There’s no doubt about it—people are on the move. With remote work situations opening up new possibilities in terms of location for prospective homebuyers, many have found themselves moving further away than they ever imagined.
And while moving always involves a variety of stressors—from packing to decluttering to yard sales—these days, there’s a whole new set of safety concerns due to coronavirus. National moving service, Bellhop, suggests taking the following steps to make your move easier…and safer…during these times.
Look for online services. Booking a moving company usually involves a representative coming to your home to assess the scope and cost of the move. Some, however, are taking a different approach in light of health concerns. Find out if the moving company you’re considering offers online booking without someone having to come do a walkthrough at your home for an estimate.
Ask about safety practices. Don’t be shy—inquire about a moving company’s policies and protocols to help ensure safety. Make sure the company you choose has established strict safety practices that follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. Ask how often equipment is disinfected and what the policy is for movers in terms of gloves or hand-sanitizing.
Use new boxes. Avoid collecting a mishmash of used boxes from various places to pack your belongings. Maintain a clean environment by purchasing new boxes, or by using plastic bins that can be wiped down and sanitized.
Do your part. Be sure to clean all furniture before movers arrive. On moving day, avoid interacting with movers as much as possible, and stay six feet apart when you do.
At your new home. Once your belongings arrive, disinfect items that have been padded and wrapped. Dispose of all boxes and packing materials as soon as you’ve unpacked.
Don’t take any chances. Before you hire a moving company, find out what its cancellation policy is. Many are waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees due to illness, so if you or a member of your family is not feeling well, reschedule your move.
Remember, moving to a new home is an exciting milestone! Although the challenges may be greater at the moment, the extra steps involved to ensure a safe move will be worth the reward.
