If you have been following our journey moving to El Salvador from Canada, you know that a massive piece of our hearts (and our household goods!) has been missing. For months, we’ve been waiting for the shipping container that holds the physical remnants of our past life.
On December 22nd—just in time for Christmas—it finally happened. Our container arrived, bringing with it a flood of emotions and the practical reality of living in El Salvador as a family of five.
But before we get to the unboxing, let’s talk about the logistics. Because if you get the shipping wrong, your container might never arrive at all.
The Reality of International Shipping: Mistakes to Avoid
Before our container arrived, we had to navigate a complex maze of rules, regulations, and logistics. In our guide on shipping to El Salvador, we break down exactly what you need to know to avoid fines, delays, or confiscation.
Here are the critical lessons we learned:
1. The Golden Rule: Only Ship What You Can’t Replace
Shipping is expensive and risky. Our biggest advice? Don’t bring large furniture or appliances. The humidity here is intense, and between the climate and potential electrical voltage issues, your North American appliances might not survive. Buy your beds, sofas, and fridges locally in El Salvador.
2. Prohibited Items (Do NOT Pack These!)
You might be tempted to pack “just a little” food or chemicals. Don’t. Customs is strict.
- No Food or Pet Food: It attracts pests and triggers inspections.
- No Chemicals or Fluids: Remove all batteries from toys and tools. Drain all fuel and oil from equipment like lawnmowers or chainsaws.
- No Money or Jewelry: These should be on your person, not in a container.
3. The Spreadsheet is Your Best Friend
Customs requires a meticulous inventory. We created a multi-tab spreadsheet listing every single item, its weight, material, model number, serial number, and a translated description.
- Tip: Be realistic with values. Don’t declare them “too low” or customs may reassess them at a higher book value, costing you more in taxes.
Unboxing a New Life in El Salvador
After navigating those logistics, opening the container doors was like opening a time capsule. We packed this container back in Canada, unsure of exactly what our new life would look like. Now, unboxing it feels like the final step in truly settling down.
Inside, we found the items we prioritized over furniture:
- Essential Tools: For our future homesteading and DIY projects (stay tuned for our new channel, Making It in El Salvador!).
- Homeschool Supplies: Critical for keeping our three kids on track with their education.
- Kitchen Comforts: Yes, my KitchenAid mixer made the journey safely!
- Sentimental Items: Christmas decorations, cherished books, and the kids’ Lego collections (expertly packed in glass jars!).
Why We Chose This Path
Expat life in El Salvador isn’t just about the logistics of shipping containers; it’s about building a life aligned with your values. For us, leaving Canada was about finding freedom, faith, and a better future for our children.
As we unpacked, every item reminded us of that “why.” The tools aren’t just tools; they are the means to build our independence here. The books aren’t just paper; they are the education we are taking control of. Not to mention we use them to teach English!
Final Tips for Your Move
If you are planning on moving to El Salvador, here are our final takeaways:
- Pack Creatively: Use small, sturdy boxes or hard plastic totes. Avoid soft bags that can get crushed.
- Label Everything: Label all sides of your boxes clearly including your box number and weight of the box.
- Start Early: Begin palletizing your goods 1-2 months before your departure date.
Watch the full unboxing video below to see the chaos, the joy, and the reality of 4,000kg of memories arriving at our new Salvadoran home.
