Relocating to the north from the south -- advice needed!

[Alphabetsoup]

Hi all...

I got lucky this year and landed a teaching (university) job in western PA, so my hubby and I are moving up there (around Erie).

Now I lived in Indiana until I was 10, so I have vague recollections of what snowy winters were like -- but only from a child's perspective. Still, I am in better shape than my hubby, who is an Australian and has only experienced about 1 inch of snow since we've been in Atlanta -- now HE is in for a shock!

So as a couple who has never lived in a cold climate as adults, I am seeking advice from my Disboarders....

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet).

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case.

3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand?

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!)

Basically any and all cold weather tips are welcome. Hubby at least has a heavy winter coat (from a past trip to Canada) but I only have a trench coat. I haven't had to buy boots for nearly 30 years...so I don't even know what brands are good, etc...

Any an all tips, tricks and hints are welcome.

thanks!

Soupy

 

[Julie*]

I live in Northern Vermont so I am a pro at winter. Congrats on your new job!

1. Stay away from any apartments with electric heat. Your electric bill won't fluctuate much from summer to winter as long as you don't have electric heat. Our rates actually go down in the winter b/c we run a window a/c in the summer at night in our bedroom.
We heat with natural gas and our gas bill runs $163.00 per month year round. Our house is about 1600 sq feet. But the gas also includes our gas stove, gas dryer and hot water heater.

2. Winter tires are very important where we live. We have 2 sets of tires for each car and they get changed out in the spring and in the fall. We also always keep a 1/2 tank of gas in our cars in the winter as well as emergency blankets and a flashlight in each car just in case we were to be stranded. It has never happened but we don't have great cell coverage in all areas so it's better to be safe than sorry.

3. We have a couple of power outages each winter and it can get cold quickly. We just bundle up in the house and wait it out (never have had more than a day). We always keep flashlights on hand in each room and we have a LLBean crank radio always ready. We also have a wall phone and not just cordless so that we'll still have a home phone that works with no electricity.

4. Bedding: We have a down comforter that we use with cotton sheets in the winter and we turn the heat down to 60 at 9pm. I'm used to the cold though.... A good comforter is very useful and I love fleece blankets too.

We get our snow stuff from LLBean or Lands End b/c I like the rating systems they use so you know what jacket to get. There's no sense getting a cheap jacket IMO if you're just going to freeze all winter. Now is a great time to go to Lands End.com and go to their overstock section to find great deals on jackets, gloves, and hats. I also suggest a good pair of boots (Sorrell or Merrill) but I live day to day in my low top winter shoes. Here's a link for an example:
http://www.endless.com/dp/B001TK2AL...SIN=B001TK2ALM#__asin=B001TK289Q&ref=dp_sbs_2

Sorry I don't know how to do links better. I work at the University of Vermont and am out on campus alot. The walkways are always clear even if there is alot of snow around and I hate clomping around in big boots all day.

I hope this helps!

Julie

 

[mrudman]

I live in Northeast Ohio so I'll try to help ya out a little here, My answers will be in red..

Hi all...

I got lucky this year and landed a teaching (university) job in western PA, so my hubby and I are moving up there (around Erie). First of all, congrats!

Now I lived in Indiana until I was 10, so I have vague recollections of what snowy winters were like -- but only from a child's perspective. Still, I am in better shape than my hubby, who is an Australian and has only experienced about 1 inch of snow since we've been in Atlanta -- now HE is in for a shock!

So as a couple who has never lived in a cold climate as adults, I am seeking advice from my Disboarders....

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet). We only have gas heat, so can't help ya with the electric heat part.. ours varies from about $30 (have gas dryer also) in the summer to about $250 in the winter.. we live in an older home with not real great insulation though.

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case. Nothing real specific in terms of winter maintenance, other than just keep up on your oil changes, have fairly decent tires coming into winter, etc. We don't get huge amounts of snow here, so no snowchains needed or anything, lol.. but I am about an hour southwest of you, so not entirely sure on the amount of snow Erie gets.. don't think it's any worse than us though.

3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand? We get power outages maybe 2-3 times a year.. usually last couple hrs at most.. and it's usually in the summer from thunderstorms.. not during winter normally.

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!) We use cotton sheets, a mid-weight comforter, and then in Jan-March when it's the coldest here, we put on our electric blanket.

Basically any and all cold weather tips are welcome. Hubby at least has a heavy winter coat (from a past trip to Canada) but I only have a trench coat. I haven't had to buy boots for nearly 30 years...so I don't even know what brands are good, etc... I'd get a decent coat.. like a columbia one, etc.. I have a coat/jacket I wear that looks actually pretty light-weight, but it polar fleece on the inside and keeps me plenty warm even in really cold temp. Other than a week or 2 where it gets frigidly cold, we really don't drop much below about 20 degrees or so here. So no need to look like an Eskimo, As far as boots go, defintely get waterproof ones.. at least up to the ankles.. we get a lot of slushie type snow here.. and if you step into snowbanks along the streets (which I always seem to do) it can really soak your shoes/boots fast unless they are waterproof.

Any an all tips, tricks and hints are welcome.

Hope I helped, Good luck with the move!

thanks!

Soupy

 

[JandT'smom]

Hi from Chicago here and I second stay away from electric heat can very expensive..I would add to the other advice lots of warm socks and dress in layers when inside. Easier to stay warm.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Hi! I don't have much advice because we did the opposite and moved from western PA to the south but DH's best friend (and the best man at our wedding) is a coach at Mercyhurst

 

[beansmom]

I moved from Indianapolis to Dallas 30 years ago and then to Boston 2 years ago...turtlenecks are your FRIEND! Get a 'proper' winter coat...something down filled preferably. DH gets colder than I do so we have a heated mattress pad on our bed but we put electric blankets on the bed downstairs for our guests. A down comforter is really good but I don't like the heaviness. I do, however, LOVE flannel sheets.

Layers is right because moving from cold to heat back to cold you'll want to adjust your 'insulation'. I also got snowboots.

We do make sure to keep our oils changed and all maintenance done. I also put a blanket and some water and a little snack in my car in the winter just in case I have a road emergency. Always make sure your cell phone is charged and you have your GPS. An extra pair of socks and gloves in the wintercar are good, too.

Good luck and welcome to Yankee country.

 

[mnrose]

Congrats on the new job and the exciting move. Living in cold weather isn't so bad. You quickly get used to it!

Buy winter clothing NOW at discount. LandsEnd or LLBean are two places I trust for winter gear. It's good quality and will last through many seasons.

As for boots, I live in my knock off Uggs (I get mine from Costco...excellent quality and great prices) most of the time. I do own a pair of Sorrels for when it gets ridiculously cold and I'm going to be out more than a few minutes. But, most of the time, the Costco boots work great here in Minnesota. Costco will almost certainly have those boots in stock in Sept or Oct at the latest.

And, I can't believe no one else has mentioned this yet. An important item of car maintenance that often is overlooked in moving between climates is the windshield wiper fluid. You need fluid specifically geared for cold weather climates or you will be in for a nasty, and potentially dangerous, surprise the first time you attempt to use the fluid to clear winter gunk off your windshield. My husband ASKED for this to be done when he planned to drive our van from CA to MN, but apparently, the CA dealership didn't. What a mess! So, make sure you get your mechanic to do this straightaway (or do it yourself). Also, I believe different antifreeze is required as well. Definitely worth asking...and I'd wait to do it until you get to your new destination. Mechanics up north are going to be far more familiar with these needs than those in the south or warmer climates.

 

[Luv2trav]

I'm not far from where you are moving. I live in Ohio and Erie is about 2 hours away.

Here are my recommendations.

1. How much does electric heat run a month in winter? What about gas? (we haven't found a place to rent yet). We have GAS and our home is about 2100sqf and we keep it on 68 in the day and 64 at night. Our monthly gas bill was around 150.00 last year but around 200.00 the year before so it fluctuates.

2. Anything we need to know about winter car maintenance? The car is usually hubby's domain, but he is as clueless about all this as I am in this case. I never do anything to prepare my car. Maybe just make sure you tires are in good shape. I don't think people do the regular tire vs snow tire. I would recommend having a front wheel or 4 wheel driver car.
3. In that area do we have to worry much about power outages? And if so...what do we need to have on hand? Depends on where you live. Our utilities lines are underground so we don't have many problems. Ice is the biggest factor. We have only had our knocked out by ice once in the last 5 years.

4. What bedding do you suggest? (We currently have 1 set of flannel sheets and a cheap cotton comforter from Ikea...something tells me that won't be enough!)I like flannel sheets in the winter and down comforter. Doesn't matter who makes it.

Basically any and all cold weather tips are welcome. Hubby at least has a heavy winter coat (from a past trip to Canada) but I only have a trench coat. I haven't had to buy boots for nearly 30 years...so I don't even know what brands are good, etc... I highly highly recommend Lands End for winter clothing. Get some good gloves, scarf and hat


Any an all tips, tricks and hints are welcome.

thanks!

Soupy

 

[Stumpy]

And, I can't believe no one else has mentioned this yet. An important item of car maintenance that often is overlooked in moving between climates is the windshield wiper fluid. You need fluid specifically geared for cold weather climates or you will be in for a nasty, and potentially dangerous, surprise the first time you attempt to use the fluid to clear winter gunk off your windshield.

Isn't this the truth? I lived most of my life in either Memphis or New Orleans and when we moved to Indianapolis, I had no clue about this. I learned the hard way that the stuff they use in the South is more diluted and will freeze almost instantly in cold weather.

Oh, and your husband will appreciate a snow blower. There is nothing worse than shoveling your driveway, and it's even worse when you get to the end only to see the city plow come through and pile snow right back up into your driveway. Trust me, when the snow comes, a snow blower will be his best friend. (if my wife is reading this post, this is a hint for an early Christmas present. )

 

[JandT'smom]

Wanted to add if you are not use to driving in snow you might wanted to find a deserted place during the first snow to practice. I was behind someone with Georgia plates last year on the way to work who appeared to not have much practice driving in a Chicago snowstorm. I felt sorry for them as they were having a hard time and were actually a danger to themselves and others.

 

[Swimalie]

Wanted to add if you are not use to driving in snow you might wanted to find a deserted place during the first snow to practice. I was behind someone with Georgia plates last year on the way to work who appeared to not have much practice driving in a Chicago snowstorm. I felt sorry for them as they were having a hard time and were actually a danger to themselves and others.

Very true! Although, I learned to drive in snow in Atlanta in an empty parking lot one weekend with my dad. Helped when I moved to Oregon and had to drive in it.

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

Central PA here, congrats and welcome to the state!

Everyone has said pretty much all you need, but to give you a figure on electric heat, I have many friends that have it and their electric is over $250 a month in winter. And with our electric companies raising rates all the time around here right now, it's not a good idea.

We have coal so we're nice and toasty in winter, and our weather is much better than Erie is with the lake effect, so I really can't help with any more specifics than the PP's have.

Good luck, you'll love it here.

 

[mistysue]

I don't know if you want to rent a house or apartment- but try looking for apartments with gas included! Then you don't have to budget separately for heat and you can keep the temp a touch higher if you like it warmer.

Right now really is a great time to shop. I would get each of you a separate pair of gloves that you would feel comfortable wearing while driving, the cold makes the steering wheel hurt your fingers.

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

You've gotten some great advice already and welcome to the North!

- Avoid electric heat if you can as it's a real budget buster. Gas is the way to go. Also, if you have a gas stove and your power goes out in a bad storm you can still cook by lighting it with a match.
- Never let your car gas tank go below 1/4 tank in winter "just in case" you get stuck somewhere.
- Keep a snowbrush (to clean off your car after parking) and some munchies like granola bars in your car along with a blanket. Along the line of cars, front wheel drive or all wheel drive is the way to go - rear wheel drive does NOT handle snow well at all.
- When it snows really bad, we toss a bag of cheap kitty litter in the trunk as it provides decent traction when sprinkled in front of a drive wheel if you get stuck. Not that we live in the middle of nowhere or anything...
- Polarized sunglasses are helpful as the sun's reflection off the snow can be blinding.
- It's not just the snow that causes problems, you'll also get freezing rain and sleet which can make for extremely slippery and dangerous driving conditions. If the temps are below 32F, there's a good chance any moisture on the roads will turn to ice so be extra careful.
- Get a "back saver" snow shovel or two to keep in the garage. Back savers have an angled handle and are much more comfortable to use. Get two in case one breaks and so you can both shovel.
- Depending on where you live, it might take a day before the plows clear your road after bad snowstorms so always keep the pantry full of basics in the wintertime.

Bundle up and have fun! Cold winters are the perfect time for snuggling up with your warm sweetie...

 

[bettymae1121]

Make sure you have an ice scraper/brush in your car. My DH has a habit of losing his, so he takes mine and doesn't put it back, then when I'm out I have no way of cleaning my windshield (he's done this to me TWICE now!). Someone alrady mentioned about the windshield fluid, good tips! But also try to keep a spare bottle in your trunk, because you will ALWAYS seem to run out at the most inconvienant moment. Also, get AAA. Not only will they pull you out of a ditch, but they come and help you if you run out of gas or need a jump.

If you move into a home rather than an appartment, you'll want a snow thrower to clear the side walks and driveway. Still get a snow shovel or two, sometimes it won't snow enough to use the machine but it's just enough that you want to clear it out, plus you'll want them for clearing steps or other areas the machine can't reach. Also make sure to get salt so the walks/driveway won't ice over.

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves! Scarfs are needed if you'll be outside longer than a few minutes and the wind is blowing. Hoods are ideal (especiall if they cover the sides of your face), hats are good too, but if you don't like hats, at least get ear muffs.

Cold air means DRY air. You'll want to stock up on lip balm and skin mostureizer in the fall, and if your furnace doesn't have a humidifier, the purchase a stand alone unit for your home. You'll also want to use dryer sheets for your clothes in the winter to help keep static cling down. I don't care for the scent of them so I just use a half sheet for a full load, saves money and it still keeps the static away.

Avoid electric heat if at all possible, gas or propane is the way to go. Usually in colder climates electric heat is much more rare in any case, so this shouldn't be a problem for you. My natural gas bill averages out to about $100 a month, but before I went to the budget plan, it ranged from $150-$200 in winter months to as low as $20 in summer months (I have a gas stove, dryer, and water heater). I found it much easier to do the budget plan, which just takes your yearly total and divides it by twelve, so you have the same payment each month. They'll adjust it once a year up or down, depending on changes in rate and/or usuage. Your electric bill will be a bit higher in really cold months, because electric powers the blower on the furnace, but it's usually not a signifigant increase (costs me more to run the Christmas lights in December!).

Power tends to go out in ice storms rather than snow storms in winter, and it sounds like you'll be north enough not to have too many ice storms. Still, never hurts to be prepared, and much of what you need in the winter can be used in summer outages.

 

[olwyngdh]

If you end up with electric heat or an all electric house, which is what I gerw up in about 30 miles south east of Erie, try for REC for electric. (I can't post a regular link yet, so I am going to break it up. www (dot)northwesternrec (dot)com/) It is a co-op, so everyone owns shares and you actually get a check at the end of the year as a shareholder (although my Dad found it hysterical the year the check was for $1.73). REC will let you set up a balanced payment plan where you can pay the same amnt year round.

Enjoy NW PA. I miss living there! Don't forget to see the sites in the area while you are there--Presque Isle has nice beaches and great fishing. Waldemere Park is a decent local amusement park, and they are getting Conneaut Lake Park (started in the 1890's) back on its feet. There is a lot to see and do in the area, and a number of colleges that bring in all sorts of entertainment and cultural experiences. You will also be only a short trip from Pittsburgh, which has become a truly beautiful city--it isn't all dirt and smog since the steel mills closed!

Where are you going to be teaching? I graduated from Edinboro, and my husband from Alegheny.

 

[1stluvispooh]

Congrats! It sounds like you are moving to Edinboro. My sister teachers there as well.

 

[kutie78]

I live in Erie so I have some idea of what to expect weather wise.

Be sure to get at least 2 snow brushes for each car. They get used so often sometimes they break and you definitely don't want to be without one.

If you get a house get a snow blower it will save you so much time and your back.

We have a sheet and a quilt on our bed and we keep the temp around 71 or 72 in the winter.

Definitely get winter boots, you will need them

Welcome to the area!! Where are you going to be teaching at?? any questions I will be glad to try to answer them.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Another vote here for
1. gas heat
2. elec blanket (I finally broke down & bought them for all of us last winter. mmm...)
3. snow blower
4. lots of chapstick
5. mittens are way better than gloves
6. invest in disposable hand warmers/toe warmers sold at Amazon or in any hunting supply store. Worth every penny!
7. keep scrapers/brush/broom depending on vehicle size in your car at all times. I also keep a container of salt and a small shovel in case I get stuck.
8. I absolutely LOVE having a garage. Makes my car warm up faster and only have to scrape my car on the way home from work. If you're shopping for a home, it's so worth it. Dh doesn't mind keeping his truck outside so maybe I'm a sissy.
9. If you have to leave your car outside overnight, buy a case of windshield de-icer spray in the fall, at least a few cans. Even in Oct/Nov you get a layer of frost on all the glass many mornings (just from cold, not precipitation) that you can either scrape or just spray the deicer on and it melts quickly. It's not enough for snow or freezing rain but great for a little layer of frost.
10. Fill your gas tank when you know snow is forecasted. The weight of a full tank helps improve traction too.

 

[Alphabetsoup]

Thanks for all the advice! It has been really helpful....in fact you are right, now IS the time to be buying winter coats. In fact I found a couple of great deals online today.

As to the school, a few of you have already guessed...I'm going to be teaching at Edinboro University. I'm really looking forward to it...the faculty members were lots of fun and seem like they'll be great to work with. I'm more worried about my hubby being unemployed since the job market isn't exactly 'flush' up there...oh well...maybe we can get him back into school.

I think the two things I am most worried about regarding the move are driving in snow and ice (and learning how... is there a 'winter weather' driving schoo?) and the cost of winter heating. My thyroid alternates between being high and low. So sometimes I feel like I'm having a private tropical vacation, other days it will be roasting out and I'll be FREEEZING for no apparent reason. So...the heat thing is a worry, but thanks to y'all I know to aim for gas heat.

If you think of any other tips or tricks, I'm all ears!

thanks bunches!