Most of us who are retired or about to retire might not appreciate the abundance of snow and cold that we may experience every winter. We may think you would like to snowbird every year, but your budget just won’t allow you to go, or you may think that you can’t leave because of friends and family.
You would be surprised to know that snow birding is indeed possible and won’t break the bank either. There are several options available, which depending on your budget from renting a property to buying a piece of land and building or putting up an affordable small home. According to the Cottage Depot, most cottages can cost $15,000 to $30,000 and when you factor in the normal home costing $100,000 or more, this makes the option of snow birding possible.
Regardless, of your situation, you’ve worked hard all your life and deserve the chance to hightail it somewhere warm during the winter time. Unlike a lab rat who needs metal ear tags to identify where he belongs, you will voluntarily come home in the Spring, but just need a break from the cold. Today, we will remind you of those extra steps in preparation before you leave.
Getting Transitioned
Most of the time when you head off to warmer weather for snow birding, you go from three to six months and it’s important to think about your current home and what needs to be done. Are you planning on flying or driving to your snowbird getaway? Will you be renting out your home when you’re gone? Despite these questions, you have to remember the following in order to have a smooth transition to your vacation property.
You have to remember to go to the post office and forward your mail to your next destination. If you aren’t going to be gone that long and have a family member picking up the mail.
Insurance
If you happen to be driving to your next destination and will be there for some time you will want to notify your insurance company. Also, if you happen to be leaving a vehicle behind in your garage, the insurance costs go way down.
Water and Utilities
There are a variety of items you should remember to do when you leave to go snow birding that include turning off your water. You can also turn down your water heater to vacation mode or even turn it off completely.
Make sure to unplug everything that takes electricity as even leaving it plugged in can cost you extra money. Remember utilities like the cable and the internet as having these deactivated could save you quite a bit of money as well.
Smart Choices
You will want to make sure it looks like if someone is living at home, even when no one is there. This can include having someone take out your garbage cans, keeping your driveway and sidewalks plowed, and using timed lights. You want to make it look like someone is living at your house to keep away thieves. It might even be a smart idea to let family come over once and awhile.
Wardrobe
You have to decide what’s important to bring with you when snow birding. It might be warm at the next destination, but you have to consider you might go out with other couples, or have a couple of cold days you might have to face. It’s best to be prepared!
Conclusion
Snow birding is enjoyed by millions of people in the US, and you should join the crowd as it has become affordable no matter your budget. Sure your family and friends might miss you, but you will be back in the spring, and they can visit you then. Isn’t it time you spent a little time enjoying yourself in a warmer climate this winter?
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