10 Safety Tips For Relocating During COVID-19
*This is a collaborative post
At some point, we may feel that the time is right to make that decision to move out of a place we have called home for a while. And as much as timing is of the essence when making such decisions, there may be instances when the need to move is greater than the timing.
For people who have no need to move during this COVID-19 pandemic, they might find the decision of others to do so as quite not worth the risk. However, for those who need to move out, there is no other alternative. So, this article is for those who need to move or relocate to a different place during this pandemic. What are the best ways to move without putting yourself or your family’s health at risk? Hopefully, the following tips will help.
- Find out the safety protocols of your new environment
The first thing you should know concerning the location of your soon-to-be home is what the coronavirus situation of the area is as well as the safety protocols in place. If your research indicates that your health will be at greater risk when you move there, then the best option may be to wait it out somehow. Your research should focus on the infection and recovery rate of the place. It should also focus on the healthcare system and health facilities available in dealing with coronavirus infections. You should ensure that your safety and that of your family is guaranteed before deciding to move to that location.
- Confirm the availability of your moving company
If you have decided to seek the services of a moving company, then you need to make sure that that company is available. The pandemic has forced a lot of companies to either halt their operations, shut down completely, or shed off some of their operations, and this includes moving companies. Thus, you need to ensure that your moving company is considered an essential business, and is allowed to operate during this pandemic. Another thing you need to be sure about is that your moving company has put in place all the essential safety protocols to provide safe moving service. In order to do this, take time to communicate with your moving company and ask for written or verbal confirmation that all safety protocols are in place, and that your move will not be delayed. On moving day, ensure that you can see your movers inadequate safety and protective wear – safety gloves, masks, hand sanitiser, etc. And also ensure that you are safely distanced from them.
- How about moving on your own?
If you do not have enough confidence in your moving company after communicating with them with respect to their safety protocols, then you should consider moving on your own. Sometimes, even with all the safety measures in place, using a movie company can still feel like a huge risk. Thus, moving on your own will put you in little contact with other people. And although doing it all by yourself will require a little more work and time, you will feel safer – and that is the most important thing. You can rent a truck on your own and sanitise it yourself, or you can even make use of a storage pod. One great advantage of using a storage pod is the fact that you will be able to do all the packing by yourself, but the storage company will be responsible for transporting your stuff. This means that you should have very little physical contact with the moving company. Check out Self Storage Containers Liverpool here.
- Stock up on safety supplies
If you have finally settled on using a moving company, then you should also ensure that you get some safety supplies ready. Having ‘strangers’ around you and in charge of moving your personal belongings, requires some extra precautions. Although your movers should have their masks and gloves on, you should make sure that you have yours on. Also, make available enough hand sanitiser, just in case. If it is possible to acquire a cloth mask, try to get one. Also, ensure that you stock up on some extra disinfecting wipes during your move. Use these to wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as door handles as often as possible.
- Get your own boxes
As much as you may be tempted by the possibility of landing some free boxes from moving companies as a result of some discounts or promotions, try as much as possible to get your own boxes. Although it is always nice to cut down on moving costs, it should not be at the risk of your health. This is because you have no way of ensuring that the free boxes are safe as you do not know where they come from. The coronavirus has the ability to live on different surfaces such as cardboard, plastic, and still for different periods. Because of the uncertainty of the length of contamination, it is best to purchase new boxes. If that falls outside your budget, then you can reuse old boxes you already have. Only ensure that you use gloves when handling them. And leave them untouched for at least 24 hours, preferably at a place you can disinfect.
- Organise your move
You need to keep each moving process as organised as you possibly can, taking into consideration all the important safety and social distancing protocols. There are a number of things you can do in this regard. First, create an inventory for everything you pack. This will help you know what item(s) is/are in which box(es). Secondly, separate the items that will go with you from those that will go with the moving truck. Next, make sure that all important documents regarding your new home and the move are kept together and in your possession at all times. Finally, let your friends and family in on your moving day itinerary. This will help them know where you are and how you can be reached when it becomes necessary. To help decrease any risk of infection even further, try to complete all your packing at least 24 hours before the moving day. Allowing the packed boxes to sit untouched for that period of time will help reduce the chances of infection.
- Make preparations for your pets
Moving with your pets can be a bit problematic, and even more so during this pandemic. Thus, it is important to make arrangements in advance for their care. It is best not to have our pets with you during moving day, as this can stress both you and the pets out. Try finding out if your local vet offers boarding services for pets. If that option is not available, you can try asking a family member, a friend, or a trusted neighbour to accommodate your pet during this period. You can also seek the services of a pet sitter if that is also available. Transfer your pet in a crate to ensure that there is very little contact with the pet sitter. And once you are done moving, you can get your pet back. Only remember to wash your pet immediately when you receive them.
- Set up utilities in advance
To save you a lot of stress on your first night after moving, make sure that you set up all your utilities way ahead of time. It may be impossible to spend the night somewhere else if you forget to sort out your power before you move. If you are unable to set up your utilities in advance, at least make an early call to your providers to schedule a time. This will help reduce how long you may have to wait to get your utilities sorted. Keep in mind that it may be possible that your utility providers may be affected by the pandemic. Thus, making a schedule in advance will save you a lot of stress.
- Get to know your new community
The night before your moving day may come with some amount of anxiety. You can try distracting yourself by reading a moving guide. You can take time to get to know your new neighbourhood or community by using a virtual tour online. We have already made mention of the importance of keeping constant track of the COVID-19 status of your soon-to-be home. A virtual tour will keep you safe and socially distant. Plus, you can do it at any time of your convenience – whether during the day or at night time. You can check out the direction of local grocery stores, hospitals, or pharmacies and also find out which restaurants offer drive-through or delivery services.
- When to cancel your moving out day
Although it is possible to relocate or move out during this pandemic, there are certain situations or factors that should cause you to either cancel moving out or postpone the moving out day. For example, if you fall within the high-risk group, then it is safer to wait it out and move at a later time. Also, if you or any member of your moving family is feeling sick, then you should reconsider moving.
