Welcome Back Snowbirds! Things to Remember When You Come Back in Town

The season is here! Snowbirds are heading back to the Sunshine State from their northern homes to enjoy a nice, warm winter and miss out on the snow and ice that comes with the cooler temperatures in the upper portions of the US.  Here in Polk County, we have a lot of friends and neighbors that come back south starting in late September and will be here until the spring when they head back up to their second home (usually starting around March or April).

Because these people stay for extended periods of time in each location, they are fondly referred to as “snowbirds” (because of their “migrating” from one home to another based on the weather). Staying for long lengths of time in any given place though comes with some specific needs that a typical vacation or regular trip does not require.  So, what are some special things to keep in mind when you are leaving your summer home and heading back to your winter residence?

First, take care of your “paperwork”.  This includes having your mail forwarded, making sure you take care of any unpaid bills before you leave one home and head to the other (such as any outstanding utility balances), and dealing with any written contracts or instructions for your property management arrangement if such applies to you.  Having your paperwork in order before you ever leave means you can have a clean slate to start with once you arrive here in Florida, and that will make everything much smoother during the transition.

Secondly, let people know you’re back!  While your close friends and family will know your travel schedule, local acquaintances and contacts might not.  If you have a local church, any Polk County clubs or organizations you participate in, HOA groups, etc. then you need to let them know you are back in town and ready to be a part of gatherings and meetings again.  Consider sending out a mass email if you have large numbers of people to notify when you return, since this will save time and it’s easier to make sure you don’t overlook anyone important because you only have to select their address instead of compiling an individual message for each contact.

Finally, double check services in your new place, like your lawn care provider, utility companies, and your insurance advisor/provider.  If you are in the Winter Haven area, that means letting us here at Carroll Marshall Insurance know you’re back in the area.  This is a great time for us to sit down with you, look over your policies and go over any changes that might have happened since you left the last time.  We can help you alter your coverage plan as needed, to ensure that you are protected in every area, from your home and property, to your health.  All you have to do is call for an appointment, or stop by our Winter Haven office.

We are so glad to have our snowbird friends coming back here to Florida for a while.  Welcome back to those of you who have returned!