The snowbird lifestyle is not just for retired people anymore. Many people move south in the winter so they don’t have to deal with snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Deciding to move south for the winter is tempting, especially for Canadian snowbirds, but it’s a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Keep reading to find out what’s needed to adopt the snowbird lifestyle.
Financial stability
One of the biggest factors involved in moving without stress is your financial stability. Ask yourself whether you can really afford to make the move. Typically, retirees who become snowbirds have an average $75,000 annual income. You’ll need to factor in the cost of renting a home for the duration of your stay if you’re not going to buy a second property. You’ll also need to consider the cost of traveling twice a year, potentially paying bills in two places, and more.
How you choose to adopt the snowbird lifestyle will determine how much money you need. For example, living in an RV may introduce the cost of gas to your move, but your living expenses will be less. If you buy a second property, you may have two mortgages and other costs to maintain two homes.
Living situation
The next biggest consideration is where you’re going to live once you decide to start moving south for the winter. The obvious choice may be to buy a property in your chosen destination. Another option is to secure a short-term rental. In this case, choosing a furnished apartment or house will save you a lot of money. If you own an RV or are willing to consider buying one, you can not only sleep in it on the way but also live in it when you get there. The cheapest way to snowbird is to live with friends or family who might have a spare room you could use. Your loved ones can be a source of packing tips and potentially let you forgo the typical cost of living in favor of something less expensive.
Employment
If you choose to adopt the snowbird lifestyle, and retirement is still a while off, you may need to consider employment. People who work from home and have a fully mobile job will have little problem in this area since they can take their work anywhere. However, if your typical line of work requires a brick-and-mortar job site, you should consider beginning the job search before moving. This can be easily done through an online search, alongside a search for moving tips.
Snowbird Packing Tips(Opens in a new browser tab)
Handling friends and family
Moving out of town is always difficult, no matter how near or far you go. After all, you’re leaving behind family and friends, even if only for half the year. The good news is with video-conference apps growing in popularity, staying connected is easy. Additionally, mobile apps like Messenger and WhatsApp make texting or video-calling not only easy but also free. If you’ve chosen to move south for the winter, having a plan to stay connected with your loved ones is important.
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