Tips for Safely Moving During COVID-19
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editor
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Apr 22, 2020 |
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From the time Canadians first learned about coronavirus COVID-19, it didn’t take long for the way we lived our everyday lives to change drastically. Many non-essential services have been forced to shut down, and we’ve learned that the best way to keep ourselves, our families, and our friends safe is to practice social distancing and strict cleanliness routines. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has put a stop to the normal routines of everyday life both in Canada and abroad. And while social distancing is the course of action to take until told otherwise, moves aren’t always something that can wait. Luckily moving is still considered an essential service.
Choose your moving company carefully and ask questions.
Make sure you ask your professional moving company what measures they are taking to ensure a safe move experience during the COVID-19 outbreak. Most reputable movers understand the safety of you and your belongings is critical during any move. However, when it comes to your safety and health, it’s imperative the moving company you choose demonstrates considerable vigilance at this time.
In addition, COVID-19 presents additional challenges, like sanitation and disinfection of the truck, your belongings, and the movers themselves. Ask how moving day will go in terms of who will be entering your home, how the suggested 6 feet of distancing will be monitored, and what kind of preventive equipment the company provides to its movers. Maybe they offer a pair of gloves for each mover, or maybe they require movers to use hand sanitizer every time they re-enter your home. Many companies already have a plan in place, so asking about it will help put your mind at ease that they’re taking this as seriously as you are.
Please advise your mover in advance if:
- Anyone in your household is showing flu-like symptoms or has been in contact with anyone who does.
- Anyone in your household has been traveling in the past 14 days or has been in contact with anyone who has.
Before the movers arrive, it is recommended to:
- Clean the surfaces of all your furniture with a disinfecting product.
- Keep only one person from your household to supervise the move.
- Keep a distance of 2 meters/ 6 feet from the movers at all times.
- Have liquid soap and a source of water readily available for the movers to wash their hands as needed.
- Pack your boxes in advance and try not to touch it without gloves for at least 24 hours before the movers arrive
- Do not unpack your boxes at least 24 hours after your move.
Minimize contact and Take extra sanitary precautions
If you’re working with a moving company, ask for a virtual quote and see if the company offers fully contactless service. Forgo handshakes, for obvious reasons. Wear masks, gloves, and booties. If you’re hiring a moving company, they’ll likely bring similar supplies for their workers, but consider having additional hygiene products available. Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, paying particular attention to doorknobs and handles. And buy new boxes: The coronavirus has been found to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so this might not be the time to pick up used moving supplies from stores that are recycling them. You can also use boxes that you already have in your home.
Solidify Travel Plans
If you’re moving anywhere other than within your own city, you’ll want to spend extra time sorting out your travel plans. An out-of-province move requires deciding between flying or road tripping. If you’re already quarantined with another person, a road trip is a great option. You’ll have a travel buddy and won’t have to be in an enclosed airport and plane. On the flip side, a long road trip might require you to stay at motels in different towns along the way. Consider which option is best for your situation and make sure you have everything in order when moving day comes.
Stay safe and don’t forget to wash your hands!