Canadian Winters Getting You Down? Become a Snowbird and Fly South!
Winter is coming. And if the thought of enduring another long, cold Canadian winter makes your teeth chatter and your bones rattle, consider joining the flock and becoming a snowbird! If you’re ready to swap snow for sunshine or are still getting warmed up (heh-heh, get it?) to the idea, Mini Mall Storage has you covered with everything you need to know to spread your wings and fly south for the winter. Let’s go!
Wait, what is a Snowbird?
Snowbirds are Canadians who head to warmer climates for the winter months. They’re like geese but with better credit scores. Most snowbirds are in retirement age, so they have the flexibility to pack up and move for half the year, although digital nomads have been known to join in the fun, too.
And like the noble cobra chicken, the snowbird is known for living life to the fullest by adopting a migratory lifestyle that allows them to enjoy warm weather and relaxation year-round by trading snow shoveling for poolside lounging.
The Canadian Snowbird Association currently has over 100,000 members and estimates that there are approximately one million Canadians who identify as snowbirds, though for a variety of reasons, only some go south every year. But for those who do, it’s a chance to escape the blistering cold, soak up some sun, and experience the best of both worlds by returning home in the spring.
Best Snowbird Destinations
So, where do snowbirds go during winter? See, that’s the good thing about Canadian winters—pretty much every place is warmer than here, so the options are endless! But heat and sun aren’t the only deciding factors. You’ll also need to think about your budget. If you can afford to jet off to a private island in the Mediterranean, may the odds forever be in your favor. But if you’re like the rest of us, budget-friendly destinations will likely come out on top. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Florida: The Sunshine State, known for its, well, sunshine. The southern part of this coastal state has a tropical climate that is especially popular with Canadians looking for a warm place to winter. Florida is also very well known for its senior-friendly communities and activities.
- Arizona: The Grand Canyon State, known for its stunning desert landscapes. Unlike Florida, Arizona is completely landlocked. So, if coastal environments aren’t your thing, Arizona’s warm, dry air and sandy dunes might be more to your liking. Arizona offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of outdoor activities.
- California: The Golden State, known for its gorgeous beaches and Hollywood glamour. From the Pacific coastline to its laid-back vibes, California offers both beauty and endless entertainment. Palm Springs is a popular spot with a large retirement community, but it can be a tad expensive.
- Mexico: Many Canadians skip past the States and head even further south to Mexico for its affordability, culture, and year-round warmth. Mexico is the most budget-friendly option on this list, as the cost of living is much lower than in Canada and the US. There’s generally a reasonable exchange rate for the Canadian dollar, so you can stretch your budget further while enjoying the beautiful scenery, gorgeous beaches, and unbeatable culture.
How to Winterize a Vacant Home
Before you fly off for warmer weather, you have to make sure your home is prepared to live without you for a while. The exact checklist of what you need to take care of to keep your home in good shape while you’re away will vary based on your circumstances, but there are a few common things you should do before you go:
- Turn off the water supply to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Lower your thermostat to around 15 degrees. It’s cool enough to save energy but warm enough to keep the interior from freezing.
- Unplug unused appliances and electronics to prevent electrical issues.
- Close curtains or blinds to maintain privacy and keep the cold out.
- Consider hiring a house sitter or asking a trusted friend to check in regularly to identify potential problems before they become major disasters.
What About Snowbird Parking?
Unless you’re driving, you’ll probably also need to consider where you’ll leave your vehicle while you’re gone. Street parking isn’t an option because it leaves your car vulnerable to theft, damage, tickets, and even towing. So, if you don’t have a garage or secure parking spot, you’ll need to make other arrangements. Here are a few options:
- Neighbors’ driveway or a friend’s garage: If you have a friend or neighbor who is willing, parking at their place is a great option. Not only is it convenient and affordable, but they can keep an eye on your ride and alert you to any issues early on.
- Airport parking: Many snowbirds choose to leave their cars at the airport while they’re away. Most airports offer long-term parking options, but it doesn’t usually come cheap. Check with your local airport to see what your options are.
- Mini Mall Storage: We offer secure, long-term parking solutions, so you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is safe while enjoying the sun. Most of our self-storage facilities offer covered or uncovered vehicle storage, find the location nearest you to check availability.
Your Snowbird Checklist for Leaving Home
Before you fly south, ensure you’ve crossed everything off your checklist!
- Prepare your home to be vacant: Winterize your home using the tips above. And don’t forget to clean out the fridge and freezer to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return.
- Think about home security: Secure doors and windows to keep out cold drafts and potential break-ins. Set timers on lights to create the illusion of someone being home.
- Forward your mail: Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post or have a friend collect your mail while you’re away. This is also an important safety consideration, so don’t take this step lightly.
- Prescriptions: If you have regular medications, make sure you have enough refills to last your trip, or you’ve made arrangements and have all the necessary paperwork to have them filled at your destination location.
- Insurance: Double-check your home insurance policy to ensure your home is covered while you’re away. You may also want to invest in travel insurance for your time abroad.
With these steps checked off, you’ll be ready to join the flock and enjoy a stress-free, sun-filled winter. Whether you need a safe place to store your belongings, vehicle, or RV, Mini Mall Storage has the solutions you need to start living it up as a snowbird. With convenient locations and flexible options, we’re here to make your winter escape as smooth as possible.
Find affordable self storage near you today!