what month (buy, camping, place to live)

[patsy615]

our move looks like it will be happening sometime between Jan & April, when we can get the housing. Is it good or bad to move between these months. I have moved in the middle of winter before in Illinois, are the winters that much different in MT? My family and I are currently in FL and are looking forward to the move. We thought about maybe purchasing a camper if the move is to be in January, are the winters too harsh for it. Would there be any campgrounds that are open this time of year, such as KOA? Again thanks to you all for answering so many of my questions, this is big move for us and hopefully will be our last. Patty

[jimj]

February is generally when the worst weather hits. The closer to April you are the better. You could do a camper, Personally I wouldn't from January-March but much depends on what kind of winter we're having. I don't care what kind of camper you have if we start getting the below 0 temps and the wind's blowing you'll be lighting a campfire inside the camper to keep warm not to mention water lines freezing. Again, depends on the winter and where you are going.....

[JoeJoeMan]

Depending on where in the state you are planning to move to, a camper in the winter here in montana could be commiting suicide. Even in april in the more mountainous parts of the state.....I'd skip the camper idea...If you like camping, buy one when you get here and enjoy the summer.
Even in the warmer parts of the state, cold snaps to 10-30 below are possible. Not to mention snow storms and traveling snow packed highways or mountain passes.
I live here and I'm always very cautious about traveling any great distance in the winter, I've nearly "eatin' it" a couple times, if you are coming from Florida and you get caught in some bad weather here, you'll think you are in hell only on the cold side of it.
If at all possilbe find yourself a place to live or stay here in montana before you leave there and then, I don't know if you'll be moving with a truck full or a car, but then plan your trip so as to avoid driving at night. If you haven't heard of "white outs" or "ground blizzards" they are a very real and regular event that occur in western states.
So when you leave keep a close eye on the national weather reports.
Once you get here even if you have a temporary place to stay like a motel/whatever you should be able to then find a more permanent place even if you have to be moving around in some awful cold weather, at least you'll have a safe and warm place to spend your days and nights until you get settled in. And don't ever count on the weather here in Montana to be on your side.
Good luck.