping. Others use their bed for sleeping and a place to read books or watch movies on tablets or phones. If you plan to use your bed for more than a place to sleep in, a taller headboard is likely a better solution. If you like to read, you may want to consider a headboard with storage for books.

Do you have a preference when it comes to the material used for your headboard? The most common options are wood, metal, natural fiber, and fabric/leather. Wood is a traditional material that comes in many décor styles. Whether unstained, varnished or painted, it is the most versatile of all materials. Metal headboards can be very simple in design or can be ornately crafted. Iron, aluminum, brass, steel, and copper headboards are available in Mexico and range in price from economical to luxury. If you are looking for a tropical feel for your bedroom, consider an organic material such as wicker, seagrass, or bamboo. A woven headboard looks perfect in bedrooms in our tropical climate. Upholstered headboards are perfect for a place to rest your back when reading or surfing the internet on your tablet or phone. Upholstered headboards work well in an elegant and luxurious bedroom, primarily when linen, velvet or leather are used.

Are you planning to rent your condo or casa in Nuevo Vallarta when you are not using it yourself? If the answer is yes, we recommend a headboard that will not stain. If you prefer upholstered headboards, opt for one in performance fabric so that it repels stains. Another option is wood which can be quickly dusted and wiped. Avoid ornate headboards that require significant cleaning time so that your cleaners can quickly prepare and turn over the condo to new renters.
Do you need a headboard or other type of furniture? We are here to help you buy right the first time, so your furniture lasts in our tropical climate.
Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/Bucerias store: Heroes de Nacozari 126 (Open Mon through Fri 10 to 2). If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +3221365156.

Welcome, Home!

Our climate in Banderas Bay is tough on our furniture and décor. We have salty ocean air, strong winds, high humidity, harsh ultra-violet rays, and termites. These conditions mean that our furniture does not last as long as it would in other climates.

Items you will likely need to replace or fix within five to ten years are your mirrors. About five years in, you may start noticing small black spots, usually around the edges of the mirror. These spots are called desilvering. Desilvering happens in every climate, but more so here in the Bay due to our extreme humidity.
Did you know that the first known mirror originates around 2,000 B.C.? They were made from highly polished metal. In the 1400s, artisans began using glass to create mirrors. They applied tin foil and liquid mercury to glass which created a silvering effect. Silvering, or the silver coating on the glass, allows the mirror to sparkle, shine and reflect our image.

Today, mirror manufacturers use a combination of float glass and one of two methods for silvering. Although it is referred to as silvering, one of the common ways mirrors are created does not even use silver. Instead, a sheet of glass is inserted into a vacuum-sealed chamber that is heated. Molecules of aluminum, which have evaporated from the heat, affix to the glass. When the aluminum cools and hardens, it creates a reflective surface on the glass. 

Another way manufacturers make mirrors is with liquid tin. After being washed and rinsed with distilled water so that no minerals contaminate the glass, manufacturers apply a layer of liquid tin. On top of the tin, they use a layer of liquid silver. The glass is then heated and sealed with a layer of paint. 

Unfortunately, the silver and backing are susceptible to excess moisture and water. First, the backing comes off, and then the silvering starts to chip. To prevent desilvering from occurring, try to avoid splashing water on your mirror, especially when washing your face or brushing your teeth. If you have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, make sure to keep it on when you have a humid shower. Make it a habit to run your towel along the edges of your mirror rather than having it dry naturally. Clean your mirrors with a microfiber cloth or paper towel sprayed with mirror or window cleaner instead of spraying the cleaner directly on the mirror. Avoid any cleaner that is vinegar-based or contains ammonia. 

Nonetheless, our humid climate makes it challenging to avoid desilvering of mirrors. There are two ways to fix the situation once it occurs. The first is to hide the spots by adding a frame. This method works when the black dots are on the edges. It adds a new look to your mirror and saves you from having to replace the entire glass. The other way is to resilver the whole mirror. Resilvering means chemically stripping the mirror of its backing and then reapplying the materials to the glass. 

For most situations, it is easier and lower in cost to simply replace the whole mirror.

Want to purchase furniture that lasts in our climate in Nuevo Vallarta? We offer many solutions including turn-key furniture packages, shopping tours to Guadalajara/Tonala, rental furniture packages, and professional relocation services. Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/ Bucerias store: Av. Héroes de Nacozari 126, Zona Dorada (Open Mon through Fridays, 10 to 2).
Not currently in Nuevo Vallarta? Email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +52 322 136 5156.

In my never-ending search for information about the best materials for furniture in our homes in Nuevo Vallarta, I come across fascinating articles. Recently, I found out about a new material that will be an eco-friendly alternative and will likely save us money on furniture and our electric bills.
Before I write about the new material, I want to cover what it will replace. Glass is commonly used for windows, patio doors and furniture around the world. There are six types of glass frequently chosen, based on the needs of the buyer. These include float, laminated, obscured, tempered, insulated and low-E glass.
Float glass is a very fragile material made from molten glass. Without reinforcement, it is weak and can easily break into large, dangerous shards. Laminated glass is stronger and safer. It is made using two pieces of float glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB) between them. PVB resin is used in the manufacture of automobile windshields. Should the glass break, it will shatter and stick to the resin sheet.
Obscured glass, which includes tinted, etched, or beveled, is any glass you cannot see through. This type is great if you want light yet more privacy, like beachfront windows. Tempered glass is stronger than float glass but will still break. If you do accidentally break tempered glass, the pieces are smaller and less dangerous. This is another better option for our windows here.
Insulated glass has either double or triple pieces of glass with a space of argon or krypton between each. This space creates insulation and blocks heat rays from the sun. Low-E glass, which stands for low emissivity glass, blocks ultra-violet rays (UV rays). UV rays are what fades furniture and clothing and can cause damage to our skin.
Unfortunately, glass is not the most economical solution. Since heat easily transfers through glass, and we live in a hot, humid climate, energy bills can be expensive. Glass manufacturing plants generate thousands of metric tons every year in emissions, making it considerably less eco-friendly.
That is why a researcher in the United States has developed a new material. Would you believe it is made from wood? Wood from a fast-growing tree – the balsa tree – is bleached and then penetrated with a synthetic called PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). This process makes it transparent. Since this product includes cellulose and an energy absorbent polymer, it is lighter yet stronger than glass. It will not break as easily as glass, and instead of shattering, it bends and splinters.
When it comes to energy efficiency, transparent wood is made from a sustainable and renewable resource. Balsa trees are fast-growing, and manufacturing results in fewer gas emissions. It is about five times more thermally efficient, so it would also reduce energy costs.
Although they originated in the Americas, from southern Mexico to southern Brazil, balsa trees now grow worldwide. The word "balsa" comes from the Spanish word for "raft" since this wood was often used for this purpose. Even though the wood is quite soft, it is considered hardwood because it is a deciduous tree. Balsa trees can grow in a densely packed area and without fertilizer, making them an efficient resource.
If you would like to see what transparent wood looks like, check out a cool video on the blog of our website: www.solutionsmexico.com , or in the linked comment. Whether for furniture, windows or patio doors, this new material could become a better solution for our homes in Nuevo Vallarta.
Want to purchase furniture right the first time for your home in Nuevo Vallarta? We offer many solutions including turn-key furniture packages, shopping tours to Guadalajara/Tonala, rental furniture packages, and professional relocation services. Visit us at our Nuevo Vallarta/ Bucerias store: Av. Héroes de Nacozari 126, Zona Dorada (Open Mon through Fridays, 10 to 2).
Not currently in Nuevo Vallarta? Email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or Whatsapp us at +52 322 136 5156.