Thinking about touring Phoenix real estate or moving to any city with a desert-like climate? There’s a lot you should know before you make your decision and get all of those boxes packed.
Stock Up on Water and Moisturizer
Hydration is important no matter where you are but it becomes even more critical when you live in a dry climate like the desert. Your body can quickly become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water throughout the day. It will also help you stay cooler in the intense heat and keep your skin more hydrated too. In addition to drinking lots of water, you’ll want plenty of moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
Expect Lots of Sunshine and Possibly Snow
While there will be plenty of sunshine, in some places it can even snow. Yuma is the sunniest city in the United States, with 90 percent of its days sunny, while Tucson and Phoenix aren’t far behind. In higher elevation areas of the desert, often referred to as “high desert,” there’s also a chance of snow, such as Taos, New Mexico and Flagstaff, Arizona, which get significant snowfall, although even Albuquerque can get a dusting.
No matter where you decide to move to in the desert, you’ll want to get in the habit of applying sunscreen every time you go outdoors. Those UV rays can lead to a serious sunburn all year-round. Don’t forget to protect your eyes with sunglasses and remember your lips either, using lip balm with built-in sunscreen.
Invest in a Humidifier
Living in a desert-like, dry climate, your indoor air is going to be dry too, which can not only damage surfaces in the home due to the lack of moisture, but cause dry coughs and dry skin. By using a humidifier you can boost indoor moisture – you may need to use one in each room depending on the size of your home. There are larger, whole house humidifiers as well as smaller options for single rooms.
Seal and Insulate
If there are any gaps or cracks in windows, door frames, foundations, or other areas, the hot air outside will find its way into your home. Poor insulation is another problem letting hot air in and cool air out. If you have poor quality windows that can also lead to heat transfer, wasting energy while raising the temperature inside your home. It’s important to seal up any leaks and replace windows if necessary.
Time Your Outdoor Activities
During the hottest periods of the year, you’ll want to time your outdoor activities to enjoy them either early in the morning or late in the evening, otherwise you could risk a heat-related illness. When you have to be outdoors during the time, make it as brief as possible, wearing lightweight clothing that covers your skin without being too hot. Drink lots of water and use a mister to help keep cool.
Know How to Take Advantage of Nature
Temperatures in the desert tend to dip dramatically once the sun goes down so you’ll want to take advantage of that cool air. Open up your windows to let it in, providing natural air conditioning. As soon as the sun comes up, it will get hot quickly, but if you shut your windows, and your blinds, it will help hold cooler air inside.
