Correction: In a previous blog entry I wrote that I needed a paper from the Uruguay consulate certifying that I lived outside of UY for at least ten years. Apparently that is wrong. The UY consulate in Miami told me that I needed it and charged a lot of money for it but in reality (according to Uruvan, the local moving company representative) that certification is only required for returning UY citizens.

A few peopled had asked me questions regarding shipping furniture and household goods to Uruguay. Here’s what I did and what I’ve learned.

The moving company I chose was one of the major international companies. At first I started getting quotes from anybody and everybody. There was a huge range in prices since everyone was guessing on the weight and volume of my shipment based on what I entered on the quote request. I eliminated immediately any company that wasn’t going to send a representative to survey my possessions. I had a bad experience when I moved from New York City to San Diego. Lesson Learned: Always, always, always, have an in house survey done. You may be quoted a higher price but it’ll probably be less in the end.

If you’re unable to get an in-house survey make sure the rate your quoted per pound will stay the same regardless of what the actual weight turns out to be. What some of the sleazy companies do is quote you an incredible low rate on a weight that they know is less than what you’re shipping. When it comes time to pay (after your home is empty and every thing’s on their truck) you’re told that the weight is double what they guess and the price per pound for anything over the quoted weight is almost double as well. Stick with a big international company. You’ll feel much better as you hand them everything you own.

For land and sea moves the shipment is based both on weight (for the land portion of the move) and on volume (for the sea portion). Large and heavy items cost the most while small and light things are cheaper. When you talk with the moving companies try to find out what the standard crate size is. I believe they’ll charge you for the standard size whether or not you fill it completely.

My shipment cost just under $6,000 plus $600 (estimate) for the local agent here in UY. That price includes all packing, door-to-door transport, and complete replacement-value insurance. Very important: don’t pack anything yourself. The shipping company needs to see what your shipping for the inventory since that is the document customs will use to clear your shipment in Montevideo. I had packed a bunch of boxes myself and they ended up opening them and repacking everything.

What to bring and what to leave. I started by trying to get rid of everything I got rid of most of my kitchen appliances since I didn’t want to mess with too many converters. I did keep my yogurt maker (I think I’ll do a blog entry about yogurt here, it’s very different) and my juicer. When deciding which electrical things to get rid of you may be surprised to discover that some of what you own already will work on the UY 220 volt system. Most things with DC converters will work. Just look closely on the power converter and see what it says for “Input.” For example my computer’s power supply reads: “Input 100-240V 50-60Hz.” So far the things that work without a converter (still need a plug adapter though) are my computer, printer, camera charger, electric razor, and cellular charger. Things that require a converter (so far) are my electric toothbrush and my wireless router. Desktop computers usually have a small switch on the back that will allow you to change the input to 220V.

There are at least four different plug types in common use here. Another idea for an entry. 1) Two-prong large round pins, 2) two-prong small round pins, 3) three-prong small round pins, and 4) three blades at an angle (similar to north American plugs but instead of the blades being parallel they’re angled and instead of the ground connector being round it’s another blade). You will need plug adapters galore when you arrive. The sockets in my house accept types 2 and 3. The refrigerator and vacuum I bought here are type 1. The toaster I bought is type 4. Adapters are available in the big grocery stores and all hardware stores. When I have time I’ll do an entry in my blog with photos about the electrical stuff.

If I had it to do over again I would have sold my sofa and desk and kept more of my small things. Furniture made in UY is pretty inexpensive so I think I could have done better buying some things local. I’m glad I kept my mattress and bed though. Every night here I dream about being able to sleep in “My Bed” again. When I bought my mattress in Seattle I did a lot of searching to find one that I liked (extra firm) and the same with my headboard and night tables. I guess I love sleeping since I probably invested the most time and money on my bed!

Going without my things for two months I really miss a lot of the small stuff like hangers. I have heavy duty plastic hangers from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I haven’t seen anything like them here. All of the clothes I brought with me are now folded on a shelf in my closet waiting for their hangers to arrive.

Towels and sheets are very expensive here. I bought enough just to survive until my things arrive. If you cook then ship all of your favorite kitchen pots, pans, utensils, etc. You might be able to replace the kitchen things in time but probably not with the same quality and probably after running all over town searching for exactly what you want.

Bottom line: get rid of big and heavy unless it’s something that you truly value (for me, my bed). Keep all the small and light things that you will need or want when you arrive here. You might be able to replace them but think of the time you’ll spend shopping for all the small stuff. Buy sheets, towels, and bed spreads before you leave North America. Quality linens here are outrageously expensive.

One last thing. Bring with you all the little things that you need to survive for two months while you’re waiting for your ship to come. I had to buy things like towels, silverware, can opener, corkscrew, etc. All stuff that will be duplicated when my stuff gets here. I would have been better off packing an extra box to check in at the airlines. Instead I paid the movers to transport the stuff and bought replacements. Makes excess baggage fees seem reasonable.