Snowbirds: Moving Between Connecticut and Florida Each Season
Spending winters in Florida and summers in Connecticut gives you the best of both seasons. But splitting your year between two homes also means deciding what travels with you, what stays behind, and where it all lives in between. Here is how snowbirds can make seasonal moves easier, with tips on packing, planning, and seasonal storage in Connecticut.
Planning Your Seasonal Move
Many snowbirds head south in late fall and return in spring. Because the timing repeats every year, the smartest approach is to build a routine. Keep a running list of what you bring each way, label boxes by destination, and book your long distance movers well ahead of your travel dates.
Decide What Travels and What Stays
- Travel with you: Seasonal clothing, important documents, medications, valuables, and personal items you use every day.
- Keep in each home: Duplicate basics like linens, kitchen tools, and toiletries so you are not moving them twice a year.
- Store in Connecticut: Winter gear, holiday decor, extra furniture, and keepsakes you do not need in Florida.
Seasonal Storage in Connecticut
If you are downsizing your Connecticut home or renting it out while you are away, seasonal storage keeps your belongings safe until you return. Connecticut summers are humid and winters are cold, so climate-controlled storage is a good choice for wood furniture, electronics, artwork, and documents. Having your items stored with your moving company also makes pickup and delivery easier when the season changes.
Working With Snowbird Movers From CT to Florida
A dependable moving partner turns the seasonal shuffle into a simple routine. Colonial Moving & Storage is a family-owned company in Berlin, CT, licensed and insured for long distance moves (USDOT #3115246). We provide packing, long distance moving, and storage, so one team can handle your belongings from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a snowbird move?
A snowbird move is a seasonal move between two homes, usually from a colder state like Connecticut to a warmer state like Florida for the winter, then back again in spring. Instead of relocating once, snowbirds move a smaller set of belongings each season. Many keep furniture and basics in both homes and store seasonal items in between, which keeps each trip lighter and easier to manage.
When should snowbirds book movers?
Snowbirds should book movers several weeks before their travel date, and earlier if they have a firm deadline. Fall and spring are popular travel times for seasonal residents, so planning ahead gives you a better chance of getting your preferred pickup and delivery dates. Because the move repeats every year, many snowbirds set their dates for the next season as soon as the current move is finished.
Should I use climate-controlled storage for seasonal items?
Yes, climate-controlled storage is a smart choice for many seasonal items. Connecticut has humid summers and cold winters, and swings in temperature and humidity can affect wood furniture, leather, electronics, artwork, photos, and paper documents. A climate-controlled unit keeps conditions steady while you are away. For durable items like patio furniture or tools, standard storage may be enough.
Can movers transport my car to Florida?
Most household moving companies do not transport personal vehicles, so car shipping is usually arranged separately. Many snowbirds use a dedicated auto transport company or the Amtrak Auto Train, which carries passengers and their vehicles between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida. Ask your mover what they offer, then plan your vehicle transport around your household delivery dates.
How do I protect my Florida home while I am in Connecticut?
Secure your Florida home before you head north, especially since the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Bring in outdoor furniture, store valuables and important papers safely, and consider having someone check on the property. Taking these steps before you leave helps protect your belongings while you spend the summer in Connecticut.
Make Every Season an Easy Move
Living in two places should feel like a reward, not a chore. With a clear routine, the right storage, and a trusted moving team, your seasonal moves can be simple and stress free. Colonial Moving & Storage has served Connecticut and New England families for over 50 years. Call us at (860) 356-3599 or request your free estimate online to plan your next season.
