[bark4me]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m moving to TV in December from Colorado. I am in the process of down-sizing now in preparation of my move. Though hard (I’m getting rid of lots of expensive sweaters and jackets, and lots of items I’ve collected over the years), it’s also kind of cathartic. I need some feedback from you folks of what you wish you would have discarded prior to bringing with you to TV, but also, what did you get rid of in your haste to downsize, that you wish you now had. Here is my thinking, and let me know if I’m on track:
Getting rid of:
- Most of my winter jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves - only keeping two mid-weight jackets and a few light weight sweaters.
- Any clothing item that I have not worn in the past year.
- Most all of books, cookbooks.
- Most of my collectibles, and curio items - don’t want stuff that collects dust - looking for a minimalist and stream-lined look in my new Florida home.
- Bookcases, Curio Cabinets and China buffet/hutch.
- Not bringing a single furniture item - buying all new in Florida - want neutral and light colors - not my current Oak, Rocky-Mt style lodge furniture.
- All paintings, framed art, etc - want all new, something that is more Florida-like.
- Most tableware - getting rid of most china patterns - only bringing two styles- one formal and one casual.
- Ditching my car in Colorado- will buy something new in Florida.

I’m just bringing some clothing items, some kitchen stuff, family photos, a few personal items of sentimental value and that’s it - I’d say 90% of what is currently in my home is heading to Goodwill. Please let me know if this is a reasonable plan and strategy.

Sounds like you've got it all covered. Smart idea to start fresh. Don't forget your toothbrush 😁

[airstreamingypsy]

Funny, almost every day I wish I had bought in Colorado, not Florida. You are smart to not pay to bring furniture, the consignment shops are full of 'up north" heavy pieces. As others have said, bring a few warm things. I kept a down vest and have to wear it a few times every winter, the music goes til 9pm in the squares..... it gets chilly.

[DonnaNi4os]

I’d recommend keeping one heavy jacket and gloves. We had 20 degree weather here last winter and also in 2017-18 winter. As for anything that holds a special place in your heart, take a photo. Sounds like you have a good plan.

[sowilts]

That is a fantastic plan. Most furniture may not fit the home anyway. Congratulations have fun decorating.

[PJackpot]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m moving to TV in December from Colorado. I am in the process of down-sizing now in preparation of my move. Though hard (I’m getting rid of lots of expensive sweaters and jackets, and lots of items I’ve collected over the years), it’s also kind of cathartic. I need some feedback from you folks of what you wish you would have discarded prior to bringing with you to TV, but also, what did you get rid of in your haste to downsize, that you wish you now had. Here is my thinking, and let me know if I’m on track:
Getting rid of:
- Most of my winter jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves - only keeping two mid-weight jackets and a few light weight sweaters.
- Any clothing item that I have not worn in the past year.
- Most all of books, cookbooks.
- Most of my collectibles, and curio items - don’t want stuff that collects dust - looking for a minimalist and stream-lined look in my new Florida home.
- Bookcases, Curio Cabinets and China buffet/hutch.
- Not bringing a single furniture item - buying all new in Florida - want neutral and light colors - not my current Oak, Rocky-Mt style lodge furniture.
- All paintings, framed art, etc - want all new, something that is more Florida-like.
- Most tableware - getting rid of most china patterns - only bringing two styles- one formal and one casual.
- Ditching my car in Colorado- will buy something new in Florida.

I’m just bringing some clothing items, some kitchen stuff, family photos, a few personal items of sentimental value and that’s it - I’d say 90% of what is currently in my home is heading to Goodwill. Please let me know if this is a reasonable plan and strategy.

It is a great strategy...wish I had done the same.

[Janie123]

Originally Posted by MsPCGenius

I'd look into a reputable company in your home town that handles Estate Sales. Use the money you make from the sale toward the purchase of new items. Win-Win situation.

Don’t call it an estate sale, we just did that in CO when we recently moved. Handfuls of people asked who died? Estate sales conjures up a very different process. Call it a moving sale.

[Janie123]

We just did what you did, downsize from Colorado to TV. We had buyers that wanted “stuff” from our home as we had an outdoor kitchen/entertaining area. Sold all that to them. Then sold all the big stuff from Facebook market place. I had a large workshop with big woodworking tools and we had some friends that wanted a few of out items as well. Then we did a 2 day moving sale. Had some friends help us as we were cleaning out 40 years of accumulated stuff. We made about $4k doing that. Then the rest either went to goodwill as they take most stuff, friends of the local library for our book collections. Also donated items to local churches that support women’s shelters and lastly, the tons of blankets went to the dog shelters as they are always in need of things for dogs to sleep on and then send them home with the pet.

Lastly, we drove both cars we had to FL.The SUV was filled with the last remaining items we were keeping as used car prices are very high these days and well, we just like both cars.

HTH

[cjky2k]

Doing much of what you are doing.

Strongly second taking your car to Florida and then replacing if/when you want to. We find we use the golf cart so much that the car isn’t that important (although I really dislike the black interior in FL!).
.

As do winter clothes - I have really good coats (commuting via train and walking in Chicago for years) and in exchange for giving the kids family furniture they really wanted (two in MI and one in VA), I told them they had to keep a few winter clothes for my visits. So I sent my serious winter coat and tall uggs and some heavier sweaters and warm pjs and heavy slacks to my daughter in NW MI. And my VA daughter gets a lighter weight coat and short Uggs and mid weight pjs and sweaters. That way, I can travel to visit work just a small bag and know I will be warm during my stay. Oh and hats and gloves went both places.

Also - we enjoy our nice warm fleeces here on many cooler evenings. And I would definitely bring gloves. I also have a couple is hats/headbands for early/late as I hate having my ears cold!

Good luck. You will be happy you cleaned our before moving. Definitely nice to have it done!

[Lsepanske@aol.com]

Coming from Colorado to live in the Villages full time your plan and strategy is good. However, if you plan to return to visit, I recommend keep a few items, i.e, winter clothing; coat, sweater, hat, gloves, pants snow shoes for travel. I travel often to the high country and in the winter when it's cold you'll need them.

[ThirdOfFive]

One thing to keep in mind is that the houses in TV, depending on model, just don’t have a lot of storage space. No basements, pretty small garages Insofar as space for storage goes. Most have attics but that space is somewhat limited, as well as baking hot in the summer.

I mention this because we KNEW all of that, sold most of our stuff and STILL arrived here with way too much stuff. Walk-in closet in the master bedroom looked really big when empty, but after getting stuffed with my wife’s wardrobe and extra bedding (still don’t know why we brought so many blankets; this is FLORIDA after all), it was barely large enough to hold it all.

My advice is to turn whatever you can into money and then purchase stuff you need when here. Things are pretty casual anywhere in TV, and there are numerous estate sales as well as (if you’re into that kind of stuff—my wife is) secondhand shops that often have great deals. One in particular, “Bargains and Blessings” in Wildwood has nearly everything imaginable when it comes to housewares, at some really good prices.

[nancyre]

If your car is good bring it. Cars are hard to get now with long waits, you may find you don't need a new one as you use a golf cart way more.

[coleprice]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m moving to TV in December from Colorado. I am in the process of down-sizing now in preparation of my move. Though hard (I’m getting rid of lots of expensive sweaters and jackets, and lots of items I’ve collected over the years), it’s also kind of cathartic. I need some feedback from you folks of what you wish you would have discarded prior to bringing with you to TV, but also, what did you get rid of in your haste to downsize, that you wish you now had. Here is my thinking, and let me know if I’m on track:
Getting rid of:
- Most of my winter jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves - only keeping two mid-weight jackets and a few light weight sweaters.
- Any clothing item that I have not worn in the past year.
- Most all of books, cookbooks.
- Most of my collectibles, and curio items - don’t want stuff that collects dust - looking for a minimalist and stream-lined look in my new Florida home.
- Bookcases, Curio Cabinets and China buffet/hutch.
- Not bringing a single furniture item - buying all new in Florida - want neutral and light colors - not my current Oak, Rocky-Mt style lodge furniture.
- All paintings, framed art, etc - want all new, something that is more Florida-like.
- Most tableware - getting rid of most china patterns - only bringing two styles- one formal and one casual.
- Ditching my car in Colorado- will buy something new in Florida.

I’m just bringing some clothing items, some kitchen stuff, family photos, a few personal items of sentimental value and that’s it - I’d say 90% of what is currently in my home is heading to Goodwill. Please let me know if this is a reasonable plan and strategy.

My wife and I did exactly what you are doing when we moved to TV. We found the divestiture of possessions "liberating". However, we kept our car. It is easy to re-register your vehicle and obtain a Florida license plate. With the "chip shortages", car dealers have little inventory and charge high prices for the vehicles that they do have on their lots. Ship (or drive) your car, then trade it in or sell it when you purchase a new one after inventory increases and prices become "reasonable" again.

[tomdaughtry]

You.might want to check on lead time to get new furniture. Could be 6-8 months.

[manaboutown]

If you have good reason(s) to sell the vehicle(s) you have and buy one or more new ones here beware of potential hurricane damage from Ian to any vehicle you consider purchasing.

[joelfmi]

before you move do your homework you will surprised on what you will find.