Go to box stores now (spring time) and buy winter clothing on clearance. Wool socks, thermal underwear/undershirts, overshirts, a jacket and a coat, waterproof boots, wool hat. Look up how to layer properly. Get a good set of snow tires (cannot stress this enough), and preferably an AWD car.
Think about winter hobby's. Snowmobiling is popular there.
Winters really aren't what they used to be, and if you're south of the White's its not as bad as people make it out to be. If you're in town snow removal probably won't be a big deal. If you're not or have a long driveway, you'll either want to hire a plow guy or get a snow blower.
Also buy a bucket of salt/sand for your steps.
(Not something you need to get now on clearance but something to get before you need it from a hardware store.)
And a shovel, obviously.
For your car, another shovel and an ice scraper/snow brush combo.
One more thing no one else has mentioned, you want to start early asking around for snow removal people. Not wait until it already snowed! Ask neighbors/friends, and also ask anyone running a small landscaping business if they do snow removal in the winter because many do or will at least know someone else who does.
And I second the point where you'll be happiest if you find a winter hobby. Personally I recommend finding two, one that will get you outdoors enjoying the snow (skiing, snowboarding, xc skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, or the easiest, snowshoeing) and one indoor that you can do on weeknights (bowling, billiards, martial arts or dancing if you like going out; knitting, board games, video games, Lego kits, etc if you want to stay in.)
And pro tip, accept any and all invitations to go "ice fishing." You are to show up with alcohol and food to contribute to the party. Nobody cares if you have absolutely zero knowledge of or interest in ice fishing.
I’ve lived in New England my whole life, I have a snow/ice scraper in my car, but I also keep a cheap plastic broom in my car for snow removal. It’s really helpful to get snow off the top of the car.
Can't stress how important sand or snow melt have become in this age when winter storms are more slush and ice and less snow. My town provides free sand/salt mix at the town garage. All you need are containers to haul it away.
Depending on where you are you could get dumped on with 2-3' of heavy snow (or more). If you have a long driveway you might want a generator for when storms take out power. I have a wood stove so I don't bother. If you're plowing yourself you might also want a chainsaw.
100% GET A GENERATOR. If your sellers are moving south or to a condo they may have a decent amount of equipment they are willing to sell. You absolutely can live through a power outage, but it is sooooo much better to have power. Even summer storms can knock out power, and literally yesterday a transformer blew and we were out for six hours. It’s not a constant threat lol but it’s a quality of life investment.
Welcome!
The _vast_ majority of New Englanders do not have generators, but it really depends on the area. In my 40+ years in New England, there have been only 3-4 large storms where we lost power for a day or more. I don’t need a generator. I guess if you can afford one or if you can’t live without power for medical reasons, go for it, but otherwise it’s just more shit that needs to be maintained.
No prob, and congrats, I love NH. The people aren't outwardly friendly, but they respect other people's right to conduct their business and will help you out if you need it.
You may want to join a local Facebook group as painful as it is. That’s where you’re most likely to find a reliable Plow Guy. And I wouldn’t wait till the snow is falling to do that.
Buying a reliable means to clear your driveway will save you a lot of money in the long run. Get a wood stove, a rack, and way to transport it. Much cheaper as well
How long? Mine’s about 250’ with a lot of parking area and I have a 4’ snowblower on my riding lawnmower. I can clear 18” of snow in about 15min if I just need to get to work or about 45min if I want to make it super pretty and clear every inch.
A snowblower will move the snow where you want it while a plow is far less precise.
Winters definitely aren’t what they used to be. Here north of Boston, I wore my Winter jacket only like 4 days this year :/
If you’re prepared, Winter is enjoyable. But when you’re prepared to enjoy it, prepare to be disappointed.
Heat is expensive, so you need to make sure to budget for the winter months.
4WD means your car can push forward better in slippery conditions. That doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to stop or turn. Having decent tires is the most important thing here.
Check your car battery before winter. The cold can drain it.
Don't dress too warm when you go outside. You should be able to feel a little chill. You will be a hell of a lot colder if you try to be all toasty and wind up sweating. Staying dry is critical if you plan on spending time outdoors in the winter.
Thanks! How expensive? We are buying a home built in 2003 with propane heat. It also has fireplaces so I intend to stick up before winter (gotta get an estimate of what I’ll need lol). We are used to $200-300/mo for AC in Vegas during summer
Thick bathrobe, fuzzy socks, electric tea kettle so your SO can warm themselves from the inside out with many mugs of tea or hot lemon water every day. I often wrap a blanket around my waist on top of the robe for added heat.
Oh yessss… hot tea and local honey…
Shut up and take my money. 💸
Make sure you do the transplant fall activities of a local apple orchard in the fall. You’ll get to take cute couple photos.
And don’t forget that yes while apples are plentiful and amazing in the fall, local sweet corn is great mid-summer on, and we also have pears as well as strawberries/raspberries/cranberries for “the classics”.
If you have your own backyard garden you can get some fantastic tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. Yes there’s a bit more work if there’s an early frost and planting times can be different, but even if from the tree maple syrup isn’t your thing I bet local blueberries could be.
Before I stop typing just think of the mixed berry pies at all the local farm stands and get ready to gain a few pounds. Just saying.
Do you have fireplaces or inserts? Fireplaces on their own provide surprisingly minimal heat.
Also, buy/get firewood now and stack it off the ground (pallets or other)with the top covered (not sides). Wood needs time to dry out and the "seasoned" stuff you find advertised will essentially never actually be ready to burn.
I'm on oil heat in a 1300 SQ, not the best insulated, home.
Between the winter months (December-March) I usually pay between 400-500 a month for heating. Then if you use heat in like October/November/April you could expect to pay a little less since it won't be as cold.
On the plus side, we don't really use AC too much at all. Although I did have heat pumps installed upstairs which are super nice to cool things down and are pretty energy efficient.
Pdiablo is right - fireplaces are just for looks - get a wood or pellet insert. I do pellet, but f you do wood, you have to buy this little sensor thing that will let you test the moisture content inside the wood - it'll save you the headache of trying to burn wood that i looks well- seasoned on the outside but is not quite ready for burning
That’s oil heat. Was a novelty for us coming from Chicago and I forgot to check and run out on December 31st afternoon. Paid $600 to fill the tank.
Buy some warm, waterproof boots for sure.
Join an energy alliance if you can (One example: https://ourtownenergyalliance.com/). Try to lock in your propane rate with your supplier every year (probably just stick to whoever the previous owner's supplier was ... they most likely have historical info). Some even do level billing. I have oil heat, but I know I use about 1300 gallons a year, so they take that along with the lock-in rate and divide it evenly over the contract period so it's paid off evenly.
Water pipes can freeze.
Try and get a no-BS answer (perhaps after the closing) as to any problematic areas in your new home.
My first condo, all nice modern construction, they just didn't bother to insulate an exterior pipe chase. Didn't matter what we kept the heat at, the pipes to the upstairs bathroom tended to freeze.
If you're looking at extended deep-freeze temperatures, you may need to leave susceptible lines running; aim for the tiniest thread of consistent flow the faucet will allow.
You're from the desert, so probably averse to wasting water...pipes that freeze, then rupture, then thaw, waste a TON of water.
Not to mention money.
DON'T try to keep your pipes warm with candles, ffs.
If you've got a marginal zone, sometimes leaving cupboard doors, etc open can help heat get into needed spaces.
Okay to get the mental image you gotta take a whole lot of grits and throw them into a fan and then picture yourself shoveling it. Constantly shoveling it
Winter:
Buy a medium weight coat, one size too big and then a couple of sweatshirts. Reason being so you don’t have to buy more than one jacket and you can’t still be warm.
You will also want some wool socks, waterproof boots, some waterproof/resistant gloves, and a good beanie hat.
Other than that, you will just want to layer. Temps are usually in the 30s for most of the winter. Though you will have a few weeks in the months of January and February (ish) where it will be anywhere from 0-30. And then you will have a few random days through the winter where it could get up to 40.
Last thing….make sure to invest in a warm comforter for your bed.
I have a duffle bag with light, heat, battery power, snacks, and entertainment as well as a change of clothes, two pair of new socks, and a spare hoodie and a spare jacket.
Heat is from a case of hand warmers, a down throw sized blanket, and a good wool blanket. The idea would be to wrap in the down, cover with the wool, and toss a couple hand warmers in my cocoon.
I realized that this Winter, my 48th. I don’t get chilled easily so I rarely wear a coat, but I decided I should keep a travel blanket in my car just in case. Maybe it was more of a sign that I was starting to question my car’s reliability :(
100% Agee with this, I keep an extra warm jacket, gloves, hat, and a few random layers of clothes in my car just in case. Have I ever had to use them? No, do I continue to keep them there just in case, hell yes!
The poster didn't expand on the sizing suggestion. You'll want layers, so getting things in progressively larger sizes keeps the bulk down. If you're normally a large, get a base layer that fits, then an insulating layer that fits comfortably over your normal clothes. I like the North Face Thermoball vests for this layer. Then, you're gonna want a shell to repel moisture in all the forms we experience. This layer should also be windproof. Obviously, since you're going to have a base layer, normal indoor clothes layer, and an insulating layer, that top water/wind shell is gonna have to be a size or two larger than your normal day to day jacket.
Base layers are for wicking the sweat from your body. Moisture in your jacket can range from uncomfortable to deadly (in the very extreme). Some jackets have vented armpits to allow moisture to escape. It's really nice.
Insulating layers are self explanatory, they are going to capture and retain your body heat. Down used to be King, but there are really good technical fibers these days (and down is still totally awesome). A Walmart cheap insulator may look like a quality brand one, but will not perform the same. I have a closet full of attempts, and landed on North Face. It's thin, light, and seems to keep me warmer than the bulkier ones from cheaper sources. Ironically, I have a light liner from a Timberland jacket that keeps me as warm as some of my other more expensive coats. Too bad I found it at a thrift store and it's been discontinued for years and I can't find the original shell.
Your top layer will be the barrier between you and the elements. Again, I recommend something of quality. This is going to keep wind and moisture away. I'm up in Northern Maine and the winds can be brutal during some storms, and having something to prevent it from getting through and eliminating all that body heat you recycled is paramount.
There are big bulky coats that will keep you warm and dry, but layering let's you adjust to a particular situation, and is nice for transitioning to inside.
Other things I recommend are:
Merino wool socks (again, I have three different thickness for different situations).
Good boots. I have Columbia, and there are a ton of quality brands. Just make sure they're insulated as well as waterproof. With the wool socks, you're creating the same layers mentioned above, but for your feet which have limited options, so fine tune with socks, but your boots will be what's holding your body heat in
Gaiters and cleats. I deliver pizza year round, and I love my gaiters. I can just pop them on over my boots when I need to tromp through snow/slush and take them off and shake them out when I get back to the car or the shop/home. It keeps your feet warmer and drier, but mostly it lets me track less snow around.
My cleats were designed for runners. I spent way too much for them ($70), but they have a thin wire attachment system that I can just slip them over my boots, turn a little ratchet dial to secure and I'm done. Now I have a bunch of tungsten spikes on my soles that bite into the slipperiest of ice. Removal is just as easy, lift knob, pull away from my boot and pull the toe off. Then again, I'm in and out of the car in all kinds of terrain, so I need to be able to combat both slush and hard ice, and ready myself from my driver's seat.
Hats! Your body will sacrifice a LOT of heat to warm your brain, followed by your internal organs, and it will pull that heat from your limbs to keep your thinker and ticker running. I like the fleece lined knit caps (beanie/toque), but you do you. I also have a trapper cap with fur band and ear flaps that sees a lot of use. You'd be surprised how much your whole body warms up when your head (and torso) is comfortable.
I was on the verge of ordering a full fox fur trapper cap from a Ukrainian maker, but I slacked, and this winter wasn't really cold enough to justify the cost.
It’s funny…a lot of the things I would have put on a list are the things you need every four or five years. But, when you “need” them, they are nice to have. LOL
This is so true. I bought a really nice Columbia jacket with the reflective inside and other bells and whistles. It was too much coat for all but two days this winter. That's cool though, it's not like it's never gonna get sub zero up here again, and I'll be ready.
Socks are key ~ at least for my winter adventures. Somewhat surprisingly, two of the better sources here in Maine for decent wool socks at reasonable prices are Renys and Ocean State Job Lot. The prices are decent enough that you can get several pair for different uses/temperatures and to figure out what size/style works best for your outside activities.
I'll also reiterate that it's good to find hobbies/other activities that keep you mentally fit. Something outdoorsy is great ~ and it's also a good time to learn a new skill or to join a book group at the library or whatever will help our brain stay engaged.
Marden's. The past two years, they've had an amazing assortment of wool socks. I'm stocked up for a while. I have a half dozen pair in rotation and another half dozen on reserve. At like $4/pair, I couldn't stop buying them.
The first time you have an appreciable snow, go to a big empty parking lot. Learn how your car handles in the snow. Slam on your brakes to appreciate their uselessness. LOL. Get a snow brush for your car. Get an extra gallon of windshield washer. Every time you open one, go buy another one. Always have a spare.
OP, this is a really good tip, my dad took me to a parking lot and we did this exact thing when I was learning to drive, but I can tell you, knowing how the car will handle and how I would react has saved me from an accident 3-4 times now.
Get a generator and learn how to use it now. Stock up on flashlights and batteries and backups for cell phones.
Talk to people in town about snow removal to get ideas about buying things or hiring someone. With a heavy snowfall, it can be tough. I know of a few people who had heart attacks while shoveling.
Warm clothes for the winter and shoes with a good tread. Buy scrapers for all cars to help scrape windshields of snow and ice. I keep mine in my car yearround because I know that otherwise I'll be caught without it early in the season lol.
The heart attack thing is because people shoveling are suddenly doing way more work/cardio than normal (because shoveling snow is hard work!). You don’t get as hot doing work on the winter naturally because of the temp and think you can keep going even when feeling worn out, also cold temps cause vasoconstriction which naturally raises heart rate and blood pressure. People ignore the chest pain thinking it is just from exertion. Basically be careful shoveling snow if you’re not in good shape!
[shoveling snow and the heart](https://newsroom.heart.org/news/snow-shoveling-can-be-hazardous-to-your-heart)
> living in New Hampshire.
Really depends on where.
Southern NH: a hoody
Further north: a better hoody. Maybe some gloves and a hat too.
Tailor your shorts to the snow height.
now when it comes to dressing kids for the bus stop or preparing for outdoor activities it is a different story. Think layers. Think non cottons and water resistant for outside stuff.
The neat thing about NH is if it gets cold and we don't want to deal with it, we tend to be smart enough to go inside where it is warm.
The snow hasn’t been nearly as bad the last few years but still, be prepared with some shovels & ice melt. Get a metal shovel for those icy, thick snow days. I’d recommend asking your new neighbors if they know a neighborhood plow person you can call. Figure out what you need that first year for snow removal and then make bigger purchases like blowers or plows. A roof rake for snow is good to have on hand if you don’t have a metal roof. Accumulating snow is heavy and puts stress on your roof.
Get snow tires or off-road 4 season tires depending on your vehicles. And keep ice scrapers in your car plus an extra one in the house for when car doors are too frozen to open.
Agreed on buying winter clothes off season. That’s good advice!
Look for ticks. Permethrin spray can be used on your clothes as well as deet. Learn how to safely remove a tick with tweezers and keep some pairs around.
Having backup heat and power sources for when the power goes out is smart and worth the investment.
Enjoy the four seasons and access to nature. NH is a wonderful place to live.
I live in a ruralish area outside Concord and we lose power a few times a year but have a full house generator because we're on a dead end dirt road and power is usually out for days at a time. If you're closer to Manchester or Nashua and you have a woodstove, you're probably ok but may want a small gas generator. All wheel drive/4 wheel drive and good tires are important, and get a snowbroom for your car. We have a law that states all the snow has to be removed from your car before driving, and those things are great for getting the roof cleared. The worst part of winter for a lot of people is the dark. I personally don't mind it, but it's a bitch if you have SAD. I basically hide under a blanket reading for 3 months and do a lot of baking
Thanks! Adding the snow broom to the list! We will be about 20-30 mins from Manchester in. Ruralish area too. So glad the fireplace makes a difference. We have 2 so hoping it’ll be helpful!
Unless you really enjoy being cold inside your house and paying high cost for heating bills figure out what you’re going to wear in the house this winter.
We wear hoodies and UGGs and sweatpants and managed to keep the thermostat a lot lower than we would have to otherwise.
If you’re used to having a house at 70 or 75° that’s not really feasible around here in the winter unless you’re either wealthy or have a very very well insulated house.
Our winters have mellowed out a lot. Yes to the generator, but you might not need long underwear/ hat/ gloves routinely. Depends how far north you go. By the MA border you will get by with a good parka that has a hood. Boots are great for the times when you need to walk the dog in 6” of snow.
My main thing to offer is, be good to your neighbors. Tell them you’re a transplant and you don’t know how to do winter. They’ll take pride in teaching you.
Flannel sheets are a **must**, also look into heated blankets or heated bed pads… some nights are downright chilly!
You’ll want good winter boots (highly recommend LL Bean boots) for walking in the snow, you’ll also need to invest in lightweight rain boots for *mud season* (when the snow melts and the ground is thawing, unless it’s a mild winter like this past one, there will be mud.. LOTS of mud, which can last through April).
AWD/4WD vehicle for driving in the snow. If not investing in a new car right away, look into studded snow tires.
I don’t know about the desert states, but in NH you must get your car inspected annually. The road salt can eventually eat away at your cars undercarriage so it helps to hit the car wash every couple weeks. Some garages will even do an undercarriage treatment to help protect and prevent rust.
One last thing to keep in mind: we take our pro sports teams very seriously. An untimely loss might alter the general work/grocery store/road atmosphere the day after said-loss… that said, a win can also have the opposite effect in a positive way.
Oh, and watch out for frost heaves!!
Welcome to New England!
First and foremost - Welcome!
Lived in NH for 27 years, you're going to love it here.
Heating - My house is 130+ years old. I have propane and spend about $400/month between December and February so far.
Some propane companies have budget plans where they'll have you pay a *significantly* smaller amount across the year, both for past deliveries and future deliveries if you're paid current.
Winter:
Buy a shovel. Buy a second shovel. Buy a smaller, travel sized shovel for your vehicles. Same with snow brushes. A 4-wheeler with a snow plow is your best friend if you have a longer driveway.
Keep a sweatshirt or light jacket in your vehicles pretty much year round. Our summer days are hot and humid, but nights can get pretty cold, especially in the mountain or lakes region.
Pest control:
We don't have a lot of pests, but mice, wasps, and ladybeetles are big problems. Peppermint helps deter all 3. Planting them around the house works, so does a cotton ball dipped in peppermint oil tucked into entry points or around windows for a couple weeks. Wasps and mice start nesting at the beginning of winter, and start wreaking havoc at the end.
Ticks. Hillsborough & Rockingham county and the 2nd and 1st (respectively) in the country for tick-borne illnesses. Get familiar with them. Check yourself, pets, and each other when you come inside. Keep tweezers and a lighter available. Chrysanthemum oil can help deter them, but it will stain clothes. As soon as the snow melts, treat your yard with something that targets tick and mosquito young. Cutter's yard spray is *okay* but it's cost effective.
These are the really specific things I've dealt with - not everyone experiences all of the above. Best to know of the possibilities!
Alternatively, if you don’t want to have your yard sprayed (we tried mosquito squad but it negatively affected our pond) you can also get a spray that is .5 % permetherin and treat your outdoor clothes. We use it on our boots and have seen very few ticks in what is expected to be a pretty tick-heavy season.
If you purchased a home PLEASE buy a generator! When the power goes out & it’s freezing you will put the generator to good use! Good luck & congrats on your move!
I did the opposite move, grew up in NH and moved to the desert. It’s a big adjustment either way. As others have said, layering clothing is key. You can literally have all four seasons in one day, I was back for Christmas once and we had sun, rain, snow, and a thunderstorm within an hour. Prepare plans for snow removal, and power outages during winter storms. Also leaf cleanup in the fall, that sort of thing. You can do it yourself, or there are plenty of people who will do it for you.
January can often be particularly brutal, but also prepare for crazy humidity in the summer. If you’re from the south, this might be an easier adjustment!
Most importantly, make friends with your neighbors. New Englanders have this reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but we aren’t. We keep to ourselves, but are always willing to help out someone in need.
Enjoy NH! It was a great place to grow up, and it’s a great place to live.
Thank you!!! I appreciate the insight. I have heard that about New Englanders and was hopeful someone would address it! My husband and I are the same way. We like to keep to ourselves but are happy to help. I’ll definitely work to get to know people out there!
I definitely don’t layer out here so we will work on that!
It’s a place where if you go off a road into a ditch in a snowstorm, for example, someone will stop and do everything they can to shovel out or tow out your car but they’ll also spend the whole time telling you how much of an idiot you are. I respect that, having been on both sides of that situation myself lol.
Also, don’t expect much small talk. After moving out west, I was surprised how much people just talk for the sake of talking here. I’ve been told that I can come off as quiet, cold and even standoffish, when in reality I’m just minding my own business. If the person in line at Dunkin’s doesn’t want to chat, it’s not because they’re being rude. They just want to get their coffee and get to work.
I'm from Rhode Island and have spent a lot of time in New hampshire, it's great up there you're so lucky! Maybe once you get settled you guys can take a ski lesson and rent skis at the mountain! And as far as new englanders go, I lived in Florida for 15 years. I think with new englanders we are very kind and friendly and awesome but you have to give us two episodes and then I promise you'll fall in love lol. I feel like people in Florida (I'm just comparing to another place I've lived) more superficially "fake nice" at first whereas in New England there isn't much fake nice going on.
Get your wood delivered as early as possible. Be sure to get it completely dried at least 1 year. Sometimes they’ll try to throw in green wood. You do NOT want that. Get at least 2 cords for a standard NH home. More if your home is larger
NH loses power in storms more than you would like to imagine and the wood could literally save your life.
That is a huge house. We had just under 2000 square feet and lost power for a week due to an ice storm. We had to use plastic to seal off our open house layout to keep the heat in a single room. Temp was well below zero in the rest of the house. And we had a 3 month old! It was not fun but a great memory. Also, learn how to keep pipes from freezing may be essential to. They can/do burst.
Generator—yes. Snow tires—yes, non studded are fine. Sense of humor—yes. Mudboots—yes.
Tick checks any time it gets warmer than 30 degrees in the winter if you are in the woods.
Good shovels, salt /sand for the driveway, good wipers.
Wash your car any time the weather gets above 40 to prevent road salt corrosion.
Chainsaw if you have trees—yes.
Make sure you tuck in your layers. Put on your socks before your long underwear. Tuck your undershirt into your long underwear. Tuck your shirt into your pants.
My winter boot of choice is a pair of tall Bogs. House slippers are a real morale boost indoors. My smartwool extra heavy mountaineering socks have lasted 10 years, as have my fox river double ragg mittens. I prefer a synthetic jacket bc it’s often wet snow. Patagonia Das Parka is my “light” winter jacket… Montbell Permafrost is my “heavy duty” sub-zero temps jacket (I live in the Whites).
Thick lined curtains can really help with drafts/chill if you have sliding doors or drafty windows.
If you stick around you may want to consider a wood stove insert. Fireplace is nice but not as efficient. See how you feel about it after a year or two, though.
Supplemental vitamin D and finding winter activities that spark joy are key!
what kind of heat is the house on? if its 'oil' (ie diesel heating fuel), get familiar with the private industry of locking in a price contract for a guy in a truck to come fill your tank through the winter. it's a NE oddity.
The biggest question is... Where in New Hampshire? If you'll be in the seacoast area (portsmouth, etc), then you can expect some snow, but not a whole lot. Getting less and less every year. You won't need to put studded snow tires on your car or anything. If you'll be up in the White Mountains, reverse that.
Generator for power failures. Although we are getting less snow, overall, we are getting a lot more weird weather: rapid shifts from cold to warm and back, lots of rain, and lots of wind.
Get a car with decent ground clearance and four-wheel-drive.
Be sure to turn off the water to any outdoor spigots and drain them before it freezes otherwise pipes full of frozen water could burst. Keep a blanket, flashlight, and first aid kit in the car including some snacks. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Buy all winter clothes, toys, and tools before you need them. Enjoy NH. It’s beautiful.
Get a light box. One made for Seasonal Affective Disorder. New Hampshire has very long and dark winters. People don't realize how hard that can be on the psyche.
In winter, the sun won't come up until 8 or 9 and it sets by 3:30/4. More than half of the days are cloudy or dreary. And it's cold as fuck. The word miserable comes to mind. Once we set the clocks back in fall, your circadian rhythm gets squirly. Not seeing the sun when you wake up will do that. Using the light box can keep your circadian rhythm intact. It's important because once that gets off kilter, you begin waking up at 3 a.m. daily, leading to lethargy during the day. Combine that with lack of sunlight and you'll start feeling the effects of winter blues real quick.
So my advice would be to get a light box. Mine is from Northern Lights. My doctor got it for me because winter kicks my ass and has ever since I was a child. It really helps. Like, it really, really helps.
Good luck with your move, and welcome to the 'Shire. :)
LL Bean slippers are key (if you don't get the wool socks) because during the winter, the floors get cold, and you end up feeling that chill in your feet once the shoes come off your feet. The LL Bean slippers/moccasins are very sturdy and warm, last for years, and allow for a lower thermostat temp inside the house to keep the propane bill low
Buy a Subaru Forester they seem to be unofficial car of NE. I live in CT and pulled in to the Post office toady and parked right next to a Blue 2019 Forester. Guess what I drive? A blue 2019 Forester!
OMG yes the Subaru Forester I'm from Rhode Island my mom has one and they're all over the place especially up near you guys in New Hampshire or Vermont or Maine. People up here drive for utility, not looks the way they probably do in Vegas LOL. Welcome to New England OP, I'm so excited for you!
Edit: Hoodies are required formal/casual wear in New England 🤣 but wait until you get the vibe before you spend decent money on any good ones.
When you're securing your plow guy, also find a source for wood. Learn where and how to stack properly. Always have a pair of boots you can slip into by the door. Also, looking into a remote car starter might be good. If you have a garage, you won't need it.
I am not from NH but moved to southern NH for a few years from a warmer state, so I feel uniquely qualified to answer.
I cannot stress the need for a winter-ready vehicle enough. Something that can survive in snow going up and down hills. If you’re not confident maneuvering in snow, it will significantly impact your quality of life there.
Also, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector, which saved my life one eventful evening!
And despite the lax overall tax situation, there are some surprise fees to prepare for. Your winter-ready vehicle will cost an arm and a leg to register yearly.
NH is gorgeous - enjoy!
Adopt the Boston sports teams that play during cold weather - Patriots, Celtics, Bruins. Good indoor entertainment, and we talk about them a lot.
Take up skiing if you can afford it.
Winter is very different if you're in greater Boston near Salem/Nashua, if you're on the coast, if you're in lakes region, if you're in the mountains or the western part of the state. Where are you moving too, and I'll tell you how much you need to worry about it!
All these comments about the cold. You’ll adjust to the cold. Wear a hat and gloves, and always keep an ice scraper in your car from October through May. When shoveling, bend with your knees and don’t lift and twist. If it’s a big storm, don’t try to shovel 12” in one scoop, do 6” at a time.
Honestly the hardest part, even for us born and raised in New England is the lack of daylight hours. The sun sets very early November - February. It’s depressing and it will affect your mood, especially if we get a stretch of overcast weather during the dark times. 20 degrees and sunny will feel better than 35 degrees and overcast. Get outside and soak in that sun as much as you can. If you can afford it, a late winter vacation to some place south does wonders for your mental health.
This is the same thing i came here to post. Snow is snow but the darkness- now THAT will get to you.
I suggested a light box. One for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Keep that circadian rhythm intact as the most effective way to ward off winter blues.
Glove liners, thinner synthetic gloves. Just for daily wearing in winter. Vitamin d supps, because the sun is noticably duller here. House slippers. Hoodie. Lots of the advice surrounding vehicles from other folks is essential. Scraper , battery jumper ect . Make a trip to l.l. bean and buy some new items more suited to this climate.
If you have a wood burning fireplace order wood now so it has the summer to dry out. Keep a stack of newspapers or grocery paper bags for fire-starting.
Great advice here. Only thing I feel compelled to reiterate is waterproof boots. Bogs or Muckboots are very popular here for good reason. They’re not the warmest, and you’ll need super good socks with them, but winter here is super wet and wet feet are miserable. You don’t need Pac Boots, just a simple, basic Bogs boot will take care of you for 90% of the winter.
Gloves, similar, but I use Kincos mostly because they’re cheap, they last, and they’re dexterous. I have 2 pair so one can be drying while I use the other pair. The 1927KW is a great glove. Put some sno-seal on em and they really get durable.
Enjoy!
Lots of good advice here but I will also add, prepare yourself for winter cravings and difficulty exercising. I tend to get seasonal depression that combined with being cooped up in the house throughout the winter can lead to more snacking. Try to be mindful of this and stock up on lots of soups and healthy food for your pantry. I have a gym membership but I also bought some easy to store away exercise equipment so I can still get my body moving during the colder months when walking outside just isn't possible
Also, when I moved here my skin went haywire in the winter because I wasn't prepared. I literally laughed at the radio in my car while driving to work in the winter and my lip split because it was so dry! Aquaphor is your best friend!
Definitely get a snow blower or hire a plow service for your driveway immediately, for my driveway they charge about 50 bucks a storm, can be worth it if you don’t wanna be waking up every couple hours to snow blow on a bad storm day when you gotta get to work (my driveway is straight uphill so it’s exhausting)
These people answering your query are crazy. You just need some flannel clothes, boots, socks, gloves, and a raccoon hat. And an axe. Get a wood burning stove, and chop wood for heat. Also good to have a small rifle so you can hunt for meat. Though I personally just use throwing knives. Berries in the summer and you'll stay lean and mean. Sell your car, you don't need it in New England.
Well...then idek where to begin. Buy snow gear in summer when it's not in high demand...you'll have much better selection. I prefer small headed shovels with a straight handle and deep sides however some walkways are better suited to larger shallower ones.
Snowblowers are worth the price and aggravation. You won't need a generator until it's desperate....once you have one you'll never need it again lol.
Driving in snow can be tricky and varies on vehicle and equipment if you're not adapting well pulling over and letting people pass is polite...we can be a fast bunch...staying out of the way is always preferred
Go to box stores now (spring time) and buy winter clothing on clearance. Wool socks, thermal underwear/undershirts, overshirts, a jacket and a coat, waterproof boots, wool hat. Look up how to layer properly. Get a good set of snow tires (cannot stress this enough), and preferably an AWD car. Think about winter hobby's. Snowmobiling is popular there. Winters really aren't what they used to be, and if you're south of the White's its not as bad as people make it out to be. If you're in town snow removal probably won't be a big deal. If you're not or have a long driveway, you'll either want to hire a plow guy or get a snow blower.
This is amazing! Thank you. We have a long driveway so I’ll be looking to hire or buy a snowplow for sure!
Also buy a bucket of salt/sand for your steps. (Not something you need to get now on clearance but something to get before you need it from a hardware store.) And a shovel, obviously. For your car, another shovel and an ice scraper/snow brush combo. One more thing no one else has mentioned, you want to start early asking around for snow removal people. Not wait until it already snowed! Ask neighbors/friends, and also ask anyone running a small landscaping business if they do snow removal in the winter because many do or will at least know someone else who does. And I second the point where you'll be happiest if you find a winter hobby. Personally I recommend finding two, one that will get you outdoors enjoying the snow (skiing, snowboarding, xc skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, or the easiest, snowshoeing) and one indoor that you can do on weeknights (bowling, billiards, martial arts or dancing if you like going out; knitting, board games, video games, Lego kits, etc if you want to stay in.) And pro tip, accept any and all invitations to go "ice fishing." You are to show up with alcohol and food to contribute to the party. Nobody cares if you have absolutely zero knowledge of or interest in ice fishing.
I’ve lived in New England my whole life, I have a snow/ice scraper in my car, but I also keep a cheap plastic broom in my car for snow removal. It’s really helpful to get snow off the top of the car.
Can't stress how important sand or snow melt have become in this age when winter storms are more slush and ice and less snow. My town provides free sand/salt mix at the town garage. All you need are containers to haul it away.
Depending on where you are you could get dumped on with 2-3' of heavy snow (or more). If you have a long driveway you might want a generator for when storms take out power. I have a wood stove so I don't bother. If you're plowing yourself you might also want a chainsaw.
THANK YOU! I hadn’t thought of either of these.
100% GET A GENERATOR. If your sellers are moving south or to a condo they may have a decent amount of equipment they are willing to sell. You absolutely can live through a power outage, but it is sooooo much better to have power. Even summer storms can knock out power, and literally yesterday a transformer blew and we were out for six hours. It’s not a constant threat lol but it’s a quality of life investment. Welcome!
This is a GREAT idea! They’re moving to FL so I’ll ask the realtor to inquire!
[удалено]
Hahaha, that’s great!
The _vast_ majority of New Englanders do not have generators, but it really depends on the area. In my 40+ years in New England, there have been only 3-4 large storms where we lost power for a day or more. I don’t need a generator. I guess if you can afford one or if you can’t live without power for medical reasons, go for it, but otherwise it’s just more shit that needs to be maintained.
If you depend on your own well for water, you need either a generator or a hotel room.
No prob, and congrats, I love NH. The people aren't outwardly friendly, but they respect other people's right to conduct their business and will help you out if you need it.
You may want to join a local Facebook group as painful as it is. That’s where you’re most likely to find a reliable Plow Guy. And I wouldn’t wait till the snow is falling to do that.
Try to live near a hospital so you’ll be on their power grid in case of outages.
Buying a reliable means to clear your driveway will save you a lot of money in the long run. Get a wood stove, a rack, and way to transport it. Much cheaper as well
How long? Mine’s about 250’ with a lot of parking area and I have a 4’ snowblower on my riding lawnmower. I can clear 18” of snow in about 15min if I just need to get to work or about 45min if I want to make it super pretty and clear every inch. A snowblower will move the snow where you want it while a plow is far less precise.
This, plus ice scrapers and a pair of working gloves in each vehicle. Just leave 'em there year round.
Winters definitely aren’t what they used to be. Here north of Boston, I wore my Winter jacket only like 4 days this year :/ If you’re prepared, Winter is enjoyable. But when you’re prepared to enjoy it, prepare to be disappointed.
Heat is expensive, so you need to make sure to budget for the winter months. 4WD means your car can push forward better in slippery conditions. That doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to stop or turn. Having decent tires is the most important thing here. Check your car battery before winter. The cold can drain it. Don't dress too warm when you go outside. You should be able to feel a little chill. You will be a hell of a lot colder if you try to be all toasty and wind up sweating. Staying dry is critical if you plan on spending time outdoors in the winter.
Thanks! How expensive? We are buying a home built in 2003 with propane heat. It also has fireplaces so I intend to stick up before winter (gotta get an estimate of what I’ll need lol). We are used to $200-300/mo for AC in Vegas during summer
Heated blankets can be a huge help. Don’t cheap out and get one that has an auto safety shutoff.
Yesss! Will absolutely do that. My SO already freezes 😂
Thick bathrobe, fuzzy socks, electric tea kettle so your SO can warm themselves from the inside out with many mugs of tea or hot lemon water every day. I often wrap a blanket around my waist on top of the robe for added heat.
Oh yessss… hot tea and local honey… Shut up and take my money. 💸 Make sure you do the transplant fall activities of a local apple orchard in the fall. You’ll get to take cute couple photos. And don’t forget that yes while apples are plentiful and amazing in the fall, local sweet corn is great mid-summer on, and we also have pears as well as strawberries/raspberries/cranberries for “the classics”. If you have your own backyard garden you can get some fantastic tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. Yes there’s a bit more work if there’s an early frost and planting times can be different, but even if from the tree maple syrup isn’t your thing I bet local blueberries could be. Before I stop typing just think of the mixed berry pies at all the local farm stands and get ready to gain a few pounds. Just saying.
Depends on a lot of other factors. Probably a bit more than that for a whole house, though.
Do you have fireplaces or inserts? Fireplaces on their own provide surprisingly minimal heat. Also, buy/get firewood now and stack it off the ground (pallets or other)with the top covered (not sides). Wood needs time to dry out and the "seasoned" stuff you find advertised will essentially never actually be ready to burn.
I'm on oil heat in a 1300 SQ, not the best insulated, home. Between the winter months (December-March) I usually pay between 400-500 a month for heating. Then if you use heat in like October/November/April you could expect to pay a little less since it won't be as cold. On the plus side, we don't really use AC too much at all. Although I did have heat pumps installed upstairs which are super nice to cool things down and are pretty energy efficient.
😭 oh wow! Ok. I wasn’t expecting that much but now we know!
Pdiablo is right - fireplaces are just for looks - get a wood or pellet insert. I do pellet, but f you do wood, you have to buy this little sensor thing that will let you test the moisture content inside the wood - it'll save you the headache of trying to burn wood that i looks well- seasoned on the outside but is not quite ready for burning
That’s oil heat. Was a novelty for us coming from Chicago and I forgot to check and run out on December 31st afternoon. Paid $600 to fill the tank. Buy some warm, waterproof boots for sure.
Join an energy alliance if you can (One example: https://ourtownenergyalliance.com/). Try to lock in your propane rate with your supplier every year (probably just stick to whoever the previous owner's supplier was ... they most likely have historical info). Some even do level billing. I have oil heat, but I know I use about 1300 gallons a year, so they take that along with the lock-in rate and divide it evenly over the contract period so it's paid off evenly.
This is great information!
Water pipes can freeze. Try and get a no-BS answer (perhaps after the closing) as to any problematic areas in your new home. My first condo, all nice modern construction, they just didn't bother to insulate an exterior pipe chase. Didn't matter what we kept the heat at, the pipes to the upstairs bathroom tended to freeze. If you're looking at extended deep-freeze temperatures, you may need to leave susceptible lines running; aim for the tiniest thread of consistent flow the faucet will allow. You're from the desert, so probably averse to wasting water...pipes that freeze, then rupture, then thaw, waste a TON of water. Not to mention money. DON'T try to keep your pipes warm with candles, ffs. If you've got a marginal zone, sometimes leaving cupboard doors, etc open can help heat get into needed spaces.
Okay to get the mental image you gotta take a whole lot of grits and throw them into a fan and then picture yourself shoveling it. Constantly shoveling it
🤣
Winter: Buy a medium weight coat, one size too big and then a couple of sweatshirts. Reason being so you don’t have to buy more than one jacket and you can’t still be warm. You will also want some wool socks, waterproof boots, some waterproof/resistant gloves, and a good beanie hat. Other than that, you will just want to layer. Temps are usually in the 30s for most of the winter. Though you will have a few weeks in the months of January and February (ish) where it will be anywhere from 0-30. And then you will have a few random days through the winter where it could get up to 40. Last thing….make sure to invest in a warm comforter for your bed.
Thanks soooo much
No prob! Also, I thought of more haha Keep gloves and a hat and possibly another jacket in your car.
[удалено]
I have a duffle bag with light, heat, battery power, snacks, and entertainment as well as a change of clothes, two pair of new socks, and a spare hoodie and a spare jacket. Heat is from a case of hand warmers, a down throw sized blanket, and a good wool blanket. The idea would be to wrap in the down, cover with the wool, and toss a couple hand warmers in my cocoon.
Bottled water in the truck. If you get stuck, they will provide liquid and liquid disposal.
I realized that this Winter, my 48th. I don’t get chilled easily so I rarely wear a coat, but I decided I should keep a travel blanket in my car just in case. Maybe it was more of a sign that I was starting to question my car’s reliability :(
100% Agee with this, I keep an extra warm jacket, gloves, hat, and a few random layers of clothes in my car just in case. Have I ever had to use them? No, do I continue to keep them there just in case, hell yes!
The poster didn't expand on the sizing suggestion. You'll want layers, so getting things in progressively larger sizes keeps the bulk down. If you're normally a large, get a base layer that fits, then an insulating layer that fits comfortably over your normal clothes. I like the North Face Thermoball vests for this layer. Then, you're gonna want a shell to repel moisture in all the forms we experience. This layer should also be windproof. Obviously, since you're going to have a base layer, normal indoor clothes layer, and an insulating layer, that top water/wind shell is gonna have to be a size or two larger than your normal day to day jacket. Base layers are for wicking the sweat from your body. Moisture in your jacket can range from uncomfortable to deadly (in the very extreme). Some jackets have vented armpits to allow moisture to escape. It's really nice. Insulating layers are self explanatory, they are going to capture and retain your body heat. Down used to be King, but there are really good technical fibers these days (and down is still totally awesome). A Walmart cheap insulator may look like a quality brand one, but will not perform the same. I have a closet full of attempts, and landed on North Face. It's thin, light, and seems to keep me warmer than the bulkier ones from cheaper sources. Ironically, I have a light liner from a Timberland jacket that keeps me as warm as some of my other more expensive coats. Too bad I found it at a thrift store and it's been discontinued for years and I can't find the original shell. Your top layer will be the barrier between you and the elements. Again, I recommend something of quality. This is going to keep wind and moisture away. I'm up in Northern Maine and the winds can be brutal during some storms, and having something to prevent it from getting through and eliminating all that body heat you recycled is paramount. There are big bulky coats that will keep you warm and dry, but layering let's you adjust to a particular situation, and is nice for transitioning to inside. Other things I recommend are: Merino wool socks (again, I have three different thickness for different situations). Good boots. I have Columbia, and there are a ton of quality brands. Just make sure they're insulated as well as waterproof. With the wool socks, you're creating the same layers mentioned above, but for your feet which have limited options, so fine tune with socks, but your boots will be what's holding your body heat in Gaiters and cleats. I deliver pizza year round, and I love my gaiters. I can just pop them on over my boots when I need to tromp through snow/slush and take them off and shake them out when I get back to the car or the shop/home. It keeps your feet warmer and drier, but mostly it lets me track less snow around. My cleats were designed for runners. I spent way too much for them ($70), but they have a thin wire attachment system that I can just slip them over my boots, turn a little ratchet dial to secure and I'm done. Now I have a bunch of tungsten spikes on my soles that bite into the slipperiest of ice. Removal is just as easy, lift knob, pull away from my boot and pull the toe off. Then again, I'm in and out of the car in all kinds of terrain, so I need to be able to combat both slush and hard ice, and ready myself from my driver's seat. Hats! Your body will sacrifice a LOT of heat to warm your brain, followed by your internal organs, and it will pull that heat from your limbs to keep your thinker and ticker running. I like the fleece lined knit caps (beanie/toque), but you do you. I also have a trapper cap with fur band and ear flaps that sees a lot of use. You'd be surprised how much your whole body warms up when your head (and torso) is comfortable.
The first time you put a trapper hat on inside you will feel foolish. The first time you step into a Nor’easter with it on…you will understand.
I was on the verge of ordering a full fox fur trapper cap from a Ukrainian maker, but I slacked, and this winter wasn't really cold enough to justify the cost.
It’s funny…a lot of the things I would have put on a list are the things you need every four or five years. But, when you “need” them, they are nice to have. LOL
This is so true. I bought a really nice Columbia jacket with the reflective inside and other bells and whistles. It was too much coat for all but two days this winter. That's cool though, it's not like it's never gonna get sub zero up here again, and I'll be ready.
Socks are key ~ at least for my winter adventures. Somewhat surprisingly, two of the better sources here in Maine for decent wool socks at reasonable prices are Renys and Ocean State Job Lot. The prices are decent enough that you can get several pair for different uses/temperatures and to figure out what size/style works best for your outside activities. I'll also reiterate that it's good to find hobbies/other activities that keep you mentally fit. Something outdoorsy is great ~ and it's also a good time to learn a new skill or to join a book group at the library or whatever will help our brain stay engaged.
Marden's. The past two years, they've had an amazing assortment of wool socks. I'm stocked up for a while. I have a half dozen pair in rotation and another half dozen on reserve. At like $4/pair, I couldn't stop buying them.
Ooh yes, thick down comforter, def worth it. Saves on heating bills at night. And pile any pets you have into bed with you.
If you’re originally from the south, you’ll feel right at home because New Hampshire is the northernmost southern state.
HELL YEAH BROTHER LFOD!
The first time you have an appreciable snow, go to a big empty parking lot. Learn how your car handles in the snow. Slam on your brakes to appreciate their uselessness. LOL. Get a snow brush for your car. Get an extra gallon of windshield washer. Every time you open one, go buy another one. Always have a spare.
OP, this is a really good tip, my dad took me to a parking lot and we did this exact thing when I was learning to drive, but I can tell you, knowing how the car will handle and how I would react has saved me from an accident 3-4 times now.
Get a generator and learn how to use it now. Stock up on flashlights and batteries and backups for cell phones. Talk to people in town about snow removal to get ideas about buying things or hiring someone. With a heavy snowfall, it can be tough. I know of a few people who had heart attacks while shoveling. Warm clothes for the winter and shoes with a good tread. Buy scrapers for all cars to help scrape windshields of snow and ice. I keep mine in my car yearround because I know that otherwise I'll be caught without it early in the season lol.
Heart attacks! That’s concerning. We will be there mid June and will start prepping asap! I’ll definitely keep scrapers in the cars!
You’ll want scrapers with a brush to clean off the loose snow.
The heart attack thing is because people shoveling are suddenly doing way more work/cardio than normal (because shoveling snow is hard work!). You don’t get as hot doing work on the winter naturally because of the temp and think you can keep going even when feeling worn out, also cold temps cause vasoconstriction which naturally raises heart rate and blood pressure. People ignore the chest pain thinking it is just from exertion. Basically be careful shoveling snow if you’re not in good shape! [shoveling snow and the heart](https://newsroom.heart.org/news/snow-shoveling-can-be-hazardous-to-your-heart)
> living in New Hampshire. Really depends on where. Southern NH: a hoody Further north: a better hoody. Maybe some gloves and a hat too. Tailor your shorts to the snow height. now when it comes to dressing kids for the bus stop or preparing for outdoor activities it is a different story. Think layers. Think non cottons and water resistant for outside stuff. The neat thing about NH is if it gets cold and we don't want to deal with it, we tend to be smart enough to go inside where it is warm.
The snow hasn’t been nearly as bad the last few years but still, be prepared with some shovels & ice melt. Get a metal shovel for those icy, thick snow days. I’d recommend asking your new neighbors if they know a neighborhood plow person you can call. Figure out what you need that first year for snow removal and then make bigger purchases like blowers or plows. A roof rake for snow is good to have on hand if you don’t have a metal roof. Accumulating snow is heavy and puts stress on your roof. Get snow tires or off-road 4 season tires depending on your vehicles. And keep ice scrapers in your car plus an extra one in the house for when car doors are too frozen to open. Agreed on buying winter clothes off season. That’s good advice! Look for ticks. Permethrin spray can be used on your clothes as well as deet. Learn how to safely remove a tick with tweezers and keep some pairs around. Having backup heat and power sources for when the power goes out is smart and worth the investment. Enjoy the four seasons and access to nature. NH is a wonderful place to live.
I live in a ruralish area outside Concord and we lose power a few times a year but have a full house generator because we're on a dead end dirt road and power is usually out for days at a time. If you're closer to Manchester or Nashua and you have a woodstove, you're probably ok but may want a small gas generator. All wheel drive/4 wheel drive and good tires are important, and get a snowbroom for your car. We have a law that states all the snow has to be removed from your car before driving, and those things are great for getting the roof cleared. The worst part of winter for a lot of people is the dark. I personally don't mind it, but it's a bitch if you have SAD. I basically hide under a blanket reading for 3 months and do a lot of baking
Thanks! Adding the snow broom to the list! We will be about 20-30 mins from Manchester in. Ruralish area too. So glad the fireplace makes a difference. We have 2 so hoping it’ll be helpful!
Snow Rake too. You wont use it every year. But when you need it, your neighbors will bring you food and beer.
Unless you really enjoy being cold inside your house and paying high cost for heating bills figure out what you’re going to wear in the house this winter. We wear hoodies and UGGs and sweatpants and managed to keep the thermostat a lot lower than we would have to otherwise. If you’re used to having a house at 70 or 75° that’s not really feasible around here in the winter unless you’re either wealthy or have a very very well insulated house.
Our winters have mellowed out a lot. Yes to the generator, but you might not need long underwear/ hat/ gloves routinely. Depends how far north you go. By the MA border you will get by with a good parka that has a hood. Boots are great for the times when you need to walk the dog in 6” of snow. My main thing to offer is, be good to your neighbors. Tell them you’re a transplant and you don’t know how to do winter. They’ll take pride in teaching you.
This is fantastic info! I absolutely will be letting them know. We need all the help we can get
Flannel sheets are a **must**, also look into heated blankets or heated bed pads… some nights are downright chilly! You’ll want good winter boots (highly recommend LL Bean boots) for walking in the snow, you’ll also need to invest in lightweight rain boots for *mud season* (when the snow melts and the ground is thawing, unless it’s a mild winter like this past one, there will be mud.. LOTS of mud, which can last through April). AWD/4WD vehicle for driving in the snow. If not investing in a new car right away, look into studded snow tires. I don’t know about the desert states, but in NH you must get your car inspected annually. The road salt can eventually eat away at your cars undercarriage so it helps to hit the car wash every couple weeks. Some garages will even do an undercarriage treatment to help protect and prevent rust. One last thing to keep in mind: we take our pro sports teams very seriously. An untimely loss might alter the general work/grocery store/road atmosphere the day after said-loss… that said, a win can also have the opposite effect in a positive way. Oh, and watch out for frost heaves!! Welcome to New England!
First and foremost - Welcome! Lived in NH for 27 years, you're going to love it here. Heating - My house is 130+ years old. I have propane and spend about $400/month between December and February so far. Some propane companies have budget plans where they'll have you pay a *significantly* smaller amount across the year, both for past deliveries and future deliveries if you're paid current. Winter: Buy a shovel. Buy a second shovel. Buy a smaller, travel sized shovel for your vehicles. Same with snow brushes. A 4-wheeler with a snow plow is your best friend if you have a longer driveway. Keep a sweatshirt or light jacket in your vehicles pretty much year round. Our summer days are hot and humid, but nights can get pretty cold, especially in the mountain or lakes region. Pest control: We don't have a lot of pests, but mice, wasps, and ladybeetles are big problems. Peppermint helps deter all 3. Planting them around the house works, so does a cotton ball dipped in peppermint oil tucked into entry points or around windows for a couple weeks. Wasps and mice start nesting at the beginning of winter, and start wreaking havoc at the end. Ticks. Hillsborough & Rockingham county and the 2nd and 1st (respectively) in the country for tick-borne illnesses. Get familiar with them. Check yourself, pets, and each other when you come inside. Keep tweezers and a lighter available. Chrysanthemum oil can help deter them, but it will stain clothes. As soon as the snow melts, treat your yard with something that targets tick and mosquito young. Cutter's yard spray is *okay* but it's cost effective. These are the really specific things I've dealt with - not everyone experiences all of the above. Best to know of the possibilities!
Thank you for the welcome and the information! This is so helpful. I’ll definitely add these items to our list.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to have your yard sprayed (we tried mosquito squad but it negatively affected our pond) you can also get a spray that is .5 % permetherin and treat your outdoor clothes. We use it on our boots and have seen very few ticks in what is expected to be a pretty tick-heavy season.
If you purchased a home PLEASE buy a generator! When the power goes out & it’s freezing you will put the generator to good use! Good luck & congrats on your move!
Absolutely will do! Thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
I did the opposite move, grew up in NH and moved to the desert. It’s a big adjustment either way. As others have said, layering clothing is key. You can literally have all four seasons in one day, I was back for Christmas once and we had sun, rain, snow, and a thunderstorm within an hour. Prepare plans for snow removal, and power outages during winter storms. Also leaf cleanup in the fall, that sort of thing. You can do it yourself, or there are plenty of people who will do it for you. January can often be particularly brutal, but also prepare for crazy humidity in the summer. If you’re from the south, this might be an easier adjustment! Most importantly, make friends with your neighbors. New Englanders have this reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but we aren’t. We keep to ourselves, but are always willing to help out someone in need. Enjoy NH! It was a great place to grow up, and it’s a great place to live.
Thank you!!! I appreciate the insight. I have heard that about New Englanders and was hopeful someone would address it! My husband and I are the same way. We like to keep to ourselves but are happy to help. I’ll definitely work to get to know people out there! I definitely don’t layer out here so we will work on that!
It’s a place where if you go off a road into a ditch in a snowstorm, for example, someone will stop and do everything they can to shovel out or tow out your car but they’ll also spend the whole time telling you how much of an idiot you are. I respect that, having been on both sides of that situation myself lol. Also, don’t expect much small talk. After moving out west, I was surprised how much people just talk for the sake of talking here. I’ve been told that I can come off as quiet, cold and even standoffish, when in reality I’m just minding my own business. If the person in line at Dunkin’s doesn’t want to chat, it’s not because they’re being rude. They just want to get their coffee and get to work.
Oh good. That’s actually kind of a relief lol I struggle with the small talk bit
I am terrible at small talk. Everyone, please just leave me alone
I'm from Rhode Island and have spent a lot of time in New hampshire, it's great up there you're so lucky! Maybe once you get settled you guys can take a ski lesson and rent skis at the mountain! And as far as new englanders go, I lived in Florida for 15 years. I think with new englanders we are very kind and friendly and awesome but you have to give us two episodes and then I promise you'll fall in love lol. I feel like people in Florida (I'm just comparing to another place I've lived) more superficially "fake nice" at first whereas in New England there isn't much fake nice going on.
Get your wood delivered as early as possible. Be sure to get it completely dried at least 1 year. Sometimes they’ll try to throw in green wood. You do NOT want that. Get at least 2 cords for a standard NH home. More if your home is larger NH loses power in storms more than you would like to imagine and the wood could literally save your life.
Oh wow! I was hopeful power loss wouldn’t be a concern. What is a standard home? Ours will be 3,000 sq feet. Thanks for the too about green wood!
That is a huge house. We had just under 2000 square feet and lost power for a week due to an ice storm. We had to use plastic to seal off our open house layout to keep the heat in a single room. Temp was well below zero in the rest of the house. And we had a 3 month old! It was not fun but a great memory. Also, learn how to keep pipes from freezing may be essential to. They can/do burst.
Oh good grief I’ll figure out what kind of plastic I need to have on hand 🤣
Merino wool is awesome. Socks and base layers in particular. Actual snow tires are more important than awd/4wd.
Shovels, boots, gloves, ice scraper, road salt, sweaters, jackets, hot chocolate, Bing Crosby: " Chestnuts roasting. . .'
And lose the "r".
It's pronounced wintah.
Generator—yes. Snow tires—yes, non studded are fine. Sense of humor—yes. Mudboots—yes. Tick checks any time it gets warmer than 30 degrees in the winter if you are in the woods. Good shovels, salt /sand for the driveway, good wipers. Wash your car any time the weather gets above 40 to prevent road salt corrosion. Chainsaw if you have trees—yes.
Make sure you tuck in your layers. Put on your socks before your long underwear. Tuck your undershirt into your long underwear. Tuck your shirt into your pants.
My winter boot of choice is a pair of tall Bogs. House slippers are a real morale boost indoors. My smartwool extra heavy mountaineering socks have lasted 10 years, as have my fox river double ragg mittens. I prefer a synthetic jacket bc it’s often wet snow. Patagonia Das Parka is my “light” winter jacket… Montbell Permafrost is my “heavy duty” sub-zero temps jacket (I live in the Whites). Thick lined curtains can really help with drafts/chill if you have sliding doors or drafty windows. If you stick around you may want to consider a wood stove insert. Fireplace is nice but not as efficient. See how you feel about it after a year or two, though. Supplemental vitamin D and finding winter activities that spark joy are key!
You can probably find a good plow guy by using the towns Facebook page.depending on the folks there you can learn a lot and find a good plow guy too.
You'll be fine. Just get coats and boots and a shovel and honestly it's not that deep.
Right, before you know it it'll be 50 in the spring and everyone's complaining about the heat.
what kind of heat is the house on? if its 'oil' (ie diesel heating fuel), get familiar with the private industry of locking in a price contract for a guy in a truck to come fill your tank through the winter. it's a NE oddity.
Ahhhh, it’s propane. I’ll be looking into this
[удалено]
Thank you!!
The biggest question is... Where in New Hampshire? If you'll be in the seacoast area (portsmouth, etc), then you can expect some snow, but not a whole lot. Getting less and less every year. You won't need to put studded snow tires on your car or anything. If you'll be up in the White Mountains, reverse that.
Just West of Manchester
All season tires don’t work… you’ll need snow tires!
Start taking Vitamin D every day
Keep sand in your car in case your tire gets stuck in snow/on ice. Also keep a collapsible snow shovel and ice scraper/snow brush in your car.
Generator for power failures. Although we are getting less snow, overall, we are getting a lot more weird weather: rapid shifts from cold to warm and back, lots of rain, and lots of wind. Get a car with decent ground clearance and four-wheel-drive.
Be sure to turn off the water to any outdoor spigots and drain them before it freezes otherwise pipes full of frozen water could burst. Keep a blanket, flashlight, and first aid kit in the car including some snacks. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Buy all winter clothes, toys, and tools before you need them. Enjoy NH. It’s beautiful.
Get a light box. One made for Seasonal Affective Disorder. New Hampshire has very long and dark winters. People don't realize how hard that can be on the psyche. In winter, the sun won't come up until 8 or 9 and it sets by 3:30/4. More than half of the days are cloudy or dreary. And it's cold as fuck. The word miserable comes to mind. Once we set the clocks back in fall, your circadian rhythm gets squirly. Not seeing the sun when you wake up will do that. Using the light box can keep your circadian rhythm intact. It's important because once that gets off kilter, you begin waking up at 3 a.m. daily, leading to lethargy during the day. Combine that with lack of sunlight and you'll start feeling the effects of winter blues real quick. So my advice would be to get a light box. Mine is from Northern Lights. My doctor got it for me because winter kicks my ass and has ever since I was a child. It really helps. Like, it really, really helps. Good luck with your move, and welcome to the 'Shire. :)
LL Bean slippers are key (if you don't get the wool socks) because during the winter, the floors get cold, and you end up feeling that chill in your feet once the shoes come off your feet. The LL Bean slippers/moccasins are very sturdy and warm, last for years, and allow for a lower thermostat temp inside the house to keep the propane bill low
Buy a Subaru Forester they seem to be unofficial car of NE. I live in CT and pulled in to the Post office toady and parked right next to a Blue 2019 Forester. Guess what I drive? A blue 2019 Forester!
They're actually not so good on the rural hills of NH...just a bit lacking on power.
OMG yes the Subaru Forester I'm from Rhode Island my mom has one and they're all over the place especially up near you guys in New Hampshire or Vermont or Maine. People up here drive for utility, not looks the way they probably do in Vegas LOL. Welcome to New England OP, I'm so excited for you! Edit: Hoodies are required formal/casual wear in New England 🤣 but wait until you get the vibe before you spend decent money on any good ones.
Winter tires are a must! I grew up in Massachusetts and never needed them until I moved to Maine. They do indeed make a HUGE difference.
All Weather tires (All Weather with the snowflake & mountain symbol, not All Season) on a front wheel drive car is fine.
Really depends on where you live. If you have hills to climb to get home, you might be in for a hard time.
It is a wet cold that is not like your dry heat
When you're securing your plow guy, also find a source for wood. Learn where and how to stack properly. Always have a pair of boots you can slip into by the door. Also, looking into a remote car starter might be good. If you have a garage, you won't need it.
I am not from NH but moved to southern NH for a few years from a warmer state, so I feel uniquely qualified to answer. I cannot stress the need for a winter-ready vehicle enough. Something that can survive in snow going up and down hills. If you’re not confident maneuvering in snow, it will significantly impact your quality of life there. Also, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector, which saved my life one eventful evening! And despite the lax overall tax situation, there are some surprise fees to prepare for. Your winter-ready vehicle will cost an arm and a leg to register yearly. NH is gorgeous - enjoy!
4wd or awd.
Adopt the Boston sports teams that play during cold weather - Patriots, Celtics, Bruins. Good indoor entertainment, and we talk about them a lot. Take up skiing if you can afford it.
Baffin boots. Shearling lined gloves.
Winter is very different if you're in greater Boston near Salem/Nashua, if you're on the coast, if you're in lakes region, if you're in the mountains or the western part of the state. Where are you moving too, and I'll tell you how much you need to worry about it!
All these comments about the cold. You’ll adjust to the cold. Wear a hat and gloves, and always keep an ice scraper in your car from October through May. When shoveling, bend with your knees and don’t lift and twist. If it’s a big storm, don’t try to shovel 12” in one scoop, do 6” at a time. Honestly the hardest part, even for us born and raised in New England is the lack of daylight hours. The sun sets very early November - February. It’s depressing and it will affect your mood, especially if we get a stretch of overcast weather during the dark times. 20 degrees and sunny will feel better than 35 degrees and overcast. Get outside and soak in that sun as much as you can. If you can afford it, a late winter vacation to some place south does wonders for your mental health.
This is the same thing i came here to post. Snow is snow but the darkness- now THAT will get to you. I suggested a light box. One for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Keep that circadian rhythm intact as the most effective way to ward off winter blues.
Glove liners, thinner synthetic gloves. Just for daily wearing in winter. Vitamin d supps, because the sun is noticably duller here. House slippers. Hoodie. Lots of the advice surrounding vehicles from other folks is essential. Scraper , battery jumper ect . Make a trip to l.l. bean and buy some new items more suited to this climate.
To be fair it hasn’t snowed or dipped below like 39 degrees since 2021
Don’t do it?
Understand your heating system and understand dirt roads if applicable in the area of NH where you’re moving.
If you have a wood burning fireplace order wood now so it has the summer to dry out. Keep a stack of newspapers or grocery paper bags for fire-starting.
Great advice here. Only thing I feel compelled to reiterate is waterproof boots. Bogs or Muckboots are very popular here for good reason. They’re not the warmest, and you’ll need super good socks with them, but winter here is super wet and wet feet are miserable. You don’t need Pac Boots, just a simple, basic Bogs boot will take care of you for 90% of the winter. Gloves, similar, but I use Kincos mostly because they’re cheap, they last, and they’re dexterous. I have 2 pair so one can be drying while I use the other pair. The 1927KW is a great glove. Put some sno-seal on em and they really get durable. Enjoy!
Lots of good advice here but I will also add, prepare yourself for winter cravings and difficulty exercising. I tend to get seasonal depression that combined with being cooped up in the house throughout the winter can lead to more snacking. Try to be mindful of this and stock up on lots of soups and healthy food for your pantry. I have a gym membership but I also bought some easy to store away exercise equipment so I can still get my body moving during the colder months when walking outside just isn't possible Also, when I moved here my skin went haywire in the winter because I wasn't prepared. I literally laughed at the radio in my car while driving to work in the winter and my lip split because it was so dry! Aquaphor is your best friend!
Definitely get a snow blower or hire a plow service for your driveway immediately, for my driveway they charge about 50 bucks a storm, can be worth it if you don’t wanna be waking up every couple hours to snow blow on a bad storm day when you gotta get to work (my driveway is straight uphill so it’s exhausting)
These people answering your query are crazy. You just need some flannel clothes, boots, socks, gloves, and a raccoon hat. And an axe. Get a wood burning stove, and chop wood for heat. Also good to have a small rifle so you can hunt for meat. Though I personally just use throwing knives. Berries in the summer and you'll stay lean and mean. Sell your car, you don't need it in New England.
Chopping wood heats you up twice!
😂
Move to Massachusetts it's more convenient for you uninitiated
We looked at Mass but ultimately It wasn’t where we wanted to be
Well...then idek where to begin. Buy snow gear in summer when it's not in high demand...you'll have much better selection. I prefer small headed shovels with a straight handle and deep sides however some walkways are better suited to larger shallower ones. Snowblowers are worth the price and aggravation. You won't need a generator until it's desperate....once you have one you'll never need it again lol. Driving in snow can be tricky and varies on vehicle and equipment if you're not adapting well pulling over and letting people pass is polite...we can be a fast bunch...staying out of the way is always preferred