Downsizing in order to live in the Villages

[tektron297]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.

[Bjeanj]

We majorly downsized five years ago before we moved down here. Sold most of our furniture, almost all of our winter clothes, and went through our Christmas decorations and chose just those that held special meaning for us.

After we moved here, we discovered “stuff” that we didn’t need, so we downsized even more. Even some of the furniture we kept, didn’t look right in our new home, so sold it. The few winter clothes we kept were either too hot, even in the “winter” months here, so I kept a few sweaters, two pairs of long pants, and that gets me through the cold weather.

IMO, don’t plan on storing stuff down here off site. Usually not worth it.

[village dreamer]

sell everything you have and buy new. just bring old photos,some small tools,maybe a lawnmower.

[davem4616]

certainly get rid of what you really don't need

all the houses in our Village have a huge storage area above the garage....that's were we have stored our Christmas decorations for the past few years without issue

we gave away most of the yard tools and have folks take care of the outside for us

We have an oversize 2 car garage and golf cart garage...we've purchased a lot of shelving racks and installed them in the garage...that's really helped

all that said....there are lots of self storage places in the surrounding areas

[Stu from NYC]

Moved here in Feb and tossed lots of stuff and gave a bunch to neighbors.

Like everyone else we took to much going from 3200 sq ft to 2000.

We do have golf cart garage and no golf cart so we have some shelving units and filing cabinets and keeping stuff there until we figure out the rest of it

[John41]

we gave a lot of stuff to charities especially the Humane Society Thrift Store in Ocala.

[mtdjed]

Bring smallest car, jewelry, summer clothes, sunshield, umbrellas, sneakers, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, half your dishes, smart phone, laptop, toothbrush, medicine, favorite pets and compatible mate. Golf clubs if inclined.

In other words minimalize.

[cleser]

You may want tor try prioritizing your must have items. You can use some sticky-notes and tag those items that are “must haves”

Then decide on everything else.

You’ll be amazed on what is really important, nice to have, or just stuff.
Good luck
-c

[HoosierPa]

Sell or donate everything. Don’t bring your furniture. It is refreshing to be rid of all the junk (stuff)

[nancymiller217@yahoo.com]

My advice: Go room by room in your current house. You will find that some rooms you can get rid of everything. Don’t move furniture unless it’s an absolute must have. If you haven’t used something in a year, you probably don’t need it.

[Strongel]

We sold our house and packed everything in the garage. The deal fell through at the last moment and after we had sold some furniture. It took 2 1/2 years to get another decent offer. We left the stuff in the garage and the house looked barebones. At the two year mark, we realized we didn’t miss ANYTHING in the garage. It was quite liberating. We went through it again and took only a very small portion of what we “thought” we needed. The move was much easier. If you want to know how much you need versus want, go out in an RV for a few weeks.

[cliff02]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.

After talking with many villagers who suggested selling all . and finding out it was going to cost $12,000 to move me , I sold almost everything. Facebook marketplace and a neighborhood web site Did the trick. I’m heading down with a small one way trailer. I would also suggest an oversized garage. Or an extra bedroom/ office.

[Madaline Offner]

When we moved we sold EVERYTHING. From furniture to spoons forks and towels. We started all over. Best thing we ever did. We only bought what we needed.

[Alicat5977]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
If you haven’t used it or worn it in the last 3 years donate it. That’s how I did my downsizing. Just a thought. If you still need storage there are several in the area.

[Ruggiero56]

I agree with most all who responded. Sell all furniture; it’s expensive to pack and move it anyway. Start new; it’s liberating. Keep photos, favorite summer clothes, a few winter clothes (if you ski), and a favorite jacket or two. Donate almost everything else to charity. You can even buy new dishes, pots/pans, silverware, etc. at Costco when you get here. It’ll be sparkling new and not that expensive. Most homes in TV have attics with some flooring. Have extra flooring installed in attic, pay for pull down stairs to attic and some sturdy plastic shelving in the attic. It’s amazing what we accumulate over the years that we really don’t need. Shed it - you’ll be glad.

[gbs317]

We got rid of 40 years of stuff and started new with one uhaul cube and a car full of things essential to us.
Start new start fresh!!!!
PS.. the kids appreciated the cleansing too.

[Nolesman74]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
Rule 1. Before moving seriously throw out stuff you don't use or will not ever use again. Begin with a garage sale. Simply your life and stuff. Don't hoard.
Rule 2. See rule 1 above.

[woderfulwendy1]

If you have not used it within the last 13 months, you don't need it. It's just stuff.

[akerwin1909]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
I just moved here in June downsizing from a much larger space. My advice is to find a good charity and or family members who need some of your belongings and you’ll know that it was to a good cause.
My only regret so far, I brought too much and paid way too much to haul it here.
Happy moving!

[Miss B GA]

I sold virtually everything. I kept family albums and photos, one lamp I liked, three prints I liked and my two bikes. I had an estate sale and sold everything there. Pack what you can fit in your car and leave the rest. Buy new furniture. Essentially start over. It's very liberating! Good luck!

[La lamy]

If you don't need the money there are charities like Habitat for Humanity or Furniture Banks that will come and pick up all your furniture and stuff for a minimal fee and may even give you a tax deduction receipt. Starting fresh is fantastic, but it does get very cold (sometimes freezing) in the winter in TV. You will need some of your coats, sweaters, pants and even light boots if you want to be outside at the squares to boogie down.

[Two Bills]

My wife made me throw away all my, "that will be usefull one day" offcuts of timber when we last moved.
Still miss them terribly!:icon_wink:

[charmed59]

We downsized before coming here, getting rid of most of our Christmas decorations. Then we felt the first house we got here was a bit too small and upsized. Now we are adding to our seasonal decoration stash.

Most designer and premier homes have lots of attic storage, assuming you have things that won’t melt. You can add proper stairs and/or dumbwaiters to get things up and down. Some people use their non-master bedroom closets for that type of stuff. Some people add on storage rooms to their house. If you look at preowned homes you might be able to see the way people add storage to their homes.

The other thing is lots of people head to family for holidays, and don’t do much seasonal decorating.

[diamond2005]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
Do not bring a bunch of “stuff” with you. Sell all furniture and purchase here those things that will fit.

[willbush]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
I put flooring in all areas above garage plus built shelves and store all Christmas items, yard tool, flower pots and a vast array of items up there;and no we don't have a heat issue as the builder did a great job with installing great roof vents and no we don't have extra fans in the area

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

certainly get rid of what you really don't need

all the houses in our Village have a huge storage area above the garage....that's were we have stored our Christmas decorations for the past few years without issue

we gave away most of the yard tools and have folks take care of the outside for us

We have an oversize 2 car garage and golf cart garage...we've purchased a lot of shelving racks and installed them in the garage...that's really helped

all that said....there are lots of self storage places in the surrounding areas

"All the houses in The Villages"? I have a 3/2 cottage home and the storage area above the garage is very small and not easily accessible.

I wonder about the storage areas in the Patio Villas.

I have been in a friend's house that has an attic that you want walk around in, but that it no means indicative of all of the houses.

[sborlove]

You wont do it but if you haven't worn the clothes in the last 60 days...don't bring it. You need very little winter clothes and dress clothes are a thing of the past....

[Debfrommaine]

You wont do it but if you haven't worn the clothes in the last 60 days...don't bring it. You need very little winter clothes and dress clothes are a thing of the past....

Get rid of the clothes, also extra sheets and towels, that's why we have washer and dryers. Don't bring the china, likely won't use that either. Furniture....fit it to the style of home you are buying. Florida decorating is not like Northern state decorating. We came down here with 10 boxes and never regretted it. 4 homes later and no clutter, not easy to do but sure frees up the mind space when the physical clutter is GONE! Resale furniture here is plentiful, you can likely buy what you need actually here on this site or in second hand stores, or Babette's is very good too! Less is best.

[Kahuna32162]

No need to bring your snow shovels :). Actually, we get rid of half of what we had and brought the rest down here. Within 2 weeks another half of what we brought was on the curb for the pickers.

[Idaholady]

In the words of Marie Kondo (who wrote a book on the subject), if it doesn’t “spark joy” you don’t need it. As you pack, ask yourself if that item sparks joy. You’ll be surprised how much “stuff” you can throw away, donate or sell.

[DecaturFargo]

Attic.

[asiebel]

We did not move our furniture to TV.
It was not worth the cost. We did bring a couple family pieces in a uhaul. We had extra shelves put up high in the master closet for ornaments, albums etc. Built in closet and shelving in garage and space in the attic. Extra cabinets in laundry. I would look at houses with some of this storage if possible!

[toeser]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.

You could do like so many do, make your garage a storage room and park in the driveway. :icon_wink:

[PJackpot]

Come down with nothing but the cloths on your back and any personal items like photos, etc. We spent $9k moving and less than a year later, we had gotten rid of 90% of what we brought, including furniture. The cost of transporting all that "stuff", far exceeded the cost of replacement, not to mention the hassle of packing and unpacking. If you do need to bring items, rent a small shipping container from a shipping company and take the same attitude as the post office. "If it fits, it ships". Otherwise....it goes.

[Mayrath]

Hi.. there are plenty of storage places throughout the
villages... or you can put the lights in your attic.

[lindaelane]

My tip is to make use of high ceilings, if your home is like a majority - but not all - homes in The Villages. You will have a closet in your spare bedroom(s). Also a master closet. The Villages did not bother to install "high up" shelves, but they are simple to install - you can match the cheap shelving of the type The Villages provided for less that $20 per shelf, plus labor if you pay someone to attach the shelves. These "high shelves" can go in all your closets. Of course, you can put shelves in your garage for anything that can take the heat. Finally, the guest bath is a great place for shelves and/or cabinets placed high up. Plus those inexpensive "3 Shelf Over the Toilet" things are useful - you can put paper products (toilet tissue, Kleenex) and air freshener on them without anything looking messy and then other things can fit under your sink.

Your house probably has an attic - but of course it is very hot and probably has no "pull down" ladder such that you can access it without great difficulty.

The kitchen will be one of your greatest challenges because there is not enough kitchen space in most homes. There is generally a wall without any installed cabinets - you can buy a stand-alone cabinet. If your kitchen leads right to your garage you can store things like foil or spare dishes, pots and pans on a shelf or in a cabinet in the garage beside your kitchen door.

If desperate, I've seen people install walls in rooms that are bigger than they need to be. They place the wall about six feet back from the main wall, with a door in it. Then they have a 6 foot by 12 foot (or so) storage space which is air-conditioned and which can be filled with all manner of stuff.

[Betty Wagner]

We had an auction before moving. Helped with the moving expense. And even now, after 9 years, still find things no longer needed. We were lucky to find our last house with extra closets so now enough room for those Christmas decorations and other holiday decorations.

[camaguey48]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
Start anew. Look for a turnkey home. I did, and I do not regret it.

[chrisinva]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.

Went from 2400 sf to 1900. Gave away a LOT of furniture in VA before the move - a honey colored din room table & 6 chairs, matching china hutch & buffet; a dark blue sofa, love seat & matching chair. We brought down 2 beautiful dark red oriental wool carpets but they never fit into our FL home so they are wrapped up for future donation (that was heart breaking for me) Brown furniture & dark colors look too northern/colonial in FL environment.

You're starting a new life here, make your new life match this location. It's a reset for your brain.

All the used furniture stores here are filled to the brim with the brown furniture that people paid to get moved to FL. Lighter colors look more FL- like.

Welcome & good luck. You'll love it here. Folks are great, weather terrific (mostly), and lifestyle very relaxing.

[BobbyShields]

Yeah. Sell everything and buy new. You'll save a lot of $$$ and headaches.

-BobbyS

[Fisherman]

Having moved constantly in my lifetime, I have learned a lot. Spent four months living in an RV van waiting on a house to be built and quickly learned how little you really need. I just sold my house with all the furniture in it here in TV, not turn key. I did not realize how expensive it was to buy furniture, as in 10 years since I moved here, the prices have skyrocketed and the quality has gone down. I am just now close to $30K in receipts since November when I moved. I agree with everyone, if you don’t need it or have not used it, do not pay to move it. But, if you have nice current furniture that will fit a Florida lifestyle, you may want to see what the cost is to move it. I just talked to my sales lady and she said she writes tickets for an average of $25-45K to furnish a house with no accessories. An example, my living room... $1800 for entertainment center, $1650 for couch, $2500 for two recliners, $700 for two end tables, coffee table, $450 accent chair and $1000 for a TV. I also purchased a solid surface cabinet for a bar $900. None of this furniture is high end. Flexsteel, Aspenhome, Best Chairs, Etc. Have a garage sale, go through every cabinet & drawer.... weed out. Collectibles sell real well on Ebay. The rest of the things, donate, as there are so many in need right now. Hope this helps. Safe travels

[mgkw1]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
We sold or donated all but a bed and dining room set, Saved hale the dishes and glasses. When we got her bought new living room furniture that are better suited to Florida. Had the children and family pick through Christmas decorations for their memories. Anything that I was not attached to I donated. Brought bins with ornaments, They are in garage on shelves. Measure the walls, look an Amazon check lowes and home dopot. They are great for storing. Ditching most winter clothes. After a month here we found donation centers for the stuff we brought and realized did not need,

[zendog3]

We moved from a farm.We told the kids to take anything they wanted then had an auction. If you can afford $50 a month, don't bring a mower or lawn equipment. Small yard means very little lawn maintenance. You'll find northern furniture looks out of place in Florida. Small, bright, light. Buy new if you can afford it. "Liberation" is the word. When you are free of 50 years of accumulation, you will be amazed at how free you feel.

[gpkk_2000]

YES! Downsizing is essential. My biggest regret is that we bothered to bring our furniture with. It was apparent that the styles are different here. Unless you formally entertain you can leave behind the heavy furniture and china cabinet. No need for formal dishes or serving pieces... Clothing is also different here, I have up north clothes and FL clothes. Depending on your house size, you probably won't need the whole house Christmas decorating scheme. I am down to one large box.

Be careful storing items in the space above the garage, it gets incredibly hot.

This is my experience, enjoy yours, and WELCOME!!!!

[jonathanb]

Sell everything it doesn’t pay to move it. Buy new things that’ll fit in your house. There is some storage above the garage to put Christmas decorations.

[Gulfcoast]

Thanks for posting this question. We've been in the process of a slow paring down ever since the start of the new year. The last time we moved, we had to do it in a hurry (transfer opportunity) with a household full of stuff which was a ton of work. This time, we're taking the time to pare down selectively. I think the advice to sell/give away most of your furniture and just buy new when you get to TV is good advice. I went through family photos, keepsakes, greeting cards, the kids' old school papers earlier this year and consolidated everything into a few manageable bins. I have some baby clothes and children's books that I'm saving for our future grandchildren if we are so blessed to have them. I've been going through closets, drawers, storage areas and donating what we no longer use. At some point, we'll have to tackle the tool and yard/garden stuff in the garage which will be no small effort. The kitchen also has a fair amount of extraneous items that we don't really need. We have an extensive book collection full of great classics and we will likely bring a good many of those books with us. It's definitely a process that takes thought and time.

I expect that when the time comes, we will be arriving to TV with a Uhaul, 2 dogs and 2 vehicles. We'll most likely buy a lawnmower when we get there and sell the riding mower before we move.

[Dgodin]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
We sold our furniture except for a grandfather clock and 2 chairs. It is cheaper to buy new than pay for moving. Much northern furniture is too dark and large for TV.
We sorted our "stuff" and made touvh choices back home. In all we filled 2 rollaway dumpsters before we moved. When we did move everything fit in a 15ft uhaul.
Put up shelving units in the garage We bought a few wire shelving units at target , use the space in your garage attic (install steps and plywood floor). But consider how hot it gets in the garage attic! Also, there can be "extra" space in the garage utility area between the furnace and water heater.
Think about incorporating storage into your new furniture such as in cabinets in the living room, storage under beds, use of tote containers in closets and garage.
And, as someone else has mentioned, you will probably downsize again after you've been here a while.
Another good rule. If you bring something new into the house, something old must go. Prevents filling up your new house.

[DonnaNi4os]

Here’s a tip for downsizing. If there is something you love but really don’t need it, take a photo of it so you will have it forever. As for Christmas decorations you can get attic steps installed. I have a radiant barrier in my roof so that has worked for me. Also remember that wherever you live now there will be organizations that gladly take items and distribute them to those in need. Knowing that you are helping others may help you to let go. Good luck.

[Lottoguy]

Sell it all up there and only bring close personal items you cannot part with. Buy new when you get here. The biggest mistake people make is paying all the money to a mover only to get rid of it once your here. Consignment shops here make a fortune from people that move here.

[bear1302]

Hi
We moved from a traditional house and brought our furniture. We now Have a Florida home with different furniture. We should have sold the traditional furniture instead of paying to move it

[MandoMan]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.

The photo below shows what my garage looked like when advertised on Zillow before I bought it. That’s a LOT of cabinets. Of course, they take up a foot of garage width on each side that can make getting out of a car difficult, but it shoes you what can be done. It’s sometimes possible to buy used or new kitchen cabinets at very low prices from places like the nearest Habitat for Humanity store.

I’d say don’t bring multiple sets of china or flatware. Give the rest to your kids. If they don’t want it, give it away or sell it for a few dollars. You don’t want to pay a hundred dollars to have a set of China packed and moved, then thrown away still packed when you pass on because your kids still don’t want it. Really, half a dozen place settings is plenty. There’s a good chance you rarely use most of your pots and pans and baking sheets and chopping boards and gadgets. Give it all away. Leave most sheets and towels and blankets behind. You don’t have room to store them and you don’t need them. You may need more beach towels, but they are sold in Florida. If your television is more than five years old, leave it behind. Buy a new one. If you have a large SUV, get rid of it and buy a small car so it’s easier to squeeze into the garage. Leave behind nearly all clothes, including all furs.

I had several thousand books. I sold or gave away most of them. I asked myself, “Can I honestly say that I’m seriously planning to read or reread this book?” I have a few dozen on that list. But there are also some that I use for reference, such as books about trees, birds, music. It’s awful, because a lot of these books gave me pleasure. But will I read them again? No. Some I’ve been saving for my grandchildren. But I don’t have any yet.

Try not to bring anything that is just kept in a box in the attic or the basement because it has sentimental value. It’s time to get rid of the first shoes of your children, and their report cards and letters from camp. Otherwise, someday they will come to clean out your house and just toss it all.

[banjobob]

Best answer keep a very few cherished items or family memories and sell the rest ,furniture, lawn items ,everything! Buy turnkey or shop til you drop here lol

[Tblue]

After reading all the posts it seems the general idea is to get rid of most of your stuff. I moved here 10 months ago and thought I had done that, but still brought to much. Then I met a neighbor who came with just his check book and credit card, I thought wow, he is my hero.

[Jim1mack]

Our mantra is that if you haven’t seen it or used it in a year you don’t need it. Some exceptions of course. Holiday decorations may be one but do you need to decorate for every holiday?

[Marshaw]

The kids don't want our junk. If you don't use it toss it.

[JohnN]

We gave stuff to the kids, friends, charities and threw a lot out when we moved. We still had too much.
I put flooring in the attic and filled it up including Xmas stuff. Stuff went under the beds too! It's a challenge

[Kandytalk]

Don’t bring any furniture down. I used to entertain a lot up North. You don’t need lots of dishes....usually meet people out
Instead. No one wants to slave away in the house. They would rather go out and play.

[queasy27]

One of my neighbors added a loft in the garage (in addition to the attic space) and that works well as long as you don't have a tall vehicle. Honestly, though, most of that is because they decorate outside for every holiday with lights, flags, blow-up leprechauns and whatnot.

I'm another one who moved here with what I could fit in my car -- mostly clothing, electronics, and very basic kitchenware and linens. My documents and photos were whittled down to one file box.

I still brought too many clothes. There's plenty of room for them in my closet, but I really only wear about 15 things.

Once you're settled in, I agree about keeping a balance -- bring one new thing in and get rid of something else.

[mcwood4d]

We are currently snow-birds. Have been for going on six years. Our thought is we'll bring pictures and contents of closets when/if we end our relationship with "the north" and just sell or donate everything else. My post may not fit your needs but I'd agree - sell everything, start new and fill your new home with new things ������

[dkaufnelson]

I added ceiling garage racks in my garage which are much easier to access for smaller items than climbing up and down attic stairs with boxes etc in your hands. I keep bigger items such as luggage and other light weight bulky items etc that I seldom use up in the attic.
Ceiling racks come with attachments so you can also hang things from them such as bikes lawn spreaders etc. I ordered them from Costco and they were delivered free right to my door. I have two ceiling racks in my average size two car garage and they're great. I also have sturdy metal racks all around the walls in my garage so plenty of storage space 4 things you just can't part with or your do-it-yourself tools, paint, garden supplies etc.

[GeorgiaBorn]

My experience is that some things stored in the attic space above the garage can be ruined by the heat. We had luggage up there and the rubber wheel coverings disintegrated. Note whether your garage is on the west side of the house; ours is and surely has increased the heat in the attic/garage, therefore impacting what we can safely store up there.

[npwalters]

We majorly downsized five years ago before we moved down here. Sold most of our furniture, almost all of our winter clothes, and went through our Christmas decorations and chose just those that held special meaning for us.

After we moved here, we discovered “stuff” that we didn’t need, so we downsized even more. Even some of the furniture we kept, didn’t look right in our new home, so sold it. The few winter clothes we kept were either too hot, even in the “winter” months here, so I kept a few sweaters, two pairs of long pants, and that gets me through the cold weather.

IMO, don’t plan on storing stuff down here off site. Usually not worth it.

All good advice. We have done much the same.

It is hard to sell of toss things that had meaning for us when we bought them or were given them but we decided 1) no storage unit for us and 2) we will not clutter up our FL house.

[tjameson]

We downsized from 3300 sq feet to a cottage home in TV with 1150 sq feet. Nothing will force you to downsize more than that. Very little storage space, but workable.

[Stu from NYC]

We downsized from 3300 sq feet to a cottage home in TV with 1150 sq feet. Nothing will force you to downsize more than that. Very little storage space, but workable.

Wow we went from 3200 to 2000 and still dealing with that 49 year marriage would not survive 1150.

[Spike380]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
A dear friend of mine told me EVERYTHING you buy must have storage-coffeetable, nightstands, benches, everything. We do store our Christmas things in the attic and so far so good. And our suitcases. We moved from a 3 bedroom ranch in Buffalo NY to a 3 bedroom ranch and had a huge garage sale-but I did take my bedroom set and dining room and sold those here. You will really miss a basement! In our guest room we put floor to ceiling cupboards so that helps (Unless you're a crafter like me!) and add shelves in all the closets for extra storage and split shelves under sinks. Abd definately a better quality ladder to the upstairs-otherwise they are too shakey. Good Luck!

[sloanst]

Sell everything that you do not have a personal attachment to. Use that money to furnish here.

[Mrprez]

We went from 1800 sq ft house in Mobile to a 25’ Airstream travel trailer. Less than 200 sq ft. We sold, gave away, left for the new owner or tossed everything except for our clothes and what we needed to live in the Airstream. We traveled around for two years before we decided enough was enough. We bought a small log cabin on 13 acres in NE Tennessee 3 years ago. Went from 200 sq ft to 650 sq ft. Now, we are hoping to sell this and relocate to a 1200 sq ft house in TV. We will have to upsize!

[asianthree]

Still have 5 bedroom up north home, and A lake cottage. It’s the basement stuff With a gym, that can’t take with us.
Our furniture in TV is not Florida style, that we bought til we brought down things we love.

This year Uhaul packed truck. We flew, driveR arrived next day. Unloaded, 1 day to unpack, And put in correct space. Cost under $2,500.

I still like solid wood furniture, not the veneer of today.

[guppyvii]

I packed a few things that meant a lot to me and I couldn’t replace and some summer clothes, very little. Then I had an estate sale. It’s so easy to move in with very little and saved a fortune in moving costs. Plus made a nice sum on the estate sale to get me started here. Estate sale folks handled everything and so far I haven’t missed anything that was sold.

[Troopie]

We store our luggage, pet carriers and outdoor Christmas decorations in the garage attic. We bought heavy-duty rolling shelves to store the rest of our Christmas stuff and other things.

[karostay]

sell everything you have and buy new. just bring old photos,some small tools,maybe a lawnmower.

Don't forget your spouse

[alehew]

Sell your stuff dont move it. Waste of money. We truly downsized we have a corner lot small 3 bed 2 bath home and large lanai and birdcage. We only moved our bedroom as its contemporary. You should rent a house first then research everything you want. Look at all as there are positives and negatives s;out everything

[mtdjed]

We downsized as I stated in a previous post on this thread. But thought of our new purchase of an artificial Christmas tree as we got herein 2007. Really good quality tree in 3 sections. Bottom section left after 5 years. Middle section left last year. Will be down to the Angel when we need directional guidance.

[Mendy]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.

We are selling a lot on Facebook Marketplace. Sold over 70 items so far.....everything from bedroom furniture, to tables, lamps, patio stuff, wine racks, home decor, elliptical and much more (over $5k so far). We are also having a moving sale. Whatever we haven't sold by the end of the month will go to charities. We are bringing as little as possible.

Good luck!

[NavyVet]

Another thing to keep in mind: whatever storage space is in the attic might not be useable when you get to the point you can no longer get up and down the "stairs" (more like a ladder) especially not carrying large/heavy or awkward items. Sooner or later, you won't have the strength, knees, or whatever to manage it.

[Dave@TV]

Anybody have some downsizing tips they would like to pass along? We are wondering that when we move to the Villages, there won't be much space for "stuff". Where do you put your things that need to be stored such as Christmas decorations? It appears that there has to be some serious downsizing to move into the Villages.
We had storage racks hung from the ceiling in our garage. Other than that we store some stuff in the spare bedroom closets and anywhere else we can find a niche. Still had to get rid of a lot of stuff.

[Darield]

I agree. It is refreshing to get rid of all the junk. 70% of our furniture we bought new.. Lighter and better for a Florida home (We moved from Colorado). We store our Xmas ornaments in the space above the garage, but fair warning-NO Candles. The first Christmas, our candles had melted.

We went for furniture with lots of drawers. We have 4 drawers under our bed. Our TV stand has drawers, etc. We have room for storage units in the garage for tools and gardening things.

[GreySkies]

Step #1
Make a list of what core furniture items and other personal belongings you simply must keep, then sell everything that is not on the list via Garage Sale, Craigslist or give away to family / friends. Whatever is left donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Step #2
Repeat Step #1 with items from first attempt, most cases you still will have WAY too much stuff!

Step #3
Calculate the value of the remaining property and the cost of shipping what is remaining to your new, smaller home. If the shipping cost is greater than the value of the remaining property, then go back to Step #1 one more time, only keep the small, sentimental items you plan on moving YOURSELF.

When buying new is cheaper than moving the old, go new every time.

[JohnN]

Major Downsizing:
1) Give stuff to kids and friends.
2) Give stuff to charity
3) Throw out junk
4) Floor your attic for Christmas stuff
5) Get rid of more stuff
6) Put remaining stuff under the beds or in the unused shower!

[Kenswing]

If it won't fit in a 26' moving truck it ain't coming - lol..

[Stu from NYC]

And in moving here just about everyone takes much too much stuff

[chrisinva]

Get rid of any brown furniture - sofa, chairs, lamps, desks, end tables. It just doesn't look right down here.

[SusanKD]

It will be tough . We haven’t move to TV permanently, but have our house and anticipating storage will be a problem. In talking to people who have moved here most have regretting have their stuff packed up and shipped here. It’s expensive and it doesn’t fix. So bring very little with you

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Sell the furniture, your starting new , buy new. I have had 14 new homes , 5 in villages sold the furniture as a package deal , you be surprised how you can juice a sale with right furniture package The only thing I have to move are my clothes , shoes and sneakers and that’s a lot lol