Harmattan Moves: Dust, Dry Heat and Wooden Furniture

The sky is pale, the road has a fine coat of dust and the helpers are covering their noses. Harmattan moves look easy because it is not raining, but the dry air and dust cause problems that rain never does. Wooden furniture cracks, electronics clog, and drivers get tired faster.

Here is what works on the road and at the doorstep.

What harmattan does to a load

Harmattan air is dry and carries fine dust from the north. Over a day on the road, that dust gets into everything that is not covered.

• Wood dries out. Veneer and glued joints can lift or split, especially on older pieces.
• Dust settles into electronics, vents and keyboards.
• Upholstery and mattresses pick up a layer of grit.
• Glass and mirrors become hard to see through and easy to scratch when wiped dry.

None of this is a reason to delay a move. It is a reason to cover the load properly.

Cover everything, not only the fragile things

A tarpaulin is not enough on its own. Wrap the important items first, then cover the whole load.

1. Wrap wooden furniture in blankets or thick cloth, then plastic over the cloth if the trip is long.
2. Cover sofas and mattresses in polythene, and tape the corners.
3. Put TVs, computers and speakers in their boxes or wrapped in cloth and plastic. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for electronics.
4. Wipe mirrors and screens only after dusting them with a soft cloth, never dry-rubbing grit across glass.

Our guide to padding furniture on the truck covers the wrapping method, and moving glass and mirrors covers the fragile items.

Protect wooden furniture from drying and cracking

Good pieces last for decades, but a sudden change of air can hurt them. Do not leave wooden furniture in direct sun on the pavement while you wait for the truck. Keep it in the shade, covered, until loading starts. At the new home, place it away from direct sun and heaters, and leave it for a day before polishing.

Do not store polish or oil near the load in a hot truck cab, because heat changes the products.

Keep helpers and drivers healthy

Harmattan days can be cool in the morning and hot by noon, with dry air that dries the throat.

• Keep water on the truck and drink often, even when you do not feel thirsty.
• Offer helpers a cloth or mask for dust.
• Use eye protection or glasses for dust on the road.
• Take a short rest in the shade on long jobs.

Tired people drop things. Read lifting heavy items safely before the day begins.

Watch the road and the visibility

Dusty haze can reduce visibility on highways. Drive with lights on in poor visibility, keep more space ahead and slow down earlier than you normally would. For a long haul, plan stops and read preparing a household load for a long highway trip.

Dust also affects the truck itself. Check the air filter and keep the windscreen and mirrors clean. Do not drive with a dirty windscreen because of the glare from low sun.

Keep dust out of the new home

Before offloading, sweep or wet-mop the floor of the new house if you can. Close windows during the unload, or open only what you need. Lay old sheets on the floor along the route from truck to door so boots do not spread dust through the house. After the move, wipe surfaces before unpacking.

How to do this on Sphere

When you describe your load, mention wooden furniture, electronics and anything that needs extra covering. If you are a driver, ask what is in the load and tell the customer what covers you will bring. Agree loading and offloading help before you accept. Propose a price and compare the offers and counter-offers you receive.

You can also read about truck hire in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan.