Tips and Resources on How to Move Safely

How Can I Reduce the Risk of Getting Covid-19 When Moving

Now is not exactly the best time to move, but many of us simply don’t have a choice. Perhaps you just got hired in another state, or maybe you want to be closer to your elderly parents. Whatever your reason for moving is, there are certain steps you should take to minimize the risk of exposing yourself and your loved ones to Covid-19:

• Minimize the number of people helping you – Ideally, having a few friends over to help you pack and lift boxes is the recipe for stress-free moving. Now, however, you will have to do it on your own, with the help of those you share the household with.
• Do as much as you can over the phone or online – Instead of shopping for supplies in person, order them online. Transfer utilities over the phone as well. You will also have to change your address when you move. Luckily, you can do this on the USPS website.
• Disinfect everything – If you are renting a truck for the move, make sure to disinfect it thoroughly before loading it, even if it looks clean.
• Keep your personal hygiene at the highest level – Wear gloves and a mask whenever leaving the house, even if you’re just walking to the truck. Avoid physical contact with other people and any surfaces when possible.
• Keep track of relevant coronavirus resources – Use sources of information such as WHO and the US Department of Health on a regular basis to check for the latest updates.

Working With a Long-Distance Moving Company During the Covid-19 Pandemic

If you are planning on getting moving services from a cross-country moving company, there will be additional precautions to think about. First of all, you should choose a mover that abides by all the Covid-19 safety rules and regulations. Do your best to stay at least six feet away from movers when they come to pack and load your belongings. Wear your mask and gloves at all times while the professionals are there and disinfect all surfaces once they leave. Keep in mind that most companies won’t be able to offer you an on-site quote for their services at this time.

Hygiene Tips During the Move

Maintaining good hygiene during the move is not only important during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is also important for the overall health and well-being of your family. Here are some quick moving safety tips concerning hygiene:

• Always have the basic cleaning supplies nearby – This includes all-purpose cleaners, Lysol wipes, a rag, and a bottle of alcohol.
• Leave doors and windows open if possible – Whether you’re getting packing services or doing it yourself, there is bound to be a lot of dust all over the place during the process, so airing out all rooms is important.
• Travel-size products are a must – These will be especially important during the drive to your new home. A few packs of tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitizers need to always be in your bag.

Disinfect Your Old and New Home

Once all your household belongings are on the way to their destination, take some time to clean the old home one more time. This doesn’t have to be a detailed, several-hours-long job, because the new tenant will surely do the same, but at least clean the most-touched surfaces.

Once you arrive at the new home and before you unpack a single box, thoroughly clean every single inch of the place as the last item on your moving to-do list. This will be much easier to do while all the rooms are empty than once all your furniture has been unpacked and reassembled.

Make Sure You’re Wearing Proper Clothes and That Nothing Is in the Way

Aside from protecting yourself from viruses and dirt, you should pay attention to protecting yourself from physical injuries as well. The first step to doing so is by wearing the proper clothing and shoes. Your clothes shouldn’t be loose, otherwise, they could get caught on something and potentially cause an injury. Your shoes should be comfortable and your shoelaces tied.

Clear the Path of Cables, Items, Pets, and Children

On the relocation day, there will be a lot of movement in the house, so it’s important to get everything and everyone out of the way. If you’re moving with pets, find them a pet-sitter for a couple of hours or put them in a separate room where they won’t be in the way. Similarly, if you’re moving with children, they should be away from all the chaos, too. All the cables, toys, and other small items that you or your movers could trip on should be removed.

Stay Injury-Free With the Right Equipment

Unless you’re hiring professional cross-country movers, you will likely have to do some heavy lifting. Luckily, there are many tools designed to make this easier. For example, using sliding pads is a great way to slide heavy furniture across the floor instead of lifting it. Lifting straps will help you carry objects without putting too much strain on your back and arms. Dollies are another great tool that you can use to move stuff to and from the truck.

Proper Heavy-Lifting Techniques

Unfortunately, all the equipment in the world won’t protect you if you don’t know how to properly lift heavy objects. Luckily, the internet is full of resources you can use to educate yourself. For starters, check out the video below for some tips on how to lift using your legs and protect your back.

Moving Safely With the Right Movers

We can’t really blame you if all of this sounds a little intimidating. Your health and safety should be your priority, and putting them at risk shouldn’t be an option. That’s why we highly recommend that you consider hiring a professional long-distance moving company. Contact several movers, request free quotes, and ask for information about their precautionary measures during Covid. Aside from doing all the heavy lifting, they can also provide car shipping and storage services, so you will really have no need to worry.