Have you gotten sick after moving into a new house?
Moving is hard work and stressful. It takes a toll on the body, and many people become sick after moving into a new house. Stress, dust, allergens, pests, new environments, and other factors all contribute to sniffles, sore throats, headaches, sneezing, fevers and other health issues. Put simply, moving challenges your immune system. This isn’t your fault, but you can take action to reduce the chances of getting sick after moving to a new house. Here are a few tips.
Boost your immune system
No matter where you move, your environment will change. Australia has many different climate zones, from the temperate south to the arid interior and tropical north and everything in between. If you’re moving long distance or between states, you could experience vastly different environmental changes, which will challenge your health.
But even moving across town exposes you to different people, weather conditions, and allergens such as pollution and pollen in the air. So, change is unavoidable. Just as we need time to become familiar with our new environment, our bodies do too. The human body needs time to adapt and adjust, which makes it important to boost your immune system to help it fight off any bugs.
Tips:
- Water is the best liquid you can put into your body. Drink plenty of it and maintain good levels of hydration.
- Get enough sleep. Our bodies heal when we rest, so if you’re not getting enough, you’re more vulnerable to getting sick.
- Feed your body good, nutritious food and take any dietary supplements you need to maintain good health.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
- Watch your hygiene. As well as washing yourself, take care of your hygiene while moving. Wear a mask so you don’t breathe in dust, wear gloves to protect your hands, and wash your hands regularly.
Have you gotten sick after moving into a new house?
Moving is hard work and stressful. It takes a toll on the body, and many people become sick after moving into a new house. Stress, dust, allergens, pests, new environments, and other factors all contribute to sniffles, sore throats, headaches, sneezing, fevers and other health issues. Put simply, moving challenges your immune system. This isn’t your fault, but you can take action to reduce the chances of getting sick after moving to a new house. Here are a few tips.
Boost your immune system
No matter where you move, your environment will change. Australia has many different climate zones, from the temperate south to the arid interior and tropical north and everything in between. If you’re moving long distance or between states, you could experience vastly different environmental changes, which will challenge your health.
But even moving across town exposes you to different people, weather conditions, and allergens such as pollution and pollen in the air. So, change is unavoidable. Just as we need time to become familiar with our new environment, our bodies do too. The human body needs time to adapt and adjust, which makes it important to boost your immune system to help it fight off any bugs.
Tips:
- Water is the best liquid you can put into your body. Drink plenty of it and maintain good levels of hydration.
- Get enough sleep. Our bodies heal when we rest, so if you’re not getting enough, you’re more vulnerable to getting sick.
- Feed your body good, nutritious food and take any dietary supplements you need to maintain good health.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
- Watch your hygiene. As well as washing yourself, take care of your hygiene while moving. Wear a mask so you don’t breathe in dust, wear gloves to protect your hands, and wash your hands regularly.
Allergens are everywhere
As well as dealing with pollen and pollution in the air, moving stirs up dust and other allergens. Even if you have a clean and tidy home, you’ll probably have a dusty attic, basement, shed or garage. When we pack up to move, we stir up the dust and expose our body to allergens. If you find yourself sneezing and coughing more than usual, or getting headaches, sore eyes or an itchy nose, you need to think about protection.
Tips:
- Make sure your air conditioning units have been serviced according to the required standards and that the air filters are clean.
- Open windows in rooms or spaces that have been shut up to freshen the air.
- Clean, dust and vacuum while you pack. Don’t wait until the end.
- Take any medication you need for allergies.
Look after your hands
The number one tool you’ll use when moving is your hands. It’s also the tool most people take for granted until an accident happens. Then we understand how important it is to look after our hands. Bumps, bruises, broken nails and cuts can get infected, and if your hands are dirty, you’re inviting unwanted germs and toxins into your body if you touch your face.
Tips:
- Wear gloves while you’re lifting and handling items to protect your hands from knocks and cuts.
- Be careful lifting and placing items to avoid crushing fingers under weight.
- Wash your hands or keep hand sanitiser with you to keep them clean.
- If you cut yourself, clean and sterilise the wound and apply a dressing, even if it’s a tiny cut.
Contamination in your new home
Your new home itself could also make you sick if you haven’t checked for potential problems. The age of the building, pests, poor maintenance, or problems with drainage or leaks all contribute to illness. Typical problems are blocked drains, water spills breeding mould, hazardous materials like asbestos, and chemical contamination. Simply having them present can cause you to feel sick.
Tip:
- Get a healthy housing pre-purchase inspection from a licensed professional in your state. These reports also cover structural problems, pest control such as termites, timber quality, and the integrity of electrical, water and gas services.
Don’t forget your mental health
Mental health is as important as physical health. It isn’t uncommon to feel depressed, stressed or anxious after moving, as we’re temporarily out of our routine and comfort zone. It takes time to adjust, so be kind to yourself through this period.
Tips:
- Take time to explore your new community to become familiar with your new surroundings.
- Get out and meet new people with similar interests.
- Don’t lose touch with friends and family.
- Ask for help if you need it.
And the best tip for avoiding illness when moving is to hire the professionals. We take the stress and effort out of the moving process, which will help to protect your health.