Moving to a Cold State from Somewhere Warm: What to Know

Relocating to a colder state from somewhere warm can be an eye-opening experience! You’ll need special clothes and shoes, an all-weather vehicle, and you’ll also need some skills in managing ice and snow. If you’ve never lived in a cold state in the past, these tips can help you prepare for your upcoming residential relocation. 

Buy Cold Weather Clothes

One thing you probably don’t have in your wardrobe is cold-weather clothes, but you’re going to need them! You should buy some of these clothes before you leave for your new home, so you’ll have them ready when you arrive. Of course, you’ll have to decide which clothes to have ready on arrival, depending on the time of year when you’re relocating. Some clothes to consider purchasing before your relocation:

  • Winter coat 
  • Long pants
  • Shirts with long sleeves
  • Sweaters
  • Jacket
  • Hat
  • Mittens
  • Scarf

Consider Car Suitability

Does your car have four-wheel drive? You might need it when you move to your new home, especially if you’re moving somewhere with lots of snow and ice, steep hills, and limited access to services like snowplows. 

If you’re unsure whether you have the right kind of car for the environment where you’re moving, talk to your real estate agent or your new neighbors. They will be able to give you insight into the kind of vehicle you’ll need in your new home and around what time of year you might need it. 

Take Care Driving On Ice

People who live in cold weather environments must learn how to drive safely on ice. If you’ve never driven on ice before, take care in your first experiences on the ice. 

  • Whenever possible, stay home.
  • If you must drive on slippery roads, drive very slowly. 
  • Avoid hitting your breaks hard – tap on your brakes or slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator.
  • Wait for a few hours after snowstorms end before driving. This gives the snow plows a chance to clear the roads. 

Winterize Your Home

Many homes need to be prepared for severe cold weather. There are many things you can do to winterize your home, including:

  • Install weatherstripping around your windows and doors.
  • Remove hoses from their connections outside, empty the water and store them in your garage.
  • Install pipe insulation around pipes that wind around the home’s outside walls to prevent the pipes from freezing.  

Get Used to Watching the Thermometer

It’s important to know when the temperatures outside are going to drop. So get used to watching the weather forecast in the fall, winter, and early spring.

Knowing when the temperature outside will drop can help you decide when to cover your plants in the garden protect them from frost, when your dog shouldn’t be allowed in the yard for long stretches, and when it’s too risky to drive. 

Are You Moving Soon? Contact the Pros

Moving is easier when you contact professionals. So if you’re planning for an upcoming relocation, get started with your move. Contact us for a quote today.