Unless you're buying a Premier home here, I'd advise to not move large furniture, especially oversized sectional sofas, tall t.v. entertainment units, and especially not china cabinets. The consignment store ends up with far too many of these because they are too big or too old-fashioned to fit in anything but a premier and some designers.

Old china is another thing that ends up at the consignment store. Few people use their "good china" they got as wedding gifts 40 years ago, much less display it it a cabinet.

If you can afford it, it works better IMO to buy here and furnish with new and slightly used, and THEN go back home and sell the major furniture you have. That way you'll know what would fit here, and you'll see how out-dated and tired a lot of the furnishings at home look now. You'll also see how good it feels to have the new place here clutter free, and you'll see how much you need to get rid of a lot back home so you can stay clutter free here.

I have to admit since decluttering, I have felt so much better to be rid of stuff that I never looked at that was stored away. Some of it in bookcases just added to the burden.

It is also so much easier to keep clean. :smiley:

Except for a few momentos, "it's got to go is my motto".

I was fortunate. About 8 years before I moved to TV and without any intention of moving - ever, I started cleaning out my closets of things that I had not used in the past one to two years. It is amazing how much STUFF one accumulates - even without children and a husband. Every year, I would shift through my belongings, shedding more and more. It felt great!!!! Then, when out of the blue, I decided that I could indeed retire and leave New York City, I had most of the work done. Was I unconsciously preparing to move to TV and I just did not let myself in on the decision? Maybe. I sold most of my furniture to the buyer of my Co-op. I still had many boxes to pack for the movers and then again unpack here in my new home. In retrospect, it was exciting and exhausting. I moved here in May this year. This December I felt like I had my full energy back. I retired, sold my co-op and moved all in one fell swoop and the life change took a lot of energy. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Was it worth it? You bet it was!:MOJE_whot: Good luck with your move.

I started getting rid of unwanted household items long before the move. As you get older, you need to take the gradual approach. But I enjoyed it. The anticipation gave me energy and I have always kept myself in good physical condition which helps a lot.

The optimum situation would be to find a previously-owned furnished house. There are some out there, but the catch is you have to like the house and the furnishings. The recurring theme through this thread is start early.

Turnkey!!!
 

One word- Turnkey!!
My husband has a bad back, recent heart attack. So we sold everything and drove from CA to TV, after purchasing turnkey. It was so nice to be able to just turn the key, and we walked into our pre-owned home, after spending many nights in hotels on our way out here. We had sold our furniture on Craig's list, had several garage sales, to be able to do this.
We as a nation of people are SO stuck on our possessions and THINGS. Moving to Paradise should cause us to pause and reflect on what is really important in life. Friends, family, faith, good neighbors, stress free activities, you name it. But furniture is NOT on the list for me!

Very good observation. Like anything else, some things are to be done little by little.

"Inch by inch, anything is a cinch. Yard by yard, it's hard". Rev. Robert Schuller

Does anyone know of any company or service that will help you unpack and put things away?

Yes, you are correct on all of the above.........and I thank you.

I echo everything you say above and that's "the plan". Good advice.
Thankyou.

Great story !! Thanks for sharing.

Wonderful post and very wise observation.

I think we all have reached that point in life where "stuff" and possessions in general, especially those that accumulate dust are not worth the bother.

We've told the kids we do not need any more gifts and such, but then the grandchildren send us all their handmade crafts and things and the closets are busting out with everything.......all the accumulated stuff.

Ironically, we totally decluttered back in 1994. It has taken from 1995 in this house, which is large, to 2013 (EIGHTEEN YEARS) to replenish more of all the stuff we unloaded the last time...........this time toy boxes for all the grandchildren, games for all the grandchildren.......you get the picture...........childrens books, videos and so forth.......plus tons of gift items we've received and "never use".

I want to thank EVERYONE who has posted for sharing their stories.

When we moved to this house in Kissimmee, FL I got rid of all furniture and bought new...now w move to TV I am taking my stuff....up North its expensive and you dont know if things will break

Right On!
 

I didn't call my hubby names but we had many many many skirmishes over his stuff and helping me pack. He also went to work everyday leaving me to deal. In the end, when he took time off he was quite helpful. Many sleepless nights for me. I will never move again! Too emotional, stressful and tireing. I am glad we are here and settled.

Aww..my hubby is the most helpful guy in the whole world:swear: and I couldn't have done it without him:ohdear:...I'm SURE when he gets back from Michigan his first priority will be to clean the garage...yeah..right:cryin2: