6 things to keep in mind about becoming a snow-bird
Whether you rent, buy or sublet, the key is to plan well.
DATE
SOURCE
[PART TWO ]
This is part two of a three part article on snow-birding.
To start from the beginning read the first part here
Snowbirding takes some finesse to make sure all your affairs are in order. Here are 6 things to keep in mind about becoming a snowbird:
The term “snowbird” has been around for almost 100 years and was first used in 1923 to describe seasonal workers who moved south for the winter months. By 1980 however, it was more commonly used to describe the retired tourists who flocked to the south in the winter months. The latter definition stuck.
Snowbirds start to head south between November and January and often stay on until May. Often snowbirds wait until late December or early January to relocate so they don’t miss out on spending the holidays with their loved ones.
Let’s start planning:
Whether you rent, buy or sublet, the key is to plan well. Snowbirding takes some finesse to make sure all your affairs are in order. Here are six simple things to keep in mind about becoming a snowbird:
1
Choose carefully:
It sounds obvious but choose your snowbird home carefully. Snowbirding is not a vacation. You need a home that's comfortable during the season when you will be living there. Don’t keep your travel plans a secret. Be sure to carry an easily accessible copy of emergency contact information just in case.
2
Take your time:
The only race you have to run here is to beat the snow. If you don’t plan ahead, it’s likely you will forget something obvious. Write down everything you have to do before you leave. Be sure to explore unexpected “finds” as you go.
3
Lock up:
Did you shut the water off? Do you have a friend to check the house periodically? Is someone taking in the mail and door flyers? They’re small things, but can cause big problems if not addressed.
4
Cover all your bases:
Check and recheck all your documents such as medical records, prescriptions and license and passport. Make sure your documents are valid and don’t forget to carry your medicines in their original drug store containers with the labels. Check with your insurance agent to make sure everything is up-to-date before you begin your journey.
5
Go digital:
The internet has made paying bills and keeping up with loved ones easier than ever. Stay updated about your northern home's electric bills, monitor your home security camera, operate lights through home automation, and even grant entry through electronic lockboxes in case of emergencies.
6
Pack Light:
If this is your first trip down south, we guarantee that you are packing too much stuff! We advise you to only pack what you need to get you to your winter destination. The rest, you can get when you arrive.
