The Budget Savvy Winter Wardrobe

As traveling nurses, admittedly, we’re pretty spoiled, getting to travel all over the country to amazing and unique destinations most only get to read about or see on tv. While some of us are self-proclaimed beach bums and seek warmer climate assignments where hot soups, furry boots and blankets aplenty are completely out of question, there may come that “can’t be missed” assignment that lands you ¬¬– gulp!, in a location that actually closes the pools in the fall and winter months.
Fret thee not my fellow sun-loving traveler, there is hope for you yet. The cardinal rule in preparing for a locale that frequently encounters colder climates is layering – learn to layer comfortably and you’ve mastered one of winter’s most fierce clothing challenges. However daunting and maddeningly expensive it may sound; there are several options available worth considering so that your budget is not left out in the cold.
First on the list and possibly the most wallet-friendly; consider asking friends and relatives if they have any old or underused winter apparel they wouldn’t mind lending to you for a particular assignment or permanently. You would probably be surprised to find out what most people have stowed away in their closets, attics or storage units that they will gladly lend or rid themselves of for the benefit of another. In the same free-giving spirit, a grassroots organization that has experienced significant growth in the last few years, Freecycle, aims to reduce landfill waste via Craigslist style, transaction-less giving. While we’re thinking about it, Craigslist may be another viable resource; featuring localized selling markets to keep further travel to a minimum.
Another way to keep your wallet warm and ease the numbing sticker shock of buying at full retail is to scour the aisles at thrift and consignment stores either in your community or the one you will eventually be traveling to. Garage and yard sales also present another low cost option for those who do not mind their gear a little second hand, who knows you might even find some skis too!
If you are of the more hands-on, fearless retail shopper variety and prefer to buy to your own tastes right off the rack, may I suggest buying after the holiday sales to find the best past season prices providing you have the opportunity to plan that far ahead. If you have less time to prepare and find yourself needing your winter wear in a more expedited fashion; campmor.com, sierratradingpost.com, reioutlet.com and altrec.com are some of the online apparel clearance sites you should familiarize yourself with as they usually always have top name gear at rock bottom prices. Great deals can be found if you don’t mind getting last season’s gear or colors. After all, you may decide all this winter stuff simply isn’t your mug of hot cocoa or the furry lining to your snow boot, or the – well you get the idea.
So I hope I have been able to bring you out of the cold on some more cost efficient winter clothing options. Remember, this is one of the perks of your profession, our country’s varied winter scenery features some of the most breathtaking sights found anywhere in the world and we should all take full advantage of their offerings if given the opportunity, albeit, safely and comfortably. Remember to dress accordingly with layering options when you will be exposed to the elements outside of your assignment’s walls and be prepared for wintry weather encounters with a winter car safety kit.
Life’s not always a beach, it’s just as fun to be a kid again and take a snow day! Safe Travels and remote start ignitions to you all!

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