I'm an exception. We brought everything except a car. Even a 20' container was too small for a household full, so we had to get rid of all but the most important. It was a DIY move where the container was dropped off and we hired local movers to pack it. I think the total cost was around $4K. We have never regretted it. It isn't that we didn't think we could get what we needed, it's just that we have traveled the world and collected pieces and we both have family things we didn't want to part with. We've lived here ten years (Chiriqui). So, my answer is that you don't need to bring anything. But from my point of view, my house (rented) is truly my home. There is no way we could have replaced the contents of that container with a $4K budget. Yes, you probably could furnish a home for $4K, but there's furniture and then there's furniture. Go to Furniture City and see how far $4K goes.
Now, on to living on $3K a month. You can certainly do that in my part of the country. Frankly, it's hard to fritter away $$ when the restaurants are reasonable and there are no $100 sports or art events tempting you. However, be aware that houses that meet what we would consider North American standards are few and far between. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be especially bleak. I've lived in both 'local' type housing and now I am in a gated community which has top standards and it has made a huge difference in my quality of life. It's quiet (no horns, loud music, jake brakes, etc.), there are no street dogs and it is as secure as is possible in Panama. It is twice the house we need (and twice the rent) but it's ten times more comfortable than the place we had before.
It's fine to say 'live like the locals' and I admire those who can be content doing so. It just wasn't for us. It was the noise level that stressed me out the most. Before you commit to any rental, visit at different times of day. Find out what is around you. One house we rented turned out to be next door to an unlicensed delivery service of some kind that conducted most of its business at night. We lived in a perpetual cloud of diesel fumes. Another was next to a pineapple business (only there was a family there when we moved in) with lots of activity, had bats galore in the roofing and every piece of wood in it was riddled with termites. Toilets required multiple flushings and there was no hot water except for suicide showers that we purchased ourselves. Typically, these become 'your' problems when you move in. Landlords here take a very hands-off approach. At least from my experience, there's no such thing as an enforced zoning code. The house you move into with that nice family and their cute little dog next door may suddenly become a thriving business with several vocal guard dogs.
So when you do start looking, check everything! Flush those toilets, run that water, open and close all the cabinets and drawers, check the screens, flip all the light switches. If you find an issue, get it resolved before you commit. Even then, you may find yourself staring at a brand new ten foot wall your neighbor has erected (sans permit, of course) that turns your view from woods to moldy concrete and cuts off your breeze and you can't do jack about it. Fortunately, renting is flexible. You can always try another place.
👍2 members reacted to this post
|
|
