Moving to Florida....What to Take & What to Leave Behind..

As a Designer for over 30 years, and a Florida "transplant" for 25 years, I personally do know what you should take to your move to Florida vs. what you should leave behind.

#1. SECTIONALS.... A sectional is a large sofa constructed from multiple separate pieces (sections) that come in various configurations. 99% of the time we need to design and plan a sectional carefully so it will fit properly in the room or space. Reusing a sectional that you are not sure will work or will even fit is a gamble and cost associated with packing and moving across states truly makes this not worth the moving cost. Definitely, leave it!

#2. MATTRESSES...Unless you have a truly special mattress that you just can't live without. I would recommend leaving it. Mattresses are bulky and expensive to transport. Also, these have a tendency to get soiled or dirty in a moving truck (even if you shrink-wrap them). Buy new fresh mattresses for your new location.

#3. HEAVY DARK WOODEN FURNITURE.....Unless the piece is a true family heirloom, I would recommend leaving it. Florida homes are generally light and airy and heavy, dark wood pieces most likely won't be the design style you want in your new location.

#4. WORN, OUTDATED or LOW VALUE PIECES.....Trash or donate anything worn or outdated. The costs associated with moving these pieces outweighs the value of them. Low Value Pieces such as particle-board construction (put together furniture that come as flat pieces in a box) simply won't make the journey (as these pieces are easily damaged) and the move-in, especially if you have stairs, etc. Leave it!

WHAT TO TAKE:

#1. HEIRLOOM & SENTIMENTAL PIECES...... Furniture, pieces and things that have some family connection that cannot be replaced and mean something to you. Mom's Jewelry Chest, Dad's Workbench, Grandma's Christmas Ornaments - anything with sentimental value that you want to pass down or anything that really gives you that warm feeling inside. KEEP....

#2. FAMILY PHOTOS..... Sort of #1 item, but mentioning as these are items that cannot be replaced. Either have all of these electronically copied (and you can upload on a digital picture frame) or pack originals in a box or tote. KEEP...

#3. BEDDING..... White bed sheets, White Coverlets/Comforters, etc. work everywhere. KEEP...

#4. ARTWORK.....If you have any original pieces, nice prints, etc. KEEP...

#5. AREA RUGS...If they are good quality (wool or silk) & you really love them and they are a neutral color or color you will be using in your new home...KEEP