Hey All, just need a bit of advice. I’m pondering a move, with family, to South America. And I don’t plan on taking any furniture with me. However, my bed is a different subject. i know this is an expense but should we take our mattresses with us, or buy new? I know a lot of latex mattresses are made in South America so I’m sure I could find a store. But as I’m a vegan and won’t buy anything with a wool cover I’m assuming that carrying our mattresses with us will be a justifiable expense? What are your thoughts?
I’ll give you my experience with a local move using a well-known transfer company. They did not understand how heavy my mattress was. They brought a shipping box but then had to call for a more rigid support.
The move was 120 miles and when it arrived the rigid support was not there and the box looked like it had been creased or at least bent over. Four “Big” guys stuggled with the box as if it was jello. If it were me and I had to have that mattress, I would have it crated flat in a wood frame like you would a glass table top. Otherwise, just take your cover with you or buy another beforehand. I would research mattresses thoroughly before I made any decision.
Monte.
Hi mdgail.
Welcome back 
That’s quite an exciting adventure to consider! Where in South America would you be going? One option to contemplate is doing some research in advance and looking at what you can find that’s available in the area you wish to move to. Often times, the things that are produced in a region are not necessarily always available on the market there.
It would be my recommendation to start there, to give you a better idea of what options you would be reasonably facing upon your arrival should you choose not to bring your mattress. You could also join any ex-pat communities you find on social media and ask them what their experience has been with mattress shopping.
I see that Monte offered some good advice should you make the choice to take your mattress, with regards to framing it prior to attempting to move it. Maybe others will weigh in as well with their experiences!
Please keep us posted on your findings and your adventure!
Phoenix
Thanks Phoenix,
Looking at Brazil but my heart is telling me Chile. And I can still get property at a decent price in Chile.
I guess I shouldn’t be too worried as a lot of mattresses are made in South America since a lot of rubber trees are grown there. I just don’t want to put my feet on the ground and go into panic mode.
And, of course, I have no idea how difficult, or easy it will be to find a latex mattress that has a cotton covering and not wool.
Time will tell. My move is in the early stages but it never hurts to be prepared.
Thanks.
Hi mdgail.
Both of those places are fascinating! If I were you I’d follow the heart. provided that the family agrees as well. 
As you mentioned, time and research will ultimately show what’s available for purchase in these areas, and whether or not it’ll be worth the time and money invested to move your current mattress.
If you’d have some extra time to give us any updates on what you find and how mattress shopping works abroad I’d be very curious to follow your journey
Good Luck!
Phoenix