Snowbird guides
Start with the printable checklist, then dig into the topics you need.
Snowbirds
Snowbird Money-Saving Checklist: Leaving Home and Arriving
A printable two-part checklist for seasonal residents: what to pause, forward and protect before you leave, and what to check when you arrive in Florida, Arizona, California or Texas.
Read the guide →Snowbirds
Protect Your Home While You're Away: Water, Freezes, Storms, Mold and Security
A printable checklist for leaving a home empty: shutting off water, preventing frozen pipes, leak sensors, sump pumps, hurricane prep, security, appliances, pests and humidity in closed-up Florida homes.
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Pausing Utilities, Internet and Subscriptions While You're Away
What to ask about seasonal or vacation holds for internet, TV and subscriptions, which utilities to keep on in an empty home, and a call script for providers.
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Mail and Packages for Snowbirds: Hold Mail, Forwarding and Premium Forwarding
USPS Hold Mail (3 to 30 days), temporary change of address, and Premium Forwarding Service Residential fees as of October 2026, plus package tips for seasonal residents.
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Health Coverage for Snowbirds: Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Your Drugs
How Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage work when you spend the winter in another state, what to ask about Part D pharmacies, and the questions to bring to your plan.
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Insurance for an Empty Home (and a Stored Car) While You're Away
What to ask your insurer about vacancy and unoccupancy clauses before you leave a home empty, plus car insurance questions for a car you store for the season.
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Residency and Taxes for Part-Year Residents: Homestead, Domicile and State Income Tax
Florida homestead basics (Form DR-501, March 1 deadline), what domicile means, which snowbird states have a personal income tax, and official links for FL, AZ, CA and TX. General information only.
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General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
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We hope this helps. — the ForLowerBills team
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