Help Moving to Portsmouth in December (Washington: buying, school, live)

[On Fire For God]

My husband and I are moving to Portsmouth in December from the island of Guam. We have absolutely no winter clothes and have never lived in a state quite as cold as New Hampshire. The coldest state we've ever lived in is Washington state.

Need advice on basic winter wear and shoes - brands would be good. I'm needing information on basic stuff like thermal wear and other must-haves to endure the cold.

Thanks,
Gen

[hollys0822]

Well can't tell you brands specifically but you will need coats, and boots and hats and gloves and scarfs, sweaters. More than one of each cuz it snows and everything gets wet especially hats and gloves. You may also want some heavy wool socks and thernal underwear. LL Bean you can shop online or even Wal-Mart will have these things but probably not until next month, they bring out the winter stuff in August here.

I am not sure how cold Washington State gets so I can't really compare it for you but it gets cold and stays cold in New Hampshire. probably around 20's for the most of the winter if it is a mild winter. If it is a cold winter it gets below 0

Also snowpants. If you have kids they need snow pants, boots ect for school, everyday. They wear their boots and snow gear to school then they have to change into sneakers when they get there so they would need extra sneakers also. Also, in the winter it gets very dark. The sun is gone by 4 in the afternnoon and doesn't come back until about 7 the next morning.

Cold and dark pretty much sums up the Winters in New Hampshire. Good luck

[kim1959]

Hi,
Maybe I'm just really warm blooded, but I've lived in Portsmouth, NH all my life and I don't think it's that bad in the winter! Maybe low teens if it's REALLY cold, but the usual "dead of winter" is 20's, 30's. So nothing to freak out over. I'd just say have long pants, a coat and some layering things. Layers are key because it gets warmer during the afternoon. Snow-wise, we only get a couple of big storms a year, usually. The rest of the time it's smaller squalls and such.
Up north---now that's a different story!
We are just north of Boston, so it's not so cold~
Kim

[On Fire For God]

Thanks for the information. I guess coming from a tropical island, it seems a lot worse than it really is. It will be a huge adjustment adapting to temps in the teens when you're used to 90 degree weather year round.

[skytrekker]

If coming from a tropical Island at nearly mid Pacific with trade winds you are going to be in for a shock.

I would go on line to the sites of L.L Bean and Eddie Bauer- and begin to purchase cool-cold weather clothing. Its not that the weather here is that cold-like Michigan, or Minnesota, but you will certainly feel the difference.

You should buy long pants, for men and women, wool skirts for ladies, sweaters, long sleeve shirts, and light to medium winter jackets. Layering here is the best way to go- buying overly heavy winter gear is not the way to go. Since there are few days you really need a mega heavy coat; ultra cold days are few. Hats and gloves also. Heavier winter shoes- ah- no sandals please! Boots- like Beans 'duck shoes', trench coats etc. Some water proof things in jackets are very helpful.
An umbrella is useful as well. For dress a lightweight wool dress coat or lined trench coat is best.

Good luck!

[On Fire For God]

Great information. Thank you so very much! We're not looking forward to the move only because it'll be in December. The Navy tends to be inconsiderate that way.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by On Fire For God

Great information. Thank you so very much! We're not looking forward to the move only because it'll be in December. The Navy tends to be inconsiderate that way.

Good luck- hopefully winter begins late here this December!