Much of our normal life has changed or ceased since the coronavirus crisis gripped the USA in March of 2020. But some things have to go on, like moving. Maybe your lease is up? Perhaps you need to combine your household with others in your family for financial reasons? Or maybe you were already in the process of changing homes, and you just can’t put it off anymore. Planning a move to a new home can be pretty challenging. Still, now you have to worry about protecting yourself and your family from the novel coronavirus. The excellent news, staying protected and reducing your risk while moving isn’t as challenging as it seems. Here are five tips you can use when the time comes to move during the pandemic.

(1) Get a Contactless, Virtual Quote

As you begin researching moving companies online to plan a contactless move during COVID-19, look for movers that provide virtual estimates rather than in-home visits. The video estimate feature is an excellent alternative to the traditional in-person moving estimate. Using video communication via a smart device allows you to walk an estimator through your home remotely. Check with the moving company to find out how you can best prepare for their virtual quote process. Most likely, preparation instructions will include:

• Make sure your phone or tablet is fully charged and that you have a strong Wi-Fi signal. If you are not connected to Wi-Fi, remember that data charges may apply. 
• Turn on the lights in all of the rooms you will be showing to your moving cost estimator. 
• Open all cabinets and closets for items inside you will need to be moved. 
• Have a tape measure on hand, just in case your estimator needs you to measure an item for accuracy.

(2) Questions to ask

Make sure you ask your moving company what measures they are taking to ensure a safe moving experience during COVID-19. Quality moving professionals understand the safety of you and your belongings are critical during any move. The movers should demonstrate considerable vigilance at this time when it comes to your safety and health. Below are a few questions to get you started as you vet your movers:

• What precautions are you taking to protect your moving crew and drivers?
• What precautions are you taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among your movers? 
• What will you do if it’s discovered that a worker or customer has been diagnosed with COVID-19?  
• Can you provide me with additional information, links, or documents that address moving during COVID-19 before I schedule my move with you?  

(3) Buy A LOT of packing materials – in advance

Studies have shown that the coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. It’s best to get packing supplies delivered to you, so you can avoid the risks of last-minute trips to the hardware store during the pandemic. You don’t want to realize the day before your move that you don’t have enough stuffing or boxes to pack and end up having to make several hardware-store-runs. Your budget, your belongings, and your schedule will thank you for spending the extra time in advance determining the number of boxes you’ll need. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how many boxes you’ll need. Do not forget to keep in mind that the longer you live in your home, the more stuff you will have accumulated!

• Studio: 10 – 20
• One-Bedroom Apartment: 20 – 40
• Two-Bedroom Apartment: 40 – 60
• Two Bedroom House: 60 – 80
• Three Bedroom House: 80 – 100
• Four Bedroom House: 100 – 120
• Larger: 120+

(4) Communicating ahead (Moving and Donations)

If you are moving out or into an apartment building or condominium complex, notify your management company of your move’s time and date. Remember to make these arrangements ahead of time on both ends of the move. Ask your management team about using a service elevator for the day of your move and special arrangements needed for parking the moving truck. You should also notify your neighbors by phone or email so that they can be aware of keeping a safe distance in halls and elevators on your moving day.

Moving usually means sorting through your belongings and shedding items you no longer use. But dropping off a bag of clothes at Goodwill isn’t as simple as it was before. Wherever you donate household goods locally, check their website and call to see how and where to give.

(5) Sanitary Precautions and Cleaning

Your movers should come prepared with their face masks on and continue to wear them throughout the entire moving process. Keep your distance from movers and avoid handshakes. If possible weather-wise, you want to leave your windows opened to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate. Most importantly, you want to have enough soap and paper towels available for your movers and your family to wash your hands throughout the day. 

Thoroughly disinfect and clean your new home before you unpack and settle in. After the movers leave, take some time to disinfect any areas that are high-touch zones. Wipe down door handles, light switches, and bathrooms before you finish unpacking. Get rid of any germs that could have been brought in on foot traffic by sweeping and mopping your floors. Besides cleaning and disinfecting your furniture and belongings as you unpack, make sure to properly dispose of all packing materials. Contact your local government agency if you have questions regarding the disposal or recycling of boxes and other packing material.

VMoving provides fast transit of goods for our clients

When you hire a moving company, you want a team of movers that know how to do the job and have been doing the job for many years. They need to be experienced and quick on their feet to relocate boxes and furniture to the truck with care and due diligence. Our Moving Companies have only the best staff working for us, and we like to make sure they continue to get training to provide you with a better and better service each time.