[raynan]

First, had a yard sale and sold big items on Craig's List. We had a lot of colonial furniture, yard equipment and a spare refrig. which went that way. Second, books don't sell so we donated to the library and a huge truckload to the local literacy center. They were thrilled to get them. Then, we invited all the relatives and neighbors and their kids and grandkids to help themselves to what was not coming to FL. You'd be surprised how many dorm rooms, first apartments and cottages were outfitted this way. We brought a small café set to use as a kitchen set, a love seat and club chair that saw better days and our new tv and 2 older small tvs and our bedroom set. We could sit and watch tv, eat in the kitchen and sleep. Then we took our time when we learned our way around the area and went out and bought our furniture and made a lot of good deals buying floor models. A year later, we donated the older tvs and the den set and bought new when there were sales. We had 33 years of "stuff" so I really sympathize. It wasn't easy but it was fun buying some new "stuff". When you realize how much it costs to move things it's easier to part with them and to be more realistic about what will work here in your new home. Good Luck. Nancy