Picture this: You just moved to a new home. You're finally unpacked, your new furniture is set up, and you're no longer eating pizza off the floor. Life should be good, right? But instead, your nose is stuffed up, your eyes are itchy and watering, and your chest is feeling tighter than ever. 

But you've never suffered from allergies, so that couldn't be it—or could it? 

We hate to break it to you, but when you move to a new area, you're susceptible to developing allergies. In this post, we're walking you through five reasons why this happens. Stick around until the end, though, because we've got a solution for you too!

1. You're exposed to a different climate and new allergens

Your immune system is a creature of habit. Drastic changes in climate, and exposure to new allergens, could certainly be the culprit for your new allergies. Here are a few examples:

• High or low humidity levels: Both extremely high and low humidity levels can trigger respiratory problems, allergy-induced asthma, and even skin-related allergies. 

In humid environments, mold, mildew, and dust mites thrive, which can cause severe allergic reactions. Low humidity levels cause mold, mildew, and dust allergens to dry up and become airborne. (Plus, dry air dries out the nasal passages—making it easier for these allergens to get into your lungs.)

Yikes. Finding the perfect humidity level sounds like a problem for Goldilocks, doesn't it? 

• New allergens: A new environment can expose you to allergens you were never exposed to in your previous location—such as plants, pollen, and even biting/stinging insects. 

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but these sorts of allergic reactions could develop over time. Many people feel fine the first few months after relocation but will experience symptoms months or even years later!

• Seasonal weather changes: In some areas in the US, particularly in the southern states, Spring is the high season for allergies and many people experience hay fever symptoms. If you're prone to hay fever, let's hope that you aren't moving somewhere with strong winds, which keeps pollen airborne and can aggravate or worsen symptoms. 

2. You're experiencing a change in air quality

A rule of thumb is the farther you move from your old location, the more likely the air will be different from what you're used to—which means you run the risk of triggering allergies. 

How can the air quality be that different? Here are a few reasons: 

• Urban pollution: As you can imagine, the air in urban areas is likely to contain much more irritants than in rural settings. Smog, smoke particles, dust mites, and mold spores are a few examples that could trigger allergy symptoms—and even have long-term effects on your respiratory system.

• Wildfires: During the summer months, many states suffer from wildfires and the immense amounts of smoke and ash they produce. You could live miles and miles away and still be impacted—to the point where you can't even leave your house. 

It's no joke. Wildfire smoke produces fine particles that can get into your eyes and respiratory system. They can cause burning eyes, runny noses, and illnesses such as bronchitis. They are even known to aggregate heart and lung diseases.

And they can get into your home and pollute your indoor air too! So if you live in an area prone to wildfires, you should consider equipping your home with our most powerful air purifier in its class—the Wynd Max Room Air Purifier. But make sure to get it before wildfire season because they sell out pretty darn quick!

3. There's something in your new home that's irritating you

Sometimes, the culprit of your new allergies is living in your new home (not to sound creepy or anything). While they may be lurking, oftentimes, you won't be able to see them. (Okay, now I'm really making it sound creepy). 

Here are a few ways to pinpoint these indoor irritants: 

• Mold: Mold can be very harmful to your health. Not only does it cause strong allergic reactions, but severe illnesses as well. When you move into your new home, don't just inspect the walls and ceilings. The mold could be hidden under carpets and tiles or behind drywall and wallpaper.

• Dust: Dust is the most common indoor allergen. Dust mites thrive in stagnant, humid environments, so if your new place wasn't aired out regularly or for some time, dust might have accumulated. Plus, you could've brought some in with the move. Too much dust can cause congestion, sneezing, itching eyes, and postnasal drip—so it's best to do a deep clean right away. 

• Pet dander: The previous occupants may have owned a pet—and didn't do a proper clean before they left. If you're prone to pet allergies, your symptoms may be due to lingering pet dander. 

• Smoke particles: Smoke sticks. If the previous occupants smoked, there could be stale smoke clinging to the wallpaper and carpet. If smoking typically irritates you—this could be the reason why you're experiencing allergy symptoms indoors. 

Looking for a Quick Fix? Find Yourself an Air Purifier

Suffering from allergies after a move is frustrating. Even more frustrating? There's not a whole lot you can do to change your new environment. You can't stop the seasons from changing. You can't prevent wildfires. You can't tell pollen to float somewhere else. But you can buy yourself an air purifier and clean your indoor air.

Take a look at our Alexa-enabled Wynd Max Room Air Purifier (now back in stock!): it's powerful enough to purify up to 1200 square feet in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to germs, allergens, dander, and smog—and say hello to breathing easy.