What not to bring when moving in Sarasota?

The most common items that Sarasota residents should leave behind rather than move are old or worn-out furniture pieces that have been awaiting replacement. If you've been meaning to replace a mattress, a sectional, or a dining set, moving is the perfect forcing function — the cost of moving an item you'll replace within a year is rarely worth it, particularly for long-distance moves where transport cost is significant.

Large, heavy items that don't fit your new space are another category to reconsider. Measure your new Sarasota home or retirement unit before moving day and eliminate furniture that won't fit. This is especially common in downsizing scenarios where a large sectional or oversized bedroom set won't work in a smaller footprint.

Items that are legally prohibited from moving trucks (paints, chemicals, propane tanks, pool chemicals) must be disposed of or donated before move day. Plants that won't survive transport in a sealed, hot truck should be given to neighbors or donated to Sarasota community gardens rather than attempted transport. The general test: if you haven't used an item in two or more years, seriously consider whether it deserves a spot on the moving truck.