I am absolutely loving that fall has officially arrived in Michigan. The leaves are turning, the air is getting cooler, and I'm excited to take part in all the activities that fall in Michigan has to offer. Can you say, cider mill?

I, however, am not ready for winter. But now is the exact perfect time to start thinking about it.

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned veteran when it comes to Michigan winters, the frigid temps, devastating ice, and in ordinate amount of snow can take its toll.

Michigan Winter Essentials

It's important to be well prepared before we head into the winter season. You don't want to be the person driving around with only a peep hole scraped out of the ice on their windshield because you couldn't find your scraper and you had to use your credit card.

Here's a look at the top 13 pieces of gear that are essential for a Michigan winter.

13. Heavy-duty Snowblower

Man removing snow after storm with a snowblower
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Or, the best shovel on the block. Because you're going to need something when we suddenly get a foot of snow overnight.

12. Car Ice Scraper (with a brush)

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Invest in a good scraper with a brush, this will make all the difference when you're trying to leave for work in the morning.

Read Related: 15 Reasons Why Spring is the Worst Season in Michigan

11. Heated Blanket

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Sometimes a regular, old blanket just doesn't cut it. That's when you bring out the big guns to keep those tootsies nice and warm.

10. A THICK Pair of Wool Socks

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Cold toes are a terrible feeling. And if you can't stick your feet on your partner to steal their body heat, wool socks will be the next best thing.

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9. All-Wheel Drive

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All-wheel drive isn't going to magically fix everyone's driving. However, it will help out a bit more in those slick spots.

8. A Huge Winter Coat

Joyce Grace
Joyce Grace
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If my coat can't double as a sleeping bag, it's not big enough or fluffy enough.

7. Hand Warmers

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Mittens and gloves can only do so much. Plus, if you have to take them off for some reason and leave your hands out in the cold, you'll need something to warm them up quick.

6. Waterproof Boots

Emma Dau via Unsplash
Emma Dau via Unsplash
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This is a must, because once that fluffy, white snow turns to grey slush, you'll need to keep your feet drive.

5. Windshield Wiper Fluid with De-icer

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Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Michigan roads are SALTY af. Your windshield will need constant cleaning, and you're probably going to go through more than you think. Grab an extra jug the next time you pick one up.

4. A Stash of Salt

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Speaking of those salty roads, you'll need some ice for your driveway and sidewalk too.

3. A Blanket in the Car

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
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You never know when your car might break down in the middle or winter. Or, you get stuck in a snowstorm. Always leave a blanket in the car.

2. Insulated Travel Mug

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Whether it's your piping hot coffee on the way into work, or the (maybe spiked) hot apple cider at the tailgate, you'll want something that keeps your beverage warm.

1. Patience (and a Sense of Humor)

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Michigan winters will test your limits. It's important to remember that we're all just trying to to our best. A little bit of patience and laughter will help with that.

15 Reasons Why Spring Is Genuinely Michigan's Worst Season

What's great about Michigan is that it actually gets to experience all four seasons in the year. But just because we have all four seasons doesn't mean that we have to like them all. Case and point; Spring is the absolute worst season in Michigan. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some redeeming factors like the fact that plant life starts to bloom again and that we finally start to see warmer weather after a frigid winter. But that doesn't change the fact that spring is the worst season in Michigan, and we have the receipts to prove it. Take a look at the list below for 15 reasons why spring is just the worst.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

10 Spring Cleaning Chores Only Midwesterners Have To Do

Midwest winters sure give us a lot of extra things to do when the weather warms up. Here are some things you won't want to forget in your spring cleaning endeavors.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF