Moving to a warmer climate during the winter is a great way to improve your health and happiness. You’ll get much more sunlight after moving south and may find that a more moderate climate helps you manage symptoms of chronic illness.
However, you may find that the move causes a lot of stress. Moving to avoid the winter months means that you’re effectively living in two places at once, which can be costly and logistically tricky.
Make the process easier by planning well ahead of time. This will help you make a seamless transition when the time comes to move.
Moving for Better Weather
Most people see owning or renting a second home as a luxury reserved for the wealthy. However, snowbirding can actually be a practical way to improve your health and longevity. By moving away to avoid cold winter months, you sidestep the negative health effects of seasonal changes like:
Raised blood pressure
Worsened mood (i.e. seasonal affective disorder)
Tooth and skin sensitivity
Respiratory issues
Cold and flu risk
By moving to a warmer state for the winter, you significantly reduce your risk of developing an illness and can reclaim control over your health and well-being. However, you can’t afford to leave your permanent home without preparing it for a winter without you.
Preparing to Leave
If you’ve decided to snowbird for the winter, you’ll need to start taking proactive steps to protect your permanent home against the harsh winter conditions. Get the ball rolling during the late-summer months and focus on home upgrades for winter like:
Insulation: Check your attic, walls, and floors for drafts and insulation. If you notice that your insulation looks damaged, get it repaired long before you pack your bags.
Pipes: Frozen pipes are a serious hazard that can wreck your home. Make sure your current pipes are well insulated and set your heating system to a temperature well above freezing.
Smoke Detectors: A fire can occur at your house even if you’re away. Frayed wires or faulty appliances can spark into flames and cause significant damage in minutes. Check your alarms before you leave and bring in extra smoke detectors to cover the whole house.
Bring in a plumber if you plan to leave your home for a few months. Plumbers can identify potential issues and insulate your pipes before disaster can occur. They’ll also be able to recommend energy-saving upgrades, which may reduce your costs while you’re away from home.
Consider renting out your permanent home if you know that you’ll be away for a while. Having a trustworthy tenant will put your mind at ease as you know that someone will be home to check on the pipes and keep the place in order. If you can’t find a short-term tenant, you may have to pay for a house-sitter to look after your property instead.
Setting Up Your Snowbird Home
Renting a property in a more moderate climate is a great way to improve your health and enjoy the winter months. However, you’ll need to make some strategic accommodations if you want to make the most of your move south.
If you have a mobility disability, you’ll probably need to declutter and downsize before you make the move. This will make moving with limited mobility easier and can help you make tough decisions when the time comes to pack up your possessions. You should also acquire help from full-service movers, as they’ll be able to pack and install important equipment like stair lifts and access ramps.
When you move, consider making some smart modifications to make later life easier. Grab rails and non-slip mats can prevent nasty falls and recliner chairs can help you sit with greater comfort. If you own the home, consider installing low-pile carpets and remove any rugs. This reduces your risk of tripping and is much easier to vacuum and clean.
Conclusion
Snowbirding is wonderful for your mental and physical health. However, you’ll need to take proactive steps if you want to enjoy all that a warmer climate has to offer. Insulate your permanent home properly and look for a home-sitter who can take care of your house. This reduces the risk of expensive faults and helps you embrace the snowbird lifestyle with peace of mind.
