How to Move Safely in a Pandemic
For hundreds of millions of people around the world, “stay at home” is the rule. But not everyone has the option to stay in the same home. Moving to a new house is still allowed in limited circumstances, providing you do so safely.
How do you stay safe when relocating during this pandemic?
The good news is that all you need is a good checklist and some common sense.
Here are some of our best tips for those who need to relocate over the next few months.
Finish Packing 24 Hours Before You Move
Throwing things in a box at the last minute is a packing strategy unsuitable for these times.
To protect the moving company staff, you should finish packing at least 24 hours before you move. Ideally, you won’t touch the boxes at all during this time.
Doing so will limit exposure to the virus because it won’t live as long on surfaces like cardboard. Even when it does, it’s strength depletes over time, making it less likely to infect someone.
Stay Apart At All Times
Social distancing still applies when you’re moving, so it’s important that you create a system where you can minimize contact with anyone not in your household.
First, designate one point of contact for the movers. Only that person should meet them in person on the day of the move.
If you can, move everything possible outside onto your driveway to ensure your movers have to come into your home as few times as possible. If it can’t all go outside, try to put it in your entryway or in a porch area.
If you’re moving furniture, sanitize the parts of the furniture your movers are most likely to interact within the hour before the movers arrive.
Note: are you or someone in your household experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus? Cancel your move and stay in place for at least 14 days. You must follow CDC rules for self-isolation if you become sick.
Wear Gloves and Use Lots of Hand Sanitizer
Moving companies are working hard to keep their staff safe by providing gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer. You can help them out by using these items, too.
Provide hand sanitizer on the day for both yourself and your moving team. Make sure your designated household member wipes down door handles and other high contact areas regularly, even if everyone is wearing gloves. Whoever is meeting the moving company staff should also wear a mask.
Find a Reliable Partner to Help You Relocate
No one wants to be moving during a pandemic, but for many people, staying in their current home isn’t an option. Relocating is allowed during the pandemic, but you should pay attention to state and local announcements to ensure that your move is okay to go forward.
If you need to relocate right now, you need a reliable partner. Our moving services are still operational, and we can help get you to your new home safely.
Get in touch with any questions and for a free estimate.