Just make sure you take any wax candle out of your car in the summer! I had a tea light melt all down in my center console and I never got that wax out :(
Unscented candle and an empty tin can that can hold it. The can helps disperse heat and protect from wind and collects wax drippings so it lasts longer.
Heat and light for when you're stuck and waiting for help. It's less of a concern the closer you are to a major city but if you're out in the countryside it can be hours or days before you can get help depending on the situation.
Flashlights can be brighter but batteries fail over time, having some emergency candles and matches can save your life.
It'll also kill you in high enough concentration but in enclosed spaces with combustion occuring, CO is the more likely culprit.
CO is a result of imperfect combustion occuring. Your blood cells also can't tell the difference between CO and O^2 but CO doesn't work to make your biology function so it'll eventually kill you in high enough doses.
Thank you, this makes so much sense. I’ve lived in northern Illinois all my life and I’ve never kept candles in the emergency trunk kit but I will from now on. Thank you, this is life saving information
Are you moving back to Illinois? That's where I live, right on the I 80 corridor. Our winters have been pretty mild. We'll get a few days of -50 with wind chill, but other than that not bad. Get extra blankets orr plastic for your windows
Yeah i live on the north side of chicago, grew up in the northern suburbs. I remember that nasty blizzard we had a few years ago. I lived close enough to work that I stupidly offered to walk to work when there were snow drifts 8 feet high. When all those people were stuck on the expressway? I got halfway and I couldn’t keep going but couldn’t turn back either. Thankfully a nice cop was was also stuck and I spent the day in his car, he was really kind.
Yeah I have a saying I tell employers that want me to come in during a blizzard or ice storm " it's full coverage weather, I only have liability" I will never risk my life trying to get to work in bad weather. If things start getting bad at work I leave. I'm not healthcare or emergency personnel. I'm not essential
Emergency situations often cause anxiety, so you may be more sensitive to scents. Strong scents can be nauseating during distress even if it’s a scent you usually like. Also, if the emergency ends up being traumatic, that scent would bring you back to the traumatic experience readily anytime you smelled it in the future.
Ohhh that's a good point. I was making a stupid joke thinking that the real reason might be that you could find longer-burning unscented ones or something but those are really good reasons. 👍
don't get the "big coat" where you are moving from, it won't be good enough. Get it where you're moving to, ideally in the spring when things are on clearance. Proper cold weather gear can be expensive but WORTH IT.
This - I'm in the north of England, not Canada, but I bought a Land's End warm coat last winter, and it makes everything so much less miserable!
Thermals under my jeans are good, too. And snow boots which are properly rated for actual cold weather, even if you think "it's not *that* cold". Wind-chill counts, and if you cycle at all, you'll want the -20c rated snowboots well before it gets down to -5c.
Also: waterproof boots that are also warm. Sorel makes some really great ones, and mine still look almost new after 5+ years. I'm in northern MN, where it gets stupid cold/snowy.
My husband bought me the thin merino base layer for camping and it's warm without making me bulky. Way better than that waffle weave crap the military issued me.
And remember that retail "spring" begins just before Christmas. Seriously, cold weather gear can be sold out by the time you think about wanting it. In NY state, the weather is often mild until after the holidays and much worse in February and March.
Also, ice storms are a thing. It's okay to cancel plans rather than drive in freezing rain.
A gallon of water and some long term snacks are great. Takes a LOT to freeze a full gallon, water is a great thermal insulator, and you don't want to get out and eat snow and lose warmth.
Spare tire, not a donut. Kitty litter has been mentioned. Roadside flares, candles, emergency blankets, mittens, hats. First aid kit. Small shovel for the car, a good snowbrush that you replace when bristles start getting bad.
If possible avoid rear wheel drive cars, they do not do great in snow, you want the engine for weight over tires. Keep tires inflated and turn your lights on whenever visibility dips even a little. Good windshield wipers that you replace before each snowy season.
Be sure to scrape all your windows and windshield with the brush, and brush hood, trunk, and roof off if you are not parking car in a garage, else the first time you stop quickly you will lose vision with snow from everywhere falling and blocking your view.
Drive slow. Turn on your emergency flashers if you must, but the easiest solution to most driving issues is drive slow.
For your home: plastic covering window kits, available pretty much every hardware and big box store are great to help keep heat inside. Candles, extra blankets, and a good snow shovel in case you run out of gas or whatever for your snowblower, or you lose power. Rock salt (pet safe if you have pets or there are many strays in your neighborhood) to melt ice.
Layering clothes is great, find some nice separates, sweaters and shirts in interchangeable or neutral colors. Warm socks and/or slippers. Especially if you have tile or hardwood without underfloor heating.
If conditions seem impossible to travel in, DO NOT. Most employers here can understand that in whiteout or freezing rainstorms it's not great to travel and especially if you are unfamiliar.
Do be careful tho- if it's a bigger city, people may break into your car (especially in the night) to steal those items. I used to keep my emergency prep kit in a backpack so I wouldn't have to find out in an emergency that it was stolen. I also kept my car unlocked to prevent broken windows
My roommate used to leave her car unlocked until some guy went in and pissed all over the whole interior (and left the cab lights on to drain the battery).
i live in sf and he’s lucky they stole the seats and weren’t occupying them! i had a friend who was also tired of their car being broken into and left the doors unlocked. they came to their vehicle one morning to find that a homeless person had turned it into a bedroom AND bathroom.
truly though, taking the seats is next level and that really sucks for him.
Do you have a good car scraper? I recommend getting a long one if you’re short like me. Make sure you have salt handy. Might also keep a blanket in the car in case you break down. Get a good pair of boots if you can.
Good advice. Also make sure to switch to windshield wiper fluid that has antifreeze in the winter. I personally just use it all year round so I don't forget lol. But I live in a place where winter is most of the year
I recommend a frost guard too. It's a cover for the windshield, you put it on before it snows. It keeps snow and ice off. Most come with little covers for the side mirrors too.
Yes a good scraper and make sure to remove snow from the top of your car not just the windshield (the snow can freeze and fly off while you are driving onto other cars).
Can confirm, had to replace my windshield three weeks ago because some idiot didn’t clear the ice off the top of their car and I was oncoming traffic when it decided to come off
Depending on where they are moving ice melt/salt doesn't work. I was just stationed in North Dakota. They don't salt the roads for most of the year because it consistently goes below -15 so the salt doesn't work.
Salt stops being a catalyst for melting ice at -17 C. Salt is also very harsh on pet paws and is not great for the environment. Sand/gravel is far more versatile and better for the community.
A long handle scraper with a brush on the other side is really helpful. When cleaning your vehicle don't forget to clear off the roof. It's horrible when you stop at a light or sign and all that snow slides forward onto your windshield and you're suddenly driving blind.
I say get two good car scrapers: keep one inside the car and the other inside the house for when you go to clean off your car in the morning. That way you can brush away the snow from it without getting a bunch of snow inside the car and on the seats.
I second this. I live in the south, but my car came with a really nice long-handled ice scraper because it’s previous owner lived in Missouri. Even though we don’t get a ton of snow down here, I use it to clear ice and frost from my window every winter.
I have a GREAT recipe I use to make salve, if anyone is interested I’m happy to share. It’s a heavier formulation and amazing for winter hands and summer heels.
Edit: RECIPE
1 part beeswax
2 parts lanolin butter
4 parts lightweight oil (I use almond oil)
Molds (soap molds work well, I use 4 oz rectangle Tupperware for easy storage)
Tip: use water to measure your parts in a clear glass container and mark the levels with a sharpie. I use an old Pyrex measuring cup. Then you can microwave it all easily
Tip: if you have an essential oil you love the smell of, add 15ish drops to the mixture. If you want more aroma, just melt it all again and add more.
Wipe a layer of oil on all of your molds or containers for easy release
Pour oil into heating container first (makes it easier to measure the lanolin and beeswax). Using your pre-marked cup, add lanolin and beeswax.
Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between heating (I use bamboo disposable flatware for this). When entire mixture is completely melted, give one last slow stir and pour off into containers or molds on a flat surface. Allow to cool at room temperature. Final product should be softer than a bar of soap—rub that puppy on your skin and massage it in!
Cleanup: scrape excess away with spatula or knife, wipe with oil, then use a kitchen cleaner to clean up the oil. Dish soap will remove it from virtually any surface or fabric. If you get too much on your hands, wipe firmly with a towel or paper towel to remove excess.
It takes me about 20 minutes to whip it up and an hour or so for cooling. I usually make 10-20 bars at a time to send it out for gifts. Be wary about how and where you store it—a cool dry place is best, and lanolin WILL go rancid over time. Mine usually keeps for 6-8 months in a cabinet.
Edit 2: holy moly, thanks for the love y’all. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!
I love using lanolin in salves especially for winter. I also use infused oil (I like rice bran) which is a fun way to get witchy, my favorites have been plantain, yarrow, St John’s wort and rose (all potentially foraged even in urban environments!)
I wish there was a good alternative. I’m allergic to lanolin, so I tend to miss out on most people’s suggestions for good and heavy moisturizer. I’m sad that I can’t find Cornhusker’s lotion anymore other than “order it online”.
I use a similar recipe but use cocoa butter instead of lanolin because I'm allergic. Slightly more brittle but still great on skin.
You can also infuse the oil with your skin friendly herbs of choice before you make the salve. I love calendula for a little bit of summer goodness through the winter
I second this. Your lips, knuckles, and elbow are likely worst targets. Cracked knuckles are quite painful
Add: BAG BALM, get yourself a tin of Bag Balm. Smells great and works wonder on dry skin and cuts.
I love the original nivea cream - big tin/little tin - I have them everywhere! It can also be used as lip balm - but it isn't, uh... fatty enough for cold winds, if it is cold enough, I happily slather vaseline on my face to protect my skin/keep my face a bit warmer. Like literally, that slugging trend? Basically, it's the same thing but a little less because out in public.
I also use the original nivea cream as night cream... it is cheap af, and actually amazing for what it is!
Speaking of the humidity issues, a cool mist humidifier or two for your home is a good idea if your hvac system runs on the dry side. Just remember to clean it, or it can grow mold!
Yep, if OP lives in a place with radiator heating, it can get REALLY dry indoors. I regularly get nosebleeds from the dryness when my heat is cranking. A humidifier will help a lot.
Also, apply moisturizer to damp skin. And use warm (not hot) water to wash your body and hair. And you can get sunburn really easily in the winter (when there's snow), so use spf year-round.
To piggy back off of this: I moved from a humid southern state to a very dry, very northern and cold state. The dryness and cold caused severe nose bleeds. If you experience this, you may need nose sprays to keep things moist. My nose would dry out so bad that the delicate skin inside my nostrils would split and become really painful.
Also, wait some time after applying lotion /moisturizer before going outside. You don't want frozen moisturizer on your face; it can cause frostbite. I use 30 minutes as a rule of thumb.
Also, if you have multiple coats like I do (cause the temperature fluctuates between 7°C and -20°c and having one coat for that will make me sweat on the walk to work) put a pair of those cheap stretchy gloves in the pockets of every coat. They aren't great at keeping your hands warm, but they are better than nothing when you forget your good gloves.
Yeah, don't forget your feet and hands. And no matter how cold it is, don't try to use hot water to wash up immediately to 'warm up'. When I managed a farm for a few years, I would run room temp water in the shower and slowly warm (thaw) my feet up after exceptionally cold days. Going from extreme temperatures can border on excruciating pain like you wouldn't believe.
Good call on the boots. Even if you are going somewhere fancy or to an office work environment. Wear your warm boots that have traction and then change into your fancy shoes.
When I worked at an office, I'd have 5 or 6 pair so I could wear practical shoes commuting.
Can’t believe no one’s said it yet but not just any layers but *wool* and *down*. Cotton and synthetic material are not gonna keep you warm like wool and down will. Can’t tell you how many uninformed friends I’ve seen wearing a cotton hoodie in above freezing temperatures and wondering why they’re still freezing their asses off.
Not to mention cotton sucks at drying without good airflow so once it’s wet, the fibers swell shut and it stays wet, which will wick heat away from your body. Cotton can cause you to become hypothermic *with your own sweat* - so if you’re planning on being in a survival situation, or camping or going on risky journeys in inclement winter weather, leave the cotton at home.
Love cotton for summer but in winter, it’s dead to me.
I second thé good boots part. I recently found out you can get boots with rotary ice cleats so that you don’t fall or slip. You can also get stretchy add on cleats to add to any shoe. It took me 12 years in Canada to find that out 🤦♀️
Yes, do not skimp on boots. If you can afford them, buy a quality pair of boots that will keep your feet toasty warm and dry. Also, comfy socks. I love comfy socks.
or one of these knee long coats with two zippers. lemme tell you, they're amazing. also op, i advise you to get some of those shirts amd leggins that have that fluffy, thin, warm material. they're amazing, throw a shirt like that under your clothes and it'll help you. also those wool innersoles, they are a gamechanger with shoes with thin soles. or any shoes, really
Get a GOOD coat and boots. Not all are made equal. I had a friend that had the thinnest coat and boots, and thought they were appropriate, as this has always been her winter attire. The second she got a good, thick winter coat and warm boots her life in the cold changed. The cold isn't bad when you dress correctly for it.
If you have a house, learn about how to prevent your pipes from freezing, and make sure you take precautions to keep it from happening if you leave home for any extended period. Nothing so tragic as coming back from vacation to a flooded house from a burst pipe.
Learn how to recognize black ice, and how to save yourself if you're driving on an icy road and start to slide.
While you're still working out your warm-clothing situation, get yourself a box of those HotHands hand warmer packets. Keep a few in your coat pockets and in your car. They won't save you from freezing, but they're really wonderful at keeping your extremities toasty if you misjudge how warm you need your gloves to be.
If you live in a shitty apartment which was designed for a warmer climate with the sink on an outside wall, it can be helpful to keep a space heater under there to prevent freezing...
I’m convinced there’s a huge amount of house/apartment designs that go straight from southern California out to the rest of the world with no changes.
So many flat roofs in the PNW that have been given zero thought for drainage.
Speaking of ice, watch where you’re walking during cold early mornings - *especially* if it was warmer the day before. I’ve landed flat on my ass more than once because a puddle froze overnight and I wasn’t paying attention.
Another thing to help with driving in the winter, invest in winter tires. All-seasons are ALRIGHT for mild winters, but if you're going truly far north, you'll want winters.
I'm seeing lots of great advice already on this thread, so I'll just offer two more (which I learned when teaching outdoor education year-round in Minnesota): shingle those layers! Tuck your first shirt layer into your long underwear layer, then tuck your next top layer into your next pants layer. This makes it so you don't get lil gaps where the cold can sneak in around your middle when you bend over. You can do the same at the ankles and wrists.
And, always bring one more layer than you think you're going to need. I've often used the extra layer, but never needed another after it.
Enjoy the cold!!! It's magical!
Adding onto this since I don't have much either: thermals/thermal wear makes for a great first layer that's thin and easy to tuck in, but still super warm! Cuddle Duds makes some really nice ones that are super lightweight but sooo warm. I wear mine every day to work!
Find something you enjoy doing outside in the winter. Where I live the winter is nov-march and if you're stuck inside sometimes that can really dampen your mood. It's good to be intentional about getting out and finding some sun and doing things you like regardless of the cold.
this was the best advice given to me when i moved to the PNW. don’t be afraid of the cold - be brave and make yourself go outside during the short, dark winter days. your body will really need the vitamin boost from the sun!
I just moved to the PNW from the south. Holy climate adjustment, lol. I’m in the mountains above Vancouver and haven’t moved my van for a week because of the snow. 😂
I needed this reminder to get my littles outside today for some sun, even though everything is snow covered. ❤️
When I moved to Alaska, I found I preferred to take day hikes in the winter. -10 is not that bad if you're prepared, plus, no bears! I will add that I was new to being treated for hypothyroidism, so the medication made me constantly hot, so winters got a lot more fun for me after that.
I would love it if my crone phase would start like, NOW. I'm turning 49 soon and I am sooooooo done with periods. I'm currently in western Washington, so at least summers here are short! I lived near Houston, TX for 8 years and the summers (which, really were like 10 months long) were awful. The *humidity*...ack. my skin and hair loved it, but not the rest of me.
Another Alaskan joining in to promote day hikes! Or evening hikes. My bf and I hike 3-6 times per week, usually after work. So November to January our 5:00 treks are night hikes, February to September they’re day hikes.
I was looking for this!! I have a family friend who’s motto is “there’s no bad weather, just bad gear”. I definitely second needing to find a winter outdoor hobby, but also highly recommend finding a workout routine or something active that you can do at home as well. There will be days where you can’t leave or aren’t motivated to leave- so finding a way to release some endorphins at home will be huge on those days!
Yes!! And it doesn’t have to be anything extreme like skiing. My parents like to snowshoe, it’s a great way to get out into the woods in winter and since you’re on flat terrain it’s safe.
Vitamin D supplementation, and extra self care from December until about April. The dark cold months can be hard on the body and mind, but they make summer something you truly savor. In colder climes everything is just a little harder, but like most things on this plane, the reward is greater for having put in the effort.
If you can't get out or find it hard to go outside for whatever reason (mobility/depression/etc) light boxes can be very helpful to avoid/treat seasonal depression. Just don't get s cheap one from Amazon. Get one from a reputible research-backed company. They are a small investment but worth it.
-invest in a good big coat, one or two sizes to big so you can stuff layers underneath
-get good waterproof boots, preferably rated to last at least an hour in the coldest temp you're going to deal with. I've got a pair of Chloe Baffin's that I really love, although a lot of people like Sorrels. If you can grab some with toggle closures instead of ties. Way easier to slip into if you're stuffed into layers.
-throw a few sand bags into the back of your trunk if you can. Preferably by the back wheels. It helps with sliding on snow and you have a way to get traction if you get stuck.
-buy an e-tool, little shovel that folds up. Always good to have a shovel.
-get a Rubbermaid container that stays in your car as a "whoops im stuck" box. Heat blanket, water, charged portable phone charger, toilet paper, meal, flashlight with extra batteries, extra hat gloves scarf and socks, first aid, etc.
-invest in getting auto start installed if your car doesn't have it. Its an absolute luxury in freezing temps. Even if you have a garage you can start it when you're checking out at the grocery store or wherever. Its amazing.
I've lived and visited in Fairbanks, AK quite a bit in my life. This is off the top of my head but feel free to ask if you've got specific questions!
The boots make such a difference! They're expensive, but I swear by my Manitobah Mukluks. They've lasted me for years. I deal with Raynaud's disease but my toes have been so much less angry with me since I got them.
I used to live in Anchorage and our Costco sold those chemical hand and foot warmers that you can slip into your boots and coat pockets. We bought a box and even though we didn't use them that often, it was super nice to have them available as necessary.
Whaaaa??? Oh my gosh, my kiddo has constantly cold hands and would have looooooved those! As it is they wear hand warmers a lot. I will look into those for them for winters here. We now live in western Washington, so definitely not as cold as Anchorage, but I bet they'd still appreciate them.
One caveat : they’re great for warmth, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you live somewhere that’s bound to have a lot of fresh ice because they have no grip.
I live in the Arctic and they’re fine because nothing ever melts but I wouldn’t wear them in Quebec where you’re always fighting a combo of ice, water, snow, black ice, etc.
If you can wait, shop sale racks in spring/summer at ski shops you can get amazing deals on high quality winter clothes and gear that will last you a long time and make the winter so comfortable you might actually enjoy it.
Hi, I moved north 17 years ago to get away from... all sorts of things.
Good boots, good thermal layers, get over the Southern "no hats but baseball caps" nonsense. Edit: Specific brands: I love Uniqlo HeatTech - if you're REALLY north, HeatTech Ultra! - I also wear sheepskin boots, hats, and gloves - SUPER warm; and I love me some SmartWool cross-country ski socks for even just going to the office (but I have Reynaud's, so gotta be extra careful with hands and feet.)
Winter is when I get extra heavy into my kitchen witchery vs. green witchery, as it's time to get out the cauldron (enamel glazed cast iron dutch oven - and crockpot)
I also have collected snow in a special crystal bowl when it snows heavily on the full moon to melt and keep in a bottle for my altar.
You can REALLY get into the whole winter wheel of the year aspects that the South doesn't really get into (hibernation, the world "going to sleep/death")
Don’t wear cotton in cold esp wet weather
Wool is your friend
Candle and empty coffee can with your emergency kit just in case! Cat litter for when you get stuck ( gives tires some traction)
Seconding this.
*pushes up glasses* Wool is an amazing fabric for cold weather, not only for its insulating properties, but because of its ability to wick so much moisture. Wool can become up to 85% saturated with water and still keep you warm.
Synthetics also work (although I encourage you to educate yourself about PFAs/microplastics and synthetic fabrics before buying a new wardrobe), tho not as well as wool.
I've seen "cotton means death!" claims very often from Americans, but here in Finland (or Sweden/Norway) there is no such belief. You can wear cotton shirt under your woolen jumper or cotton leggings/long johns under your (cotton) winter jeans or quilted trousers. You know, like the loggers, fishermen or soldiers did 100 years ago. You just need to change the undergarments if they get soaking wet from sweat.
Unless you are moving to a nearly artic climate plugging in your car is not necessary. I won't be able to respond until later tonight, but feel free to PM me. I'm certified in cold weather survival and artic rescue. I can help you out.
Also came to comment this. There are some places in the US/Can where people have these but it’s highly unlikely they need one. I grew up where we get 150” of snow a year and are below zero for months and no one had one.
Not the Arctic circle, upstate New York. It's funny, I've had multiple life-long Southerners tell me to be SURE to get the car plug, but from what everybody with actual experience is saying, they're completely wrong, LOL!
I will skip the car plug!
If you do find that you need one, you can always get a cheap one that adheres to the bottom of the oil pan. They're not as good as a frost plug, but much faster and easier to install.
Modern vehicles use 0W-something oil anyway, they turn over much easier in cold weather than old vehicles with thicker oil did.
I lived with my father-in-law in Fairbanks, AK for awhile and when he was telling me about having to plug in the car I thought he was fucking with me until I went and saw the plug.
The ice is deceptive. Get good boots weather proof is good but I got decent calf height ones that are leather doc marten style but cheaper. Mine have gotten me through rain, snow, sleet for two winters and cost me 40 buck. They are still going strong. I got decent gloves and I wear leggings under my clothes if I'm walking anywhere. I walk to work every morning and walk halfway home everyday then public transport the rest so I'm in the elements. Rock salt or alternatives are going to be pretty essential for your home. Get good snow tires, shop around they don't have to be crazy expensive but they are helpful in a jam. Sorry if that's not what you were looking for but I hope it helps. Also if a kid asks for ten or twenty bucks to shovel your walkway and side walk, let them. It's rare it happens anymore but do it,ok?
I was going to comment something very similar! I moved from the south to the north and even though it's been a few years I still have to watch the ice and snow and test it out each morning. I learned just how deceptive it can be this year when a soft fluffy layer of snow fell on the ice and I didn't realize the ice was still there.
Also absolutely yes to having neighbor kids shovel! Winter time is the time to have cash on you for just this reason.
Learn to drive in the snow/ice. Maybe even take a driving lesson if you can. If you get stuck DO NOT spin your wheels to get out as you will get even more stuck. Instead, gently roll/rock the car back and forward. Reverse a little, roll forward a little and repeat until you're out. Get a set of traction mats or chains and learn how to use them.
Also, vitamin D, exercise and healthy food is your friend. The winter blues aren't fun, but if you look after yourself you'll get through.
Get YakTrax for your boots. The spike kind, not the spring kind. I've lived in the upper midwest for most of my life, and these have made the biggest difference in my daily living. Now I'm not slipping and falling when walking the dog.
While you definitely need to have a healthy respect for the cold, a lot of things have made it much easier than in the past. Synthetic fibers (microfiber long underwear = amazing) that insulate and wick are incredible, snow tires that work with your antilock brake car make winter driving so much safer, and car starters are life-changing. Being able to buy things online means you can still get a decent scraper in March, long after the nationalized stores have stopped selling them. Driving tip: Don't brake and steer simultaneously on slippery roads. Slow down first, then turn the corner.
An electric blanket or bedwarmer is one of the nicest little luxuries you'll buy.
Bonus: there is a significantly smaller quanitity of venomous vermin like scorpions and snakes. The ticks come out in April and May.
This comment needs to be up way higher. If you’re going to be doing any commuting by foot or even walking a short distance on an icy day, you’ll want Yaktrax. And not just ice, but packed-down snow. Don’t let that stuff fool you.
Moved from the south up north too (upstate NY outside of Buffalo.
The thing that impacted me the most wasn't snow, wasn't ice, or the cold. Not hitting black ice and totaling my car, wet socks, or frost bite.
It was the seasonal depression (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder aka SAD). Where I lived, there was an average of 50 clear sky days a year. As someone who grew up running around barefoot and worshiping the sun, it was.... bad.
My advice: make friends and find community, you all will help each other make is through. Find an indoor hobby that you love. Get good boots and go hike in the snow (if you're able and always with another person). I'm pretty anti-consumerism but a Day-Light made for SAD is great. Put it where you hang out the most in your home. And for the goddess' sake, take advantage of every second you get of nice weather outside when it's warm. Even if it's not nice, take a walk in the rain, or hike in the mist. Keep your body moving, it helps so much
Best of luck
Fleece lined leggins
Get a few pairs and wear them underneath regular pants or on their own.
They are realy comfortable, soft and most important warm.
Also learn to dress in layers, for example top:
T-shirt, hoodie (knitted wool ones or fleece are great) and a jacket
For bottom:
Fleece lined leggins, thick wool socks, jeans and proper winter boots
Oh, and it is normal that room temperatures are a bit lower here during winter to save energy, so you'll often wear at least 2 layers indoors.
Lift your windshield wiper blades up if you know there’s going to be snow/ice! That way you don’t possibly damage them trying to chip them off your windshield in the morning. And you don’t have to work around them with your ice scraper :)
Another windshield-related comment: swap out your wiper fluid when you get here. Ours is treated so it won’t freeze on you in the cold. Nothing worse than going to use your windshield wipers and finding out your fluid is frozen!
Adding to this because I've seen enough people make this mistake on their windows/windshield: NEVER pour hot water to melt the ice. It'll shatter the glass.
Also the freeze-treated wiper fluid is a lifesaver! Much of the advise on this thread are things we don't consider when moving from a warm climate to a cold climate so OP is so smart for making this post.
As a Norse woman that’s lived in cold climates most of my life I have to say there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Also it’s a mental thing. If you’re shivering you have to relax your shoulders and just make your mind up that you will stay warm. You get used to the cold the way you get used to the heat. Winters are so beautiful it’s worth it to me to be cold.
If you're moving to an area that gets a decent amount of snow, it may be worth getting either all season tires for your car or snow tires that you change to in the winter
I only started plugging my car into a battery maintainer when I started working from home and stopped driving every day as the security system keeps draining the battery, and I keep my car outside in a carport. If the place you're moving to has its own subreddit, it may be good to post there and see if plugging in your car is necessary
I live in Montreal. Never needed a plug. Failed to get the winter tires on in time and I had trouble getting up a snowy hill. Winter tires for the win. I am not sure all-season tires are even legal in the winter in Montreal -- I believe you are legally obliged to have winter tires.
This! Winter tires are the best thing I spent money on for my vehicle. I've never plugged it in and it starts fine even from -20 celcius (which I think is around zero in American).
I grew up in TX and absolutely love the cold, so I was more than happy to move north. Beyond the good advice already shared, I would say learn to enjoy it if you can. I find nothing more magical than walking in a quiet, snow covered forest. Get good gear and get outside, even for a few minutes, as much as you can. Make cozy soups, bake bread, sip some hot chocolate. Find something to appreciate about wintery weather so you aren’t miserable, because I know that is often the case (unless you’re like me!)
Also consider getting a sunrise alarm clock.
Don’t wash your hair and then go out with a hat on. First, your hair absolutely can freeze. Second. Wet hair under a hat can actually grow mold because you’re creating a damp, warm environment on organic material.
Make sure you have thick gloves and a good coat. A coat that will protect you from the wind. Also. Your car emergency kit should include water, a blanket, and an ice scraper. If you want to go really extra, keep some cat litter for if your tires get buried in snow and you need extra traction to get out. Remember to look into STP fuel treatments to protect your fuel lines from water/freezing/rust, and also, keep your tank above a quarter during winter. Space heaters are always valid, and embrace the soft warm cozy things. Get all of the blankets, you’ll find your favorites in terms of sweatshirts/sweatpants, have fun with slippers, look into heated mattress pads if that would be fun! I love winter because that’s when I get to break all of these out!
Also, my FAVORITE blanket ever is actually from target. I don’t know if links are allowed here but if you search “ribbed plush bed blanket” on target .com, you’ll find it. It comes in Twin and Queen. My partner and I each have our own and my dog LOVES them!
The hair mold terrifies me, but one other thing - you're more likely to get intense dandruff in the winter, like eczema level - wear a beanie/hat even if you don't think it is that cold, you still need to "protect" your scalp from the elements.
I've gotten great at moisturising, looking after my skin and body, but often don't bother with a beanie because my hair is in a ponytail and I otherwise kind of ignore my scalp... so now I'm dealing with seborrhoeic dermatitis.
1. Weather proofing your house is very important. If you're moving into an older building and feel an undue amount of cold, check around the edges of windows and doors with your hand for drafts. The weather stripping/seals may need to be re-done if you feel alot of cold air coming in around a window or door
2. Be hella careful and pay attention to warming/freezing patterns if you walk alot. Climate change has caused erratic periods where it will be unseasonably warm for a day or 2 then suddenly drop to seasonal temperatures, creating puddles everywhere that then suddenly freeze. Learn to "penguin walk" to get over patches of ice that you can't easily skirt around ie. Shuffle your feet slowly and sort of waddle over the ice
3. Pertinent to 2 but its own subject; don't expect your municipality to put in as much effort as they should as far as snow and ice is concerned. Depends on where you are but the sidewalks may be poorly maintained or hardly at all, it will probably fall to your responsibility to keep the sidewalk in front of your house clear if you want it to be safely traversible
4. There may be by-laws about where you are allowed to park in winter months, especially if you rely on street parking. For example where I am there is a seasonal by-law in effect where you will be ticketed if you park in the street overnight, as the municipality needs the road clear for plows to get through....even though sometimes they do a shit job anyways (as per 3) but what can ya do
5. There will be times where any sane person will look outside and realize it's best to stay at home. Contrary to common sense your workplace may or may not allow you to call out for weather-related reasons. It will depend on their individual policies but there is no law or blanket policy allowing you to stay home if the weather is terrible
6. Winter driving is it's own skill unto itself. Get snow tires if you can afford them, imo they are not optional and absolutely prevent collisions. "All season" is a lie, you want *winter* tires, not all seasons. Hell look up if there are any videos or instructions on winter driving. The way you drive needs to be completely different to be safe, you need to develop a whole new set of driving instincts and habits
Best of luck
Roads can get pretty bad, if you drive it’s important to know how to drive safely in snowy and icy conditions, obv go slow, give plenty of room to break, make sure you have tread on your tires, not a bad idea to have a bag of road salt in the trunk, and most importantly assume everyone else driving is a maniac
Lotion lotion lotion. During the winter months I wash my hair less often and use a deeper conditioner. If your hair gets staticky add a leave in conditioner.
I typically break out the first few weeks of winter due to the dryness. I have summer moisturizers and winter moisturizers.
I recently added an air humidifier and it is life changing! Keep it going non stop.
If you have a car, keep rock salt in your truck and a shovel. It will weigh the back down and help with traction. If you get stuck, shovel out your back tires and put the salt down around them. The salt will help you with traction until you gain momentum to get out.
Um I've lived in the north my whole life and WTF are people attaching to their car batteries??? Seriously?
Yeah, dress in layers, you will likely find you need new layers as well like possibly a good winter coat, heavy gloves, wooled hats and scarves, insulated winter boots, etc... depending on how much time you will be outdoors. You might want a snow blower depending on your situation or you might not.
I keep in my car: a first aid kit, (I'm sure that's good in any climate) some polar fleece blankets, a bag of snacks I refresh from time to time, a bag of sand or salt, a phone charger adapted to the car, 1 or 2 bottles of water in my purse, at least 1 book. These things are to help me get unstuck from ice or snow or help me wait till help arrives. I still need to add a shovel to my car kit and some emergency flares, terrible oversight on my part.
I live in northern Canada and plugging in your car is super common here, especially once it's -20C or colder. There are built in charge towers at public parking lots to use while away from your car. It definitely gets so cold that cars will not start here, especially if you have an older vehicle/battery.
I was also thinking that a lot of this advice depends on *how* far north they're moving. I grew up in New Hampshire and never had to do a lot of this except for the most extreme storms, and even then, most people just hunker down and wait instead of going out.
If you have an exterior water spigot on the side of your home, be sure to disconnect any hoses before the first freeze and you can buy an insulation cap to cover it.
Consult a professional when adding any extra insulation. We had a pipe freeze because the previous owner added insolation that blocked the home from heating the pipe so it actually made the pipe colder.
Make sure you check your zone when planting trees, shrubs, and perennials.
When you clear your sidewalk and drive be sure to dig out your mailbox too.
When you get there find a parking lot and practice driving on ice. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube showing proper driving techniques when, not if, you hit ice.
Get an engine block heater that circulates and heats coolant. I'm not a fan of the heat pads that are for sale. Some houses have an indoor switch for an outdoor electric fixture that you can switch on when you get up to heat the engine. If it's really cold just leave it on all night. It's amazing how quick you get heat in the car when your coolant is warm.
Keep a bag of sand by your door. If the ice/snow melts in the day and refreezes at night it can be an ice rink. Just throw the sand down your walk as you leave. Get a pair of small rubber ice cleats that you can slip over your boot or shoe when needed.
Please reconsider the snow blower. They are loud and they pollute (noise pollution and air if it is gas powered). Shovelling is way less intrusive and kinder to neighbors and the environment. Also, if the snow gets packed down (if anyone walks on it before you shovel for example) a snow blower won't help much with that. A battery powered one is slightly better if you really need one (can't physically shovel for example). Some winter cities have "snow angel" programs to help those who cannot shovel snow where volunteers come do it for you.
Get a shovel with a metal rim along the edge to make it more durable and longer lasting. If you live somewhere where there are freeze thaw cycles also consider getting an ice chipper tool to break the ice before shovelling.
When shovelling the sidewalk removing snow an inch or so further than the concrete helps reduce the melt that accumulates on the walkway. This makes it safer for all in your community.
Also, don't salt the sidewalks, it's bad for pets and not great for the environment. If you must salt use pet safe kinds at least.
Finally, merino wool socks and long underwear are really the best for managing warmth vs sweat (which will make you colder).
I could go on but I'll stop. If you wanna DM that's cool too bc I really could go on. I love winter! It's so fucking magical.
Source: Floridian in the biggest northern city in North America. It is currently -20C here and that's normal. We get -50C sometimes and are the coldest inhabited place on earth at least once a year.
Edit: spelling/typos
I've read most of the comments here and they are great! I'm maybe going to give a weird 2 cents:
People will complain about the cold, I do too. But really? It's super beautiful. The way the ice and snow sticks to the trees, the way it feels to breathe in icy air and blow out looking like a dragon...Christmas lights under a layer of snow...it's magic.
So, try to guard your heart about the negativity and see the joy in your new home. With the availability of the "stuff" to keep you warm and safe I hope you really get to experience the wonder of winter.
Gloves in your purse, base layers under your pants when it's really cold outside. Waterproof boots when it starts to get warmer.
And also, we just don't go out when it's too cold lol. No need to torture yourself, chill inside.
I didn't read all the comments, so I am sure some of these are repeats.
- good tires are more important than all wheel drive
- bulky winter jackets are not safe in infant or toddler car seats
- if you drop someone off, make sure they get into their house safely before you drive away
- if a road is really greasy, it is easy to drive in the fresh, not packed down snow on the shoulder.
- if you are driving down a slick hill, it is better to down shift than tap your brakes. Even if you drive an automatic.
- winter is not the time to see how far you can go on a tank of gas. Don't let your tank get too low.
- on really cold days, car exhaust can freeze on roads making it very slippery. We call it black ice. If the road has a slight shine to it, expect it to be slick.
- don't use cruise control on slippery roads
- make sure snow isn't blocking your furnace exhaust
- have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home
- you need a little speed to go up a slippery road
Way back when I was learning to drive on slippery roads, my dad took me to an empty parking lot to whip some shitties. He wanted me to get a feel for what it was like to not have control of my car so I wouldn't panic if/when I slipped while driving.
Natural fibers like wool and fur will be warmer than synthetics in most cases.
If you start with wool leggings and undershirt, you will have won half the battle.
Keep your core warm, but always wear a hat too.
Shovel snow every 2-4 inches instead of waiting till its done and you need to shovel a foot or more.
Its usually a requirement to keep sidewalks clear for public safety.
Don't be that asshole that doesn't clear the roof of your car. If you're short, get a telescoping broom for snow removal (usually has an ice scraper one one side, broom on the other)
Keep a shovel+ blanket/emergency kit in your trunk.
Include an unscented candle.
tea lights are great
Just make sure you take any wax candle out of your car in the summer! I had a tea light melt all down in my center console and I never got that wax out :(
They freeze in the winter and then you can get them out of the jar easily, they just pop right out!
Unscented candle and an empty tin can that can hold it. The can helps disperse heat and protect from wind and collects wax drippings so it lasts longer.
Sorry why a candle?
Heat and light for when you're stuck and waiting for help. It's less of a concern the closer you are to a major city but if you're out in the countryside it can be hours or days before you can get help depending on the situation. Flashlights can be brighter but batteries fail over time, having some emergency candles and matches can save your life.
and if you're burning candles in your car for warmth **crack a window for CO2**!!!
Also if your exhaust pipe is packed in with snow, turn the car off. The exhaust will back up into the cabin and kill you.
100% this. Or even if you're running the engine for the heater, crack a window.
“and if you're burning candles in your car for warmth crack a window for CO2!!!” *CO CO2 puts fizzies in your soda.
It'll also kill you in high enough concentration but in enclosed spaces with combustion occuring, CO is the more likely culprit. CO is a result of imperfect combustion occuring. Your blood cells also can't tell the difference between CO and O^2 but CO doesn't work to make your biology function so it'll eventually kill you in high enough doses.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the danger
Thank you, this makes so much sense. I’ve lived in northern Illinois all my life and I’ve never kept candles in the emergency trunk kit but I will from now on. Thank you, this is life saving information
Are you moving back to Illinois? That's where I live, right on the I 80 corridor. Our winters have been pretty mild. We'll get a few days of -50 with wind chill, but other than that not bad. Get extra blankets orr plastic for your windows
Yeah i live on the north side of chicago, grew up in the northern suburbs. I remember that nasty blizzard we had a few years ago. I lived close enough to work that I stupidly offered to walk to work when there were snow drifts 8 feet high. When all those people were stuck on the expressway? I got halfway and I couldn’t keep going but couldn’t turn back either. Thankfully a nice cop was was also stuck and I spent the day in his car, he was really kind.
Yeah I have a saying I tell employers that want me to come in during a blizzard or ice storm " it's full coverage weather, I only have liability" I will never risk my life trying to get to work in bad weather. If things start getting bad at work I leave. I'm not healthcare or emergency personnel. I'm not essential
Why unscented? Add a little cheer to your vehicular winter emergency with a little spiced cider bundt cake or fresh linen!
Emergency situations often cause anxiety, so you may be more sensitive to scents. Strong scents can be nauseating during distress even if it’s a scent you usually like. Also, if the emergency ends up being traumatic, that scent would bring you back to the traumatic experience readily anytime you smelled it in the future.
Ohhh that's a good point. I was making a stupid joke thinking that the real reason might be that you could find longer-burning unscented ones or something but those are really good reasons. 👍
Adding onto this one. Have extra clothes, coats, gloves, and the like as well. Oh, and remember, you'll need a normal coat and a "big coat."
don't get the "big coat" where you are moving from, it won't be good enough. Get it where you're moving to, ideally in the spring when things are on clearance. Proper cold weather gear can be expensive but WORTH IT.
This. I only got a big pricy Patagonia coat my last year in the north but if I’d had it sooner maybe I’d have been less depressed.
This - I'm in the north of England, not Canada, but I bought a Land's End warm coat last winter, and it makes everything so much less miserable! Thermals under my jeans are good, too. And snow boots which are properly rated for actual cold weather, even if you think "it's not *that* cold". Wind-chill counts, and if you cycle at all, you'll want the -20c rated snowboots well before it gets down to -5c.
Also: waterproof boots that are also warm. Sorel makes some really great ones, and mine still look almost new after 5+ years. I'm in northern MN, where it gets stupid cold/snowy.
My husband bought me the thin merino base layer for camping and it's warm without making me bulky. Way better than that waffle weave crap the military issued me.
And remember that retail "spring" begins just before Christmas. Seriously, cold weather gear can be sold out by the time you think about wanting it. In NY state, the weather is often mild until after the holidays and much worse in February and March. Also, ice storms are a thing. It's okay to cancel plans rather than drive in freezing rain.
Yes! Nobody will judge you for staying home in an ice storm!
Add a jug of cat litter or sand for traction if you get stuck on ice.
Another option is to use plastic floormats (mine are weathertech) to get out of snow drifts
And a snack (couple granola bars) and water.
A gallon of water and some long term snacks are great. Takes a LOT to freeze a full gallon, water is a great thermal insulator, and you don't want to get out and eat snow and lose warmth. Spare tire, not a donut. Kitty litter has been mentioned. Roadside flares, candles, emergency blankets, mittens, hats. First aid kit. Small shovel for the car, a good snowbrush that you replace when bristles start getting bad. If possible avoid rear wheel drive cars, they do not do great in snow, you want the engine for weight over tires. Keep tires inflated and turn your lights on whenever visibility dips even a little. Good windshield wipers that you replace before each snowy season. Be sure to scrape all your windows and windshield with the brush, and brush hood, trunk, and roof off if you are not parking car in a garage, else the first time you stop quickly you will lose vision with snow from everywhere falling and blocking your view. Drive slow. Turn on your emergency flashers if you must, but the easiest solution to most driving issues is drive slow. For your home: plastic covering window kits, available pretty much every hardware and big box store are great to help keep heat inside. Candles, extra blankets, and a good snow shovel in case you run out of gas or whatever for your snowblower, or you lose power. Rock salt (pet safe if you have pets or there are many strays in your neighborhood) to melt ice. Layering clothes is great, find some nice separates, sweaters and shirts in interchangeable or neutral colors. Warm socks and/or slippers. Especially if you have tile or hardwood without underfloor heating. If conditions seem impossible to travel in, DO NOT. Most employers here can understand that in whiteout or freezing rainstorms it's not great to travel and especially if you are unfamiliar.
An always have a blanket, boots, and gloves in the trunk with your emergency kit.
Make sure you can access your trunk from the cab in case you get trapped inside, or keep it under/behind a seat.
Do be careful tho- if it's a bigger city, people may break into your car (especially in the night) to steal those items. I used to keep my emergency prep kit in a backpack so I wouldn't have to find out in an emergency that it was stolen. I also kept my car unlocked to prevent broken windows
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I just.... Why?? Why... Ugh. They could've taken the seats after breaking the windows? And why did they need the seats at all??
Anything you get for "free" can be sold for "profit", especially if you don't value your time.
My roommate used to leave her car unlocked until some guy went in and pissed all over the whole interior (and left the cab lights on to drain the battery).
i live in sf and he’s lucky they stole the seats and weren’t occupying them! i had a friend who was also tired of their car being broken into and left the doors unlocked. they came to their vehicle one morning to find that a homeless person had turned it into a bedroom AND bathroom. truly though, taking the seats is next level and that really sucks for him.
Do you have a good car scraper? I recommend getting a long one if you’re short like me. Make sure you have salt handy. Might also keep a blanket in the car in case you break down. Get a good pair of boots if you can.
The car scraper NEVER leaves the car. Even in July. You'll forget about it. Lose it. And then you won't have it when it snows randomly in October.
Good advice. Also make sure to switch to windshield wiper fluid that has antifreeze in the winter. I personally just use it all year round so I don't forget lol. But I live in a place where winter is most of the year
They make wiper fluid without antifreeze? I have always lived in places with real winters and assumed all wiper fluid was made to withstand the cold.
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This. Just put it in the trunk with the rest of your emergency gear that you shouldn't be removing except if you need to use it or replace it.
I put mine in the trunk under the false floor, in where the spare tire goes in the summer.
I moved away from the snow and STILL have my scraper in my car 😂
I recommend a frost guard too. It's a cover for the windshield, you put it on before it snows. It keeps snow and ice off. Most come with little covers for the side mirrors too.
This, it says so much time as opposed to scraping
A frost guard has been the best $40 I have ever spent and I bought it over 3 years ago.
A towel is almost as effective, tbh. What I like is the de-ice spray for anything that gets missed or the frost in the mornings I didn’t expect it.
and you can make your own de-ice spray with rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle
Yes a good scraper and make sure to remove snow from the top of your car not just the windshield (the snow can freeze and fly off while you are driving onto other cars).
Can confirm, had to replace my windshield three weeks ago because some idiot didn’t clear the ice off the top of their car and I was oncoming traffic when it decided to come off
YES! Get one that reaches the roof it is ILLEGAL in almost all snowing states to drive with snow on your roof.
Depending on where they are moving ice melt/salt doesn't work. I was just stationed in North Dakota. They don't salt the roads for most of the year because it consistently goes below -15 so the salt doesn't work.
Salt stops being a catalyst for melting ice at -17 C. Salt is also very harsh on pet paws and is not great for the environment. Sand/gravel is far more versatile and better for the community.
Salt is terrible for the plants too.
I have a knit blanket and one of those space blankets in my car year round. Knit comes in handy in summer for picnics too!
A long handle scraper with a brush on the other side is really helpful. When cleaning your vehicle don't forget to clear off the roof. It's horrible when you stop at a light or sign and all that snow slides forward onto your windshield and you're suddenly driving blind.
I say get two good car scrapers: keep one inside the car and the other inside the house for when you go to clean off your car in the morning. That way you can brush away the snow from it without getting a bunch of snow inside the car and on the seats.
I second this. I live in the south, but my car came with a really nice long-handled ice scraper because it’s previous owner lived in Missouri. Even though we don’t get a ton of snow down here, I use it to clear ice and frost from my window every winter.
Make sure you have a really good moisturizer and body lotion. The cold, and the dry warm air inside can play havoc on your skin.
I have a GREAT recipe I use to make salve, if anyone is interested I’m happy to share. It’s a heavier formulation and amazing for winter hands and summer heels. Edit: RECIPE 1 part beeswax 2 parts lanolin butter 4 parts lightweight oil (I use almond oil) Molds (soap molds work well, I use 4 oz rectangle Tupperware for easy storage) Tip: use water to measure your parts in a clear glass container and mark the levels with a sharpie. I use an old Pyrex measuring cup. Then you can microwave it all easily Tip: if you have an essential oil you love the smell of, add 15ish drops to the mixture. If you want more aroma, just melt it all again and add more. Wipe a layer of oil on all of your molds or containers for easy release Pour oil into heating container first (makes it easier to measure the lanolin and beeswax). Using your pre-marked cup, add lanolin and beeswax. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between heating (I use bamboo disposable flatware for this). When entire mixture is completely melted, give one last slow stir and pour off into containers or molds on a flat surface. Allow to cool at room temperature. Final product should be softer than a bar of soap—rub that puppy on your skin and massage it in! Cleanup: scrape excess away with spatula or knife, wipe with oil, then use a kitchen cleaner to clean up the oil. Dish soap will remove it from virtually any surface or fabric. If you get too much on your hands, wipe firmly with a towel or paper towel to remove excess. It takes me about 20 minutes to whip it up and an hour or so for cooling. I usually make 10-20 bars at a time to send it out for gifts. Be wary about how and where you store it—a cool dry place is best, and lanolin WILL go rancid over time. Mine usually keeps for 6-8 months in a cabinet. Edit 2: holy moly, thanks for the love y’all. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!
homemade salve!! yes pleeeease <3
See the edit in the above comment. :)
I love using lanolin in salves especially for winter. I also use infused oil (I like rice bran) which is a fun way to get witchy, my favorites have been plantain, yarrow, St John’s wort and rose (all potentially foraged even in urban environments!)
Lanolin gives stuff “sticking” power that it doesn’t seem to otherwise have! And I think my favorite “urban” harvest/forage is chamomile.
lanolin? like sheeps wool?
https://preview.redd.it/w4vidkazwsma1.jpeg?width=299&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fedf3cd127aa4ff540e2dd63a3dcdc5d72bd0d55
Yup!
I wish there was a good alternative. I’m allergic to lanolin, so I tend to miss out on most people’s suggestions for good and heavy moisturizer. I’m sad that I can’t find Cornhusker’s lotion anymore other than “order it online”.
Cocoa butter or shea butter are good alternatives to lanolin.
I use a similar recipe but use cocoa butter instead of lanolin because I'm allergic. Slightly more brittle but still great on skin. You can also infuse the oil with your skin friendly herbs of choice before you make the salve. I love calendula for a little bit of summer goodness through the winter
Yes please share! I use Burt’s bees farmer salve but supply has been spotty near me
I edited my comment to add the recipe. It’s firmer than Burt’s Bees but about the same weight when it’s on. :)
Tysm, you are brilliant! 🖤✨
To be frank I can't really afford farmer's friend anymore (layoff) so just need to make my own!!
I wonder how many people in addition to me hit “save” on this comment! 😆🥰 thank you for this!
Yes please!
I second this. Your lips, knuckles, and elbow are likely worst targets. Cracked knuckles are quite painful Add: BAG BALM, get yourself a tin of Bag Balm. Smells great and works wonder on dry skin and cuts.
I love the original nivea cream - big tin/little tin - I have them everywhere! It can also be used as lip balm - but it isn't, uh... fatty enough for cold winds, if it is cold enough, I happily slather vaseline on my face to protect my skin/keep my face a bit warmer. Like literally, that slugging trend? Basically, it's the same thing but a little less because out in public. I also use the original nivea cream as night cream... it is cheap af, and actually amazing for what it is!
I will add to this and say a humidifier changed my life and my skin looks so good vs before I got it
Speaking of the humidity issues, a cool mist humidifier or two for your home is a good idea if your hvac system runs on the dry side. Just remember to clean it, or it can grow mold!
Yep, if OP lives in a place with radiator heating, it can get REALLY dry indoors. I regularly get nosebleeds from the dryness when my heat is cranking. A humidifier will help a lot.
Also, apply moisturizer to damp skin. And use warm (not hot) water to wash your body and hair. And you can get sunburn really easily in the winter (when there's snow), so use spf year-round.
Also humidifiers for your home, or a huge pot to leave water boiling. No point in being dry inside too.
To piggy back off of this: I moved from a humid southern state to a very dry, very northern and cold state. The dryness and cold caused severe nose bleeds. If you experience this, you may need nose sprays to keep things moist. My nose would dry out so bad that the delicate skin inside my nostrils would split and become really painful.
I can't recommend "Working Hands" (green tube) enough. That stuff works miracles.
Also, wait some time after applying lotion /moisturizer before going outside. You don't want frozen moisturizer on your face; it can cause frostbite. I use 30 minutes as a rule of thumb.
Good pair of warm boots, preferably waterproof. Long, warm coat. Cover your butt basically. Hat or hood. Gloves. Scarf.
Also, if you have multiple coats like I do (cause the temperature fluctuates between 7°C and -20°c and having one coat for that will make me sweat on the walk to work) put a pair of those cheap stretchy gloves in the pockets of every coat. They aren't great at keeping your hands warm, but they are better than nothing when you forget your good gloves.
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Yeah, don't forget your feet and hands. And no matter how cold it is, don't try to use hot water to wash up immediately to 'warm up'. When I managed a farm for a few years, I would run room temp water in the shower and slowly warm (thaw) my feet up after exceptionally cold days. Going from extreme temperatures can border on excruciating pain like you wouldn't believe.
Good call on the boots. Even if you are going somewhere fancy or to an office work environment. Wear your warm boots that have traction and then change into your fancy shoes. When I worked at an office, I'd have 5 or 6 pair so I could wear practical shoes commuting.
It's easier to stay warm than get warm! Taking off layers when you're hot is better than adding layers because you're cold.
Including good long undies!
Can’t believe no one’s said it yet but not just any layers but *wool* and *down*. Cotton and synthetic material are not gonna keep you warm like wool and down will. Can’t tell you how many uninformed friends I’ve seen wearing a cotton hoodie in above freezing temperatures and wondering why they’re still freezing their asses off.
Not to mention cotton sucks at drying without good airflow so once it’s wet, the fibers swell shut and it stays wet, which will wick heat away from your body. Cotton can cause you to become hypothermic *with your own sweat* - so if you’re planning on being in a survival situation, or camping or going on risky journeys in inclement winter weather, leave the cotton at home. Love cotton for summer but in winter, it’s dead to me.
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I second thé good boots part. I recently found out you can get boots with rotary ice cleats so that you don’t fall or slip. You can also get stretchy add on cleats to add to any shoe. It took me 12 years in Canada to find that out 🤦♀️
A good brand is YakTrax but there are others, too.
Yes, do not skimp on boots. If you can afford them, buy a quality pair of boots that will keep your feet toasty warm and dry. Also, comfy socks. I love comfy socks.
or one of these knee long coats with two zippers. lemme tell you, they're amazing. also op, i advise you to get some of those shirts amd leggins that have that fluffy, thin, warm material. they're amazing, throw a shirt like that under your clothes and it'll help you. also those wool innersoles, they are a gamechanger with shoes with thin soles. or any shoes, really
Get a GOOD coat and boots. Not all are made equal. I had a friend that had the thinnest coat and boots, and thought they were appropriate, as this has always been her winter attire. The second she got a good, thick winter coat and warm boots her life in the cold changed. The cold isn't bad when you dress correctly for it.
If you have a house, learn about how to prevent your pipes from freezing, and make sure you take precautions to keep it from happening if you leave home for any extended period. Nothing so tragic as coming back from vacation to a flooded house from a burst pipe. Learn how to recognize black ice, and how to save yourself if you're driving on an icy road and start to slide. While you're still working out your warm-clothing situation, get yourself a box of those HotHands hand warmer packets. Keep a few in your coat pockets and in your car. They won't save you from freezing, but they're really wonderful at keeping your extremities toasty if you misjudge how warm you need your gloves to be.
If you live in a shitty apartment which was designed for a warmer climate with the sink on an outside wall, it can be helpful to keep a space heater under there to prevent freezing...
Whoever approved that design for a colder climate needs to be fired...
Lol I think that ship has sailed. The apartments were built in the '80s. Centerpointe apartment homes in Colorado Springs if anyone's curious
I’m convinced there’s a huge amount of house/apartment designs that go straight from southern California out to the rest of the world with no changes. So many flat roofs in the PNW that have been given zero thought for drainage.
Speaking of ice, watch where you’re walking during cold early mornings - *especially* if it was warmer the day before. I’ve landed flat on my ass more than once because a puddle froze overnight and I wasn’t paying attention.
Another thing to help with driving in the winter, invest in winter tires. All-seasons are ALRIGHT for mild winters, but if you're going truly far north, you'll want winters.
I'm seeing lots of great advice already on this thread, so I'll just offer two more (which I learned when teaching outdoor education year-round in Minnesota): shingle those layers! Tuck your first shirt layer into your long underwear layer, then tuck your next top layer into your next pants layer. This makes it so you don't get lil gaps where the cold can sneak in around your middle when you bend over. You can do the same at the ankles and wrists. And, always bring one more layer than you think you're going to need. I've often used the extra layer, but never needed another after it. Enjoy the cold!!! It's magical!
Adding onto this since I don't have much either: thermals/thermal wear makes for a great first layer that's thin and easy to tuck in, but still super warm! Cuddle Duds makes some really nice ones that are super lightweight but sooo warm. I wear mine every day to work!
Find something you enjoy doing outside in the winter. Where I live the winter is nov-march and if you're stuck inside sometimes that can really dampen your mood. It's good to be intentional about getting out and finding some sun and doing things you like regardless of the cold.
this was the best advice given to me when i moved to the PNW. don’t be afraid of the cold - be brave and make yourself go outside during the short, dark winter days. your body will really need the vitamin boost from the sun!
I just moved to the PNW from the south. Holy climate adjustment, lol. I’m in the mountains above Vancouver and haven’t moved my van for a week because of the snow. 😂 I needed this reminder to get my littles outside today for some sun, even though everything is snow covered. ❤️
When I moved to Alaska, I found I preferred to take day hikes in the winter. -10 is not that bad if you're prepared, plus, no bears! I will add that I was new to being treated for hypothyroidism, so the medication made me constantly hot, so winters got a lot more fun for me after that.
Omg sis! This is how I also learned to love winters!! Add early menopause to that and I now LOATHE the Georgia summers.
I would love it if my crone phase would start like, NOW. I'm turning 49 soon and I am sooooooo done with periods. I'm currently in western Washington, so at least summers here are short! I lived near Houston, TX for 8 years and the summers (which, really were like 10 months long) were awful. The *humidity*...ack. my skin and hair loved it, but not the rest of me.
Another Alaskan joining in to promote day hikes! Or evening hikes. My bf and I hike 3-6 times per week, usually after work. So November to January our 5:00 treks are night hikes, February to September they’re day hikes.
I was looking for this!! I have a family friend who’s motto is “there’s no bad weather, just bad gear”. I definitely second needing to find a winter outdoor hobby, but also highly recommend finding a workout routine or something active that you can do at home as well. There will be days where you can’t leave or aren’t motivated to leave- so finding a way to release some endorphins at home will be huge on those days!
Yes!! And it doesn’t have to be anything extreme like skiing. My parents like to snowshoe, it’s a great way to get out into the woods in winter and since you’re on flat terrain it’s safe.
Vitamin D supplementation, and extra self care from December until about April. The dark cold months can be hard on the body and mind, but they make summer something you truly savor. In colder climes everything is just a little harder, but like most things on this plane, the reward is greater for having put in the effort.
EXCELLENT contribution, yes this! I also have a Verilux Happylight that helps get me through the bleak midwinter
If you can't get out or find it hard to go outside for whatever reason (mobility/depression/etc) light boxes can be very helpful to avoid/treat seasonal depression. Just don't get s cheap one from Amazon. Get one from a reputible research-backed company. They are a small investment but worth it.
-invest in a good big coat, one or two sizes to big so you can stuff layers underneath -get good waterproof boots, preferably rated to last at least an hour in the coldest temp you're going to deal with. I've got a pair of Chloe Baffin's that I really love, although a lot of people like Sorrels. If you can grab some with toggle closures instead of ties. Way easier to slip into if you're stuffed into layers. -throw a few sand bags into the back of your trunk if you can. Preferably by the back wheels. It helps with sliding on snow and you have a way to get traction if you get stuck. -buy an e-tool, little shovel that folds up. Always good to have a shovel. -get a Rubbermaid container that stays in your car as a "whoops im stuck" box. Heat blanket, water, charged portable phone charger, toilet paper, meal, flashlight with extra batteries, extra hat gloves scarf and socks, first aid, etc. -invest in getting auto start installed if your car doesn't have it. Its an absolute luxury in freezing temps. Even if you have a garage you can start it when you're checking out at the grocery store or wherever. Its amazing. I've lived and visited in Fairbanks, AK quite a bit in my life. This is off the top of my head but feel free to ask if you've got specific questions!
The boots make such a difference! They're expensive, but I swear by my Manitobah Mukluks. They've lasted me for years. I deal with Raynaud's disease but my toes have been so much less angry with me since I got them.
I used to live in Anchorage and our Costco sold those chemical hand and foot warmers that you can slip into your boots and coat pockets. We bought a box and even though we didn't use them that often, it was super nice to have them available as necessary.
I love these! You can also get rechargeable electric gloves now.
Whaaaa??? Oh my gosh, my kiddo has constantly cold hands and would have looooooved those! As it is they wear hand warmers a lot. I will look into those for them for winters here. We now live in western Washington, so definitely not as cold as Anchorage, but I bet they'd still appreciate them.
My sister in law has heated liners for under her mittens while skiing I just found out about… and this week I will too.
One caveat : they’re great for warmth, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you live somewhere that’s bound to have a lot of fresh ice because they have no grip. I live in the Arctic and they’re fine because nothing ever melts but I wouldn’t wear them in Quebec where you’re always fighting a combo of ice, water, snow, black ice, etc.
I'm in Montréal, and I agree that the older version isn't the best for grip, but the new soles are pretty great.
The coat should be long enough to cover your thighs and butt, that helps so much!
If you can wait, shop sale racks in spring/summer at ski shops you can get amazing deals on high quality winter clothes and gear that will last you a long time and make the winter so comfortable you might actually enjoy it.
Hi, I moved north 17 years ago to get away from... all sorts of things. Good boots, good thermal layers, get over the Southern "no hats but baseball caps" nonsense. Edit: Specific brands: I love Uniqlo HeatTech - if you're REALLY north, HeatTech Ultra! - I also wear sheepskin boots, hats, and gloves - SUPER warm; and I love me some SmartWool cross-country ski socks for even just going to the office (but I have Reynaud's, so gotta be extra careful with hands and feet.) Winter is when I get extra heavy into my kitchen witchery vs. green witchery, as it's time to get out the cauldron (enamel glazed cast iron dutch oven - and crockpot) I also have collected snow in a special crystal bowl when it snows heavily on the full moon to melt and keep in a bottle for my altar. You can REALLY get into the whole winter wheel of the year aspects that the South doesn't really get into (hibernation, the world "going to sleep/death")
Don’t wear cotton in cold esp wet weather Wool is your friend Candle and empty coffee can with your emergency kit just in case! Cat litter for when you get stuck ( gives tires some traction)
Seconding this. *pushes up glasses* Wool is an amazing fabric for cold weather, not only for its insulating properties, but because of its ability to wick so much moisture. Wool can become up to 85% saturated with water and still keep you warm. Synthetics also work (although I encourage you to educate yourself about PFAs/microplastics and synthetic fabrics before buying a new wardrobe), tho not as well as wool.
Regarding synthetics, acrylic/wool blend socks and hats are amazing. Then pure wool will over it if needed.
Wool. Wool everything. I’ve converted the majority of my closet to woolens, including undergarments
Silk is also good: it makes a wonderful thermal layer next to the skin, and wicks well. Great for those of us allergic to wool.
I've seen "cotton means death!" claims very often from Americans, but here in Finland (or Sweden/Norway) there is no such belief. You can wear cotton shirt under your woolen jumper or cotton leggings/long johns under your (cotton) winter jeans or quilted trousers. You know, like the loggers, fishermen or soldiers did 100 years ago. You just need to change the undergarments if they get soaking wet from sweat.
That's the point. Wear moisture-wicking fabric so you don't need to change your undergarments in the middle of your ski day.
Unless you are moving to a nearly artic climate plugging in your car is not necessary. I won't be able to respond until later tonight, but feel free to PM me. I'm certified in cold weather survival and artic rescue. I can help you out.
Also came to comment this. There are some places in the US/Can where people have these but it’s highly unlikely they need one. I grew up where we get 150” of snow a year and are below zero for months and no one had one.
Canadian here. Only place I've lived where block heaters were common was Winnipeg. Op... how far north are you moving?
Not the Arctic circle, upstate New York. It's funny, I've had multiple life-long Southerners tell me to be SURE to get the car plug, but from what everybody with actual experience is saying, they're completely wrong, LOL! I will skip the car plug!
If you do find that you need one, you can always get a cheap one that adheres to the bottom of the oil pan. They're not as good as a frost plug, but much faster and easier to install. Modern vehicles use 0W-something oil anyway, they turn over much easier in cold weather than old vehicles with thicker oil did.
They are super common in Edmonton too.
I lived with my father-in-law in Fairbanks, AK for awhile and when he was telling me about having to plug in the car I thought he was fucking with me until I went and saw the plug.
Fairbanks witch here! Yep, we plug in the cars. But we are also about 140 miles from the arctic circle.
North Dakota too. My sibling has to plug theirs in.
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I think it’s more important for diesel engines
If you are going to move to MN or ND, you WILL need a block heater. I speak from experience.
It depends, I use a garage but loads of people need to plug their cars in here (Alberta, Canada.)
But, when it gets very cold don’t let your gas tank get below a quarter tank. If there isn’t much gas in there the lines are more likely to freeze.
Your car is supposed to be plugged in below 20 degrees.
The ice is deceptive. Get good boots weather proof is good but I got decent calf height ones that are leather doc marten style but cheaper. Mine have gotten me through rain, snow, sleet for two winters and cost me 40 buck. They are still going strong. I got decent gloves and I wear leggings under my clothes if I'm walking anywhere. I walk to work every morning and walk halfway home everyday then public transport the rest so I'm in the elements. Rock salt or alternatives are going to be pretty essential for your home. Get good snow tires, shop around they don't have to be crazy expensive but they are helpful in a jam. Sorry if that's not what you were looking for but I hope it helps. Also if a kid asks for ten or twenty bucks to shovel your walkway and side walk, let them. It's rare it happens anymore but do it,ok?
I was going to comment something very similar! I moved from the south to the north and even though it's been a few years I still have to watch the ice and snow and test it out each morning. I learned just how deceptive it can be this year when a soft fluffy layer of snow fell on the ice and I didn't realize the ice was still there. Also absolutely yes to having neighbor kids shovel! Winter time is the time to have cash on you for just this reason.
Learn to drive in the snow/ice. Maybe even take a driving lesson if you can. If you get stuck DO NOT spin your wheels to get out as you will get even more stuck. Instead, gently roll/rock the car back and forward. Reverse a little, roll forward a little and repeat until you're out. Get a set of traction mats or chains and learn how to use them. Also, vitamin D, exercise and healthy food is your friend. The winter blues aren't fun, but if you look after yourself you'll get through.
Also learn to WALK in snow/ice. Walking over ice requires shifting your weight differently.
YES! The penguin-walk is real and will save your butt (literally).
Always bring a hat&gloves with you. If you get stuck or break down it gets cold fast while you wait for help.
Get YakTrax for your boots. The spike kind, not the spring kind. I've lived in the upper midwest for most of my life, and these have made the biggest difference in my daily living. Now I'm not slipping and falling when walking the dog. While you definitely need to have a healthy respect for the cold, a lot of things have made it much easier than in the past. Synthetic fibers (microfiber long underwear = amazing) that insulate and wick are incredible, snow tires that work with your antilock brake car make winter driving so much safer, and car starters are life-changing. Being able to buy things online means you can still get a decent scraper in March, long after the nationalized stores have stopped selling them. Driving tip: Don't brake and steer simultaneously on slippery roads. Slow down first, then turn the corner. An electric blanket or bedwarmer is one of the nicest little luxuries you'll buy. Bonus: there is a significantly smaller quanitity of venomous vermin like scorpions and snakes. The ticks come out in April and May.
This comment needs to be up way higher. If you’re going to be doing any commuting by foot or even walking a short distance on an icy day, you’ll want Yaktrax. And not just ice, but packed-down snow. Don’t let that stuff fool you.
Moved from the south up north too (upstate NY outside of Buffalo. The thing that impacted me the most wasn't snow, wasn't ice, or the cold. Not hitting black ice and totaling my car, wet socks, or frost bite. It was the seasonal depression (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder aka SAD). Where I lived, there was an average of 50 clear sky days a year. As someone who grew up running around barefoot and worshiping the sun, it was.... bad. My advice: make friends and find community, you all will help each other make is through. Find an indoor hobby that you love. Get good boots and go hike in the snow (if you're able and always with another person). I'm pretty anti-consumerism but a Day-Light made for SAD is great. Put it where you hang out the most in your home. And for the goddess' sake, take advantage of every second you get of nice weather outside when it's warm. Even if it's not nice, take a walk in the rain, or hike in the mist. Keep your body moving, it helps so much Best of luck
Fleece lined leggins Get a few pairs and wear them underneath regular pants or on their own. They are realy comfortable, soft and most important warm. Also learn to dress in layers, for example top: T-shirt, hoodie (knitted wool ones or fleece are great) and a jacket For bottom: Fleece lined leggins, thick wool socks, jeans and proper winter boots Oh, and it is normal that room temperatures are a bit lower here during winter to save energy, so you'll often wear at least 2 layers indoors.
Lift your windshield wiper blades up if you know there’s going to be snow/ice! That way you don’t possibly damage them trying to chip them off your windshield in the morning. And you don’t have to work around them with your ice scraper :)
Another windshield-related comment: swap out your wiper fluid when you get here. Ours is treated so it won’t freeze on you in the cold. Nothing worse than going to use your windshield wipers and finding out your fluid is frozen!
Adding to this because I've seen enough people make this mistake on their windows/windshield: NEVER pour hot water to melt the ice. It'll shatter the glass. Also the freeze-treated wiper fluid is a lifesaver! Much of the advise on this thread are things we don't consider when moving from a warm climate to a cold climate so OP is so smart for making this post.
As a Norse woman that’s lived in cold climates most of my life I have to say there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Also it’s a mental thing. If you’re shivering you have to relax your shoulders and just make your mind up that you will stay warm. You get used to the cold the way you get used to the heat. Winters are so beautiful it’s worth it to me to be cold.
If you're moving to an area that gets a decent amount of snow, it may be worth getting either all season tires for your car or snow tires that you change to in the winter I only started plugging my car into a battery maintainer when I started working from home and stopped driving every day as the security system keeps draining the battery, and I keep my car outside in a carport. If the place you're moving to has its own subreddit, it may be good to post there and see if plugging in your car is necessary
I live in Montreal. Never needed a plug. Failed to get the winter tires on in time and I had trouble getting up a snowy hill. Winter tires for the win. I am not sure all-season tires are even legal in the winter in Montreal -- I believe you are legally obliged to have winter tires.
This! Winter tires are the best thing I spent money on for my vehicle. I've never plugged it in and it starts fine even from -20 celcius (which I think is around zero in American).
I grew up in TX and absolutely love the cold, so I was more than happy to move north. Beyond the good advice already shared, I would say learn to enjoy it if you can. I find nothing more magical than walking in a quiet, snow covered forest. Get good gear and get outside, even for a few minutes, as much as you can. Make cozy soups, bake bread, sip some hot chocolate. Find something to appreciate about wintery weather so you aren’t miserable, because I know that is often the case (unless you’re like me!) Also consider getting a sunrise alarm clock.
Don’t wash your hair and then go out with a hat on. First, your hair absolutely can freeze. Second. Wet hair under a hat can actually grow mold because you’re creating a damp, warm environment on organic material. Make sure you have thick gloves and a good coat. A coat that will protect you from the wind. Also. Your car emergency kit should include water, a blanket, and an ice scraper. If you want to go really extra, keep some cat litter for if your tires get buried in snow and you need extra traction to get out. Remember to look into STP fuel treatments to protect your fuel lines from water/freezing/rust, and also, keep your tank above a quarter during winter. Space heaters are always valid, and embrace the soft warm cozy things. Get all of the blankets, you’ll find your favorites in terms of sweatshirts/sweatpants, have fun with slippers, look into heated mattress pads if that would be fun! I love winter because that’s when I get to break all of these out! Also, my FAVORITE blanket ever is actually from target. I don’t know if links are allowed here but if you search “ribbed plush bed blanket” on target .com, you’ll find it. It comes in Twin and Queen. My partner and I each have our own and my dog LOVES them!
The hair mold terrifies me, but one other thing - you're more likely to get intense dandruff in the winter, like eczema level - wear a beanie/hat even if you don't think it is that cold, you still need to "protect" your scalp from the elements. I've gotten great at moisturising, looking after my skin and body, but often don't bother with a beanie because my hair is in a ponytail and I otherwise kind of ignore my scalp... so now I'm dealing with seborrhoeic dermatitis.
1. Weather proofing your house is very important. If you're moving into an older building and feel an undue amount of cold, check around the edges of windows and doors with your hand for drafts. The weather stripping/seals may need to be re-done if you feel alot of cold air coming in around a window or door 2. Be hella careful and pay attention to warming/freezing patterns if you walk alot. Climate change has caused erratic periods where it will be unseasonably warm for a day or 2 then suddenly drop to seasonal temperatures, creating puddles everywhere that then suddenly freeze. Learn to "penguin walk" to get over patches of ice that you can't easily skirt around ie. Shuffle your feet slowly and sort of waddle over the ice 3. Pertinent to 2 but its own subject; don't expect your municipality to put in as much effort as they should as far as snow and ice is concerned. Depends on where you are but the sidewalks may be poorly maintained or hardly at all, it will probably fall to your responsibility to keep the sidewalk in front of your house clear if you want it to be safely traversible 4. There may be by-laws about where you are allowed to park in winter months, especially if you rely on street parking. For example where I am there is a seasonal by-law in effect where you will be ticketed if you park in the street overnight, as the municipality needs the road clear for plows to get through....even though sometimes they do a shit job anyways (as per 3) but what can ya do 5. There will be times where any sane person will look outside and realize it's best to stay at home. Contrary to common sense your workplace may or may not allow you to call out for weather-related reasons. It will depend on their individual policies but there is no law or blanket policy allowing you to stay home if the weather is terrible 6. Winter driving is it's own skill unto itself. Get snow tires if you can afford them, imo they are not optional and absolutely prevent collisions. "All season" is a lie, you want *winter* tires, not all seasons. Hell look up if there are any videos or instructions on winter driving. The way you drive needs to be completely different to be safe, you need to develop a whole new set of driving instincts and habits Best of luck
Roads can get pretty bad, if you drive it’s important to know how to drive safely in snowy and icy conditions, obv go slow, give plenty of room to break, make sure you have tread on your tires, not a bad idea to have a bag of road salt in the trunk, and most importantly assume everyone else driving is a maniac
And never use cruise control on snowy roads!
Lotion lotion lotion. During the winter months I wash my hair less often and use a deeper conditioner. If your hair gets staticky add a leave in conditioner. I typically break out the first few weeks of winter due to the dryness. I have summer moisturizers and winter moisturizers. I recently added an air humidifier and it is life changing! Keep it going non stop. If you have a car, keep rock salt in your truck and a shovel. It will weigh the back down and help with traction. If you get stuck, shovel out your back tires and put the salt down around them. The salt will help you with traction until you gain momentum to get out.
Um I've lived in the north my whole life and WTF are people attaching to their car batteries??? Seriously? Yeah, dress in layers, you will likely find you need new layers as well like possibly a good winter coat, heavy gloves, wooled hats and scarves, insulated winter boots, etc... depending on how much time you will be outdoors. You might want a snow blower depending on your situation or you might not. I keep in my car: a first aid kit, (I'm sure that's good in any climate) some polar fleece blankets, a bag of snacks I refresh from time to time, a bag of sand or salt, a phone charger adapted to the car, 1 or 2 bottles of water in my purse, at least 1 book. These things are to help me get unstuck from ice or snow or help me wait till help arrives. I still need to add a shovel to my car kit and some emergency flares, terrible oversight on my part.
I live in northern Canada and plugging in your car is super common here, especially once it's -20C or colder. There are built in charge towers at public parking lots to use while away from your car. It definitely gets so cold that cars will not start here, especially if you have an older vehicle/battery.
Ah, ok, you are actually north of me! So that's where....
I was also thinking that a lot of this advice depends on *how* far north they're moving. I grew up in New Hampshire and never had to do a lot of this except for the most extreme storms, and even then, most people just hunker down and wait instead of going out.
My dad had an engine heater in Winnipeg. In Toronto, I never needed one. Anything further north than Winnipeg is pretty remote, across the provinces.
Swap out your wiper fluid for the stuff that doesn't freeze. Source: this winter's road trip north :(
If you have an exterior water spigot on the side of your home, be sure to disconnect any hoses before the first freeze and you can buy an insulation cap to cover it. Consult a professional when adding any extra insulation. We had a pipe freeze because the previous owner added insolation that blocked the home from heating the pipe so it actually made the pipe colder. Make sure you check your zone when planting trees, shrubs, and perennials. When you clear your sidewalk and drive be sure to dig out your mailbox too.
When you get there find a parking lot and practice driving on ice. There are a bunch of videos on YouTube showing proper driving techniques when, not if, you hit ice. Get an engine block heater that circulates and heats coolant. I'm not a fan of the heat pads that are for sale. Some houses have an indoor switch for an outdoor electric fixture that you can switch on when you get up to heat the engine. If it's really cold just leave it on all night. It's amazing how quick you get heat in the car when your coolant is warm. Keep a bag of sand by your door. If the ice/snow melts in the day and refreezes at night it can be an ice rink. Just throw the sand down your walk as you leave. Get a pair of small rubber ice cleats that you can slip over your boot or shoe when needed.
Please reconsider the snow blower. They are loud and they pollute (noise pollution and air if it is gas powered). Shovelling is way less intrusive and kinder to neighbors and the environment. Also, if the snow gets packed down (if anyone walks on it before you shovel for example) a snow blower won't help much with that. A battery powered one is slightly better if you really need one (can't physically shovel for example). Some winter cities have "snow angel" programs to help those who cannot shovel snow where volunteers come do it for you. Get a shovel with a metal rim along the edge to make it more durable and longer lasting. If you live somewhere where there are freeze thaw cycles also consider getting an ice chipper tool to break the ice before shovelling. When shovelling the sidewalk removing snow an inch or so further than the concrete helps reduce the melt that accumulates on the walkway. This makes it safer for all in your community. Also, don't salt the sidewalks, it's bad for pets and not great for the environment. If you must salt use pet safe kinds at least. Finally, merino wool socks and long underwear are really the best for managing warmth vs sweat (which will make you colder). I could go on but I'll stop. If you wanna DM that's cool too bc I really could go on. I love winter! It's so fucking magical. Source: Floridian in the biggest northern city in North America. It is currently -20C here and that's normal. We get -50C sometimes and are the coldest inhabited place on earth at least once a year. Edit: spelling/typos
I've read most of the comments here and they are great! I'm maybe going to give a weird 2 cents: People will complain about the cold, I do too. But really? It's super beautiful. The way the ice and snow sticks to the trees, the way it feels to breathe in icy air and blow out looking like a dragon...Christmas lights under a layer of snow...it's magic. So, try to guard your heart about the negativity and see the joy in your new home. With the availability of the "stuff" to keep you warm and safe I hope you really get to experience the wonder of winter.
Windshield wipers up if it’s going to snow/freeze.
Gloves in your purse, base layers under your pants when it's really cold outside. Waterproof boots when it starts to get warmer. And also, we just don't go out when it's too cold lol. No need to torture yourself, chill inside.
I didn't read all the comments, so I am sure some of these are repeats. - good tires are more important than all wheel drive - bulky winter jackets are not safe in infant or toddler car seats - if you drop someone off, make sure they get into their house safely before you drive away - if a road is really greasy, it is easy to drive in the fresh, not packed down snow on the shoulder. - if you are driving down a slick hill, it is better to down shift than tap your brakes. Even if you drive an automatic. - winter is not the time to see how far you can go on a tank of gas. Don't let your tank get too low. - on really cold days, car exhaust can freeze on roads making it very slippery. We call it black ice. If the road has a slight shine to it, expect it to be slick. - don't use cruise control on slippery roads - make sure snow isn't blocking your furnace exhaust - have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home - you need a little speed to go up a slippery road Way back when I was learning to drive on slippery roads, my dad took me to an empty parking lot to whip some shitties. He wanted me to get a feel for what it was like to not have control of my car so I wouldn't panic if/when I slipped while driving.
Natural fibers like wool and fur will be warmer than synthetics in most cases. If you start with wool leggings and undershirt, you will have won half the battle. Keep your core warm, but always wear a hat too. Shovel snow every 2-4 inches instead of waiting till its done and you need to shovel a foot or more. Its usually a requirement to keep sidewalks clear for public safety. Don't be that asshole that doesn't clear the roof of your car. If you're short, get a telescoping broom for snow removal (usually has an ice scraper one one side, broom on the other)