[snbrafford]

We moved from Virginia using a moving company but only needed a small truck and they did all the packing and loading - that way they are responsible for any damage. Pricing was all over the board so we picked a well-know name that was somewhere in the middle.
Before moving, we had an auction company come in and take most of our accumulated stuff - furniture, lawnmowers, chain saws, tools, etc. and sell them. Only got pennies on the dollar but no room or use here for them. We decided we were starting a new life here and started off with all new stuff - especially furniture and decorations. Before doing that, we left the kids pick what they might want and were surprised as stuff we had "kept for the kids" that they did not want.
I pass garages all the time crammed full of stuff that will never be used here so and there is no room for cars or gold cart. Some people we know are renting off site storage to keep stuff in.
So my best suggestion is don't bring all your accumulated stuff.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We borrowed a small trailer that hitches to a pickup truck, belonging to a friend with a landscaping company. Used it, and the pickup truck, to haul whatever we were keeping in 3 trips and drove our stuff down there ourselves. I also stuffed my little compact car with smaller furnishings, the fine china, our wedding crystal and linens, in two trips. We probably spent around the same as we'd spend if we paid someone else to do it for us, but at the time I was just really wanting to get out of our house up north and spend some time in our new house in the Villages. So I turned it into a couple of week-long adventures.

[Buzzerbaby]

Originally Posted by cswett5234

Question about PODs, (I know I could hit their website….), how do they charge? I know it’s probably based on the size of the POD and the distance to the destination. We are still a few yrs away from relocating, but we’re already paring down our current “stuff”, hoping to move with very little furniture.

So, those who have used POD, can you give us an estimate of the associated costs? Just a ball-park figure is good, is it $2500 or $25,000? Thanks!

Clint from Freeport, ME

I sent you a private message with the detailed breakdown of our two quotes.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by arbud

Hi. Have a house in Santo Domingo already for move in. Will be moving at the end of September from the Baltimore area. Have a moving company lined up to bring our stuff into the house once in Fla. Need some advice on what/who you all used since no one here is from Fla, right
After some calculations I would need about a 22' truck or at least 1200sq ft.
Hire a moving company to do entire job. Less packing boxes.
Hire movers to stuff a truck or Pod with our belongings and movers then in Floridas to off load
Just go the Pod route. Bud

Have yet to have a friend or relative who went with PODS give anything but rave reviews, from equipment to staff service, a lot of very happy people.One of our friends actually has booked a river cruise of Europe this summer all paid for with the savings by deciding to give PODS a try... LOL ! Had other friends who decided to move out of the villages permanently, moving to Michigan. Took a "chance" on PODS and they were more satisfied than any move they made their entire careers. Said first time they ever had a move with not a single broken or damaged item, and 100% on time promised. We don't plan to move out of the Villages, but from time to time think about a place closer to the coast, like margaritaville by Daytona, but if we ever really did it, would give PODS a try based on the feed back we've had first hand from friends. BTY, there will be plenty of people on here who mis-read your question/post. They will give you advice on WHAT NOT to bring, not HOW to bring it. I'd say ignore most advice on that. NO ONE KNOWS you, and how you may, or may not, want to create your environment here. If you have good solid wood made in the USA furniture, think twice if you truly want to get "rid" of it for some imported "junk" with glued particle board drawers and backs, and for which you will pay in the many thousands of dollars. If you want a total change, GO FOR IT, it's important to really enjoy your surroundings in retirement. You'll be in your house much more now that you don't have to go to work...LOL... so make it one where you are surrounded with the things and furniture you want. People will tell you how THEY felt, others have great regrets that their new "home" feels more like a home they rented for a vaca, not the feeling of being surrounded by their own possessions. Only you can decide in which category you are ! Happy move !