[springfield]

In the hope of selling our home soon, we are trying to get our ducks lined up. We have questions about your moving experiences and suggestions. TV must be the moving capital of the world. We are looking at U-Haul, van lines, PODS. If we rent before we buy, should we store our "stuff" in the rental unit or use the POD or van line storage facility. Did you pack your things or pay someone?Did you use local people to help you move from a rental into your permanent home? If you had to do it again, what would you do and/or not do?

Related to these questions, we will really have to downsize which is a good thing. However, what are some things you regret moving. Should we sell everything and start new? We know that some of our Illinois furniture won't "look right" in FL.

Any and all ideas and suggestions would be very appreciated. Hopefully you can help us avoid some mistakes. Can't wait to be your neighbors!

[skip0358]

We sold just about everything we had. Brought tools, big screen TV,and 1 piece of furniture.When starting to pack we used the 30 second rule, if we didn't think we needed it bye bye. We used a POD worked really well. They dropped it off and we packed a little each day.When pick up day arrived they took it and started on the trip down. We had bought our house down here so it was delivered the day after our closing. We unpacked ourselves but there are people available down here to assist you. We felt this was a new start and we wanted new. Worked out very well. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Good luck and almost welcome aboard!!

[cats12470]

we are thinking the same thing..... start over.... we have some pieces we won't give up but for the most part....bye bye... never used a POD but we will look into it.... thanks for sharing all your ideas...we hope to be your neighbor soon as well....

[springfield]

Thanks, I was wondering how using a POD was. How did you get rid of your stuff. We have been selling on Craig's list, and many trips to the auction house. What was your most successful way of selling the big pieces?

[chuckinca]

We used a mover, Flat Rate Moving.

It cost about a K more than pods but they remove and reinstall (we had to furnish boxes and fill with loose items which we did over a three month period). They stored stuff locally for one month at no addnl cost and we could add or remove items if needed.

It was the best part of the move.

.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Our furniture was only 6 months old when we bought our home inTV. We sold it all and had a big garage sale. Whatever was left we donated to charity.
We kept a grandfathers clock and our clothing and personal items and loaded them in a u-haul with a car being pulled behind.
I even sold all my tools including 2 rolling tool chests full of high dollar tools.
Our CYV here was turn-key and even had the pots and pans.
Now if we could just sell our other home in Indiana it would help.........at least it is rented and we have lowered the price so we are crossing our fingers.

[springfield]

never heard of Flat Rate Moving, are they a national chain?

[swrinfla]

Springfield:

I don't know why you should worry about your "Illinois furniture." We don't all go "Florida" immediately upon arrival! My mid-1950's St. Louis furniture still works even when palm trees are visible outside the window. And, some folks say it's nice!

Point is: yes, you're making a huge change in your life and lifestyle, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you should dump everything with which you've lived for years!

Whatever, welcome to our little bit of paradise, so they say!

SWR

[springfield]

Thank you for your welcome and thanks for your info on flat rate moving! I got 2 quotes today, Trans Union Moving, and Eagle Van Lines. Has anyone used them? good? bad?

[kb8tpw]

Have you talked to the Villages Relocation Service? They are very helpful and go the extra mile. We did not end up using one of their recommendations however. The van pulls up in front of our house a week from tomorrow, so time is near...............