COVID-19 MOVING TIPS

The current Covid-19 crisis is unlike anything we’ve experienced in this country. With constantly changing information and an uncertain future, many questions about how to conduct ourselves arise.

One of those questions many families are asking is ‘how do we plan a move amid a pandemic.’ 

Below, you’ll find some tips to help you plan your move while keeping your family safe before, during, and after the moving process.

Before the Move

• Questions to ask when choosing a moving company

Whatever moving company you choose to work with should be clear about what precautions they’re taking to protect your family and their employees during this pandemic. Be sure you ask them about the measures they’re taking to ensure a safe experience. Here are a few to help get you started:

• What measures are your moving crews taking to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in homes?
• What measures is your company taking to protect your drivers and movers?
• What are some precautions I can take during the move?
• Have any of your employees been diagnosed with Covid-19? What will you do if they are?
• Do you have additional information, such as an FAQ list, that addresses Covid-19 questions?

• Get a virtual, not an in-person, moving quote

One of the biggest precautions we’ve taken as a country has been avoiding person-to-person contact. Traditional methods for providing a moving quote include an in-person visit to your home by a moving company representative. 

However, many moving companies are equipped to conduct a virtual walk-through of your home. By using your phone or tablet, you can video chat with your moving company as they gather the information they need to provide you with a quote.

When selecting a moving company, ask if they’re able to provide an estimate from a virtual walkthrough.

• Ask your moving company about their rescheduling policy

We are going through very uncertain times and circumstances may arise in which you need to postpone or cancel your move. 

When you receive your moving quote, you’ll want to be clear on the company’s refund and deposit policies in case you need to reschedule or cancel. Most reputable movers will recognize these unprecedented circumstances and offer some leniency by working with you to accommodate your needs.

Make sure you know who to contact in the event of a rescheduling or cancellation.

• Clean and disinfect your home

Under normal circumstances, hiring professional cleaners can be a great way to save time and help the movers. However, bringing more strangers into your home is not advisable under the current circumstances. The best option is to clean your house yourself.

The CDC has provided household cleaning and disinfecting guidelines. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, tables, and desktops, etc.

During the Move

• Don’t shake hands!

Don’t worry, it isn’t rude to not shake hands when you greet the movers. It’s safe!

• Practice social distancing 

Even in your home, try to maintain the six-foot distance between you and the movers. You don’t need to help them with the packing and lifting. Try to keep other family members and pets in a separate area or room away from the crew, if possible. 

• Wash your hands

The most repeated advice needs to be repeated once again. Wash your hands. You can also request that the movers wash their hands frequently as well. Make sure disinfectant wipes are available for door handles and light switches.

• Adhere to the CDC’s recommendations

This includes wearing masks and gloves, avoiding touching the face, refraining from sharing food, washing hands regularly, and frequently disinfecting surfaces.

• Ask your mover what to do if you think you’ve been exposed

In the event that you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus at any point during the moving process, contact your moving company to determine what to do.

After the Move

• Disinfect your new home

Before you get settled, be sure to thoroughly disinfect the surfaces and furniture of your new home as well as dispose of any moving and packing materials.