Moving During the Pandemic

We previously covered general home cleaning to prevent coronavirus from spreading but what if you have to make a move during the pandemic? While most people are trying to wait to buy a home until there is some progress with the virus, the fact is, some people are taking advantage of lower interest rates and accepting new positions which means waiting isn’t in the cards. While moving during the pandemic is perfectly doable, it does come with some additional risk. The best piece of advice is to minimize your contact with others and to disinfect as much as possible.

Preparing to Move

Before moving, plan out each step to avoid unnecessary trips out and unnecessary contact with those outside your home. Since COVID-19 has been reported to live on surfaces for up to 72 hours, we encourage you to disinfect items and packing materials as you go and have packing done AT LEAST 24 hours in advance for everything that’s not a daily necessity. Additionally, try to buy packing materials and any necessary cleaning supplies at the same store to limit time outside the home and in different stores.

Hiring Movers

If possible, moving yourself would be best to limit exposure to COVID but sometimes that can’t be done and movers are needed. Your packing and cleaning as you packed will help protect the movers and most moving companies are following local and state regulations to protect you as well. Since people may not be moving or using movers, most companies will take extra precautions to protect you and your family and ensure your business.

Moving In

Be sure to use disinfectant in your new space. You will want to do as much cleaning before you unpack as possible. Remember to disinfect light switches, outlets, and walls as they are often overlooked during the cleaning process. If you can wait 24-72 hours to start unpacking, it’s encouraged to do so. If not, use disinfectant on boxes and items being unpacked, especially those that may have been handled by someone outside your household. After you unpack, re-sanitize any packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, containers, etc.) that are not being thrown away and begin to settle in.

It may seem scarier to move during a pandemic, but it can be done. Just remember to stay stocked with disinfectant, limit exposure to other people and do your best to protect others while you’re moving and enjoy your new home.