Moving from one home to another is among life’s most dreaded regular events. Home searching, packing, preparation, and heavy lifting can become full-time jobs in the weeks preceding your move, and once you’ve made it to the new home, the real work begins.
Though it doesn’t rank anywhere near moving homes, packing for a trip is another annoyance in life, and anyone who has packed for a drastically different climate knows how difficult it can be. Even if you’re accustomed to the different climates, it’s difficult to plan and pack for snowy winter weather after you’ve been lounging by the pool all day.
Now, what if you had to combine moving homes with packing for winter weather? Suddenly, you’ve gone from curating a beach home motif to researching ways to keep your bedroom warm in the winter. The prospect is, for many, the stuff of nightmares, but does it have to be?
Moving to a new home in a different climate can be both exciting and stressful, but with some deliberate planning and preparation, you can set yourself up for success. It’s important to be prepared for the changes you’ll experience, especially if you move from one extreme temperature to another. This guide is designed to help make your transition smoother by providing tips on adjusting your lifestyle and home setup to accommodate the new climate. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your new home and its unique environment in no time!
Research Your New Climate: What Should You Expect?
The first step to properly preparing your home and lifestyle for a new climate is to do some research. Look into the average temperature range of your new location, as well as any unique weather patterns it might experience. This information can help you determine what types of clothing and gear to bring with you when you move and how best to set up your home to accommodate the new climate.
Take special care to look into any extreme weather occurrences in the area you’re moving to, whether historical or annual. For example, someone moving to Toronto from a warmer climate should look into when the heaviest snow typically falls and when blizzards tend to occur. Alternately, if you’re headed to California, research when hurricane season happens.
Pack With the Weather in Mind, From Start to Finish
When packing for your move, consider the climate you’re heading to. Pack clothes and items that can easily transition between different temperatures. For example, if you’re moving to a location with very hot or cold temperatures, bring layered clothing and accessories that can help you adjust as needed. Remember to pack any weather-specific items you’ll need as well, such as a heavy winter coat or a pair of sandals for summer.
Say you’re moving cross-country to a different climate, loading most of your belongings into a moving truck, and driving yourself, members of your household, and a few bags in your personal vehicle. Make sure you pack a few items that can help you survive any drastic weather changes during the drive in your personal vehicle. Bring appropriate clothing, such as extra jackets and gloves for colder temperatures, and snacks and bottled water in case of emergency.
Most importantly, pack your car with everything you need to deal with your new climate. If you drive from Florida to a cold winter climate, the last thing you’ll want to do is wait for the moving truck to arrive, unpack the moving truck, and then have to dig through to find your winter weather gear among all your belongings.
Pack Deliberately & Label Meticulously
To make unpacking and organizing in your new home easier, be deliberate with how you pack. Consider the climate of your new home when grouping items together, and label boxes accordingly.
For example, if you’re moving to a hotter climate, pack cold-weather items separately from summer clothes and accessories. This will help you unpack more efficiently and avoid searching through boxes when you’re ready to wear a specific item.
Connect With New Neighbors in Advance of the Move
Connecting with your new neighbors before you move can also be helpful. Ask them about the climate and any tips they might have for adjusting to it. They may even be able to provide information on upcoming weather patterns or any special events taking place in the area that would require specific attire.
Additionally, they may even have some advice on the best places to shop for clothing in your new city. It’s always a good idea to make those connections ahead of time and start building relationships with your soon-to-be neighbors before you arrive.
Plan Ahead: New Climates, More Expenses
Unfortunately, it’s prudent to keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional items for your new home due to the climate. If you’re moving from a cooler climate to a hotter one, you may need to buy air conditioning units or fans.
You might also want to invest in window treatments or insulation specifically designed for hot climates. While these items can add to your expenses, they will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable life in your new home.
Prepare Your Home for the New Climate
Once you’re settled in your new home, you can start to make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the new climate. Look into window treatments that are designed specifically to insulate against extreme temperatures and replace any older insulation with newer, more efficient materials. Additionally, check to see if your heating/cooling system needs to be updated.
Immerse Yourself in the New Climate
Finally, make sure to get out and enjoy the unique climate of your new home. Take advantage of any special events or activities that are only offered in certain climates. Be open to trying different types of clothing and accessories that you may not have used before.
Immersing yourself in the climate will help you adjust more easily and appreciate the unique environment of your new home. All that will be left to do is to start enjoying the peculiarities and the new possibilities presented by your new climate!