You're taking ALL that stuff with you?????????

[N2TE]

I'm new to the garage here (1st posting) and I'm looking forward drawing upon the wealth of information that is shared by so many and has been posted. I'm looking at pulling the retirement ripcord in about 12-15 months and making the move from NJ to FL (central west coast area, 2-5 acres). So some initial planning has already begun. And being married to a better half who has given me the green light to erect my out-building shop on our new property (when we find a place) is a nice thing. It drives me absolutely BONKERS however when people look at my collection of "stuff" (machinery, tools, toys) that I've accumulated over the years and ask me, "Are you taking ALL that stuff with you when you move?" Uh... hello... YES I AM! Why does one retire anyway? To play with our tools and toys in the garage. Or is it to sit on a couch in front of a TV in condo in some cookie cutter retirement community and just 'wait'? Is it only me? hahaha Between my woodworking & metalworking, my 2 vintage military vehicles (USMC,USAF), ham radio, antique tractor, and a passion for fishing and gardening who has time to sit on a couch! I just hope that I don't break the bank when the mover shows up to give me a quote to move and snickers and smiles at me and says, "Yeah... ok..."

Anyway I'm looking forward to my time here in the garage with everyone. I did see the sign next to the old frig over there in the corner that says, "Help yourself to a cold one." I helped myself to one and tossed some change into the tin can up top. Anyone know where the church key is? (Am I dating myself using that term?)

Thanks to the folks that run this site. Looks like a great resource and real winner.

Ed
N2TE

 

[djjsr]

Welcome aboard Ed! Sounds like you've got a good plan to me. I retired 8 years ago and I highly recommend it. Best job I ever had!

 

[Higgins]

Be prepared for $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and sticker shock with relocating all that stuff!

Several yrs ago we were looking at relocating several states away and it was going to cost a lot of $$$. So when I replaced my work truck, I purchased a one ton truck that had a 12 ft box on it so I could use it for the business and also for our relocation. Our relocation was put on hold, but has been used several times to relocate family members.

So after you get estimates, you may want to look into purchasing a used truck, and flat bed and you'll end up ahead as far as relocation goes, and you can move stuff on your schedule, not the moving company!

AL

 

[383 240z]

When I moved from Boston to Pittsburgh, they quoted the house hold stuf at $0.50 a lb to move it. When I showed them the shop, the guys eyes popped. He said "I have no idea how to quote this" I ended up renting a 26' box truck, it was grossly overloaded. I really should have taken up by buddy on his offer of a 52' box trailer. He wanted to drop a trailer in front of my house so we could load it. I would have if I had a loading dock, no way I was dead lifting all those engines, transmissions, axles, and my 3 roll away boxes with top chests up into that truck. Keith

 

[NHBandit]

We moved from NH to Tennessee 2 years ago and shopped around quite a bit on how to best move our stuff. ABF you-pack came out less than renting the same size U-haul truck and they do all the driving and they pay for the fuel. They drop a 28' box trailer off at your place. You have a few days to fill it and they drop it at your new place. You then have a few days to unload it. We also borrowed a landscaping trailer and pickup from a friend to move my 3 toolboxes, 2 Harleys & all my yard junk, loaded our truck, rented a U-haul car trailer for my 67 Camaro which my son towed with his truck & drove 2 cars down to boot. It was quite the gypsy caravan of vehicles coming down I-81 but we got it all here.

 

[tshetter]

Moved from NJ to Central FL 15yrs ago...a lot has changed here.

The coast can be quite expensive. Just be ready for that. If you push inland a bit you can find good acreage for decent prices. Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Hardee, and maybe Sumpter, Lake, eastern Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Remember, FL is only about 150miles wide. So even in the center of the state you are only a good hour to an hour and a half from the beach.

I live between Tampa and Orlando, and I love it.
Wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

 

[Glenn M.]

Welcome to the GJ from VA/FL!
I love it here in Port Charlotte (SW FL), prices seem reasonable, although I bought when prices were "down", about 2 1/2 years ago....