How to Move During Covid-19 – Tips for Health and Safety
Published: 10 Nov, 2021
Last Updated: 21 Jan, 2023
Table of Contents
- 1. Choose Moving Companies That Wear Masks and Gloves
- 2. CDC Guidelines for the Coronavirus Pandemic
- 3. Check Transportation Methods and Rules
- 4. Even More Tips for a Healthy Moving Day
Moving safely depends on many factors, but in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, you also need to learn how to move during Covid-19 to avoid serious health complications. This includes everything from following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to general tips for moving safely when social distancing, mask wearing, and vaccinations matter most.
1. Choose Moving Companies That Wear Masks and Gloves
Proper masks that cover the nose and mouth and disposable gloves are two of the recommended ways to stop the spread of the virus. When you are researching moving companies to consider for the job, ask about their Covid-19 preparations and practices. The best movers have a set plan in place to promote good health and the comfort of everyone involved. “Consider those who offer a virtual move experience, which involves you doing a walk-through video of your home and belongings so they can give an accurate quote based on how much they need to pack and transport.
Although coronavirus science does not indicate that the virus lives long on surfaces, it still makes sense to avoid close contact with the moving truck or other materials touched by a lot of people. From the time the movers arrive to the final goodbye, avoidance and cleaning things regularly make sense.
2. CDC Guidelines for the Coronavirus Pandemic
For maximum health during your moving experience, follow the CDC guidelines for domestic travel unless, of course, you are moving to a different country. They strongly recommend full vaccination schedule including booster shots before you travel from state to state. Practice social distancing whenever possible, wear masks over your nose and mouth, engage in frequent handwashing, use disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer. Make sure the movers are wearing gloves and masks, too. Disease control and prevention is an essential thing to slow or stop the spread of Covid-19.
3. Check Transportation Methods and Rules
If you are driving your owned vehicle from one place to another, you still need to investigate whether a period of quarantine is necessary at either end of the journey. If all your belongings are going in the moving truck and you are taking a plane, train, or bus to your new home, research rules about travel well in advance. This also pertains to booking hotel rooms, getting gas, or eating at restaurants during a multi-stage trip.
4. Even More Tips for a Healthy Moving Day
Knowing how to move during Covid-19 takes more than choosing the best moving company, however. Everything from buying a home or renting a new apartment to finding essential businesses like doctors, electricians, and pizza delivery restaurants in your new neighborhood has changed due to the pandemic.
Pack everything you can yourself. While this makes no sense for some people with busy schedules or physical limitations, if you are the only ones touching your belongings before they go into a box, it is easier to minimize the risk of spreading germs. Get more packing materials than you think you will need, and make sure to use sturdy boxes of an appropriate size and weight based on your moving company’s criteria.
Consider quarantining yourself or limiting potential exposure to coronavirus for at least ten days before the move happens. This is virtually impossible if you work outside the home but is a smart choice to make sure you have not contracted Covid-19 or been exposed to the virus. Also, this gives you a great opportunity to get last-minute packing done and take some time to relax before the stressful day.
Most importantly, moving safely requires you to understand the rules and best practices of both your current home and the new one at the end of the journey. Different states and cities have different rules about mask wearing, social distancing, and other health-related practices. The last thing you want to do is put anyone in danger at any time during the whole process.
When you first begin exploring how to move during Covid-19, general tips for moving make a lot of sense. However, this pandemic crisis requires so much more attention to hygiene, health, keeping a safe distance, and travel arrangements than moving did at any other time in history.
Moving safely depends on many factors, but in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, you also need to learn how to move during Covid-19 to avoid serious health complications. This includes everything from following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to general tips for moving safely when social distancing, mask wearing, and vaccinations matter most.
