When you’re used to balmy weather around the clock, moving to a new city with a cold climate can be a huge adjustment. It’s more than just needing a hat and gloves. You have to be prepared for scenarios you’ve never encountered before. Fortunately, a few tips and tricks can help you make a smooth transition.
1. Prepare Your Automobile
When it comes to your automobile, you may need to do a little extra maintenance. Think antifreeze to keep your vehicle’s radiator fluid from freezing, snow tires (also called winter tires), and special windshield washer fluid for cold weather. Snow tires are more effective than all-season tires because they maintain their elasticity in frigid temperatures better than regular tires. In case of an emergency, always keep a sleeping bag, shovel, jumper cables, first-aid kit, and a flashlight in your trunk to make sure you never find yourself stranded without these important necessities.
No matter what, give yourself extra time when driving or traveling in snowy conditions. Prepare for the worst and plan for the best. If the thought of driving in snow and ice gives you the jitters, then get some practice, including what to do in the event of a fishtail, in an empty parking lot before you have to drive somewhere for real.
2. Winterizing Your New Home
If you’ve just moved to a new chilly city, chances are you need to make the necessary preparation for your home to survive the bitter winter temperatures and December holidays. First on the list is ensuring your pipes are well insulated and your furnace is energy efficient. Install weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows, and check your home’s attic for adequate insulation. Look for any areas with drafts to seal off leaks.
Outdoors, clean leaves and other debris out of rain gutters so snow can melt and run off the roof. Clogs in your gutters can mean water sits and freezes, which can eventually lead to roof damage. Drain your garden hoses of any leftover water and store them. Double-check furnace vents and clear them of snow and animal nests, especially after deep snows. Clogged vents can cause carbon monoxide buildup, which is extremely dangerous. Last but not least, invest in a quality snow shovel and some ice melt—you’ll put both to good use throughout the season.
Staying cozy inside is also a must. You can easily furnish your entire home quickly and easily with CORT Furniture Rental, so you’ll be snuggled up in your new living room on a plush sofa with a blanket in no time.
While you might be cozy on the couch, when you have to come out from under the covers, guarantee your toes are warm with a new gas furnace and a trustworthy wood furnace as a backup in extremely cold areas. These options won’t break the bank, either. Keeping your home toasty isn’t just about comfort; it can mean disaster prevention too. Frozen or burst water pipes are a common concern when temperatures outside drop below freezing.
3. Dress Right for the Cold
After you’ve prepared your car and home, it’s time to focus on you. To keep warm in your new winter climate, dress in layers, and stock up on essentials like thermal underwear, snow boots, a parka, and a good winter hat and gloves. If you follow the tried-and-true formula of “base layer, insulating layer, shell layer,” your body will thank you. It may take some time to acclimate to your new locale, but you’ll soon forget what it was like to live anywhere else.
4. Having Fun in the Frigid Temps
There’s no need to sacrifice fitness and fun when you move to your new city. When it comes to winter sports and recreation, consider trading your regular morning swim or bike ride for a membership to a local gym if you want to remain cozy. On the flip side, embrace the cold and take skiing or snowboarding lessons. You may just find a new hobby. Celebrate your arrival with friends and family during the December holidays. Skip the backyard BBQ with friends, and host a fire pit party instead, complete with hot chocolate, s’mores, and hot dogs.
5. Chilly Considerations to Keep in Mind
In some cold climate locations, the sun could set as early as 4 p.m. The sun is a source of happiness, so if it isn’t as present as it was in your warmer city, consider purchasing a sun lamp or a light therapy box to avoid seasonal affective disorder (the onset of depression during winter). The lamps mimic the effects of daylight and brighten your day—literally.
Moving to a new city with a different climate can be stressful, but follow these tips this winter to ensure you’re cozy, comfy and cheery this holiday season, and well into the New Year.
