Usually when moving houses, things on your list of “what could go wrong” include broken belongings and forgetting to schedule your utilities. Add a flu-like pandemic into the mix and it is safe to say this already stressful event just got more stressful.
The easiest way to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible is to evaluate your variables and prepare for any bumps along the way.
Are people still moving during this time?
The short answer – yes. According to pewresearch.org, around one-in-five U.S. adults (22%) say they either changed their residence due to the pandemic or know someone who did.
It should also be considered the number of people who already had their move pre-planned before COVID struck. Some decided to hold off, 9% to be exact, but that leaves the majority still going full steam ahead.
Mistakes to avoid
The number one mistake on this list is assuming that moving yourself would be safer than hiring help.
I know you might be thinking, “How do I know for certain the movers are not sick?” This is a valid question. However, many companies are taking the proper CDC safety precautions by testing their workers, ensuring they wear gloves, and that they are thoroughly sanitizing.
The odds of your friends or family who you would recruit to help you move being sick are just the same. It is safer to invest in a team of trained professionals that will get your items from point A to point B with ease and efficiency.
With that being said, make sure you thoroughly research the moving company you ultimately decide on. Also, try to find reviews from others who have moved during this unprecedented time as well.
Another mistake to avoid is not having the residence you are moving into cleaned professionally. There are companies out there who now have the technology to disinfect Coronavirus with ULV fogging.
Additionally, they are more likely to have a surplus of cleaners that may still be unavailable to you in stores. You should hold on to what little you may have like precious gold.
Things to keep in mind
If you are trying to lower your exposure risk, make sure to have everything packed, taped, and ready to go for when your movers arrive.
That way, there is less time spent struggling to get everything together.
If you are using cardboard boxes, remember that it has been suggested the virus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. As a precaution, make sure you discard of unpacked boxes properly and do not let them sit in your home.
The most important piece of advice is to take a deep breath! Moving can be stressful but will be made even more so if you dwell on it.
If you recruit the right team to assist you, everything should fall into place.
Do not forget to check out our free moving checklist to assist you in the process!