5 Essential Tips On Moving Safely During The Pandemic
The global Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on most of our lives. In the last year in particular, it has caused a lot of chaos for a lot of people who were forced to evict or move as they can no longer afford to live in an expensive part of the city.
If you don’t have to move right now, it’s best to wait at least a few months more. However, if you are forced to move there are some steps you can take to make the process safer for everyone involved.
We spoke to the experts at Move Central to find out what those are, and they shared a lot of expert advice that people moving in these troubling times might find very useful.
Don’t Reuse Old Moving Supplies
The moving process usually involves reusing old boxes from appliances or grocery stores. However, as the novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces for at least 24 hours, experts do not recommend reusing leftover boxes from your local grocery store even if the chance of contracting the virus this way is very low.
You should consider investing in new, foldable boxes. While it might be an unnecessary expense, it is much safer for everyone as you know that only you came in contact with them. Some moving services offer moving supplies, so make sure if that’s the case first.
Carefully Plan Your Move
If there are any restrictions currently in effect in your state, moving services are still considered essential, meaning they are open during the coronavirus pandemic. If you are planning a longer move to a different city or state it pays off to revisit all the details of your moving plan.
Before you start packing, contact your moving service and ask the following:
· Ask if they are still open
· Ask what safety measures they are taking to ensure everyone’s safety
· Ask if there’s anything you can do to ensure a safer move.
Make sure you start planning in advance so you’ll have time to make any last minute changes if needed.
Minimize Contact
Close contact increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 exponentially, which is why you should try to avoid contact as much as possible. If you have the time, the safest method would involve moving on your own over a few days. However, if you don’t have a car and cannot do this, you will need to hire a professional moving company.
If you are hiring a moving company, you need to remember all the social distancing protocols. Always wear a mask when in close contact with people. Opt in for online estimates rather than in-person ones. Make sure you keep a six-foot distance between you and the moving crew, as should they.
Stock Up On Sanitizers
Sanitizers are highly effective in eliminating all the traces of the virus from both surfaces and our skin. Therefore, you should make sure you have enough of it for the moving day. If you don’t have access to running water and soap, hand sanitizers can make all the difference.
After you’ve moved, make sure you disinfect all the boxes and any items that anyone other than you or your family members handled. Be sure to do this while wearing protective equipment like masks, gloves and face shields.
Don’t Move If You’re Feeling Sick
If you experience any of the common COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dry cough, muscle aches, diarrhea or lack of smell and taste) you should call your moving company and delay the move. Otherwise you’re putting both yourself and your movers in danger. While this might interfere with your plans, it is the safest option for everyone.
