During this time of Pandemic, put a hold on your moving plans if you can and stay home and stay safe!It is highly recommended not to move unless you HAVE to! As we all are learning to adapt to this situation, it is important to consider some changes in your moving plans and procedures as well. If you have no other choice but to move, you can still do it with a few precautionary measures.
Here are some tips for making your move as safe, seamless and stress-free as possible.
Do It Yourself if possible
Try to pack and move yourself. This will ensure you are not meeting anybody and hence will reduce the chances to catch the virus. Buy all your moving supplies in one go and at least 24 hours before you start packing. The virus only lasts for about 24 hours on cardboard. If you have less stuff to pack, pack all of them and make a few runs in your car to the new place if it is close by otherwise call the moving companies for a moving container or renting a moving van. Make sure to disinfect the area that you will use before you start using it like steering wheel and seats and other stuff.
Advantages of using a Moving Container or Renting a Moving Van:
- Only you handle your items
- You can work at your own pace and take your time packing/loading and unpacking/unloading
- Storage is built into the service which means you can get enough time for cleaning and disinfecting
- Moving containers that are shipping containers are wind, water and rodent proof, so they’re secure in most cases.
- Before you use the container, try to clean it yourself as well.
Questions you can Ask:
- What safety measures is the company taking to ensure the cleanliness of your moving container (inside and out) before it’s delivered?
- If I need my container longer than expected, what are the additional costs?
- What is their cancellation or date change policy?
Choose your moving company carefully and ask questions.
In case you do need to take help of a moving company, Choose your moving company wisely.
- Make calls and shop around for different companies who have best measures to ensure a safe move experience during the COVID-19 outbreak
- Most reputable movers understand the safety of you and your belongings is critical during any move
- Some of the questions you can ask them can include, “What precautions are your movers taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?", “What precautions do you recommend I take during my move?”, "What procedures you have in place if it’s discovered that a worker or customer has been diagnosed with COVID-19?”
Minimize contact
If you’re working with a moving company, ask for a virtual quote so you can avoid unnecessary contact and see if the company offers fully contactless service.
Upon their arrival, don’t go for handshakes. A smile and a generous tip (preferred online) are a good substitute.
Take extra sanitary precautions during COVID-19, Clean and Disinfect frequently
Most people do usually take care of proper cleaning and packing but during this tome, be extra cautious.
- Buy all of your supplies in one go
- Clean as you pack
- Wear masks, gloves and boots. Sanitize your hands often if case you are jumping in and out of vehicle
- If you can, provide the essential safety supplies to movers as well if they don’t have
- Finish packing at least 24 hours before the movers arrive
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, paying particular attention to door knobs and handles
- Place soap and paper towels next to sinks and hand sanitizer by doors
- Buy new boxes: The coronavirus has been found to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so this might not be the time to pick up used moving supplies from stores that are recycling them. You can also use boxes that you already have in your home.
Thoroughly disinfect your new home before you unpack and settle in
This is the most important step that you would have to do. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting your furniture and belongings as you unpack, make sure you:
- Clean all the surfaces on the new place
- Clean all the wardrobes, deep clean the carpet, sweep and wash the floors using the right disinfectants and clean the bathrooms and kitchen
- To properly dispose of all packing materials
- Contact your local government agency if you have questions regarding the disposal or recycling of boxes and other packing material
Again, During the outbreak of this pandemic, it is highly recommended that you stay home and stay safe. This article is not encouraging you to move but if there is no other option than that, please use the tips and move safely.
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