I have a small TV-type remote control (on-off buttons only). The block-heater cord plugs into a doodad that plugs into the outlet, and the remote turns the doodad on and off.
Once I thought the starter was shot on the snowblower. Duh.
I can tell you exactly how long it will take any car to warm up, on any given day - it will start warming up as soon as you get to where you’re going. 
We also need another doodad that will pop out the block heater cord so you don’t drive off and go dragging it down the street behind you and everyone who sees it just laughs their asses off at you.
Did all this talk of snow tires and block heaters scare off the OP? We’re talking California here. High enough in the mountains for occasional snow, but the temperature rarely stays below freezing for longer than a few days at a time.
there was the Donners.
And The Day After Tomorrow.
If only they had brought along their block heater …
Wow, this thread really blew up! Thank you for all the excellent advice. I’m sorry I didn’t reply sooner; I was traveling extensively for the holidays (thankfully, without snow!) and just got home.
After reading all the posts:
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I’m convinced that the best thing to do is to simply move on a clear day. I will do so over one or two trips the next couple of weeks. As much as I love Arcata, I have to move because I simply can’t find employment here – and I already accepted a job in the other town. Fortunately, it looks like it’ll be quite sunny for a bit.
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My car is a Mazda Protege, basically Mazda’s version of the Accord/Corolla, a bog-standard passenger sedan. I gave it “all season tires”, but they handle mediocre-ly enough in rain that I wouldn’t trust them in snow or ice. The car also has no ABS and in the 10+ years I’ve owned it, I’ve skidded across enough highways and roadways to know that I have to be super careful about braking. It’s nice not being a crazy 20 year old anymore
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I will get a set of snow tires once I’m in Mt. Shasta, since I’ll be driving around town once there. I thought about getting them before/during the move, but that’d be 4 more huge wheels/tires (my current ones) that I don’t have room for.
I’ll also get a set of tire chains or those really interesting socks, just to abide by CA law. I hope to never have to use them, but I’ll practice with them beforehand just in case.
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Thankfully, I don’t have that much stuff to move. I will mail whatever I can, and try to get one of those fabric roof bags (I have no roof racks, but there are vinyl bags that I should be able to strap through the windows).
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If need be, I’ll get a friend to drive another vehicle (SUV/van) with me, also on a clear day.
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I checked out Uship, Pods, moving services, and car movers, but they’re either too expensive or simply don’t service these two small towns.
TLDR: All in all, it seems like it’ll be a very mild few days, great for moving and not having to drive in the snow. One of the benefits of global warming, perhaps. Once I’m there, I’ll get properly geared up and practice driving, and chaining, in a parking lot somewhere.
Thanks for all the tips I feel a lot better about it all now, just knowing the different variables to consider.
Sounds good - best wishes for moving day and your new life in your new town.
Magnoplug. You’re welcome.
I repeat this mantra a few times before I start any time there’s snow. Do not hit the brakes. Take your foot off the gas but do not hit the brakes. I am usually creeping along so there’s little chance that I will hit someone else, but still. And there’s always a chance of black ice which you can’t do much about except be going slowly enough that your slide into whatever – hopefully the side of the road – will be gentle. First thing this winter a fellow in a Subaru was killed when he slipped into an 18-wheeler – he had no control at all. Scary.
[QUOTE=Bullitt]
An SUV is a more capable vehicle but until you understand how to drive in the snow and ice, you might get into more trouble with an SUV because, like many people, they think an SUV makes them impervious to the laws of physics. But yes, driven correctly an SUV will tackle deeper snow and more slippery conditions.
[/QUOTE]
When going through the Donner Pass area between Sacramento and Tahoe, it’s easy to identify 4WD vehicles in the snow. They’re the ones spun out and stuck in the snow.
I would suggest you try a day-trip to Willow Creek, to get a feel for that road. Hopefully it will convince you to try a different route.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), as is almost every vehicle sold in the USA for a couple decades now, then this is absolutely terrible advice.
You mean the 299? I actually drive it to Redding and beyond quite often. I know it can be scary and I’ve actually skidded out on it in the rain, but AFAIK it doesn’t snow that often on it. If it DOES snow this weekend or if there’s any sort of advisory on it, I’ll take the long way around Oregon and back – not that that’s all THAT much safer, since the coastal roads are winding, the 199 isn’t too much straighter, and the mountain pass south from Ashland can be icy. I’ve also never been south from Ashland, whereas the 299 is at least a known danger that I’ve driven at least half a dozen times. If it’s dry I’d rather take the scary, albeit mountainous, route that I know rather than go through less familiar and possibly icy territory.
Or is there a better route that I haven’t considered?
My car doesn’t 
It was an option on the 2001 model year, but I got it used and the previous owner didn’t opt for it. Slamming on the brakes have actually caused a few near-death-experiences in this car for me, so I’ve gotten better about pumping it gently. I once did a 360 across five lanes of the I-5 and somehow dodged all the traffic, missed a lightpole by some 15 inches, and survived with only a flat tire… good times =/
A few other tips
Unless you’re moving into an apartment or somewhere you don’t have to shovel, buy at least one good heavy duty snow shovel, and a couple bags of salt for the porch/sidewalk. Don’t wait until the weather people are yammering about the Storm of the Century.
Snow and ice sometimes leads to power outages, which can be unexpected if you’re from warmer places. Get some candles/flashlights for your house/apartment and keep them handy.
It’s also a good idea to consider getting triple A in case you get stuck, or at least put the number of a tow driver or 2 in your phone. And as someone else suggested, keep a blanket, spare coat, and maybe some snacks like granola bars or something in the car just in case you do get stuck and have to wait a while in the car. I have never considered keeping carpet scraps in the car for traction but I will now, so thanks for that tip!
The highest pass on 299 between Arcata & Redding is 3200 feet. Yes, it will get occasional snow in a cold storm, but should be clear. I-5 south of Ashland goes over 4500; more likely to be snowy if there’s a storm. I can’t imagine there’s any better route; as you well know, the coast range is kinda rugged, even if not all that high.
I’ve already donated to their Kickstarter campaign. 