10 Life Hacks For Surviving a Freezing Cold Winter In NYC

Katherine Ripley • January 4, 2016

Now that winter is almost here, we’re starting to remember all the struggles of living in this city when it’s bitterly cold. If you’re new to the area, or if you feel like you just can’t survive one more winter in NYC, here are some tips to get you through it:

1. Invest In A Good Pair Of Boots

They need to be warm, waterproof, comfortable enough to walk in, and have good traction in the snow. Even if they cost $150, buy them. Your feet will thank you.

2. Rearrange Your Furniture

Make sure that there aren’t any pieces of furniture sitting right in front of the radiators in your apartment. The more open air you give the radiator, the more easily it will heat the room.

3. Shop Before Temperatures Drop

Going to the grocery store without a car sucks to begin with. You’re not going to want to go to when it’s freezing outside. If the temperature creeps above 45, use that opportunity to do your grocery shopping. Call out of work if you have to.

4. Bundle Up Smart

The air outside is 30 degrees. But the subway car is probably about 60 degrees. Wear your warm coat, but don’t bundle yourself up so tight that you can’t breathe on your commute. Be ready to unzip and de-glove. Have a pocket in your bag where you can keep your hat and scarf on the ride.

5. Wash Your Hands Frequently

[UGA College of Ag and Environmental Sciences/Flickr]

Contrary to your mother’s ancient wisdom, you don’t catch a cold from being out in the cold. You catch a cold from spending more time inside with other people. This city is full of germs, so always wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick.

6. Long Underwear

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of people wear it. It will prevent your inner thighs from going numb when you’re walking down the street.

7. Drink Warm Beverages

Holding a warm drink in your hands can be extremely effective at keeping them warm. If you don’t have your own coffee maker or tea kettle, you might want to invest in one to avoid spending all that money at Starbucks.

8. Make Excuses Not To Go Out

When your buddies want to go bar hopping even though it’s below freezing, recognize that you’re not the crazy one for wanting to stay in. Use one of these excuses if you’re worried about them calling you a whiner.

9. Plan Nights In

When your friends are on board not to go out, stay in and eat all the food you went to the grocery store last week for. Watch movies or catch up on your Netflix shows. And talk shit about your friends who decided to go out anyway.

10. Party Smart

If you’re one of those people who does like to go out even though it’s freezing, plan to go to bars or clubs that have coat checks, or at least a place where you can hang your coat so you’re not awkwardly holding it the whole time.

Cover photo credit: Angela Rutherford/Flickr