What’s it really like living in below-zero temperatures?

Living in a US state that borders Canada, we still get that every once in a greatish while. Multiple layers outside if you're expecting to be out there for a bit (a neck warmer is important). Towels at the bottoms of the doors of your home.
I keep my hood on a fair amount at home during the winter. (sweatshirt or long sleeved shirt that has one, not a jacket.)

In Canada, its our way of life. As we speak, its 10°F in the morning, but will go to -14°F this week depending on weather. We dress for it!

I used to fix airplanes in that weather. I used needle nose pliers to pick up screws so I didn't have to take my gloves off!

Get's to -45 sometimes here ... but then it's usually sunny with no wind. It's the wind that gets you ... layers of good quality clothing ... merino or alpaca is great ... felt inner boots ... mitts not gloves. Plug the vehicle in to keep the oil warm. 45C is 49F

I can’t even imagine it on a regular basis. My late husband and I spent one holiday with one of his sisters and her family in Sault Ste Marie. They lived in an old, old house they were renovating. Nice fireplaces that we’d sit around in the evening, but one night it got so cold in the bedroom that my husband and I slept in longjohns and socks, cuddled up with thick blankets !🥶

I am from South Africa, all I can say is why? What does you clothes cost? Even in winter we have warm areas and snow is mostly news. Where we are they have measured -14°C, if you can believe it.

I was in S. Dakota late 70s. Saw some serious cold weather. But I saw a beautiful “ Indian summer”. Great state. Quite a bit to do and see there…including DEADWOID…before they closed the “ houses”!!

My plan🙂

Wet and cold in the UK. But we make no provision for snow and ice. Then moan when it catches us unawares. At most it will last a fortnight. The key is to get up earlier, wear plenty of warm clothes, prepare.. It will pass.

we've been lucky on the west coast of canada....lots of 10c/50f days this winter

I’ve been in -34C. I couldn’t wear my glasses without burning my face.

No thanks🥶❄

I moved south of the Mason-Dixon line! :)

Actually it starts losing effectiveness below 20 F.......
Rock salt (sodium chloride) loses significant effectiveness as temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), becoming much less efficient and practically useless below 15°F (-9°C), at which point it struggles to create the brine needed to melt ice, requiring much more salt or alternative deicers like calcium chloride. While its eutectic point (technical limit) is around -6°F, its practical application diminishes drastically in extreme cold, making it ineffective and potentially just creating slippery slush.

expect shrinkage..

Just dress warmly.

Is your barn heated?

My plan was simple. After years of working outside in that for years doing construction my wife and I retired and moved to Southern Florida. 😎

Being in -40 when the air is dry feels warm compared to -40 in high humidity.