How much winter stuff to pack up and move? (Houston: houses, school)

[javaj]

We're moving from Colorado to somewhere around Houston in a month or so (going out there to look for houses this weekend). How much of our winter stuff should we bring -- winter coats, sweaters, long sleeved shirts, snow boots...I'm thinking we can leave most things except for long sleeved shirts and sweatshirts? Any tips?

Thanks!

[rtrip]

You won't need the heavy stuff, but you will need some sweaters and a light jacket. I also wear a leather jacket on the few days it gets cold enough. You also won't need your thermals. I wear mine when I get sick in the winter, but that's more of a personal preferance.

It hasn't snowed in Houston since the 80s, so maybe we're due.

[houstoner]

Not true! It snowed Christmas Eve 2004!

For at least five minutes.

[Austinitegirl]

I lived in Omaha Nebraska for several years and Washington DC before that, so I was used to some serious winters - then I moved to Texas.

Don't bother with anything other than long sleeves and a LIGHT jacket - especially in Houston. And be sure the jacket is rain-proof - that will take you farther than a winter coat.

After living up north - the "winters" here are laughable - but Texans sure do think it's the end of the world if the temperature reaches below 32 deg. - so be prepared for the melodrama from the natives when cold weather sets in. They bundle up like they're on a 9 month research mission in the Arctic - it's pretty ridiculous.

BUT - after you've lived here a while - you're blood may thin a little and you'll get so used to the balmy weather - 40 deg. will seem like the end of the world.

[Lisa_from_Debary]

Find a nice place that sells the second hand stuff, you will get some money back. Keep in mind that you might be visiting somewhere really cold in future and you will need it then.

I still have a mohair coat and wool blankets from my time near Boston...I haven't even seen them since they went into the cedar chest...

[houstoner]

True, you won't need much. You'll be wearing shorts and flip-flops and drinking margaritas like the natives come December.

[javaj]

Thanks! That should help some of our packing

[Lisa_from_Debary]

After having lived near Boston, the times that is snows in Texas are worrying because Texas highway department only has enough salting and sanding equipment to cover the bridges in any given area...

The people don't know how to drive and no one that lives there has snow tires...I did my best to stay out of their way...There are alot of accidents there when this happens.

[mpope409]

Again, the cold weather in Houston is being underestimated...

You will need maybe one thick coat. This past winter/fall season I had a hat, ear muffs, and gloves. It got cold! Granted, you won't be using these things more than two weeks out of the whole year, but to keep from getting sick, a lot of people need those things. Snow is not anything to look forward to, but it's also not something to totally dismiss.

[movingtohouston]

Originally Posted by mpope409

Again, the cold weather in Houston is being underestimated...

You will need maybe one thick coat. This past winter/fall season I had a hat, ear muffs, and gloves. It got cold! Granted, you won't be using these things more than two weeks out of the whole year, but to keep from getting sick, a lot of people need those things. Snow is not anything to look forward to, but it's also not something to totally dismiss.

So true.... I moved here at the end of Jan. from California and about froze to death. Ok slight exageration. But it was cold for a couple of weeks. My poor kids on the other hand were very cold. They outgrew their winter jackets so we didn't bring them when we moved. Boy were they out of luck. I had to send them to school their first week here with 3 sweatshirts on and long sleeves. Next year I am definately making sure they have a fleece or something heavier just in case.