7 Tips for Moving to a Cold Climate

The trend of moving to a cold climate began centuries ago. Fewer allergies, better sleep, and fewer infections are just some reasons why people choose to make colder places their homes. However, those who have lived in warmer climates for years may find it difficult to adjust to low temperatures. That’s why having some tips on how to acclimate to cold weather would be more than helpful.

Winter landscape overlay
November 9, 2021 Posted in Moving Tips

If you plan to relocate and live in harsh weather, there will have to be some adjusting. It will be hard at the beginning, so when you realize it’s time to move, you should prepare yourself for the change. However, it’s not all about getting used to frozen fingers and a red nose. You should also think about transportation, long-distance moving services, and also what you’ll do after the relocation. No wonder you’re not freaking out about relocating away from your family nearly as much as about the snow and frost. However, with our tips, you’ll overcome this hurdle easily.

Why Are People Moving to a Cold Climate – Consider Some Benefits

There are numerous reasons why people move. Whether they got an amazing job in another state or just found a better home to live in, the adjustment process is inevitable. No one said it would be easy, but the more you know about the new environment, the smoother the period after the move will be. Especially if you consider all the benefits this relocation will bring on so many levels. Let’s start first with your health:

  • You’ll burn more calories,
  • Say goodbye to allergies,
  • Your brain function will improve,
  • You will get better sleep and feel more rested.

So, if you plan to move to a colder place, it’s important to do some research before moving. You don’t want some scary stories to put you off the idea of relocating. Okay, you might get chills when you hear snow, blizzards, ice roads, and biting frosts, but there are many benefits this move will bring you – no more bugs, good sleep, fun things to do outdoors, and many other things.

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Your Lifestyle Will Change Big Time

Making the transition as smooth as possible will help you figure out how to live in cold weather, and you won’t have to deal with relocation stress or even depression after the move. The sooner you accept that your lifestyle will undoubtedly change, the more time you’ll have to enjoy all of the benefits this move will bring.

For example, if you are used to occasionally going for a swim or just enjoying the sun and the beach, you should know that some of your activities will have to change. All you have to do is find a way to make yourself comfortable with feeling a bit chilly. Let’s see how to do it.

A woman holding snow in her hands after cross-country moving
A change isn’t always a bad thing

Tip #1: You Will Need Cold Weather Gear After the Move

Organizing a move isn’t a thing you can do in just one day. There is a lot of stuff you have to think about, from making a to-do list to figuring out how to save on relocation costs. However, there are some things that you better leave for after the move.
Yes, you read that right. It is better to get the gear you need after the move. There’s more than just one reason why:

  • You’ll save a lot of packing space – winter clothes tend to be bulky and take up a lot of space. This inevitably leads to less room for other stuff on the truck.
  • You won’t find the right stuff – it’s less likely that a place with a warm climate has the equipment you’re looking for. Sure, you might be able to find a winter jacket in California, but we assure you, the quality won’t even be near to what you need.
  • You’ll get a better deal – if you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out and save some money on relocation costs, then you should consider getting clothes for a better price where demand is higher.
A man snowboarding after moving with a long-distance moving company
Get the necessary clothes and shoes after the move

Tip #2: Modify the Packing Process and Protect Your Belongings From Snow and Moisture

Once you decide to get the necessary gear after the move, you save yourself a lot of time and effort. Not only will you pack more quickly, but you also won’t need any of your summer clothes either, which means you’ll be packing only the essentials.

Although you won’t have that much stuff to pack, you should start packing as soon as possible. There are still many tasks you have to complete for an efficient relocation. Let’s see the steps you should take:

Learn the Best Packing Tips, and the Whole Process Will Be a Breeze

Relocating requires some skills and techniques, especially when it comes to preparing your belongings for transportation. However, if you’ve never moved in wintertime, it is best to learn some important steps.

Besides getting the right-sized boxes, you should know how to keep them dry and well protected from harsh climate conditions, such as freezing temperatures. Here are some steps you should take:

  • Wrap items like paper, electronics, and alike that aren’t waterproof in plastic,
  • Give each item a double layer of packing paper and bubble wrap to protect it from freezing temperatures,
  • For better insulation, add packing peanuts or another soft material like old clothes or towels,
  • Seal everything tightly so water and moisture can’t get through,
  • Cover boxes with plastic wrap for additional protection.
Packing materials for cross-country moving
The packing process will require slightly more effort than you might expect

Tip #3: Ask Professional Long-Distance Movers Near You for Assistance

One of the first things to do is find a reliable moving company once you decide to move. It’s a step you shouldn’t omit, especially if you’re relocating from warm climates to colder ones, not only because of the long-distance travel but also because driving a large truck in ice and bad conditions is very dangerous. Of course, reliable cross-country movers with many years of experience will know exactly what to do in these kinds of situations.

Also, a relocation crew that can give you a helping hand in other services, like auto transport, will save you a lot of trouble. And don’t forget that a moving company can help you with their packing services as well. And if you have to put away some of your belongings, there’s always a storage facility where everything will safely await you.

Two professional long-distance movers transporting a customer’s belongings
Hiring professionals is one of the first things to do

Tip #4: Make Sure Your Kids and Pets Are Prepared to Deal With a Different Climate

Relocating with kids is always a challenge. But if you decide to have a fresh start in a new area with colder temperatures, then you’ll have to help them prepare for the change, too. It is not only playing in the snow and similar fun stuff your children have to be aware of. You need to prepare them and teach them how to adjust to cold weather, from protecting their hands, necks, and faces from winds to dealing with frostbites. It is best to sit them down and explain everything before the move. That way, the little ones will know how to dress properly when going outside.

You’ll also have to think about your furry friends. If you want to move with pets, check with their veterinarian first. Acclimatization is different for each animal, and you should start with baby steps. Take your pet for quick walks in the beginning until they adjust completely. Also, consider getting them sweaters and shoes to protect them from frostbites.

A girl hugging a dog in the snow
Take care of kids and pets when relocating to an area with lower temperatures

Tip #5: Your Car Needs to Be Ready for the Unpredictable

Warm temperatures usually mean dry roads. However, if you plan to relocate your vehicle, it might be a good idea to take some driving lessons focused on winter conditions. Don’t worry; it’s completely normal even if you have been driving for years. Changing climates is a challenging thing to do, and you have to make sure you’re safe. Also, you don’t want to hurt anyone else on the road.

So, if you’re wondering how to improve your driving skills in the snow, besides extra lessons, here’s what you should do:

  • Get winter tires,
  • Buy snow chains that are easy to install,
  • Use tire socks,
  • Stick to roads that have been cleared of snow.

Having a Survival Kit for Extreme Weather Will Help You Deal With Trouble on the Road

It is always a good idea to let professionals transport your car to a new location. But if you have considered all the pros and cons of a car shipping to another state and decided to drive on your own, then you have to prepare a survival kit every vehicle should have in low temperatures.

When you pack a bag of relocation essentials, don’t forget to prepare another one for the car—a flashlight, spare batteries, first-aid kit, ice scraper, and the like.

Two first-aid kits on a white surface
Have everything needed in your car when driving on ice roads

Tip #6: Prepare for Some Layering and Keep Yourself Warm Outside

When it comes to packing your clothes for the move, be sure you know how to dress properly for low temperatures. The first rule you probably haven’t had a chance to use in a warm area is to layer up. You have to take care of your health, and dressing poorly is precisely what you should avoid.

Keep in mind that the more layers you wear, the better the insulation will be. Also, if you think that one single warmer layer will do the job, you are wrong. More layers, even if thinner, will retain the much-needed heat better than only one thick layer.

So before you get to the packing process, ensure you get rid of all clothes you won’t wear. Donate unwanted clothes to a local charity, or you can visit Goodwill and drop off your stuff there.

A person in a red jacket
Wear layers to retain more heat

Tip #7: Winter and Your Home – Adjust Both Indoors and Outdoors

After the move comes probably the most tedious task – unpacking your belongings. However, don’t forget you’ll have to check your home and winterize it if needed, too. This means that your future place should have improved energy efficiency and protection from snow-related damage.

You can check this before the move, but it would be great to check it after the move, too. So don’t wait until the first winter after the move. Check it over a weekend when you first settle in and be sure everything is ready for snow.

Living in a Cold Climate Means Putting More Effort Into Winterizing Your Home

Relocating in winter is a task that requires many preparations. And it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Yes, there will be slightly more everyday chores to do – you’ll have to clean the driveway and walkways, get your car out of a snowy cave and do similar things, but the romantic and peaceful views you’ll get to enjoy every morning will make it all worth it.

Take a look at the video below and find out how to gently scrape ice from your car.

Embrace the Change and Welcome the Amazing Things That a Colder State Will Bring

After the move, give yourself time to adjust to the temperature, unknown environment, and new home. It is a lot to handle and, for someone, it can be overwhelming. However, you should give the chilly weather a chance after a while because there are many exciting things you can do outside. The sooner you start embracing the change, the sooner you’ll enjoy it.

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

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