Winter is coming

*cues Game of Thrones music*

There is so much to do with so little time.

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As a new Michigan transplant, I am not a stranger to snow. However, I know the lake effect snow hits differently.

Thankfully, I have fabulous friends and coworkers who have blessed me with the wisdom and knowledge on how to handle the winter season in style.

I would never keep that information from you. Here are the six things you need to do in order to prepare for a Michigan winter.

1. Invest In Something To Take Snow Off Your Car Easily

If you have been able to dig out your scraper from your garage, basement, or backseat, now is the time to do so.

If a snow scraper isn't your jam, you can get the plastic sheet that covers the windshield so you can easily shake the snow and ice off your car.

Speaking of your car maintenance,

2. Prepare Your Vehicle Fully

If you do not have snow tires, please please please get the tires now! Do not wait until it is already snowing to upgrade your tires.

To make life easier for you, I recommend keeping extra blankets, a coat, extra socks, and winter gear in your car just in case you are in a pinch.

Also, I recommend having a small shovel and a bag of gravel, sand, and/or salt in your car.

Make sure you have taken your car to get fully maintained, from getting your battery tested, and checking your wipers, to making sure you are good on antifreeze.

3. Make an emergency preparedness kit

Make sure you have an emergency kit stored somewhere in your house. It should have water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a battery or hand-crackable radio, flashlights, or any emergency source of light, blankets, clothing, etc.

4. Make sure to have proper outerwear that will protect you from the elements.

Now is the time to ensure your winter gear is in tip-top shape.

According to this Reddit user,

"Timberlands are just fine and are what a lot of people wear. Get a large, puffy, not-stylish-at-all winter jacket. The North Face makes a few good pairs. You will look like a giant blob, but at least you're not freezing your butt off. Trust me, do not skip out on a winter jacket. You're definitely going to want to layer, and you can do so fashionably."

5. Get ready for shoveling season

Make sure your arms are ready for the endless shoveling. Look at the bright side...you will have a solid set of muscles by the end of the winter.

via GIPHY

Don't forget to check to see if you need to replace your snow. You would hate for it to break mid-shoveling.

via GIPHY

6. Make your grocery run to Meijers before a big amount of snow comes (Meijer Madness)

When heavy snow is forecasted, you know every single grocery store in the area, especially Meijer will be packed.

Make sure you keep as stocked up as possible so you will not get caught in the Meijer Madness.

Bonus: Driving Gloves

Don't forget to bring your outdoor furniture inside.