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If you are moving to a cold state for work, family, or a craving for crisp and cool air or nearby skiing, it’s important to note the weather-related adjustments you might face in your new home. Indeed, relocating to a cold state is a big shift, and there’s a lot to think about beyond buying a new winter coat, since you can expect your home to endure snowstorms, freezing rain, ice storms, and sleet during wintertime. “The moment you decide to move to a colder state, you are in for a completely new set of issues, but if you prepare well enough you will be quite comfortable,” says Charlie Hughes, CEO of ContractorNerd.
Here are seven tasks involved in managing a home in a colder region; be aware of these before you pack your bags and head North or up to the mountains to experience your first intense winter.
1. Winterize your home.
The first step to take when you arrive at your new home is to winterize it so you’re prepared for the cold months. Compared to maintaining homes in warm or temperate climates, “winter home maintenance demands different skills and routines,” says Erik Wright, owner and CEO of Buy My Home Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee. “My clients often express surprise at needing to winterize outdoor spigots, clean gutters before the first freeze, and check their heating systems monthly.”
Other recommended winterization tasks your new home might need include sealing around windows and doors with weatherstripping; checking for cracks and reapplying caulk to any you find; removing hoses from their connections outside; and insulating the attic, walls, and basement.
2. Prevent plumbing problems.
Frozen or burst pipes are another potential problem that can cause stress and strain your bank account. “Frozen pipes are a nightmare,” says Judi Kutner, licensed realtor and a senior contributor at Virtual Staging in Seattle, Washington. “Insulate any exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces. If you’re buying a home, ask about freeze-proof faucets—they’re worth it. I had a client last year who didn’t think about this, and they ended up with a burst pipe in the middle of January. Not fun.” Heat tape or foam pipe insulation are good solutions to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
3. Identify roof and gutter issues.
Many people who have never experienced living with snow and ice don’t realize how it can damage their home’s roof and gutters. As ice and snow build up during freezing temperatures, the frozen layer can create ice dams that lead to gutter damage and roof leaks that require expensive repairs. Clear your gutters of debris before cold weather arrives and keep them clear. You’ll also want to remove icicles, apply a deicer, or install heated gutter cable to prevent icicles from forming in the first place, since they can damage the roof with all their weight.
4. Protect trees and prevent damage.
Trees can also get damaged in cold environments. The weight of ice and snow on tree limbs and branches can cause them to snap off, damaging the tree and possibly nearby cars or structures. The branches can hit siding on your home, power lines, and the roof when they fall. To prevent this from happening, prune trees during the fall, remove cracked limbs in the spring. You also can have branches loosely cabled and braced before winter arrives.
Clear branches of snow buildup in the winter if possible. But use caution; avoid shaking snow-covered or icy branches. Instead, gently remove snow by pushing the branch up slightly with an extension pole, and watch out for falling snow and smaller branches. If branches are covered in ice, leave them alone and let the ice melt naturally.
5. Prepare for higher heating bills.
It’s probably no surprise that your winter energy bills will be higher to keep your home at a comfortable temperature when relocating to a cold zone. Depending on where you live, you might need to turn on the heat for up to half of the year. “In winter months, heating costs in cold states may be three times those of warmer regions,” says Wright. “I always tell my clients to budget more money for utility bills and consider adding energy-efficient windows and additional insulation, all of which usually pay for themselves in a few seasons.”
6. Stock up on snow and ice removal equipment.
The biggest nuisance might be having to invest in several tools to deal with the snow and ice that accompany colder weather in many regions. This is especially important if your home faces North, which means your driveway and entry can stay icy for some time. “Snow removal becomes almost a part of your daily routine, and this is where a good quality snow shovel, ice melt, and a sturdy snowblower come in handy,” says Hughes. “We have to clear our walkways and salt our driveways.”
Other must-have tools include a roof rake for snow removal and ice scrapers. You might even need to budget for professional plowing, sanding, and snow removal services, says Andie Fusco, a realtor with Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty in Stratton, Vermont. “Prices vary depending on the length of your driveway, whether it’s shared, and the amount and type of snowfall—wet, heavy snow takes more effort and money to clear than light, fluffy powder.”
7. Assemble an emergency kit.
Given the potential for winter storms, it’s good to always be prepared. After moving to a cold state, create an emergency kit in case you get stuck at home during a blizzard and/or lose your power. It’s critical to have enough equipment and supplies to shelter in place for up to a few days in the dead of winter. Items for the emergency kit include: a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, a battery-powered or hand-crank portable radio, blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing, non-perishable food items, bottled water, medications, a fire extinguisher, and basic tools like a wrench and pliers.
You’ll also want to have an alternative heat source or a backup generator. Invest in a space heater or wood stove and make sure your wood pile is stocked in case you need to use your fireplace to stay warm.
