Protecting Your Belongings When Moving to a Different Climate

When you relocate, you might move to a different climate. It may call for a new wardrobe. It might also require a little extra care with your stuff.

Very hot or dry climates can be hard on your things, as well as cold or wet climates. Naturally, you’ll want to keep them in good condition. So follow these tips to protect them.

Pack Items Properly

You’ll see how easy it is to cut corners as you pack. Tossing items into a box or shoving stuff into bags may help you go faster. But it puts your belongings at risk — especially if some of your belongings will stay in storage.

Research the best ways to pack wood furniture, antiques, and other things that need protection. Consider wrapping delicate items in a soft cloth to protect them from moisture or heat before putting them in the box. Investing in custom packing and specialty boxes might be worth it.

Research the Climate

Give yourself the time to research your new climate properly. Although it’s tempting to focus on temperature, humidity is also an important consideration. There’s a big difference between a climate that is hot and dry versus a climate that is hot and humid.

It’s a good idea to start with what you can expect from the season you move in. But don’t forget to look for changes throughout the year. Places that are notoriously cold and rainy may have hot summers and vice versa. It’s better to know in advance what is coming.

Test Humidity

With a few exceptions, humidity in the home poses the greatest danger to your belongings. High humidity warps wood. Low humidity dries it out and cracks it.

If you’re not sure about the humidity in the home, consider buying a hygrometer to test it out. Most smart thermometers have this capability as well. The ideal is around 40 to 50 percent.

If the home’s humidity falls outside this range, you may need to fix it. However, minor additions can help provide a steady home for your possessions.

Add Protective Measures

Moving to an area with a severe climate requires protection. Otherwise, you’ll end up with damage. Your best bet is to keep your most treasured belongings in a place with suitable temperature and humidity control out of direct sunlight.

A central HVAC system should do a reasonable job at managing temperature and humidity. If you don’t have one, think about upgrading. Learning how to use a humidifier or a dehumidifier could be a good alternative.

Watch for Damage

Once you arrive, it’s essential to watch for possible damage. It’s easy to accidentally put an antique too near a humidifier or even a wall in the basement. Then, before you know it, it’s damp and starting to warp.

Be wary of the ways that moisture and heat come into your home. Keep special items out of direct light and away from doors and windows when in doubt. You’ll have a better chance of preventing permanent damage that way.

Moving Made Easier

Keeping all your belongings intact is a bit trickier when you move to a different climate. Fortunately, you can plan ahead. Contact us to learn more about having a successful moving experience.