Everything You Should Know About Moving to a Different Climate

If you’re used to living in a temperate climate, relocating somewhere with significantly hotter or cooler weather can be a challenge. But if you are well informed, and you prepare yourself on time, this change will not be that difficult or drastic. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your big move.

Research the New Place When Moving Across the Country

When thinking about where to move, one of the most important things to research before moving to another state is the climate. Depending on where you’re coming from, this change can be drastic. For example, if you’re moving from Los Angeles to New England, you’ll need to prepare for much colder winters than anything you’ve experienced before.

On the other hand, if you’re relocating from Alaska to Arizona, you’ll have to get used to temperatures that are consistently higher than what you’re used to. In either case, it’s important to be prepared for the extremes. Even relocation from East Coast to West Coast and vice versa can be extreme.

Know That It Will Take Some Time to Get Used to the New Temperatures

Another thing to keep in mind is that it will take some time to get used to the new temperatures. It’s not uncommon for people who move to a new climate to experience some level of discomfort for the first few weeks or even months. This is totally normal! Just be sure to dress appropriately and take it easy until your body has had a chance to adjust.

If you are relocating with kids, make sure you prepare them as well. Aside from clothing that will have to be adjusted, you will have to alter their habits.

For example, if you are relocating to a colder climate from a warm one, your kids will probably want to spend all the time outside in the show. To prevent any illnesses, dress them in layers – start with undershirts and go all the way to the sweater. The undershirt will soak up the sweat, and your kids will be dry. Also, put two pairs of gloves on their hands and tighten up the scarf around their face. If possible, make them come inside from time to time so they can warm up.

The rules are the same if you are relocating to a warmer climate, you will have to adjust their clothing, put some sunscreen on them, and make them wear hats. Don’t let them spend too much time outside when the weather is hotter, and make sure they hydrate regularly.

Your Dog Will Need Some Adjustments

If you are relocating with a dog, you will have to make the transition easy for it. When relocating to colder climates, you will have to buy some warm clothing for your dog as well. The first couple of days, make sure you do short walks just so the dog can get used to the new environment and climate.

Relocating with dogs to a warmer climate can be riskier because of the high temperatures. For the first couple of weeks, only walk your dog early in the morning and late in the evening. Make sure you always have a bottle of water to cool it off in case of a heat stroke. If your dog begins to breathe fast and short, this is a sign he is hot. Immediately put the dog in the shade and pour some water on him. If you plan to spend some beach time with your furry friend, make sure to put protective cream on its paws to prevent them from burning in the heat. Check this video for some tips on how to prevent heat stroke in your dog.

When Moving to a Different Climate, Dress for the Weather

Even if you are relocating in winter, when packing up your belongings, you need to think about what you will wear in your new state. If you are living in NYC and planning to relocate to San Franciso, you will not need winter clothing. So when packing up your relocation essentials, put clothing that will fit the San Francisco climate. On the other hand, if you are currently living in Los Angeles and planning to relocate to New York or Boston, you will have to do some shopping. You will need more than one pair of boots, gloves, scarves, coats, and other winter clothing if you plan to move to the northern half of the East Coast.

Also, your long-distance movers will need to switch out some winter clothing on a daily basis because the cold in these places with cold climates doesn’t come for a short while. The same is true of cities with warm climate. However, this doesn’t mean you will have to get rid of all your existing clothing, only that you will have to do some shopping before your move.

You Might Need to Buy Additional Clothes in the New Area

As you wouldn’t expect that Denver will have less unusual things to do than New York or that you will find the best cocktail dresses in Alaska, the same is for the clothing that fits extreme weather conditions. Clothing stores, especially outfitters that produce clothing for adverse weather conditions, target their local market. A Los Angeles-made jacket is not intended to be worn during a snowstorm in New York City. In warmer climates, jeans and other pants are lighter to prevent sweating while being worn. When in doubt, purchase the proper attire for the locale’s climate.

Donate or Sell the Clothes That You Won’t Use

Why not make a kind gesture to say “goodbye” to your old neighborhood and donate all the clothing you will not take with you? When you’ve decided which climate-specific clothes you want to get rid of, pack them up or hire professional cross-country moving services to do it for you. You can also donate it to a nearby charity. Keep in mind that you might want to keep some of it if you want to visit the area again. Many options are available in most communities, including Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Do not forget that you can donate things other than clothing. Take pictures of your stuff and request a receipt from the charity you donated them to if you wish to claim a tax deduction for your donation.

Speed Up the Relocation Process by Hiring Cross-Country Movers

Moving to a different climate and a new city demands a lot of preparation. You need to get a job, find a place to live, research all about the city you are relocating to, and on top of all that, pack up everything and put it on a moving truck. And if you are relocating with kids, things will be even harder. So instead of doing all the hard work, do yourself a favor and hire movers to help you out. You will still have a lot of things on your mind, but at least you will not have to worry whether your fragile items or electronics will make it to the other side of the country in one piece. Instead, go and do some shopping and prepare yourself for the new climate.

Be Ready for Different Utility Bills

Be ready to have a different focus on utility bills when relocating from a colder climate to a warmer one and vice versa. In a warm climate, you’ll likely spend more on cooling your home while, after the relocation, that money will go to heating. Likewise, in a cold climate, you’ll probably spend more on heating your home, and the next home will have to be cooled. Therefore, unless something extreme happens, such expenditures will remain approximately the same.

Additionally, make sure to research the utility companies in your new area so that you can find the best rates and services for your needs. Finally, don’t forget to notify your current utility company of your move so that you can cancel or transfer your service. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

You Should Prep Your Car for a Different Climate

If you decide to ship a car across the country, you will have to do some preparation on the vehicle as well. There are a few crucial steps to take in order to get your car ready for harsher winter.

It would be good to have some emergency tool kit in your truck in case you get stuck in the snow blizzard. Here are some of the things you should have in your car:

• Shovel,
• Towing cable or rod,
• Jack lift,
• Flashlights,
• Warm blankets,
• Water,
• Spare tire kit.

It Will Take Time, but You’ll Eventually Adjust to a Different Climate

Although it may be difficult to adjust in the beginning, with time, you will get used to your new climate and surroundings. By preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the move, you can make the process a little bit easier. Long-distance moving is a stressful event, but if you do all the preparation on time and hire professional help, it doesn’t need to be. By hiring movers to help you out, you will have more time to do all the other preparations, such as preparing your kids and yourself for the move.