For Americans who grew up around the Sunbelt, adjusting to the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures of northern winters can be a real challenge. Cold weather affects how you drive, how you dress, even how you spend your free time! If you’ve never lived in a cold climate before, adjusting to your new environment is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips we’ve picked up over the years to help you stay safe, settle in, and adjust to your new environment.
Cold temperatures can seriously impact your vehicle’s performance, affecting everything from your battery to your windshield wipers. Before moving to a cold climate, go to a professional mechanic and make sure your car is ready for winter driving. Experts recommend:
Cold air can also cause condensation to form inside the gas tank, which can mix with the fuel or freeze and block fuel lines. Keeping your gas tank at least half full will help it absorb moisture before it builds up. It also ensures you have an emergency heat reserve in case you get stranded.
Pack an emergency kit inside your vehicle in case you get stranded due to bad weather. Experts recommend carrying a wide range of essential supplies, including:
One piece of advice: don’t fill your bottles completely. Leave them ten percent empty so the water has space to expand when it freezes.
People moving to a cold climate for the first time might not understand why they need kitty litter, but fans of That 70’s Show will probably remember that spreading kitty litter around your tires improves traction, so you can extricate your car when it’s stuck in a snowbank or on an icy road. For the best grip, purchase basic litter made from porous, heat-treated clay pebbles or granules instead of scoopable or clumping litter.
Learning how to drive in snow isn’t as hard as it might seem, but it takes time and repetition. As soon as the weather turns, find an empty parking lot nearby and practice driving for a few hours. Once you’ve gotten familiar with controlling your vehicle under wintery conditions, you’ll be able to travel around town with greater confidence.
If you’ve never driven on icy roads before, experts suggest:
Purchasing a vehicle with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive certainly helps, but isn’t strictly necessary if you understand how to navigate snowy conditions. Snow chains can also help you control your car or truck, but chain laws differ in each state, so check the regulations in your area to make sure you know when and where they’re allowed.
Snow can make driveways and walkways impassable. To keep them clear, invest in some basic tools like a snow shovel, snow pusher, or snow broom. You’ll also need an ice scraper for your car.
People in snowy climates often recommend purchasing three: two for your car and one for your home. It may seem excessive, but plastic ice scrapers are brittle and can break in cold weather. Without a back-up, a broken ice scraper can prevent you from driving your car.
An overnight storm can also leave your vehicle completely covered in snow, preventing you from accessing the scraper inside. Keeping a spare one in your home will make it easier to clear the snow off your car and get moving again.
Cold weather gear is available in warm states, but it’s often inadequate and harder to find. By contrast, all the clothing you need will probably be available in your new community or online. Remember that the best way to stay warm is to layer. A typical layering system includes a:
The layering system applies to pants as well. A thermal layer fits snug over your legs, while the insulating layer manages heat and moisture. Hiking, fleece, and softshell pants are popular choices for mid-layer protection, while standard snow pants are used to keep out water. Because your legs are larger and generate more heat, they normally require less insulation, so these layers tend to be thinner than the ones covering your arms and chest.
Finally, don’t skimp on footwear. Sturdy, waterproof boots not only keep your feet dry and warm, their rubber soles and heavy tread provide a better grip on icy stairs and sidewalks.
People who grew up in mild climates are often accustomed to turning off their heating system when they go out. But in a snowy climate, shutting down your furnace can cause your pipes to freeze, crack, and burst, flooding your house and potentially costing you thousands of dollars in damages and repairs.
To protect your home, set your thermostat to 64-72°F while you’re at home and no lower than 55°F while you’re away. Besides safeguarding your pipes, this also enables you to warm your home faster when you return. Heating bills may be higher than what you're used to paying in your old home, so track your utility costs and budget accordingly.
Being stuck indoors for 3-5 months every year can be draining, so find something that motivates you to spend time outside. Cities in cold climates are often full of activities, even in winter. You could go:
Winter landscapes also offer great opportunities for sketching, painting, and nature photography. You’d be surprised how much getting out a few days a week can help pass the time and improve your mood. With daylight hours limited during winter months, take advantage of the sunshine whenever possible. Getting outside can support your mental well-being, promote vitamin D production, and contribute to your long-term health.
Moving to a cold climate for the first time can be a bit of a shock. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures take some getting used to, but the right tools and a little preparation help make the transition smooth, fast, and pleasant.
Allied Van Lines has been helping people settle into new cities for nearly a century. Our full-service moving crews can help you plan every aspect of your relocation, from planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery. Whether you’re moving in the middle of winter or the height of summer, we have tools, skills, and experience to get you safely to your new home. Contact us today for a free quote!
