Safety Tips for Moving During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an unparalleled shutdown of the U.S. economy. Nearly every state has issued “Stay-at-Home” orders for their residents and is asking that people maintain a distance of six (6) feet or more from one another. So what happens when you have to move? Moving is stressful under any circumstances, but a once-in-a-century pandemic can make it seem impossible.
A few things to note, movers, are considered essential to critical infrastructure, so most moving companies and moving supply stores are still operational. Always call ahead and check to make sure that there have not been any changes during these unusual times.
At Southern California Real Estate Management, we’ve put together some safety tips for renters who are scheduled to move during the next few months.
Follow the Guidance of State and Federal Authorities
In order to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is essential to maintain social distancing and comply with “stay-at-home” orders. This does not mean that you are prohibited from moving; it just means that you may need to take extra steps to protect yourself and others. If you or a member of your household is sick or has a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should postpone your move. Also, consider postponing if you are part of a vulnerable population such as those with underlying health conditions or if you are over the age of 65. Otherwise, you can safely move to a new residence by following the recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health.
Consider Doing it Yourself
Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 means practicing social distancing. The easiest way to practice physical distancing is to move yourself. You can also rent movable storage units that limit human interaction, such as PODS.
Contact your Movers Ahead of Time
If you are unable to move yourself, be sure to contact your moving company as soon as possible to discuss what their policy is under the circumstances. They should have a comprehensive pandemic plan in place regarding sanitation and protective coverings to be worn by their employees. If you or anyone in your family is sick, be sure to contact your moving company as soon as possible to prevent spreading the illness.
Minimize Risk by Buying New
While normally using recycled cardboard boxes has little risk, in today’s climate, they could carry a health risk to you and your loved ones. If you are moving in the next few months, purchase all moving materials new. You can also minimize your risk of exposure by buying materials in as few as trips as possible. You can purchase new moving boxes online at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, or several other retailers.
Clean, Clean and Clean Some More
Before you move into your new place, make sure you do a deep clean of all surfaces. The CDC offers detailed guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting during the pandemic. Clean everything before you move and finish boxing everything at least 24 hours before your movers arriving. You can assist professional movers by providing hand-washing supplies or hand-sanitizer at both your old residence and your new one. Be sure to wipe down all boxes prior to opening them or spray them with a disinfecting solution.
We are here to help you during these trying times!
At SCREM, we know that these can be frustrating times. We are here to help you with any of your property management and rental needs. Contact our offices today at (661) 417-0637 for more information and to speak directly to one of our real estate experts.