This is a post originally shared on my travelogue, Roots Transplanted. In case you are moving to an island, or perhaps just recently moved to one, then here are my learnt-the-hard-way tips that should save you time and frustration!

Thus far, my journey in the Caribbean has taught me many lessons about life, happiness, and where not to hang my clothes to dry. So, I’ve compiled a very special list of things I’ve learned, in an attempt to help you with your transition into this life in paradise.

Indoors Arm & Hammer cat litter poured into an 8oz cup with help draw moisture from the air in small places (like closets) and won’t turn into water like those  Damp Rid packets. See my DIY here.
*Check your clothes periodically for mold – some materials that you least expect can gather these spores.
*Keep medicine tablets out of humid areas. They turn to mush.
*Use eggshell, or a more glossy paint finish on all walls inside. This keeps moisture from ruining your freshly painted walls.
*Move furniture away from exterior walls; they absorb moisture and will smell dank and musty.
*Almost everyone is on septic systems; don’t use Charmin brand toilet paper as it tends to expand drastically when wet and soggy.
*Keep your windward facing windows only slightly cracked during January (west side of the island only, as far as I know) or your clothes, couches and everything will be covered in the itchy and microscopic fibers of “pica pica” — for Puerto Rico
*Water and electricity can be expensive and go out often without warning. Always be prepared with extra gallons of water, even when its not hurricane season.
*Invest in a small generator to power your fridge and a fan when the power goes out for days

OutdoorsBounce dryer sheets keep away mosquitos, so does natural citronella essence
*Paint outdoor ceilings a blue color to keep bugs off of them
*Spray your car battery hookups with WD40 to prevent corrosion
*Hang light colored clothes in the sun and dark ones in the shade to prevent fading. Don’t hang clothes to dry during “pica pica” season.
*Wash the undercarriage of your car frequently. Everything rusts 100X faster down here. Use a pressure washer under your car if possible (never on the paint!).
*Take advantage of the long growing seasons – plant a garden!
*Don’t build a garden in your yard during the wet season – wait and see what portions tend to flood.
*Trash pick-up can be infrequent and irregular. Start a compost to minimize waste.
*Keep trees and bushes trimmed back away from the house – this will reduce mosquitos and bugs.
*Walk wherever you can, reduce the number of cars populating the roads.

PetsSpray your yard once every couple months with pest control or find a natural alternative that works just as well.
*Revelution dog heartworm medicine does not work on ticks in Puerto Rico. Switch your pet to Frontline prior to moving to prevent costly vet visits with weird diseases.
*If you discover your pet develops an allergy to mold, dust, etc. on the island – first try supplementing their dog food with an all natural vitamin/mineral mix. Check out OnlyNaturalPet.com – I’ve been happy with all their products. Vet treatments for allergies is very costly and long-term.
*If you let your dog run free outside, be cautious of other stray dogs. Many are not neutered or spayed. Always keep a collar and ID information on your pet, as this is a sign of ownership. You’ll notice “stray” dogs with collars quite frequently.

Around TownTourist season for most of Puerto Rico is end of October through April.
*If you need a job, ask around during the low season. It’s all about who you know. Talk to waiters and bartenders, people that live on the island year ’round will likely have connections. Same goes for house hunting.
*Ask what fruits are tasty and learn where to pick them yourself. Save money!
*Island time is slow. Latin time is slow. Puerto Rico is latino and island, so its double slow. Dinner guests will likely arrive 2 hours late at least.
*Emergency medical service is very lacking. Particularly in Rincon – the hospital can not treat anything serious (like major accidents). Know where your closest hospital is and what their hours are. Expect long wait times.

Please feel free to add to this list! (Photo of Evan holding an invasive green iguana)