5 Tips for Making a Safe Move During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Moving isn’t an easy task. But when you add a pandemic, it’s bound to cause more challenges.
To assist consumers with relocations during the coronavirus outbreak, the moving industry is taking
steps to maintain health and safety operations, according to the American Moving and Storage
Association (AMSA).
PODS put together some proactive steps, drawing from guidance from AMSA, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and PODS’ over 20 years’ experience providing moving and
storage services to consumers, businesses, and organizations during good times, as well as times of
crisis.
These tips are designed to help you reduce the risks and stress if you’re moving during the coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic:
1. PLACE YOUR HIGHEST PRIORITY ON THE HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
While moving is important, be sure you’re aware of all the facts and risks. Be willing to change your
plans if that’s what it takes to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Here’s what AMSA advises:
If you are in a high-risk group (over 60 or have pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular
conditions or compromised immunity), then postpone your move if at all possible until after the
health authorities announce the pandemic is over.
If you or someone in your household may have contracted coronavirus, or are self-isolating after
being exposed, call your moving company and explain the situation. In many cases, movers will
work with you.
2. LOOK FOR MOVING SERVICES THAT MINIMIZE HUMAN CONTACT.
Normally, that would sound odd, but health experts are advising that social distancing is one of the
most effective ways to avoid catching or spreading the virus. Moving containers allow you to take total
control of your own move, avoiding any physical interaction with others. For example, it’s standard
procedure for PODS drivers to use customer instructions provided via their online portal or phone when
delivering their containers. You don’t even need to be present for delivery or pick-up, and you provide
your own lock and key.
If you’re working with a traditional moving service, make arrangements by phone or online, and ask
what sanitation practices their movers are following to reduce risks. For example, HireAHelper put
together these safety tips for moving during the coronavirus pandemic.
3. CONSIDER BUILT-IN STORAGE AS A BACKUP PLAN IF THINGS CHANGE.
Even with routine moves, move-in and move-out dates frequently shift. You may want to consider using
a portable container that offers built-in storage options – either on your property or at a secure storage
center – to keep your belongings safe and out of the way in case of a postponed closing or other delays.
If that’s not possible, ask your movers if they provide storage. If they do, ask about costs and access to
your belongings during storage.
4. ASK ABOUT YOUR MOVER’S POLICIES FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS DURING THE PANDEMIC.
This is a fluid time when many different things could happen to cause a delay or cancellation, so you
want to have maximum flexibility. Find out:
How easy – or hard – is it to change your moving dates?
What type of deposit is required?
If you need to cancel your move, will you get a full refund?
You want to feel confident that if a change or cancellation occurs, you can get your money back. For
example, PODS makes schedule changes easy, and provides a full refund when you cancel up to 24
hours before your first container delivery.
5. USE EXTRA SANITATION PRECAUTIONS DURING YOUR MOVE.
Whatever type of moving service you choose, here are some additional health and safety tips:
Avoid using recycled boxes from other sources. Since the coronavirus can live on surfaces
like cardboard, this isn’t the time to economize on boxes. You can use boxes you have on hand,
as well as purchase new boxes from several sources, including Amazon, home improvement
and office supply stores, and PODSBoxes.com, which offers free delivery.
Wipe down items and boxes before moving. Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces of
furniture, boxes, and other items before loading. This will help reduce the risk of carrying germs
to your new home.
Provide your moving crew with hand-washing supplies and sanitizer. Whether you’ve got
professional movers or family and friends helping you, make sure everyone has access to a
sink, soap and water, and paper towels to use often throughout the move. If possible, provide
hand sanitizer and disposable gloves as well.
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We are your local experts in the real estate market with a combined 30+ years experience of selling homes in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Give us a call today for help with your next move. 828-989-4228
