Is Safe Moving During Coronavirus Possible? Here’s the Answer

The global pandemic of the new Sars-Cov-2 virus has changed our everyday lives and put a stop to our usual routines. Many plans had to be put on hold, and we had to learn how to do many things differently. Most of us started working remotely, as we were trying to stay safe and keep our social distance from others. But, there are things that can’t wait, and relocation may be among them. If your lease is about to expire, or you have already purchased a new home, you won’t be able to postpone moving during Covid 19. There may be some other reasons to move that gave you and your family an urge to hire a long-distance moving company and head out to a new place to live. The safety measures have made people feel isolated, and living in densely populated cities increases the risk of spreading the virus. Whatever the reasons for relocating to another state are, let’s see how you can do it safely.

What Exactly Is COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered Coronavirus. It spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.” The spread of the virus is unplanned and uncontrolled, and it has struck every life in all parts of the world. If you are trying to bring your life back to normal as much as you can and continue with some of your plans like cross country moving, you are left with a question is it safe to move during Covid 19. If you follow the tips and safety guidelines provided by WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you’ll be able to keep yourself and others involved in relocation safe.

What Are the Safety Measures and Guidelines You’re Supposed to Follow?

To stop the spread of the virus and keep everyone safe, especially when you are moving during the pandemic, there are some general guidelines you should follow. These include the following:

• You should practice social distancing, and this means that you should keep physical distance from others, apart from everyone you live with. The distance should be about six feet.
• Wear a mask when you’re around people, and make it a common routine. The mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin. After wearing it, properly dispose of it. Medical masks should be thrown into the garbage, and cloth ones should be stored in a plastic bag and then washed.
• Avoid crowded and closed spaces, and remember that outdoor gatherings are safer than that inside.
• Regularly wash and disinfect your hands, but nonetheless, avoid touching any part of your face with your hands.
• Remember that you should cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
• Disinfect and clean all surfaces frequently, especially those that are regularly touched.

With all these measures, it may seem impossible to perform such a task as relocation. But, if you invest in moving services with a reputable cross-country moving company, you can be sure that they will follow the safety guidelines and relocate you safely.

Long-Distance Moving During Coronavirus Pandemic

The outbreak of the virus has maybe urged you to make a change in your life. The interest rates for purchasing a new home have never been lower, and many renters are becoming owners. Or perhaps you are relocating to get a job in a new city. Lots of people have lost their jobs in these turbulent times and want to relocate to try their luck elsewhere. Or maybe they are working remotely but need to change the scenery by relocating to another state. That’s why you may be one of those people who have a move-out date that isn’t flexible. Can I move during Coronavirus is one of those logical questions, and we’ll provide the answer.

Are the Moving Companies Still Open After the Outbreak?

If you need access to the long-distance moving services, you should know that they are considered essential, and are continuing to operate, even besides lockdown orders. This makes moving during lockdown possible, but be sure to plan ahead and use relocating hacks to coordinate everything. Search for reputable “long-distance movers near me” by reading reviews from their customers and get referrals from friends and colleagues.

How Will I Get an Estimate and Make Plans for My Relocation Budget?

You probably know that it’s common practice to get an in-person estimate by the cross-country movers. Getting a quote from reliable companies means that you can plan your budget accordingly. But, what happens if you should avoid contact with other people and keep your distance? One of the steps taken by professionals towards how to move during Covid safely is to give you a virtual survey of your home. You’ll use your camera phone, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and an app like Skype or FaceTime. You can probably also get a quote by sending them a video of your home. Don’t skip any part of the house, and show the insides of closets and cabinets.

Start Your Preparations Early

Relocating even before the Covid-19 outbreak was a difficult task, and this event has made it more than unpredictable. Since you have to follow guidelines and keep social distancing, calling your friends and family to help you in the packing process must be avoided. Doing it on your own means, you should start weeks ahead of time.

The outbreak has also made it difficult to donate items after decluttering your place, so think about giving them to someone you know that could have a use for them. Or simply post them on sites like Craigslist and offer them for free. For the items that you will pack and transport to a new home, think about acquiring moving insurance to relieve yourself of the stress if anything gets damaged.

Check the Movers for Their COVID-19 Policy

Contact the company you have chosen and ask them questions about the measures they will take for a safe relocation process. They most certainly have a policy about masks, gloves, keeping the distance, and sanitizing regularly. If you are relocating for love, you want to reunite with your significant other, feeling healthy, so follow the same safety procedures. Furthermore, check to see what your options are if you’re feeling unwell. The relocation will probably take place, but the company will know to take precautionary measures while operating.

Preparing Packing Supplies Cautiously

Since the virus stays on surfaces for 24h, this isn’t the time to go hunting for free supplies. Think about ordering everything online, or if you choose to go to a specialized store, make a thorough list. This is to avoid going back and forth between your home and the store and to get everything you need in one go. Buying everything, instead of taking free supplies, will allow you to choose exactly what you need, like those specialized cartons you can use when packing glasses for relocation. Don’t forget to add bubble wrap and packing paper to the list of supplies. You’ll need them to pack plates for relocation and all the other breakable and fragile items.

Disinfect While You Pack

While packing, use the opportunity to wipe your belongings with a disinfectant, especially when you pack bathroom items for relocation. When you finish everything, pick a room where you will store everything for at least a day before the movers come in. Just make sure to label everything, as you would normally do, especially the packed fragile items.

If you choose to use packing services, organize everything so that you don’t come in close contact with the professionals. Prepare sanitizers, paper towels, and disinfecting wipes for them to use. Designate one bathroom for them to use, and thoroughly clean all the surfaces that are regularly touched before they come in. These packing tips for relocation can come in handy when you’re thinking about how to move during a Coronavirus outbreak.

Check out the video below for some additional tips on how to disinfect your house.

Do Companies Still Offer Storage Services?

Suppose you’re in need of storage services because you have packed shoes and other belongings that are out of season, just ask the professionals about it. Remember to go through the same sanitization process while packing items to be stored. What has changed with relocation companies is probably their policy about the hours when you can access your stored items and limitations in the number of customers who can access the units at the same time. There should also be other procedures in place, like cleaning and sanitization of access pads, and social distancing between everyone present.

Don’t Move if You Can Postpone

If your relocation date is flexible, think about postponing it. And particularly consider putting it off if you are at a high-risk. This includes everyone that’s over 60 and also everyone with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or respiratory problems. If you belong to any of those groups, avoid relocating if at all possible because no move is worth your life. Also, if you are unwell, consider postponing everything until you feel better. Wait for safer circumstances to organize everything, and then you can relocate.

Also, is there a penalty in canceling the relocation date if you are positive to Covid-19? This is one of the important questions to ask. It’s probably manageable to cancel even if you change your mind. Just remember to do it earlier on. Most companies will probably offer to give your deposit back.

Stay Safe During Your Move

Being smart and precautious in the relocation process will require you to follow all of these safety rules and measures. It’s necessary that you keep your distance from other people at all times and don’t skip the sanitizing procedures. Following these procedures are important steps that will help you stay healthy. If you’ve decided to ship your vehicle using auto-transport, that means that you will have more difficulties in keeping social distance, so keep that in mind and adjust accordingly. Bring enough masks and disinfectants with you, and stay safe on your journey.