Moving During Covid
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has halted day-to-day life as we know it, both in the U.S. and the entire world. 
“Shelter in place” orders and social distancing are the government’s strong recommendations throughout the U.S. Moves in many cases must take place during these trying times.
If you are one of the people who has no choice but to move right now; you may have to relocate for a new job, the home you own or rent was recently sold. You just closed on a new home. Here is information that will help you to move safely during this pandemic.
Are people even allowed to move?
According to the American Moving & Storage Association, moving has been deemed an “essential service” by the federal government.
Are Moving Companies Still Operating?
This could change but major moving companies have not stopped servicing clients. If you have already scheduled your move and haven’t heard anything call your moving company to confirm. Do not assume that your moving company is still providing services without a confirmation from them.
If you’re worried about moving during this pandemic for an upcoming move that you haven’t already scheduled movers, start planning today. Moving services will have new challenges that will alter their schedules.
Make sure moving is allowed in your area or building.
While moving is legal, it might not be allowed for your specific circumstances. For instance, some apartment buildings in New York City are not allowing residents to move during the current shelter-in-place order. Confirm with your local and state governments. Also see if your HOA or condo board, if applicable, have put into place any requirements and or procedures for the move in/out process.
Ask movers what procedures that have they put in place to deal with the Coronavirus.
- How are the movers ensuring employees aren’t sick? Do they ask members of their team if asking if anyone in their household has any symptoms of coronavirus? Are they taking the team member’s temperature on the day of the move?
- Do the movers provide their team with hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves?
- Is the truck that is transporting your belongings thoroughly sanitized before your belongings are loaded?
- Will the hand trucks, dollies and moving blankets be cleaned before your move?
Let the moving company know that you wish to have no physical contact between your family and the movers. Insist that the movers frequently wash their hands and wear masks and gloves.
Safety Tips When Moving During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Postpone your move if you’re in a high-risk group.
Your move is not worth risking your life. Individuals over sixty and those with pre-existing respiratory and medical conditions should postpone your move if possible. If you have the ability to change your move date push your move back until you the Coronavirus subsides and life goes back to normal.
What is you or someone in your family is ill?
If you or anyone in your family is experiencing coronavirus symptoms notify your mover right away. It is very important to keep everybody safe. Most moving companies will still work with you in the case of you being sick and they will put additional procedures into place to protect their team. The safety of your movers is also your responsibility.
If you have to cancel or postpone your move.
Immediately notify the moving company if you have halt or change your move date. If you provide enough time your movers will be more than willing to work with you. If you are considering postponing your move contact your movers and ask what options you have. Also, be considerate to your movers your early cancellation could open their schedule for another client.
Provide cleaning products for your movers.
Provide the following necessary hygiene products, soap and paper towels by the sink, and hand sanitizer by the door that they’ll be entering and exiting through. There is a shortage of these items across the country; let your moving company know to bring additional supplies if you are running short.
Sanitize all surfaces that you touch.
Clean anything that you or the movers will touch including elevator buttons, doorknobs and cabinet handles. If you’re moving in or out of a multiunit building, pay special attention to common areas like the lobby and elevators.
Buy new boxes and packing supplies.
Under no circumstances use free or recycled moving boxes. The coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 30 hours. Purchase boxes online and have them delivered.
Pack your own boxes.
The fewer items the movers touch during your move, the safer you will be from exposure to the coronavirus. Don’t involve more people than necessary. Ask the moving company to have a smaller crew if possible.
Plan your move smartly.
If possible have the movers deliver your belongings three days before you and your family moves into your new home. Experts say the Coronavirus does not last on most surfaces for more than three days.
Reserve a dedicated elevator.
This way at no time do you or your movers share an elevator with people not involved with your move. If possible reserve the elevator a week in advance.
After the movers leave.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect everything once the movers leave. Use plenty of Lysol on mattresses and couches and cloth items; bleach wipes are great for tables, dressers or any hard surfaces. Spray your boxes with Lysol, and make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling any items the movers touched. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to deep clean your new home before unpacking to mitigate further the risk of contracting the virus.
Traveling during your move.
Do you need to book flights or hotels for your move? Make refundable reservations for all travel-related services. Ask about cancellation policies before you book travel or lodging. During this pandemic, most providers are offering more flexible terms.
We understand your concerns about your move during this is a scary time and it will certainly bring your moving stress to the next level. Visit the CDC website and your local authority’s website for updated information and safety precaution tips.