I’m wondering about shipping our belongings. What to bring, what to leave behind, and what I can expect from customs. We’re not bringing anything particularly valuable. No cars, furniture, or new electronics. It’s mostly personal items, clothing, some sentimental knick knacks, my stuffed animal collection, artwork and supplies (again nothing of value, mostly my own and my grandfather’s paintings). Shipping costs will determine whether we bring things like linens, small appliances, or any electronics besides one laptop (which will fly with me, rather than ship) and one desktop.
We’re planning on using a shipping container by sea, and I’m not sure yet about a full container or a shared one. We don’t have nearly enough to fill a full one, but I’m wondering if it’s significantly more stressful to use a shared one and the overall cost difference. I’m also trying to get an idea of our customs duties once it arrives in Guatemala, and if we’ll have to show any type of proof of residence. We’re planning on staying on a tourist visa and leaving the country every 90 days to renew it, until we can look into residency, but we have a house lined up already.
