Tips for Moving During the Pandemic

While moving in the middle of a pandemic isn’t ideal, sometimes the circumstances don’t allow for much control. If you’re moving during the pandemic and concerned about doing it safely, here a few pointers to give you peace of mind.

1. Use a moving company. You may feel hesitant given the movers are strangers, but this might be the better option for your safety. While they’re strangers, they’ve also been trained and educated on the proper safety measures during COVID-19, where your friends and family may not. And having 1-3 movers versus a larger group of friends or family will help with social distancing. Most states are considering movers to be essential workers. If you’re concerned about the safety precautions a moving company is taking, visit their website or call to learn more. It might be beneficial to do this regardless — the company may provide all the masks, gloves, etc. that you need, so you don’t have to provide it!
2. Do a thorough cleaning of your current home. Think of it like cooking, and clean as you go. Cleaning and disinfecting your home while packing and before moving will help prevent germs from spreading into your new place. And it’s also for the safety of friends, family, or movers who are handling your belongings. If you have a big house and this task seems overwhelming, or you want to step up your cleaning game, consider hiring a professional cleaner.
3. Follow CDC guidelines. Make sure you’re using the same precautions you have been on your moving day. Wear masks, practice social distancing by staying 6 ft apart, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you’re using movers, we also encourage you to avoid handshakes and paperwork. The less human to human contact possible, the better! It may also help to continuously sanitize points of contact like doorknobs, handles, etc.
4. Do a thorough cleaning of your new home. It’s just as important to sanitize your new home, as you don’t know what was going on before you got there! The prior owners may have disinfected it for you, but you can’t be sure. It seems tedious, but spraying down your items with disinfectant spray and wiping counters/surfaces as you unpack will ensure your first cleaning wasn’t all for nothing. Put an emphasis on wiping down boxes if you’re choosing to unpack everything yourself. Alternatively, you could stick them down in the basement or up in the attic for a few days so you’re past the point where germs could service on surfaces.

Completing these steps will give you peace of mind, and ensure you’re protecting your family in the safest way possible. If you’re over 60 or in a high-risk category for COVID-19, consider postponing your move if at all possible. And if your move involves traveling out of your local area, check out the CDC guidelines on travel here.

If you’re moving during the pandemic and have questions about your mortgage, I’m here to help! You can contact me by phone at (443) 471-4310 or by email at ken@kenvenick.com.