The COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent Stay At Home movement has postponed a lot of moves in 2020. Although moving companies were classified as “Essential” during the pandemic, many people were initially hesitant on moving during Covid19
If you are planning on moving anytime soon, you will be glad to know that most moving companies are still fully operational as most states are now opening up with restrictions.
Still, just because states are lifting restrictions does not mean we’re automatically back to the old world we kind of, sort of remember. Many things have changed in regards to moving during Covid-19
Remember How the Virus Spreads
The Centers for Disease Control tell us that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted in droplets coming from infected people’s mouths through the air.
The virus can also spread indirectly, originating in droplets of an infected individual before landing on surfaces that are then touched by another individual.
Yep, this means that staying safe on your move requires a two-point strategy:
- Limit interpersonal contact
- Keep surfaces decontaminated
Here’s how you address both when you move.
Practice Social Distancing When Moving During Covid19
The biggest decision you can make towards limiting contact is in how you’ll be moving during Covid19.
Is your move small?
If you’re doing a local move, your best bet is hiring Affordable Movers Westchester. Our Westchester movers are fully operational and working with special safety precautions for moving during Covid19.
What if you need to rent a rental truck for a DIY move? The good news is that companies like Budget, U-Haul, and Penske have put together strong sanitary protocols for their trucks and new policies for their employees.
Moving During Covid19? Make sure your estimates are done over the phone
Normally, this is something we discourage because even with the best and most honest of intentions, the probability for error is too large and there is a good chance the estimate you receive will be way off.
But tough times demand tough decisions, so work with your prospective movers to get as accurate an estimate as you can. More good news is that Affordable Movers Westchester has many years of experience figuring out how many movers (and how much time) you’ll need over the phone when you don’t know.
Keep face masks on at all times
Face masks are effective. Face masks work. Have them and use them, no matter what. Period.
Here are some pointers from the CDC regarding the use of masks.
What about gloves?
Gloves are a tricky subject. Movers will be touching every box and piece of furniture in your place, so whether they wear gloves or not may not make a difference since gloves transmit the virus just as bare hands do. Some will even say that gloves are useless if not counterproductive.
Gloves can also make it more difficult to carry heavy items, and can cause problems like wrist pain over the course of the move. Disposable gloves are preferable to gardening gloves, but it’s better to just practice abundant hand-washing.
Keep the sink running (literally)
Designate one running sink for the movers to wash their hands, and keep it warm. Keep soap, sanitizer, paper towels and a garbage can out in the open so nothing needs to be touched when throwing paper towels in the trash.
Pick a designated surface or two for the movers to use
Every time another person touches something in your house, the chances of contamination go up.
So to minimize the chances, minimize how many things people touch by picking one or two main surfaces for boxes to sit on, and make sure it’s cleaned with disinfectant beforehand.
Do your own packing
It’s a lot easier to wipe down a bunch of cardboard boxes than it is to wipe down every dish, cup, plate and glass in your kitchen. And it saves time.
Use new boxes
New cardboard can be slightly pricier, but far safer than using used boxes right now. COVID can live on cardboard surfaces for up to a day. (You can use some of the money you’ll save by packing your own items on new boxes.)
I always urge people to start packing early to make sure they get it all done by move day. Now, I urge people to start packing early not just so they can finish a day or two before move day, but to allow those boxes to sit untouched for a day. Your movers aren’t the only ones who might be infected without even knowing it.
Conversely, this also means that at your new home, you should let your boxes sit for a day before unpacking them. If the outside of one box is contaminated, it is way too easy for all your things to end up hosting the virus.
Other things you can do to limit the spread
- Prop doors open to avoid having to touch doorknobs and door handles
- Keep windows open for circulation, a proven method for decreasing the chance of spread
- No shaking hands, exchanging excessive paperwork, or sharing pens
- Limit the number of people in your home. In other words, tell your friends you’ll say good-bye later
- Move your stuff closer to the front door (without totally clogging up the area). The less time your movers have to spend in your home the better
Finally, talk to your landlord/real estate agent/movers if you feel sick
If you or someone you’ve been in contact with is showing symptoms of coronavirus infection, especially if you have a fever, cancel your move. Your movers will certainly understand.
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Remember, reopening a state is like letting the dogs out of the car after a long drive. People will be out in huge numbers. Plan accordingly, so you can keep a safe distance from the masses.