Whether you’re downsizing or relocating, moving is an important choice that will impact you for years to come. But there’s no doubt that moving with safety amidst a pandemic can be really stressful and daunting. With social distancing guidelines and a general sense of anxiety, you surely will have to apply extra caution. However, there’s no reason to get overwhelmed. If you approach this with patience and a level-head, you will totally get through it.
To make things easier for you, we compiled a few tips on how to seamlessly move with safety during a pandemic.
Talk to your Movers ahead of time
The best way to ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed while moving amidst a pandemic is to plan in advance. A few days before your planned move, reach out to your movers to confirm your reservation. You should also have a thorough conversation with your moving company regarding safety practices. Adjusting to the pandemic reality, moving companies have implemented protocols to ensure the safety of both their clients and employees.
Though they may give people a peace of mind, those safeguards could also mean moving this time is different than earlier. For example, if the moving company is limiting the number of employees to help with a move, the whole process may take a bit longer. That could subsequently cause you to readjust your own schedule.
It’s crucial for everyone to be as transparent as possible about one’s health during this global pandemic. If you, your partner, or anyone in your family are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you should tell your movers so they can plan accordingly. Your movers may decide to continue working with you and just employ additional safety measures.
“Marie-Kondo” your belongings
Moving is the perfect opportunity to cleanse your belongings and start anew. If you have lived at your spot for long, you may have accumulated a lot of stuff you don’t really need anymore. That being said, it can be difficult to truly let go of the past. Before your move, you can read Marie Kondo’s brilliant book about downsizing. She encourages people to throw out belongings that aren’t necessary and don’t “spark joy”.
Set rules for yourself
Rummaging through your closet, you may find clothes you haven’t worn for long and aren’t serving any purpose in your life. Do all of your ski jackets actually “spark joy”? Perhaps, you can set a rule for yourself — if you haven’t worn an item of clothing in 6 months or more, it’s time to throw it away, gift it to a friend, or donate.
When you’re in the process of downsizing, you may want to keep some of your items in a storage unit. That way you can decide later on what you want to bring to this new chapter. Last-minute decisions can get very stressful. To reduce this anxiety, diligently separate your items into two categories — what you’re bringing with you and what you’ll be placing in a storage unit.
Check current regulations of your new city
If you’re moving to a new city, there’s a possibility that there will be different COVID-19 safety protocols and regulations in place. As the pandemic progressed, various counties have instituted local rules to fit the needs of their respective areas.
While some counties have reopened many businesses, others are still in the process of reopening. This uncertainty can be anxiety-inducing and impact your moving plans. Before your move, you should take a look at your new city’s government website and read updates about which businesses have reopened. This way, you won’t have any surprises.
Find your new physician before moving amid pandemic
Across the country, many hospitals are swamped. It’s important for you to plan for your healthcare needs in advance to avoid last-minute panic decisions. Weeks before you move to your new city, research local hospitals and which healthcare plans work best for you. Prepared for both emergencies and any non-urgent needs you may have in the future.
Make use of telemedicine
To reduce risks and ensure one doesn’t rush to hospitals for non-emergency cases, telemedicine and virtual consultations are on offer. Do you have a regular prescription and are feeling anxious about dealing with a new pharmacy? Worry not— telehealth companies offer convenient, seamless online doctor consultations and a myriad of medications at your door. Make use of these if you plan to be moving amid pandemic.
Finish packing 24 hours before the Movers arrive
While moving during a pandemic, everyone should be extra cautious about how their actions impact others. Try your best to make sure everything is as safe as possible for your movers. Finish packing at least 24 hours before they arrive. Your boxes should be sitting untouched at the minimum for a day to lessen the chance of infection.
Your movers would surely wear gloves, masks, and other protective gear. But you should make sure hand sanitizer, soap and paper towels, among other hygiene products, is available. In addition, you should always wear a mask. Another critical part of adjusting to life under a pandemic is being very transparent. So, if for whichever reason you don’t have enough hygiene products for your movers, you should let them know so they can bring their own.
Way to go about moving during pandemic
The key to moving during a pandemic is planning ahead so you don’t feel stressed or overwhelmed. While it’s inevitable that you will experience some degree of anxiety, there are easy and practical ways to reduce it. By being extra careful about hygiene, you’ll feel a lot calmer on the day of your move and will be doing your part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
