If you’ve always lived in a moderate environment, moving to a cold climate might feel like throwing yourself into the unknown. When living in mild weather conditions, there are so many things you don’t have to think about, so before moving cross country to a harsher climate, it’s best to do some research. If you’re heading to an icy environment for the first time, here are the best tips and advice you should follow.
What You Need To Know Before Moving To a Cold Climate
Living in a cold climate means adapting to an entirely different daily routine. While the process of acclimatization is nothing to take lightly, you should also start thinking about transportation and heating, as well as renewing your wardrobe. Be prepared to do more maintenance around the house to prepare for seasonal frost. If your fitness program involves outdoor recreation such as swimming or jogging, brace yourself for some changes to your regimen.
Moving to a Cold Climate Means Higher Bills
When planning to relocate to a harsher environment, make sure you prepare for increased energy bills. The lower the temperature, the higher the bill. Assess how well-isolated your house is, and if necessary, take action to make your home more energy-efficient.
Tips for Optimizing Your House For Harsher Weather Conditions
The so-called “winterizing” your house will increase its power-saving capacity and help protect the structural elements (particularly the roof) from snow damage. Here’s what you need to do:
- Change the furnace filters before your first winter in your new area,
- Apply a thicker coat of insulation around the pipes,
- Search for drafts and install (or replace) weather stripping and caulk,
- Ensure that the attic has efficient insulation,
- Flush the gutters to get rid of dead leaves and other waste so that the melted ice can easily seep through.
You Have to Prepare Your Vehicle For Cold Weather
Make sure your vehicle is right and ready for a frosty environment. When you load up on gas, don’t forget to tell the shopkeeper you’re headed to a colder climate because they have to adjust the viscosity levels. Stack up on antifreeze or coolant aid as soon as you get to your new home. The solution will prevent the vehicle’s water pump from solidifying and cracking. You should also acquire a windshield-washing fluid intended for harsh weather because regular won’t do the trick. Always have a warm coat, a first aid kit, tire chains (where allowed), and a shovel in your car if you get caught in a blizzard or have an accident. Also, make sure to use winter tires because they are more efficient than all-season ones that lose their elasticity and traction at around 18 degrees.
If you’re going to a location where cars are not the primary way to commute, consider selling your vehicle before moving interstate and use the public transportation system instead. It will save you a lot of money, and you won’t have to worry about cross-country auto transport.
Don’t Cheap Out On Warm Clothing
Try to power through your first few months with just a pair of hiking shoes and a lot of sweatshirts, and you’ll end up despising your new home – or worse, with health issues. Do yourself a favor and invest in a high-quality pair of insulated gloves, a well-padded hat, and a hooded jacket or a parka. In your day-to-day life, wrap yourself in comfortable sweaters, wool scarfs, and long underwear or leggings beneath your trousers. Whether indoors or outdoors, you should dress in layers – It’s better to peel off the second pair of socks if you become too warm than to suffer from hypothermia. Wool is an excellent isolator, so anything made from that material is highly recommended. If you were wondering how to live in cold weather, this is the way to go. Also, if you’re moving with kids, be sure you speak to them about keeping warm even though it seems like a chore.
Bonus tip: It’s not a bad idea to buy some clothes after long-distance moving, especially when coming from a milder environment. Logically, there’ll be more brands to choose from, and the garments will be of better quality. Also, if you want to get rid of your summer wardrobe you can donate unwanted items before you move. Bikinis and sun dresses are definitely on the list of what not to pack when moving to a frosty atmosphere.
You Need To Buy Resilient Insulated Winter Boots
Unfortunately, you’ll have to sacrifice your fashion sense in the name of warmth. Your adorable leather shoes will get you through to late November, but once you get to Christmas, you’ll need high-quality snow boots. The mixture of low temperatures and frost, ice, and salt on the streets demand insulated waterproof and deep-sealed boots. Since salt discolors and corrodes leather, it also helps to have rubber galoshes on the sides.
Go Outside as Much as You Can to Acclimate Faster
The burning question on your mind right now is how to acclimate to cold weather the fastest way possible, right?. Well, in the first few weeks after moving cross-country, as cold as it gets, don’t just curl up in your house. You need to get out as much as you can and have as much fun as you can. It will help you get used to the environment faster, not to mention there are many exciting activities to do in the snow.
Don’t Be Afraid To Try Winter Sports
It’ll be enticing to spend the whole season holed up like a hibernating bear, but in the long run, it’s somewhat depressing. So, how to adjust to cold weather? By getting the best out of your new lifestyle and trying some winter sports! Many cities with frosty environments have places where you can rent snowshoes and skis at affordable prices. It’s an exciting pastime and a great way to meet new neighbors. Also, the best mountain towns to raise a family often have seasonal festivals packed with more entertaining recreational opportunities.
Hire Professionals to Help You Move to Your New Home
Moving in winter and driving on an icy road is a rather tricky endeavor, so it’s best to hire professionals to do it for you. Leave the organization to experienced cross country movers who have the expertise and can guarantee a safe relocation, even under extreme weather conditions. A reliable long-distance moving company ensures a stress-free moving day and manages even the most tedious errands such as packing. When it’s time for unpacking after your move, you’ll be glad you enlisted professional assistance! Some cross country moving companies even supply moving boxes and storage facilities in case you need some extra space. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state you can schedule a free estimate and know the exact cost of your relocation upfront. Throw yourself a moving away party and have professional long-distance movers take care of everything for you!
