How to move during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
The Covid-19 pandemic has upended our personal and work lives. From the way we learn to the way we work, travel and entertain ourselves, some things will never be the same.
With the threat of the virus looming large, people have been forced to stay indoors; they have been compelled to postpone important occasions and events.
However, with a home move, this isn’t always doable.
How then can you securely navigate a home relocation during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Find out below. We’ve mentioned the necessary precautions to take on the day of the move to ensure a smooth, stress-free, and most importantly, safe transition.
What is Covid-19?
The World Health Organization declared Covid-19 as a highly infectious disease. It is caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus. The virus attacks a person’s respiratory system and could range from severe to mild symptoms. It spreads through contact with the saliva droplets of an infected person.
Since its emergence in December 2019, Covid-19 has claimed the lives of millions of people worldwide, led to the collapse of health systems and has also impacted the strongest economies.
Is the move necessary during COVID-19 pandemic?
This might not have been the information you were looking for. Nevertheless, it is a question you should think about.
Consider delaying your move if you can. It may not be an option for someone who’s lease is ending soon or has an approaching closing date on a property deal.
If moving is unavoidable, proceed with caution.
What is social distancing? How does it impact your move?
One of the most effective barriers against the transmission of COVID-19 is social separation, sometimes known as “physical distancing.” This includes maintaining a distance from other people, and not gathering in large crowds.
Given the need for social distancing, moving companies have reduced the number of personnel involved in a single move. What earlier would have been handled by 6-7 people is now done by a maximum of 3 people.
You should maintain a safe distance throughout the procedure. A reliable moving company can be trusted to achieve a professional move without you hovering.
Social distancing has also pushed for contactless moves and virtual surveys. In a contactless move, the relocation company does not require the customer to be present on moving day. After unlocking the apartment doors and reviewing what has to be relocated, the customer is free to depart. Homeowners can return and lock up once the movers have packed and are ready to ship.
Prior to the pandemic, most moves began with an in-person house tour to take inventory of the items to be relocated. however, this is no longer the case. A video conference is the best approach to conduct a house survey and discuss the estimate while reducing physical contact and dangers of infection.
Furthermore, it reduces the surveyor’s trip time and costs.
Here is more Detailed: What to do before I start looking for a moving company?
Ask about Coronavirus Protocol
The virus can spread easily from a contaminated surface or an infected person. Hence, it is critical to know the preparedness of the local moving company.
Call up to the local moving company. Ask about the safeguards they adopt throughout the transfer. For example, inquire about the use of face masks, gloves, boots, sanitization procedures, and employee screening methods.
Frequent sanitization of trucks and transportation vehicles is also a must.
Choosing the best Chicago Moving Company Protect Family Members
Seniors and kids are the most vulnerable on such occasions. Keep them in a separate room or have them move to another place until the relocation is over. They have a lower likelihood of catching the virus if they are exposed to fewer individuals.
Ensure everyone wears masks and face shields if shifting temporarily is not an option. Your home should be well-ventilated. Open up the doors and windows to allow the air to circulate.
You can choose to do the packing yourself. This will reduce the time you spend with the packers.
We have a great article here on: How to find a trusted moving company near me?
Disinfect your home
Before you begin unpacking, disinfect your new house. This particularly includes areas that see frequent handling such as the doorknobs, tables, kitchen slabs, lights and switches and furniture. Provide movers with soap and disinfectant spray that they may use to keep themselves safe.
Dispose cardboard boxes, plastics and other packaging material carefully as the virus could survive on these surfaces for up to 24 hours.
While we can’t put life on hold while dealing with the epidemic, it’s critical that we all be vigilant and do everything we can to safeguard ourselves and those around us.
