Winterize your new home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Moving to a colder climate means you\u2019ll have to take some extra steps to protect your new home<\/a> from freezing temperatures in the winter. Here\u2019s where to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had a pipe burst when I got my first apartment in Cleveland, and \u2014 you\u2019ll have to trust me on this \u2014 you don\u2019t want to deal with a burst pipe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research conducted<\/a> at the University of Illinois found that the \u201ctemperature alert threshold\u201d is 20\u00b0 F, particularly if pipes are exposed in an uninsulated area. Here\u2019s how to keep them from freezing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trust me, your energy bill will thank you if you take a little extra time to insulate windows and doors during the winter. In one window-heavy apartment in Seattle, I saved about $50 per month on my heating bill once I sealed up the windows with film insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by going around the house and feeling for any drafts that are coming through. Once you\u2019ve identified the problematic areas, you have a few options: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve never lived in a colder climate before, the amount of snow you have to deal with might be the biggest adjustment of all. It\u2019s a good idea to have some basic tools set aside before the first big snowfall of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your new home isn\u2019t the only thing that could use some winter prep \u2014 it will be a big adjustment for you, too. The good news is that humans are very adaptable. In one study<\/a>, U.S. Army researchers found that men who spent eight hours a day in a 50\u00b0F chamber became habituated to the cold after about two weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter takes its toll on our skin. The combination of cold air, dry indoor heat, and low humidity all work together to draw the moisture from our skin. Here\u2019s how you can alleviate it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You aren\u2019t the only one who\u2019s getting used to the cold weather. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow can take their toll on a pet\u2019s paws, and licking them can irritate their mouth. The ASPCA recommends using petroleum jelly or protective boots<\/a> when you take your pet outside, and wiping off their paws when they come back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep baths to a minimum during the winter months, as pet skin dries out just like ours. If you have a short-haired dog, you might also consider a dog jacket<\/a> for those chilly strolls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not used to driving in snowy conditions, your first few times out can be a stressful experience. Car and Driver recommends<\/a> following the golden rule of winter driving: stay smooth. When in doubt, pretend there\u2019s a cup of hot coffee on your lap that you\u2019re trying not to spill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJerky movements with the controls easily unstick tires that have a tenuous grip on the slippery road, so every turn of the wheel, push of the brakes, and movement of the throttle must be deliberate, gentle, and gradual.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also want to be prepared for the snow with some essential winter driving gear: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This goes for all moves, but especially if you\u2019re heading to a colder city in the winter months. Set up your utilities<\/a> like heat, electric, and internet<\/a> about four weeks before Moving Day. No matter how cold it is outside, you\u2019ll be warm and cozy inside, with your favorite TV shows to help you wind down after a long moving journey.<\/p>\n\n\n Prevent pipes from freezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Seal up drafty windows and doors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rear](\"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/mm-moving-to-a-colder-city-1.jpg\")
Make a plan for the snow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to take care of yourself in the winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protect your skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plan for your pets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/mm-moving-to-a-colder-city-2.jpg\")
Driving in the snow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get your utilities set up early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n