Moving to a Cold Climate? Here’s What You Should Know About Relocating From CA to WA State

What’s the Weather Like in Washington State?

Washington State has a mild climate with four distinct seasons – you won’t exactly be living in a cold climate the entire year. Still, you’ll meet much colder weather, especially in winter, when temperatures usually dip below freezing at night. The western half of the state tends to experience rainier weather than the eastern half, which is more arid and sunny. Summer months tend to be dry and warm in most places, while autumn brings cooler temperatures.

No matter where you are in Washington State, you should prepare for some rainfall throughout the year, as well as potential snowfall in certain areas during winter months. Generally speaking, Washington winters tend to be milder than other parts of the country due to its coastal location along the Pacific Ocean. However, if you move further inland towards Spokane or Ellensburg areas, expect colder temperatures as opposed to relocating to Seattle or Olympia, which are closer to sea level.

When Moving to a Cold Climate, You’ll Need to Acquire Proper Winter Clothes

When relocating to a new city and shopping for winter clothes, it’s important to choose items made from quality materials. Look for fabrics like wool, fleece, and down that are designed to keep your body warm even in extremely cold temperatures. Make sure all of your items fit properly as well – you don’t want them too loose or baggy because they won’t provide proper insulation. On the other hand, note that layering your clothing is one of the best ways to stay warm during the cold winter months – it’s up to you to decide how to adjust to cold weather successfully.

Accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, and boots may seem like minor details compared to other items of clothing, but they are essential for staying warm during winter months. Make sure they are made from insulating materials such as wool or fleece, and look for boots with waterproof exteriors if possible – that way, your feet will stay dry no matter how much snow is on the ground!

However, don’t make these clothes part of your relocation essentials – it would be one of the most common relocation mistakes. The much better choice is to buy them after the move. Winter gear will be more affordable in Washington than in sunny California, and you won’t add additional weight to your cargo. Remember – the fewer items you decide to bring, the more affable the long-distance moving services will get.

An Extra Set of Blankets Won’t Hurt, Either

If you decide to get movers from California to Seattle or any other place in beautiful but colder Washington state, know that an extra set of blankets for your bed is one way to make sure you’re prepared for cooler temperatures. Not only will it provide additional warmth, but it will add an extra layer of comfort when snuggling up in bed after a long day or night out.

Prepare to Deal With Snow and Ice

You must be prepared for snow for several months out of the year, both emotionally and physically. If you’re relocating from a place where it’s sunny all year round, such as San Diego, you might not be familiar with the freezing temperatures and significant amounts of snow and ice that accompany colder winters.

It should go without saying that you need to invest in suitable snow removal tools, at the very least, a sturdy snow shovel. Once you move and it finally starts snowing, you’ll also need to set aside enough time to clear your entrance and walkways (and maybe your car) of snow and ice. Keep in mind that you might need to clear the snow buildup and remove the icicles off your home’s roof as well. However, once things get tough and you become tired of all the additional work you have, just remember all the winter sports this weather and state will allow you to enjoy.

Expert Higher Electricity Bills

With extreme temperatures come extreme electricity bills. Heating your home can take up as much as half of your monthly energy costs. If you’re relocating from a warm region to an area known for snow, you’ll want to prepare yourself financially. Therefore, when deciding where to live and researching potential locations in Washington, consider factors like winter lows and summer highs to get an idea of what kind of heating/cooling system you need and how much it will cost.

Winterizing Your Vehicle Will Be a Must

A vehicle that has not been winterized can suffer damage due to low temperatures, freezing rain and snowfall, and icy roads. There are some necessary steps you need to take when you wish to get car shipping services and transport your vehicle to this state. Here are some relocation tips you should follow:

You’ll Probably Need to Winterize Your Home, as Well

Whether you’ll be living in an area that experiences heavy snowfall and temperatures below freezing or if you just want to take some preventive measures against the chill of winter, winterization is essential. It protects a home from the elements that come with colder weather but also helps you avoid costly damages from occurring due to frozen pipes, ice dams, and other weather-related issues.

So, how to live in cold weather? First of all, make sure to insulate windows and doors. This will help keep warm air inside during the cold months and reduce energy costs at the same time. Next, note that cleaning out gutters before the winter months can help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. By doing this, you’ll allow water runoff to move freely towards downspouts instead of collecting on top of snow or ice buildup on your roofline.

Additionally, make sure there aren’t any leaves or debris clogging up gutters or downspouts before cold weather sets in. For more winterizing tips that will help you stay safe (and save money), take a look at the video below:

You’ll Need to Take Extra Steps if You’re Arranging a Move in Winter

WIner is considered the cheapest time of the year to move. However, if you’re relocating in winter, there are some additional tasks on your to-do list that need to be completed in order to ensure your move is successful and stress-free. For example, as part of your relocation day preparations, you’ll need to:

• Gather additional packing materials – extra padding is necessary for protecting your temperature-sensitive items from getting damaged,
• Pay close attention to weather conditions – they can cause unexpected delays or changes in plans.
• Protect every family member from the low temperatures – if you’re relocating with pets, that includes them as well,
• Get waterproof materials for relocating furniture and appliances – plastic wrap and extra blankets/clothing items can be a good solution for additional insulation.

Finally, don’t forget about hot drinks like tea or coffee, which will help keep morale up and bodies warm while you and your movers are dealing with unloading and unpacking in the colder weather.

Hire a Cross-Country Moving Company and Make Your Move as Seamless as Possible

Relocating to a colder climate in winter can be quite a challenge – but you can easily overcome them by hiring a reliable long-distance moving company. These professionals will ensure that your belongings arrive at your new location safely and securely. If you are relocating during the colder months, there is always a chance that your items can be damaged if they do not arrive at your destination in a timely manner. Professional movers know how to keep your items safe and help you move efficiently even if the weather is inclement.

Another great reason to hire professional movers is that they can help you load and unload heavy objects safely. If you are inexperienced with relocating, you may not know how to safely handle heavy items like furniture and appliances, especially with possible snowing and ice. Professional movers have the experience and training necessary to keep your things safe during the move.

In addition to these benefits, professional movers can also provide packing services that will ensure that all of your belongings arrive at your new home intact. If you wish to reduce the number of tasks on your relocation checklist, it is a great idea to hire cross-country movers to do the work for you.

After the Move Is Over, Make Sure to Enjoy All the Benefits Washington Has to Offer

Although many seek movers from Seattle to California to move south, there are many Californians who desire a change of scenery – and for a good reason. Once you finally settle into your new home in Washington, it’s time to start enjoying all the relocation benefits this state offers! This may be a surprise to people relocating from warmer climates, but there are actually quite a few activities and attractions that can only be experienced when living in this amazing state. So get out there and enjoy everything Washington has to offer. And don’t worry; you’ll get used to the colder weather with the help of our relocation hacks in no time!