People moving from sea level to northern Nevada often ask whether altitude matters. For healthy people at Reno's elevation, the effects are usually mild and short, and the planning is simple. The elevations get higher around the lake and in the mountains, and there it helps to know what to expect. This guide covers the body first, then the car, the kitchen and the boxes.
What the CDC says about altitude
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes altitude illness as a concern at high elevation, with the risk rising above about 8,000 feet. Reno is below that line, and the Lake Tahoe shore is lower than it too, but trips to the mountain passes and ski areas can climb higher. Headache, tiredness and trouble sleeping in the first days are the common complaints. People with heart or lung conditions, and anyone who has had trouble at elevation, should speak with a doctor before the move.
Take the first days easy
- Drink more water than you usually do. The air is dry, and you lose moisture faster.
- Skip alcohol for the first night or two.
- Plan lighter lifting on the first day, and let the crew carry the heavy items.
- Use sunscreen and sunglasses, since the sun is stronger at elevation.
- Sleep well, and eat regular meals.
Your car
Tire pressure rises or falls with the temperature and the elevation of the places you drive, so check the pressure after you arrive. Modern engines adjust automatically. Brakes get more work on mountain descents, so use a lower gear on long downgrades. A winter-ready set of tires is worth thinking about before the first storm. See winter driving and chain control.
Your kitchen
Water boils at a lower temperature as the elevation rises. At 4,500 feet it boils roughly 9 degrees Fahrenheit below the sea-level figure, so pasta, rice and beans take longer, and many baking recipes need adjustments. The packages carry high-altitude directions, and a dry-climate cook will quickly learn the changes.
Your belongings
Sealed bags of chips, spray cans and some sealed containers puff up or leak when they travel to a higher elevation. Pack aerosols in a box that can contain a leak and open sealed food carefully. Wood furniture, guitars, pianos and leather can react to dry air. A dry home may need a humidifier. See living at 4,500 feet for the Reno details.
Pets and plants
Most pets adapt without help. Plants from humid places lose leaves in the dry air for a while. Moving with plants and moving with dogs cover both.