https://simplythebestmovers.ca/blog/how-to-move-safely-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

COVID-19 has put a stop to the normal routines of our everyday life. And moves aren’t always something that can be stopped and put on hold.

So how does moving during a pandemic work, and more importantly—how do you do it safely when involving professional movers?

Below, are nine tips to move safely during the COVID pandemic.

Choose Your Moving Company Carefully

 

https://simplythebestmovers.ca/blog/how-to-move-safely-during-coronavirus-pandemic/If you are using a moving company, make sure you ask them what measures they are taking to ensure a safe move during the COVID-19 outbreak. the moving company that you choose must be making your health and safety a priority. Here are some other questions you can ask:

  • What precautions are your movers taking to prevent the spread of Covid?
  • Are your workers educated about proper social distancing measures and are they educated on the proper way to wear a mask?
  • What precautions would you recommend my family and I take on the day of the move?
  • Are your workers being screened for symptoms of COVID such as fever, chills, cough, trouble breathing, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea?
  • How have your procedures changed since the beginning of the pandemic?You can read our response to Covid-19 here.

Use the Internet to Your Advantage

You can choose a moving company that offers virtual options. Virtual estimates are an alternative to the traditional in-person moving estimate, and it allows you to walk an estimator through your home using your phone.

Much of the paperwork when hiring movers can also be done completely virtually. Don’t be afraid to ask your moving company if this is an option that you can take advantage of as well.

Get Your Donations In Order

Odds are, you’ll be purging a lot of stuff from your old home. If there wasn’t a pandemic, you’d be able to drop this stuff off at a local donation center without any issues. But nowadays it’s not that easy. Here are some things to consider when planning to donate your used goods-

  • Check organizations’ websites for donation instructions, instead of just showing up with your things. They probably have a specific protocol in place
  • Make sure you’ve sanitized the items you’re donating before you drop them off.
  • Consider local marketplace groups if donation centers aren’t open, but remember to specify with folks that you plan on having a contactless exchange.

Plan Ahead

Planning is always a good idea when you’re moving, but during a pandemic, it’s absolutely necessary. It will help limit the number of trips to the store you take and will help you get rid of your excess things efficiently and with less contact. Here are some ways you can plan ahead:

  • Contact your moving company beforehand to make sure that you are on the same page as them about the exact time of your arrival.
  • plan for someone who can be the point person to oversee the move on the day of the move, just in case you get sick the day off.
  • Prepare food or make plans to get carry-out on the day of.

Opt for Plastic Over Cardboard

Unlike cardboard, plastic can easily be cleaned with wipes, sprays, and cloths. Be sure to clean the outside after packing your items safely inside before your movers arrive. After the move, but before unpacking, repeat the cleaning process to remove any unwanted germs.

For additional information on packing, read our packing guide.

Have Supplies and Procedures Ready

Make sure high-touch areas are sanitized, have box fans on hand for additional air circulation, and keep hand sanitizer, soap, and paper towels in easily accessible areas.

Consider keeping a bag for yourself. A small bag with a mask, hand sanitizer, water, and snacks for the day can keep you safe. It will eliminate the need to run into a convenience store the day of.

Request your movers wash their hands at regular intervals. It’s also a good idea to limit restroom use to one restroom in the house.

Give Yourself A Break

If you haven’t figured it out already, every task is just a little bit harder during the pandemic. Certain stages of your move may feel more emotionally and physically draining than they would have before the pandemic.

Sorting through work clothes you haven’t worn in months might make you feel a little down. Packing up winter clothes might leave you mourning your lack of a holiday celebration this year. Wrapping up photos of family and friends can be tough when you haven’t seen them in months.

The point is, give yourself some extra time and be extra gentle with yourself. Things have been hard during this pandemic, and moving is no different. If you’re in a bad headspace the day of, you’re a lot less likely to remember all of the safety procedures you’re supposed to be keeping in place.

Prepare Your New Place

Disinfecting surfaces can help stop the spread of COVID. That being said, moving is the perfect opportunity to sanitize surfaces and launder rugs, pillows, and sofa cushions that you normally don’t pay too much attention to.

Drive To Your New Destination

If it’s possible, drive to your destination instead of flying. It puts you and others at much less risk.

If you do have to fly, here are some safety precautions you should take-

  • Check the airline’s website for information about the safety measures being taken at terminals and on airplanes.
  • Wear your mask throughout the flight. Yes, you can take it off to eat or drink, but if you’re on a short flight, it’s probably not worth it.
  • Don’t touch your face. Airports and airplanes are full of commonly touched surfaces, and you don’t want to transfer the germs from the handrail straight into your body by touching your face and mouth.
  • While waiting to board your plane, keep six feet of distance between yourself and others as often as you can.

No move is an easy move, but if everyone plans ahead, uses available resources, and is cautious, a pandemic move can be successful and safe.