Even during the pandemic, people are on the move. In a recent survey, 20 percent of respondents said that they relocated in 2020. Of those who moved, 45 percent said that their move was because of COVID-19. People are moving during COVID-19 for a variety of reasons, including to save money on housing, to adjust to work changes, or to avoid health concerns in their area.
If you are one of the many moving during COVID-19, whether as a result of the pandemic or not, here are a few things you should do, and a few you shouldn’t, to make your move as smooth sailing as possible and to keep yourself and others healthy and safe.
DOs
When going out to buy packing supplies, buy more materials than you think you need. Get extra boxes, tape, stretch wrap, and anything else you might be using. That way, you won’t end up at the store every other day but can instead get everything at once. Getting all your supplies in one trip will limit contact with others and decrease the likelihood of getting exposed to COVID-19.
To reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, be sure to clean your items as you pack and disinfect your boxes when you are done. Similarly, make sure all those involved in the moving process wear masks and wash their hands frequently. These small steps will lower the chances of spreading germs to the people helping with the move, keeping everyone safer and healthier!
DON’Ts
First of all, don’t procrastinate your packing. While it is a bad idea to procrastinate in general when you are moving, it is especially important to pack early when moving during COVID-19. This is because the COVID-19 virus can last up to 24 hours on cardboard surfaces and up to a few days on plastic and metal surfaces. So, get started on your packing and plan to finish a few days before moving day.
Don’t move if anyone has been exposed to or shows symptoms of COVID-19. Communicate with your moving company ahead of time to gauge their flexibility if anything unexpected happens. Then, be willing to change the moving day if necessary and adapt as needed to be sure you are keeping yourself and others safe.
Finally, don’t move unless you have to. There are understandably necessary reasons to move during this time of the pandemic, but if there is no pressure on the time of your move, you might want to consider holding off until the virus is controlled and social distancing restrictions are lifted.
Here at The Edward Apartments, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents. We understand that moving during COVID-19 might be necessary, and we encourage you to follow these tips to stay safe and healthy and have a smooth transition to your new home.