(Newswire.net — April 6, 2020) —
According to the real estate industry, approximately 10 percent of Americans move every year.
With the level of economic, social and health upheaval going on because of COVID-19, these numbers are likely to rise rather than decline.
So while it would be ideal to stay put, that simply isn’t realistic for a lot of people right now. What if you need to pack up and move in the middle of the pandemic?
1. Use only new packaging to pack up for your move.
We now know that coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours after contact. This makes it imperative to use only new boxes to pack up and move your belongings. Normally, you might be tempted to snap up moving boxes that a neighbor just finished using, but this just isn’t the safe choice right now.
2. Be sure to have sanitation supplies on hand on moving day.
The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) emphasizes the importance of providing your movers with soap and water and hand sanitizer. If you don’t have enough supplies on hand for your family and the movers, please let your mover know and they can provide extras for your assigned moving crew.
3. Plan your travel logistics far in advance.
Everywhere you go online, businesses are changing their policies as the threat level ebbs and wanes in different areas. Airlines and hotels, ground transportation services and rental agencies are adjusting on a daily basis to new requirements and guidelines.
Be sure to make your move day travel logistics as far in advance as possible and check back frequently for any changes. Read cancellation clauses before committing to any services and know what you can do to cancel or reschedule those services if anyone in your family starts exhibiting symptoms before your move day.
4. If you are in a high-risk group, reschedule your move if possible.
While rescheduling a move to a new location (even if it is just around the corner) is never easy, during this pandemic it could make the difference between life and death for you and for others.
This is particularly the case if you or someone in your family is in a high-risk group. The elderly, the immuno-compromised and anyone who is currently ill with other respiratory symptoms (or prone to the same) should consider staying put until the worst of the threat has passed.
In most cases, a moving company will likely be delighted to work with you to reduce the threat for you and for their moving crews.
5. Plan to bring everything you need with you on your moving day.
With so many service-based businesses offering only limited hours or under mandatory shut-downs, you may have trouble if you were planning to eat out or purchase extra supplies like bottled water and snacks on the go.
It is much better, not to mention safer, to simply bring everything you need with you. Pack extra bottled water, non-perishable snack foods and of course plenty of hand sanitizer and paper towels for everyone you are traveling with.
6. Do everything you can to minimize human contact on moving day.
Under normal conditions, your movers may ask you to sign forms, use your credit card on-site for payment and similar high-contact activities.
Talk with your moving company about contactless payment options and using virtual forms before and on moving day to minimize any human contact with your moving crew.
7. Verify that your moving company is complying with all COVID19 safety precautions.
This nearly goes without saying, but if you are using a new or unknown (to you) moving company, you definitely want to check their website and contact the company directly to verify they are abiding by all safety requirements.
With these seven tips, you can prepare for the safest possible move during this pandemic or make arrangements to delay your move until conditions improve.