Moving is always stressful as you have lots of things to think about, besides the unknown part of a new life in a new area. But moving during COVID-19 adds anxiety because of the risks of contamination. This Covid-19 pandemic has caused many upheavals that have changed lives. Some people now need to move closer to family or for a new job, cheaper rent, or for a better quality of life.
One of the significant issues with Covid-19 is that some people have no symptoms and can contaminate other people for two weeks or more.
The health and safety of your loved ones, and yours as well, is your priority. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, asthma, or are over 60, you might want to delay moving. But if you can’t, then this article’s 5 tips for safely moving during COVID-19 will help you organize yourself better. If you know someone like this, share this article with them to help them too. Preparation is the key to success and safety. In fact, this is where we will start.
1. Preparation for the move: Clean, give, sell
How can you take extra precautions against Covid-19 when moving? The best prevention is to limit the number of items the movers will have to move. And anyway, do you really want to pay for things or pieces of furniture that you might want to give away once you’re in your new home? Maybe you realized during your quarantine you actually don’t need so many things in your home. Or you see now that some furniture would not be suitable for your new home. Your move is a perfect opportunity to make room and limit the risk of contamination to Covid-19.
Start with small items. These are often the things you tend to accumulate without really paying attention.
– Organize a garage sale to resell certain items in good condition (with proper social distancing measures).
– Donate to charities.
Remember to find out about deposit times, which may be limited. You can also sell individual items on the internet. Taking pictures, writing the ads will take time, but it’s worth it … and then you will make money from it. On the one hand, by reselling your items, you will lower the cost of moving.
Start this sale of your goods and items a month before the move. You will, therefore, be more relaxed.
On the other hand, anticipate as much as possible by considering setting aside boxes to pack your belongings. If you collect boxes from your neighbours, leave them in the garage or outside, protected from rain and snow for a week before you start packing. Indeed, the Covid-19 virus can remain on surfaces for 24 hours or more. By leaving these surfaces outside your home, you will limit the risk of contamination during your move. Do the same with newspaper and bubble wrap.
2. Estimates: get a remote moving quote
To prevent the risk of contamination, you should request a virtual estimate of the moving quote instead of having an agent come to your home. It is possible to establish a quote by setting up a virtual video visit by phone. It will be much easier to maintain a social distance if you limit visits to the house.
Group your belongings as much as possible in the same corners of each room. This will make the agent’s job easier. You could also begin to pack your belongings in boxes: the sooner you start, the better.
This telephone contact is also an opportunity to ask for the health and safety protocols by the moving company:
– Have the movers been tested?
– Will they wear masks or gloves?
– How many will they be?
– Will their temperature be taken the day before the move?
Ask all these questions, so you make the decision calmly. And suppose these conditions don’t suit you. In that case, you can also rent a vehicle and carry out the removal yourself with your relatives.
3. Packing and cleaning for the move
The authorities recommend cleaning frequently used objects and surfaces as often as possible with suitable disinfectants such as bleach. Before packing your personal effects, disinfect them. Think also of the handles and the ignition buttons of your devices.
First pack items that you don’t use every day like:
– Books,
– Artwork,
– Clothes that are no longer in season,
– Objects of decoration,
– Additional bedroom linens.
Group similar items together and pack them in with objects from the same room. Label the boxes with their contents and the room’s name where you want the boxes to go in the new house. Save the kitchen and bathroom items and linens for last.
Regarding your wardrobe, plan five comfortable outfits, a pair of shoes and a change of underwear. You will be able to pack your personal belongings with peace of mind a few days before the move.
Also, separate the boxes that you don’t want your movers to touch and that you prefer to take on your own.
Keep a box for your personal belongings to put them there at the last moment, such as:
– The books you are currently reading,
– Your work items (computers, printers, telephone, chargers and other office supplies),
– Your keys.
To ensure everyone’s safety, you should have finished packing 90% of your belongings 3 days before your movers arrive and not touched them again.
The day before the move, remember to disinfect the door handles.
4. Moving Day: Covid or not Covid?
When moving during COVID-19, first, limit the number of family members in the house during the move. One or two people to supervise and answer questions is enough.
Ask the moving agency for confirmation that no one is sick. Provide a bathroom for the use of movers. Then plan for hygiene products to make them available to the moving team.
– Hydroalcoholic gel near the front door.
– Paper towels and soap in the bathroom
Make sure everyone is wearing a mask. Open all the windows of both the house you are leaving and the new home. This air circulation will help remove charged particles from the virus.
5. Respect the rules of your new place
If you have rented the accommodation you are leaving, inquire about:
– The procedures for depositing the keys,
– If you are required to pay for a cleaning service,
– How to recover your security deposit.
If you move into a building, the management company may ask you for written confirmation of the people’s health carrying out the move. Confirm these rules before moving into your accommodation.
To conclude on how to safely moving during Covid-19, let’s talk about worst-case protection.
Have you planned everything you need for your new home? You must have taken out home insurance to ensure your property, or in the event of damage. But have you thought about mortgage insurance? Did you know that mortgage insurance offered by your bank is much less financially attractive than term insurance? Term insurance is a cheaper and more efficient product that allows you to choose the coverage duration, typically 10, 20 or 30 years, and provides tax-free benefits directly to your beneficiaries. With the insurance from your bank, your lender collects the sum.
If you would like to know more, we will be pleased to help you with the rest of your move. We can answer all your questions to optimize your finances. Please complete our short free quote form to speak to an advisor who can provide you with a plan tailored to your situation.
