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

[ruadisneyfan2]

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!

yes, a gas dryer too if given a choice.

 

[JoanGirardi]

I moved from Louisiana to western NY 23 years ago, and my winter driving tip is in two parts: 1) Invest in either snow tires or a good all weather tire and 2) SLOW DOWN when it snows! That's all you need to know, really. The plows are usually on the ball with getting the roads clear, and slowing waaaaaay down when the conditions are bad will get you through most winter weather. I spun around once on an off-ramp and went off the road into a ditch once when the roads were icy, and that's it in the 23 years. You'll do fine, don't be too nervous about the driving.

 

[sharonmickey]

Hi, welcome to PA! There is some good advice on this thread.

Make sure you have good tires, I don't know anyone who has two sets of tires anymore. Last year I had the car inspected and was told it would need new tires this year - there was a snowstorm a few months later and the car barely went in the snow. Got new tires and the car drove well.

As far as sheets, I like knit sheets in the winter. But I LOVE my heated mattress pad! I put it on in October and take it off in May. I turn the mattress pad on about an hour before bed and turn it off when I climb into bed. The bed is nice and toasty.

As PP's said, practice driving in an empty park lot during the first snow. Just slow down, take your time. You will be fine.

I seldom have any power outages (darn, probably just cursed myself and will have power outages frequently now). I do have a gas fireplace though so if the power would go out I can turn on the fireplace to stay warm.

 

[Alexander]

We live in Upstate NY and they are absolute experts at removing the snow from the roads here. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about PA. We travel through PA frequently in the winter and are amazed at how poorly the roads are kept (at least in comparison to at home).

If you don't have 4-wheel drive, I would suggest at least thinking about it. If that is not an option, then you have to have at least front-wheel drive. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you aren't going to go anywhere but in circles (and ditches).

 

[Zuzu03]

Another Vermonter here. I may be repeating others' advice:

Definately practice driving in the snow and ice.
Get GOOD studded snow tires if you don't have a 4-wheel drive (even if you do, snow tires are a must).
Get winter windshield wiper blades.
Keep a small shovel and cat litter in the car in the winter, in case you get stuck.
Dress in layers - silk long underwear are the BEST for no bulk warmth!
For walking in the snow and ice, use Yaktraks on your boots - they give great traction.
Down comforters are fabulous - nice and cozy!!!
If you have pets, remember that it's cold for them too -my dog has a winter coat and boots (the salt they use on the roads hurts her feet) for her walks.
Lands End has really good coats that work well for super cold weather and they're always having sales!

Good luck with your move and enjoy those white Christmases!