Spring in Los Angeles means perfect moving weather—and hell for the 30% of residents with allergies. March through May combines peak pollen counts with disturbed dust from packing, creating the perfect storm of sneezing, wheezing, and regretting your move date. After watching countless customers suffer through spring moves with watery eyes and tissues, here's how to survive allergy season while relocating.
LA Spring Allergy Calendar
February-March:
- Tree pollen explodes
- Acacia, oak, sycamore worst
- Count: 500-1,500 (high)
March-April:
- Grass pollen joins party
- Bermuda grass everywhere
- Count: 200-800 (moderate-high)
April-May:
- Everything blooming
- Weed pollen arrives
- Count: 1,000-2,000+ (extreme)
May-June:
- Finally declining
- Still moderate levels
- Count: 100-500
Worst period: March 15-April 30
The Double Whammy Effect
Outdoor allergens:
- Pollen everywhere
- Windows must open
- Truck doors open
- Multiple trips outside
- Allergens track inside
Indoor triggers:
- Dust from packing
- Hidden mold disturbed
- Pet dander concentrated
- Cleaning product fumes
- Old carpet particles
Moving combines both simultaneously. Misery guaranteed.
Pre-Move Preparation
Two weeks before:
- Start allergy meds daily
- Deep clean gradually (not all at once)
- Change HVAC filters
- Stock supplies
One week before:
- Increase medication
- Pack non-essentials sealed
- Dust as you go
- Monitor pollen counts
Day before:
- Double antihistamine dose (if doctor approved)
- Shower before bed
- Clean clothes ready
- Windows closed overnight
Medication Strategy
Preventive (start 2 weeks early):
- Zyrtec/Claritin daily
- Flonase/Nasacort
- Eye drops preventively
Day-of arsenal:
- Fast-acting antihistamine
- Rescue inhaler (if asthmatic)
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
- Tissues everywhere
Emergency backup:
- Benadryl (makes drowsy)
- Prednisone (prescription)
- Nebulizer (if severe)
Don't wait until symptoms start.
Packing With Allergies
Dust minimization:
- Wet-dust surfaces first
- HEPA vacuum before packing
- Seal boxes immediately
- Work in ventilated areas
- Take breaks outside dust zones
Problem areas:
- Closets (dust accumulation)
- Under beds (dust bunny central)
- Garage (everything triggers)
- Attic (don't even try)
- Bookshelves (major trigger)
Protective gear:
- N95 mask minimum
- Goggles for dusty areas
- Gloves prevent contact
- Change clothes frequently
Moving Day Survival
Timing strategy:
- Start 6am (pollen lower)
- Avoid 10am-4pm peak
- Evening better if possible
- Check hourly counts
Pollen counts by time:
- 6am: 50-100 (low)
- 10am: 200-500 (rising)
- 2pm: 500-1,500 (peak)
- 6pm: 200-400 (declining)
- 10pm: 50-100 (low)
Work with pollen patterns, not against.
Zone Management
Create clean zones:
- One room sealed, filtered
- Allergen-free rest area
- Medicine station
- Clean clothes stored
Hot zones:
- Packing areas
- Garage/storage
- Truck loading
- Accept contamination
Transition protocol:
- Remove shoes
- Wash hands/face
- Change clothes
- Use clean zone
Professional Mover Advantages
They handle:
- Dusty furniture
- Garage items
- Heavy lifting (less breathing hard)
- Outdoor loading
- Speed (less exposure time)
You focus:
- Staying medicated
- Clean zones
- Minimal exposure
- Breathing normally
Worth every penny during allergy season.
Specific LA Allergens
Trees (February-May):
- Oak (worst)
- Sycamore
- Olive
- Mulberry
- Pine
Grasses (March-October):
- Bermuda (everywhere)
- Rye
- Timothy
Weeds (Year-round but worse spring):
- Ragweed
- Lamb's quarters
- Russian thistle
Locations worst:
- Pasadena (trees)
- Valley (everything)
- Foothill areas
Locations best:
- Beach cities (ocean breeze)
- Downtown (less vegetation)
Cleaning New Place
Before move-in:
- Professional cleaning ideal
- Focus on carpets
- Clean air ducts
- New HVAC filters
- Air out completely
Hidden allergens:
- Previous pet dander
- Mold in bathrooms
- Dust in vents
- Old carpet padding
- Window sill accumulation
Don't move allergens to allergens.
Technology Helpers
Apps:
- Pollen.com (hourly counts)
- WeatherX (pressure changes)
- WebMD Allergy
Equipment:
- HEPA air purifiers ($100-300)
- Dehumidifiers (mold prevention)
- Robot vacuum (daily cleaning)
Investment in breathing worth it.
Post-Move Recovery
First night:
- Shower immediately
- Clean sheets essential
- Air purifier bedroom
- Windows closed
- Medication continued
First week:
- Unpack gradually
- Clean as you go
- Maintain medication
- Monitor symptoms
- Deep clean scheduled
Recovery takes days. Be patient.
When to Postpone
Consider rescheduling if:
- Extreme pollen forecast (1,500+)
- Acute allergy attack
- Asthma flare-up
- Santa Ana winds
- Multiple family members affected
Health over moving schedule.
Natural Remedies (Limited Help)
Maybe helpful:
- Local honey (myth mostly)
- Neti pot (actually works)
- Quercetin supplements
- Butterbur
- Saline rinse
Don't rely solely on natural.Modern medication exists for reason.
Kids With Allergies
Special considerations:
- Medication doses different
- Can't communicate symptoms
- More sensitive
- Behavior changes indicate problems
- Separate clean space mandatory
Pediatrician consultation before moving recommended.
The Bathroom Strategy
Bathroom = clean room because:
- Door closes
- Less fabric
- Easy to clean
- Water available
- Medicine storage
Set up bathroom as recovery zone first.
Professional Cleaning Worth It
Post-move cleaning service:
- Deep dust removal
- HEPA vacuum everything
- Allergen-specific products
- You stay away
- Return to clean space
Cost: $200-400Breathing: Priceless
Realistic Expectations
You will have symptoms.Goal is management, not elimination.
It will be harder.Accept difficulty, plan accordingly.
Recovery takes time.Don't expect normal immediately.
Some years worse.2024 was brutal, 2025 better, 2026 unknown.
Survive Your Spring Move
Spring moving with allergies requires military-level planning and pharmaceutical intervention. The combination of peak pollen and disturbed dust creates respiratory chaos. Survival is possible with preparation, medication, and professional help.
SOS Moving understands allergy season challenges. Our crews work quickly to minimize exposure time, handle the dustiest tasks, and respect your medical needs. We can't stop pollen, but we can reduce your exposure.
Planning a spring move with allergies? Call 909-443-0004 to discuss timing and strategies. We'll work with your antihistamine schedule and pollen forecasts. Your spring move doesn't have to be a sneezing disaster.
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