I live in SC and the humidity has been averaging about 50%. I've had a load of mixed Brazilian cherry and maple sitting in the garage for about two weeks and have now moved it into my house for storage. My home humidity levels are running about 30% this time of year.

How best do I acclimate the wood? The paper boxes are shut so I figure I (at least) need to open the top lid to let air move around them better. Do I need to remove the wood from the box and spread it out? I hate to move the product around too much.

How long do I need to wait until I begin nailing?

I've read that maples moves a lot and that 6-8% is the required moisture content. I don't have a moisture meter so do I need to purchase one of those?

Thanks in advance!

Big swings in moisture content/humidity inside the home, will cause the flooring to shrink and swell. You have to weight the consequences.

Install it tight at 30% and down around 7% and come summer you like the windows opens some, and close the home up and go on vacation, often, you may have a big issue.

Install it right out of the garage and the higher moisture content, and let it shrink and gap with the low humidity, but come summer, you won't have cupped or buckled flooring.

Or get the rH inside consistent with humidifiers and dehumidifiers at around 50%, and be good to go for year without any movement.