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While most people’s time since Covid-19 hit has been trying to move as little as possible, sometimes life or family or work requires us to move during a pandemic. Whether moving to a new home or moving to a new apartment, the pandemic certainly makes things a bit more difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it safely!
Before taking any of the steps below, you’ll also want to be certain you’ve done your research before you go about hiring a mover. Read reviews and talk to the companies to be sure movers will be wearing masks and gloves as they handle your items and move in and out of your space.
In This Post:
Tips for Moving During a Pandemic
There are several things you’ll need to consider for your move, some related to the move, some related to hiring a moving company, but both are important if you’re trying to protect yourself and your family.
Moving During a Pandemic: Preparation
Truly, the first thing you need to consider is whether the move date is flexible or not. If it’s not, the pre-move process becomes vital.
Packing supplies- If you’re like most folks, you’ll need storage boxes and packing supplies. Now is, unfortunately, not the time to seek them out from stores or others who have recently moved.
If you can afford to do so, buy your boxes and buy everything in one trip to the store. If you cannot, make sure you’re cleaning the boxes with a disinfecting spray.
Packing- Disinfect things as you pack and be sure to finish packing 24 hours before you move. This ensures that you haven’t touched the storage boxes within 24 hours of the moving company’s arrival and protects them as well.
Contact your movers- Before moving day, contact your movers and ensure you’re on the same page regarding coronavirus safety protocols. Many moving companies, especially an established company, are doing a lot to protect their workers and customers, so it’s best to review before moving day.
If you’re not hiring a moving company and moving on your own, it’s best to limit help. Still, you may also want to determine your best helpers and review safety protocol with them prior to accepting any assistance.
Moving During a Pandemic: Moving Day
Hopefully, you’ve taken all precautions during the pre-move, and you’re ready to go! That doesn’t mean that moving day doesn’t have needs as well.
If, at this time, anyone in your household is not feeling well or has been exposed to the coronavirus, contact your movers immediately. Extra precautions may need to be put in place.
Before arrival of help- Before anyone arrives (movers or friends), you’ll want to make sure you’ve got sanitizing items (wipes, sprays, hand sanitizer) out and readily available. You may also wish to put out additional disposable masks. Be sure to leave soap and paper towels near sinks. They should be the last thing you pack!
Arrival of assistance- When everyone arrives, review the safety measures in place, including any items’ location. Skip the handshaking and small talk. Throughout the job, maintain a distance of 6-10 feet between you and moving company staff. If you are touching or carrying items, wear gloves.
Moving Safely During a Pandemic
The hardest part of moving to a new home or moving to a new apartment is moving day itself. No doubt that’s been complicated by the arrival of coronavirus, but moving during a pandemic can still be done safely if everyone takes precautions. With safeguards in place, you can still move where life takes you.
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