Are you relocating to Bend during fall or winter? It’s important to be aware of the cold temps, and what that means for your move! Bend’s high desert climate shifts from hot, dry summers to freezing, snowy winters, and keeping up with the climate is important for your safety – and the comfort of your new home. Let’s look at what you should know about moving and living in Bend for the first time in winter.

1. Keep Your Move-In Times as Flexible as Possible

Winter weather has a habit of playing havoc with scheduling, so it’s important to be as flexible as possible when it comes to your move-in dates and key steps. Snow and ice could easily delay moving trucks or lead to a decision to wait until it’s warmed up and melted a bit.

The same is true for moving furniture and other large objects from a truck to inside a home – that’s not something you want to do if conditions are too icy. So set your dates…and give them some leeway. Have backup plans so you can adjust your schedule without missing something.

2. Have Your Winter Gear Out or Easy to Access

If you are moving from a warmer area, prepare for Central Oregon winters with the right gear and clothes. Keep your jackets and beanies out for the cold weather, or at least at the top of a box or bin for easy access. Keep out shoes with good traction and warm gloves – you may not need your winter boots right away, but you should know where they are. That way, no matter how cold the weather is when you arrive, you’ll be prepared.

3. Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready for Winter

Your vehicle needs prep for winter weather too! If you’ll be driving a lot, you may want to switch to snow or winter tires, so schedule that appointment after or during your move. Some people also like to switch out their floor mats for more rugged winter versions.

If you don’t have any experience driving in snow or ice, the best thing you can do is always take it slow, especially when turning or braking. Don’t worry about keeping up with others until you have mastered how your car performs in winter conditions.

4. Be Ready to Clear the Driveway or Sidewalk

We already mentioned that moving things into your home can be challenging in the snow and ice, but if there is significant snowfall during your move, you should be ready to take care of it! That usually means clearing a path to your door and nearby sidewalks and clearing any driveway space you have. A sturdy snow shovel should be enough – snowblowers are generally only needed for particularly large spaces.

If you are moving into a rental, the property management services typically take care of general snow shoveling. However, it’s not guaranteed and you may still want to keep a shovel handy for clearing around your carport, etc. Likewise, the city will clear many primary roads, but that can lead to a bank of snow at the edge of your property that you may need to clear on your own.

5. Learn How to Heat Your New Home

As you are moving in, look at how your home heating works. Learn about the thermostat and how responsive it is, learn how to use any fireplaces or heaters, and get an idea for how quickly your home heats – and if some rooms heat more easily than others. You’ll be glad you did on chilly winter mornings!

6. Do a Quick Check for Winterization After You’ve Moved In

Review basic winterization steps after you’ve finished moving in. Make sure there is weatherstripping on doors and windows to prevent drafts. If you have foundation vents, make sure they are properly covered for winter. If your home has gutters, check that the gutters and roof are clear to help prevent ice dams.

7. Prep Your Pets for a Cold Winter

You’ve found a pet-friendly rentals in Bend and managed to get your furry friends to Central Oregon in one piece…now it’s time to make sure they are ready for winter, too. While our pets may have their own coat of hair, few animals can easily deal with frozen temperatures and they can quickly become cold, especially when it comes to paws against ice or snow.

When outside with your pets, consider keeping them warm with a comfortable pet-friendly jacket or booties. If you’ve never tried these before, you don’t have to wait until you have moved: You can help get your pet accustomed to wearing them around the house early so it won’t be such a surprise. It’s also a good idea to arrange an appointment with a new vet in the area so you can ask any questions you want and make sure you have the right paperwork.

Still have questions about Bend? Our relocation services can get you the answers you need! When it’s time our relocation company in Central Oregon can help you find the right rental properties, transition to a new job, learn about local schools, and much more!