Should I move to a warmer climate?

by Ethan Greenfieldon Nov 11, 2015.

Everyone who has ever lived in an area with four distinct seasons knows that each of them has its own unique variety of wonders, benefits, and charms to offer. From stunning natural beauty through season-specific fun activities to once-in-a-year events, there are a number of valid reasons to enjoy both the cold and the warm weather. Depending on your lifestyle, your daily activities, and your personal preferences, however, warmer climate may be more beneficial to you than cooler climate, or vice-versa.

Areas that get lots of sunshine and offer year-round mild temperatures are widely preferred as the healthier, more advantageous, and more enjoyable living environment. And indeed, having in mind the numerous temptations and abundant opportunities provided by favorable weather, it’s no wonder that so many people want to move to warmer climate. In fact, moving somewhere warmer may have quite a positive impact on your health, your emotional well-being, and your economic situation.

Pros and cons of moving to a warmer climate

However tempting the idea of moving to a warmer state (or country) where you will be able to enjoy the sunshine all the year round, you need to get familiar with all the positive and negative aspects of living in a warm climate before making your final decision.

Benefits of moving to a warmer climate

Apart from being quite enjoyable, living in a region with plenty of sunshine and little temperature fluctuations can be very beneficial for your health and your wallet too.

Health benefits

Exposure to sunlight – prolonged exposure to the sun increases the levels of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D can help prevent cancer, provides higher energy levels, and makes your bones stronger. It is also beneficial for your blood pressure, improves metabolism, helps stabilize your heart, and boosts your immune system. What’s more, sunlight is very good for your memory (it is a proven fact that mental performance is at its best when body temperature is high) and your emotional well-being – it causes your body to synthetize more of the hormones of happiness and to decrease the production of stress hormones and melatonin (the hormone that causes drowsiness);
Less infections and diseases – colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses are most common in chilly weather when dense fog, strong winds, and low temperatures contribute to the spread of infections and viruses. Cold air affects the lungs and can cause severe respiratory problems, blood pressure and heart rate may increase drastically when your body is trying to regulate its temperature, humidity and cold worsen RA symptoms and other joint pains, etc. People living in a warmer climate are less likely to suffer from such illnesses;
Plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits – nice sunny weather allows various outdoor activities throughout the entire year. Whether you like jogging, cycling, hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, sunbathing, swimming, sailing, etc., you will not only be able to practice your favorite sport or hobby in the open air, but will also be motivated to go outside and enjoy your preferred recreational activity more often. The opportunity to spend lots of time outdoors is especially beneficial for senior people who need fresh air and kids who get the chance to play at will, explore the surroundings, practice sports, etc. Regular exercising results in a stronger immune system, better physical shape, improved self-esteem and better overall mood, not to mention all the fun involved. Of course, none of this will be possible when it is snowy, rainy, windy, foggy and freezing cold outside.

Economic benefits

Low home maintenance cost – insulating your home against the cold and keeping it warm during the winter months can be quite a financial burden for your family. Utility bills pile up quickly and maintenance expenses may go through the roof, especially if repair works are required to restore the excellent condition of your property after a blizzard or a hailstorm, etc.;
No need for winter gear – you will have no use for shovels, snow blowers, and other specialized winter equipment when living in a warmer climate. You will also save yourself the hassle (and the cost!) of winterizing your car and preparing your garage, yard, garden, etc. for the winter. What’s more, you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on fur-lined boots and coats, gloves and hats, and other expensive winter wear;
More employment options – areas with year-round mild climate usually become major tourist and recreational destinations that feature splendid beaches, natural resorts, theme parks, golf clubs, famous clubs, bars and restaurants or other leisure facilities that provide lots of lucrative employment opportunities. Moving to a warmer state may be your chance to start a profitable business or to find a well-paying job that will allow you to improve the quality of your life.

Psychological benefits

Less hassles and troubles – moving to warmer weather will result in more free time and less worries. Accidents and injuries are less likely to happen and traffic is easier when there is no ice to slip on, no dense fog to obscure visibility, no heavy snowfall, etc. Besides, you won’t have to clear snow and ice from the roof, the driveway, or the garden paths for hours on end, to throw sand and salt on the road to make it safe, or to get up an hour earlier to have enough time to dig your car out of the snow, etc. Instead, you will have more time to sleep, to enjoy fun activities, and to spend quality time with your family;
Beautiful nature – dancing snowflakes have their own charm but the clear blue sky, the lush green areas, the blooming flowers, the majestic sunrise and the romantic sunset you can enjoy when living in a warmer climate are simply unparalleled in their beauty;
Lots of fun – whether you prefer to play beach volleyball or to go for a stroll in the nearby park, living in a warmer climate provides you endless opportunities to have fun and enjoy every single moment of your life.

Disadvantages of moving to a warmer climate

When faced with inclement weather, people long for mild climate and stable comfortable temperatures, but warmer climate also has its specific disadvantages:

Insects and microbes – you can find a variety of bugs, arachnids, and reptiles in places with warmer climate. Not only do they bite or sting (some of them are poisonous and quite dangerous), but they can also transfer infections and diseases. If you move to a warmer state, you will need quality repellents to keep insects and other annoying creatures away. It is a good idea to use nets for the doors and windows of your new home and specialized skin products to protect yourself. Have in mind that harmful bacteria and microbes also thrive in warm climate;
Too much heat – people who are sensitive to the sun may not feel very well in the heat – skin rashes, heat exhaustion and sun burns are common problems caused by the UV rays of the sun and the extremely high temperatures. Use quality sunscreen lotions, stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, and wear light-colored and lightweight clothes that allow good air circulation. Take proper measures to protect your sensitive electronics and other delicate items from the intense heat as well;
No white Christmas and snow fun – moving to a place with a year-round warm climate will take away the specific joys associated with the different seasons – the colorful leaves of the autumn, the first flowers of spring, the snowball fights with your buddies, the snowman in your backyard, and many other natural phenomena and fun activities will become just a distant memory. Having no snow for Christmas, however, is probably the hardest challenge to face when moving to warmer weather.

Moving to warmer climate tips

If you have decided to move to a warmer climate after weighing all the pros and cons of such a life-changing event, you need to prepare properly and to organize a smooth and trouble-free relocation:

Sort out your items and leave winter gear behind – organizing your belongings should be among the first tasks to get down to when you start preparing for your imminent relocation. As already mentioned, you won’t need any winter gear and equipment when living in a warmer state, so either give them away to relatives and friends or sell them to pocket some extra cash for your move;

Protect sensitive equipment – certain electronics, cosmetics, medicines, pieces of art and other delicate items are sensitive to heat. Pack them very carefully (consult their manuals for relevant instructions, order custom-made crates and appropriate insulating materials, etc.) and choose the best transportation methods to ship them safely to your new home. Have in mind that the temperatures in a regular moving truck can get very high because of the lack of air circulation (prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures will inevitably result in damages to heat sensitive items). Moving your belongings in an open trailer, on the other hand, will expose them directly to the sunlight which is also very harmful. So, research your options and discuss possible temperature-sensitive solutions with your chosen movers in advance. Ask them for temperature-controlled packaging and climate-controlled shipping via airplane or truck, and make sure to have your items stored in a climate-controlled storage unit (if storage is required), etc. Take all the necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of your sensitive possessions;
Choose trustworthy movers – to ensure your peace of mind and organize a trouble-free relocation process, you need the professional assistance of experienced and reliable movers. Get a free moving quote, compare several estimates, read moving reviews, check out ratings and look for further information to make sure you are dealing with licensed and trustworthy movers who strive to follow the highest standards in the moving industry. Moving to a warmer climate will be much easier when experienced professionals are taking care of your belongings and all the complicated aspects of the arduous moving process;
Move in the winter – if possible, schedule your move to a warmer state during the winter. You will get considerable discounts when moving during the off-peak season and you won’t have to worry about the usual hardships associated with winter moves as your new state will welcome you with nice weather and pleasant temperatures.