If you prefer salt in your margaritas rather than your sidewalks, then you’re right to consider becoming a snowbird. It’s more fun with more sun, so you leave your cold northern abode during winter and head south for warmer weather.
You could be renting or own a vacation house in one of the popular cities for snowbirds in Florida. Or, you could be bringing along your RV to the south, in which case, you might congregate with other snowbirds in a “white city,” which is just an RV park filled with snowbird RVs. Quartzite in Arizona is a popular and affordable place to hitch your RV for several months.
Most snowbirds are retirees whereas seniors moving to warmer climates for good, are not usually considered snowbirds. However, after the pandemic, that demographic has included some young blood. For instance, 30-something Tim Ebner shares his snowbirding experience on Thrillist:
“I don’t own a pair of Bermuda shorts, and I certainly don’t wear socks with sandals. I don’t know how to play shuffleboard, and I’m under the age of 65, but that didn’t stop me from relocating to the Sunshine State for three months last winter. Yep, I became a legit Florida snowbird, and it was fantastic.
Thanks to the rise of remote work and flexible housing, heading south for the winter is no longer just for seniors living out their golden years.”
If you’re itching to fly south for the winter but not sure how, we’ve lined up some helpful tips just for you. Whether you’re a first-time snowbird or a retiree who’s looking into joining the community, you’ll find actionable info below.
Tips for First-Time Snowbirds
If this is your first-time snow birding, you’ll want to test it out first. Instead of the entire winter season, you could start by renting out a place for one or two months just to see if this is really what you want and if you can commit to the lifestyle.
Take this time to try out different places that appeal to you to see which one is best suited to your tastes and preferences. What kind of lifestyle do you enjoy in the north? Your answer to this question should form the basis of your lifestyle in the south too. After all, you won’t suddenly become a different person in the warmer climate. For instance, if you’re pretty active up north, you’re most likely going to enjoy being active in the south as well. And, if you love to socialize, you’ll also want to do that down south. Of course, you’d also want to have access to beaches, live a safe neighborhood, and have fast internet if you’re working while you’re there.
Packing Tips for Snowbirds
Snowbirding is not like going on a vacation, where you’ll only need to pack for a few days or weeks. When you decide to become a snowbird, you’ll have to pack for several months.
It would be ideal if your rental is furnished as this will lessen what you’ll have to bring with you on the journey to the south. If you can find out what furnishings come with the rental, you can decide to either bring essential items with you or buy cheap items once you’re there. Whether you’re flying or driving, determine in advance what you’re going to take with you on the journey and what needs to be shipped.
Clothes can take up space in your luggage or your trunk. The key is to keep your wardrobe streamlined by packing light but must-have items. Warm-weather outfits are necessary but so are a light jacket, some warm tops, and a few pairs of pants. Even though the south is much warmer than the north, it’s totally possible that you will still experience some cold nights there.
Don’t forget important documents, such as driver’s license, rental agreement, insurance papers and tax forms. It’s not necessary to bring hard copies of these documents in most cases, so you can scan them and save them to the cloud.
Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Winter
Leaving a house in the winter can mean possible damage and/or theft. So, before you leave your house, make sure to turn off the main water supply to avoid frozen pipes and other damages. Setting your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) can also help avoid damages due to extreme cold. Store outdoor furniture and equipment inside, unplug your appliances and make sure to seal openings where pests might enter.
Double-check that all doors and windows and other entryways are locked and that your blinds are down. To deter thieves, install an alarm system. Or, have a family member, friend or neighbor check on your house from time to time.
Consider getting the services of a snow removal company. Set up timer switches on your lights so that they turn on and off at set times or install solar-powered lights outside your house. Ask someone to collect your mail and send them to you weekly or use a service to forward them where you’re staying for the winter. These steps should make your house look lived in and is a simple way to protect against burglars breaking in.
You can also ask your newspaper, cable and internet providers to suspend their services during the time you’re away. You’ll only need to pay a small monthly fee and they will resume automatically on the date you set. You should also ensure that bills reach you and that they get paid. Paying for them online will be the easiest option.
Before your move, you should also inform your bank and credit card issuers about your travel plans. Otherwise, your card might get declined.
Insurance and Healthcare Tips for Snowbirds
Before committing to the southward journey, contact your insurance company and make sure you understand your healthcare coverage. Specifically, ask your health insurance provider if your policy can be used out of state. Also inquire about how your trip will affect your ability to procure prescriptions and medicine.
If you’re taking steroids and opioid painkillers, for instance, you might find it hard to buy them out of state or your insurance might not be able to cover the expense. Your doctor should be able to order your refills and you can pick them up at chain pharmacies. It’s also important to ask your healthcare provider for referrals at your destination in case of emergencies.
Tips for Being a Snowbird
Being a snowbird offers a unique lifestyle filled with sun and adventure. From testing the waters to packing efficiently and securing your home, these tips will help you navigate the snowbird life.
