Need Advice with Winter/Snow (NGPR)

GABride2010 · October 2014

So...I accepted a position in Ohio, and DH and I are moving there at the end of the year. It may (will probably) end up being January before we move. I have lived in the South my entire life, and I need help with all things snow!! What kinds of clothes do I need? I already have one pea coat, one ski/winter jacket, and 1 pair of snow boots...what else do I need? Do I need long underwear? Any advice for a snow newbie? Thanks!

MRads · October 2014

I don't do a ton of activities in the snow, so I just have coats, mittens, hats, and boots. But if you aren't used to cold, long underwear is a good idea. Fleece lined leggings are also a must.

GABride2010 · October 2014

Thanks @MRads! I have a thin pain of gloves, so I will need to get a pair of thicker gloves for outside activities. Please forgive my ignorance, but how do you wear fleece lined leggings (underneath other clothes or as pants)?

simsk3887 · October 2014

Scarves....many scarves.

And prepare to layer up. I'm not sure about anyone else but our building has a hell of a time during the winter on making things horribly hot and stuffy or freezing. There is no happy medium. Dressing in layers like a tank, cardigan and scarf allow me to adjust as the temperatures vary throughout the day.

GABride2010 · October 2014

I have 6-8 scarves. Is that enough or do I need more? I will be wearing scrubs, so I will wear my jacket(s) over that, plus a scarf and ear warmers. What about shoes? I wear tennis shoes to work now, but will they be ok in the snow/ice? Will tennis shoes give me enough traction not to slip and/or fall?

poppies717 · October 2014

Are you going to have to shovel or snow blow? I'd have a warm jacket (think ski jacket) for that if you are going to have to do some of that. You'll also want thick mittens. I suggest mittens and not gloves for snow because they keep your fingers together. I'd also think about getting an automatic car starter if your car doesn't have one already. I park in our garage, so I don't use it at home, but I love having it at work!

And carry the following in your car: ice scraper, smaller shovel, bucket/box of kitty litter (for traction), blanket, and flares.

simsk3887 · October 2014

@poppies717‌ - the automatic car starter is my BFF in the winter. We bought a house with a single car garage but my car doesn't fit in it. Fail

And 6-8 scarves will get you through. Definitely look into leggings to wear under your scrubs though because sometimes even short walks can be freezing in scrubs.

Also, whenever I had to wear scrubs or even thin khakis to work I would put a blanket in my car to put on my lap during the drive. Sometimes just that little bit of warmth would make all the difference and in the small chance you get stranded, you'll have some extra warmth as well.

I wear snow boots and/or tennis shoes all winter long and just carry my flats to work and change there. Most of the time you'll be able to get some traction in the snow in tennis shoes but if it's bad out and/or includes ice, I would definitely wear the boots and carry your tennis shoes if that's what you wear at work. Sometimes it's also nice to have dry shoes to put on once you get in to work and it limits your chance of getting wet and cold feet before making it to work and having to walk around in wet shoes for at least a few hours.

GABride2010 · October 2014

@poppies717 and @simsk3887 Thank you both so much! The blanket is a fabulous idea! I am making a list of things I need, and I will have to look into leggings. DH and I are planning on renting an apartment for 12 months, and they will take care of the snow removal. Once DH and I buy/build, then it will be on us. DH had to explain to me last month about gloves vs mittens...I had no idea what the difference was!

I currently drive a FWD Honda Accord (no auto start, but that sounds very necessary for living in snow!), but I am hoping to trade it or sell it private party and buy a Subaru Outback in the next couple years. I am super nervous about driving in snow in my car!

simsk3887 · October 2014

The auto car starter can be added on. My parents actually bought it for me for Christmas one year at Best Buy and they installed it there. I'm not sure of the total price - sorry!

As for driving in the snow, just do everything more slowly (not sure about proper grammar there, sorry). Brake slowly, don't slam on them if you start skidding. Gas slowly. If you nail on the gas in the snow, your tires are going to spin. Just leave extra space and extra time and you'll be fine. Also, possibly go find an empty parking lot when it snows and try everything out. My dad wouldn't let me have the keys in the snow until he took me out and made me slam on the brakes to see how my car would react and get used to it. Same with pushing on the gas and making turns.

Overall, you'll be fine

It's cold and sometimes no fun to drive in, but you'll make it through. Plus I'm sure we'll have a few posts on here to rant and whine about the weather.

brij2006 · October 2014

One big thing I recommend is to go to an empty parking lot after the first snowfall and play around in there with your car. Get a feel for how it reacts and responds to the snow/sliding/braking. A FWD Accord will go just fine in the snow. FWD is better than RWD when it comes to going up hills or keeping control, and the Accord is heavy enough to plow through a few inches on the ground.

Aimothy · October 2014

Here's my advice: Stay in GA and have a long distance relationship.

Okay, fine. That's so not helpful. But I hate snow. The ladies above have given great recommendations. I'd also look for an apartment with a fireplace. Preferably in your bedroom.

lilliesandvino · October 2014

Practice driving for sure. You probably have everything else covered. Unless you're planning on spending lots of time outside, a coat, gloves, and cheap boots should be fine.

One thing to keep in mind, sometimes automatic car starters can void your warranty unless they're installed by your dealer. Just be careful!

liall09 · October 2014

You'll probably want more than tennis shoes to walk through snow, so boots with good traction are necessary. Plus, it's unpleasant to spend a day in soggy shoes. I love my fuzzy socks for when I'm home. I definitely second all of the advice that @Poppies717 gave about car stuff. I'd recommend also keeping a metal tin with some food (granola bars, trail mix, etc.) on the off chance that you do get stuck somewhere.

GABride2010 · October 2014

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your help and advice. I will definitely practice driving in the snow when we get up there.

I may be going up to Findlay before DH...actually Columbus because I have to do two weeks of training in Columbus before I start work in Findlay. It will take a lot of adjustment, but I will get used to it (eventually!!).

GABride2010 · October 2014

It isn't a hospital. It is a private office. I will PM you the name of the office!

Sewilson33 · October 2014

I don't get snow like Ohio but I know come winter time I CANNOT live without sweaters, wool socks, and scarves. If your new place comes with a fireplace, get yourself acquainted with it. Wood burning fires/stoves are a great way to save on oil heat costs and also if you lose power they will keep you nice and toasty.

jt305 · October 2014

I love all things snow! You have gotten some great advice here--especially the info about practicing driving in the snow and what to carry in your car. Having a small "emergency tote" in my car is something I do every year before it snows. Typical emergency stuff, plus food and water. Blanket in my front passenger seat--just in case!

Also--snow boots are great--but rubber boots are the my favorite. Snow gets so slushy and nasty and some of my snow boots tend to get wet if the snowy/slush is deep. Rubber boots with extra socks would be a must for me! PLUS, there are lots of cute rubber boots out there now (think Hunter! Boots)

GABride2010 · October 2014

@Sewilson33 Unfortunately, there is not a fireplace in the apartment

I wish it did though. DH and I currently live in a log cabin in the woods, which has a wood burning fireplace, and it is so nice!

I have some rain boots (like muck boots -neoprene top and rubber bottom). Will those be ok?

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I definitely have a lot of preparing to do.

caseyandlizzie · October 2014

I live in the Cincinnati area, and it's really hit or miss in the winter. Last year was cooooooold and we got hit with quite a bit of snow, but that's not always typical. I hope this year isn't too bad, and welcome (soon) to Ohio!!

GABride2010 · October 2014

Thanks @caseyandlizzie‌! I have heard that this winter is supposed to be worse than last winter. I also heard that last winter was the worst one in many years. There's nothing like a new adventure I guess

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