[mrsnjp]

Question: When contemplating a move to Lower Paradise, is it better to plan to pack and move every stick of furniture that you own, or sell all/most of it and buy new when you get there?

I've heard that "it's easier to pack a checkbook than a moving van...".

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by mrsnjp

Question: When contemplating a move to Lower Paradise, is it better to plan to pack and move every stick of furniture that you own, or sell all/most of it and buy new when you get there?

I've heard that "it's easier to pack a checkbook than a moving van...".

The last time we moved to Florida we sold all of our northern furniture at an auction and only packed up the personal items as Mayflower Movers charged by the pound as do they all............we rebought all new furniture, etc. to fit the place we purchased, a condo on the beach.

With the thought of it looming "to do it all over again" I would still do the same thing..........unless you are very attached to your furniture. Most recently we even replaced many things, so we'd be re selling fairly new items.
But, not all northern furniture goes well with the Florida decor. Good Luck.

[Figmo Bohica]

Sell, give away, throw away and buy new. We DID NOT and what a mess. Seems that everyone brings to much and ends up tossing it anyway. Better NOT to pay for moving stuff that you are going to have to toss.

[chuckinca]

We brought our bed - bought a new mattress set.

China cabinet was also brought with us.

That's all for furniture.


.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Figmo Bohica

Sell, give away, throw away and buy new. We DID NOT and what a mess. Seems that everyone brings to much and ends up tossing it anyway. Better NOT to pay for moving stuff that you are going to have to toss.

So true. Everyone accumulates so many things over the years, even if they had downsized in the past, it all seems to accumulate again, thanks to grandchildren, etc. We had asked our adult children to take whatever they wanted of their childhood toys, etc. before disposing of the rest, and now we have all "new stuff" back again so they can play while visiting......I can't believe it's all back again. We all have to much stuff so better to either avoid the clutter in the first place or downsize before moving to TV.

p.s. WE used to have a huge collection of books that we would pack up each time we moved.
Now, I've given away most of them and we are using our Kindles. Less is more.

[ahayward65]

Originally Posted by mrsnjp

Question: When contemplating a move to Lower Paradise, is it better to plan to pack and move every stick of furniture that you own, or sell all/most of it and buy new when you get there?

I've heard that "it's easier to pack a checkbook than a moving van...".

We also just bought in the Villages-we are going to bring almost nothing from our home up north. It is a great time to downsize poccessions and truly get a fresh start. I have seen too many homes with furniture that does not fit into the Florida style.

Originally Posted by mrsnjp

Question: When contemplating a move to Lower Paradise, is it better to plan to pack and move every stick of furniture that you own, or sell all/most of it and buy new when you get there?

I've heard that "it's easier to pack a checkbook than a moving van...".

Donated what we had to a christian furniture outlet and started new here. Worked best for us.

[ilovetv]

Buy new, here. Don't take this personally, but often, the furniture and accessories people bring from their past life says "Grannyville" or "Old People".

[mrsnjp]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

Buy new, here. Don't take this personally, but often, the furniture and accessories people bring from their past life says "Grannyville" or "Old People".

It can't say but so old...I'm only 45! Though I do have to admit to owning an early 20th century bedroom suit that was mine as a child -- my grandmother's first purchase when she graduated teachers' college in Farmville -- which is currently sporting a lovely brand new teal silk comforter ensemble embroidered with peacock feathers.

But seriously...I get that the traditional southern "sitting room" is a no-no, but what else won't fly in decor de Florida? (Somebody PLEASE tell me Disney cels are allowed...I've been collecting for years)

I've envisioned something between a Victorian beach cottage in Nags Head and a Spanish villa, with a little Margaritaville thrown in for good measure. Am I close? If this is indeed the case, my packing list will be short (bedroom suit, Tiffany light fixture, Disney stuff, flat-screen tv...and a toothbrush)!

Now all I need to do is get the hubs down for a lifestyle visit and pick out a CYV! Easy, right?

[aln]

We used PODS and only brought mostly personal stuff since we bought our house here 2 years before we moved in and it was rented out some times, so it had to be furnished . Just didn't figure we'd want or need any of our old stuff.
That being said, it ended up we wish we had brought some of our favorite pieces. I had a leather wing back with ottoman. Loved it! Didnt' think I'd like leather but now I own a leather Stressless recliner. Don't get me wrong - love the Stressless but......
Also outfitted the home with king size bed and 'adequate' bedroom set. Now I know both of us wish we brought our Thomasville French Provincial set.

So if you REALLY like something, bring it.

I also think it is easier to resell things here for greater value than up north.

[swrinfla]

mrs:

This is, of course, a very personal decision. Particularly for such a youngster as you!

When I came six years ago, I did bring most of my "up north" furniture because I'd been living with it for more than 40 years and it was comfortable. And, I must admit to having thought about what my late wife would have done, and knew that her "treasures" would come to Florida, too!

I still have that old stuff. My antiques-savvy niece says most of it is indeed antique and worth good money. Since my daughters didn't want any of it when I moved, I'm betting that they'll enjoy the money it'll bring when I'm gone!

The fact that my living room and dining room furniture doesn't meet "Florida lifestyle guidelines" bothers me not one whit!

From a purely practical point of view, moving lots of furniture may conceivably cost you more than buying new!

Welcome to TOTV. Enjoy!

SWR

[mgm4444]

Leave it or Pack it - just wondering if hiring a Professional Home Organizer would be easier.

[cappyjon431]

We are moving to TV in three weeks, and we are moving internationally. Because of the high price of the move we are only brining our art collection and a few sentimental furniture items. The boss is SO excited about going new furniture shopping!

[ladydoc]

We brought some furniture, but mostly the pieces we had commissioned in New Mexico. I debated leaving it, but I won over myself and we brought it. The only oldish thing that is bordering on grannyish is the bedroom set. Other pieces are family pieces I could not bear to leave. But we got rid of sofas, bookcases (the lord blesses kindles!), shelving units, breakfronts, filing cabinets, etc. That said, I am glad we brought the furniture that we did, but oh my gosh, did we bring too much STUFF. STUFF of every kind that now when I unpack it, I look at it and think...WHY did I just pay to ship this thing? The house is almost full and we probably have 80 boxes in the garage. I think that although there was much joy in coming here, there was a sense of seperation and loss as well. Sometimes a gal just needs her things around to ground her in this transition. That is my story and I am going to stick with it (just in case hubby reads this)....You can always get rid of things later, but you can not get them back..if there is something you love, bring it and who the heck cares if it is Florida life style appropriate?

[pooh]

We brought many things with us even after downsizing our possessions. Had our house for a bit and knew the dimensions of each room so we knew what was going to fit, what wasn't needed. Many of the furniture pieces we brought were fairly new and the style we enjoy.

Once here, we bought a few new pieces to fill in the empty spaces. We have also replaced a few things since moving, but our "discards" were eagerly accepted by our son and his family.

If you know what size house you have and think you like the "style" of furniture you have, then bring what you want. If you want to start over, buy new, but do realize that some things might take a little while to be delivered. Either way, setting up a new household is lots of work, but it's FUN!