Published: March 15, 2025

Moving With Allergies: How to Minimize Discomfort

Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also bring unwanted challenges for those dealing with allergies. Whether it’s dust mites, pet dander, or mold, allergens can settle in your new home, causing discomfort as you try to settle in. The good news is that you can make your move as allergy-free as possible with a few simple steps. Here’s a practical guide for moving with allergies and minimizing discomfort.

1. Identify Common Allergy Triggers When Moving With Allergies

Before you start unpacking, it’s important to know what allergens could be hiding in your new space. These are some common culprits:

• Dust and Dust Mites: These microscopic pests love to hide in carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture.
• Mold: If your new home has high humidity or damp areas, mold can quickly become a problem.
• Pet Dander: Even if the previous owners had pets, dander can remain in carpets, air vents, and furniture.
• Pollen: During the moving process, pollen can sneak in through open windows, triggering seasonal allergies.

Being aware of these triggers is the first step to controlling them when moving with allergies.

2. Deep Clean Before You Move In

The best way to ensure you’re not walking into a home filled with allergens is to deep clean before you even unpack. Here’s what to tackle:

• Steam Clean the Carpets: If your new home has carpeting, consider steam cleaning it before moving in. This will help remove dust, pet dander, and even mold spores that might have settled in. A clean carpet makes a huge difference.
• Clean Air Vents and Replace Filters: Air ducts can hold onto dust and allergens. It’s a good idea to clean them thoroughly and replace the air filters with HEPA filters to trap even the smallest particles. Fresh air starts with clean vents.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down walls, baseboards, shelves, and other surfaces to remove dust. This prevents allergens from being stirred into the air when you start unpacking all of your belongings.

By getting your home cleaned before you move in, you’re setting yourself up for a much more comfortable start.

3. Consider Flooring Changes

Carpets are a common source of allergens, especially if your new home has been lived in for a while. Replacing old carpets with hypoallergenic flooring can greatly improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens. If possible, replace old carpets with allergy-friendly flooring options like:

• Wood
• Tile
• Laminate

If replacing the carpet isn’t an option, you can still help by using hypoallergenic area rugs that are easier to clean and maintain.

4. Keep Mold Under Control

Mold is one of the most problematic allergens. To avoid mold growth, check common problem areas in your new home:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Basements

If you discover any mold, clean it up promptly using appropriate cleaning products or hire a professional if the issue is severe. Addressing mold early prevents bigger problems later. You can also use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control and prevent mold from returning.

5. Upgrade Your HVAC System for Allergy Relief

The air quality in your home plays a big role in managing allergies. Your HVAC system can either help or hurt your allergy symptoms, depending on how it’s maintained. A well-maintained system can make a noticeable difference. To keep allergens at bay:

• Install HEPA Filters: These filters trap small particles, including dust, pet dander, and pollen.
• Use an Air Purifier: In addition to upgrading your HVAC system, consider using a portable air purifier in high-traffic areas like the living room or bedroom. Purifiers effectively trap airborne allergens, improving air quality.
• Regularly Clean Vents: Dust and allergens can accumulate in air vents. Make sure to clean them regularly to prevent allergens from circulating throughout your home. Clean vents help reduce allergens and improve airflow.

6. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding for a Better Night’s Sleep

Your bedroom is one of the most important areas to focus on when moving with allergies. Dust mites love to hide in bedding, pillows, and mattresses, triggering allergy symptoms while you sleep. Choosing the right bedding can help reduce allergens significantly. Combat this by:

• Using Dust-Mite-Proof Bedding: Invest in covers for your mattress and pillows that block dust mites.
• Opting for Washable Synthetic Bedding: Choose bedding made from hypoallergenic, easy-to-wash materials.
• Washing Bedding Regularly: Wash all bedding in hot water weekly to remove allergens and keep your sleep space fresh.

7. Be Mindful of Pollen During Moving Day

Pollen is a major allergy trigger, especially during the spring and fall. On moving day, minimize exposure to pollen. Consider these steps:

• Keep Windows Closed: While fresh air is tempting, it also allows pollen to enter your home. Try to keep windows closed.
• Use Screens: If you need to open windows, use screens to reduce the amount of pollen entering your home.

By staying mindful of pollen on moving day, you’ll reduce its impact during the moving process.

8. Set up an Allergy-Friendly Cleaning Routine

Once you’ve settled in, maintaining a clean environment is crucial. Some tips for an ongoing allergy-friendly routine include:

• Dust With a Damp Cloth: This prevents allergens from floating into the air.
• Vacuum With a HEPA Filter: Vacuum regularly to remove allergens from floors, especially in carpeted areas.
• Wash Curtains and Upholstery: Regularly clean curtains, furniture covers, and cushions to reduce allergen buildup.

9. Seek Professional Allergy Testing If Symptoms Persist

If your symptoms persist after moving, consider consulting an allergist. A professional can identify specific allergens in your home and recommend effective treatments to help you breathe easier. This will ensure you get personalized advice for your specific needs.

10. Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule

To prevent future allergen buildup, create a maintenance schedule that includes the following:

• Regular mold checks
• Carpet deep cleaning
• Replacing air filters on time

Having a regular maintenance schedule will ensure that your home stays allergy-friendly long after you’ve moved in.

Moving with allergies doesn’t have to mean discomfort and frustration. By taking a few simple steps before and after your move, you can eliminate many common allergens and create a healthier living space. From deep cleaning and mold prevention to upgrading your HVAC system and using hypoallergenic bedding, there are many ways to minimize allergens and enjoy your new home to the fullest. It’s all about making smart choices that help you maintain a cleaner, fresher environment. With these helpful tips, you’ll be breathing easier in no time.

For a hassle-free way to move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Southeast Michigan or call us at (734) 821-4854 today!