The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has turned the world upside down in many ways. One of the most significant changes has been how we live our day-to-day lives. For many people, this has meant working from home, homeschooling children, and, for some, even moving house.
If you’re planning on moving house during the coronavirus pandemic, there are some things you need to take into account to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.
Check with Your Mover
You first need to check with your chosen moving company to see if they’re still operating during the pandemic. Some companies have had to suspend their moving house services in South Australia due to the outbreak, so it’s essential to check that your mover is still in business before making any firm plans.
Prepare for the Moving Process
Once you’ve confirmed that your mover is still operational, it’s time to start planning your move. If possible, give yourself as much time as possible to plan and prepare for the move. This will help reduce stress levels and ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day.
Start by creating a checklist of everything you need to do to prepare for the move, pending any government advice of lockdowns or travel restrictions. This might include packing your belongings in cardboard boxes, booking any necessary storage space for all your moving boxes, and canceling utility bills or subscriptions.
If you’re moving house during the pandemic, it’s also essential to consider any changes to government guidelines that might affect your plans. For example, at the time of writing, there is a limit of six people who can gather in one place. This means you’ll need to plan your moves carefully to ensure you don’t exceed this limit.
Pack Smart
When packing up your belongings, it’s essential to be as organized as possible. Start by creating a list of all the things you need to pack. This will help you stay on track and ensure you don’t forget anything important.
It’s also a good idea to start packing early. This will give you more time to sort through your belongings and decide what you want to take with you and what you can leave behind.
If possible, try to pack items that you won’t need straight away into storage. This will free up space in your new home and mean you won’t have to unpack everything immediately.
Prepare for the Big Day with the Global Pandemic in Mind
It’s essential to be as prepared as possible on the day of the move. Make sure you have everything you need to be packed up and ready to go. This includes any vital documents, such as your passport or birth certificate.
It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand in case you need to make any last-minute purchases or payments. And, if possible, try to travel light on the day of the move so that you don’t have too much to carry.
Follow Government and Public Health Guidelines
When moving houses during the pandemic, it’s essential to follow all government guidelines. This includes maintaining social distance, washing your hands regularly, and wearing a face-covering when moving around in public spaces.
If you’re self-isolated, it’s essential to make sure that you have someone who can help you with the move. This might be a friend or family member or your chosen moving company.
Make sure you plan your move carefully and allow yourself plenty of time to prepare. And most importantly, make sure you follow all government guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.
Is Moving During a Pandemic an Essential Service?
For most people, the answer is no. The government recommends that individuals postpone or cancel all non-essential travel during the pandemic. This includes moving house or apartment unless it’s necessary.
However, real estate agents must continue with their lives, and people are still buying new houses all over South Australia in spite of the global pandemic. They are able to sell a house safely and without any physical contact with the buyers.
So, if you must move during the pandemic, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk of exposure to the virus. Here are a few tips:
Get vaccinated.
If you haven’t already, get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The vaccine is highly effective and will help reduce your risk of getting sick.
Avoid the crowd.
Schedule your move for a time when there are fewer people around. Avoid moving on weekends or holidays when more people are likely to be out and about.
DIY Packing.
Pack your belongings. If possible, pack up your belongings instead of hiring someone to do it for you. This will minimize your exposure to other people.Mask
Wear a mask.
When packing and moving your belongings, wear a mask to protect yourself from respiratory droplets.
Sanitize
Sanitize surfaces. Before you start packing, sanitize all surfaces in your home that you’ll be touching. This includes door handles, light switches, and countertops.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids. Water is essential for staying healthy, so ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
Follow Social Distancing Guidelines.
The first and most important thing you can do when moving house during the pandemic is to follow social distancing guidelines. This means keeping a distance of at least six feet from others, washing your hands often, and wearing a face mask when you cannot keep a safe distance from others.
Self-Isolate Before the Move
If you or anyone in your household is showing symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to self-isolate before the move. This means staying at home and away from others, and only leaving the house for essential activities. If you are able to, have someone else in your household do the packing and moving for you.
Take Breaks
Rest and take breaks often. Packing and moving can tax your body, so make sure you take breaks often to rest and rejuvenate. This will keep your immune system high.
Which Essential Service from a Removalist is Ideal for You?
If you’re planning to move house during the pandemic, it’s essential to choose the right moving service to suit your needs. Here are some things to consider:
Do you need a full-service move?
A full-service move includes packing, loading, transportation, and unloading your belongings. This is ideal if you have a lot of belongings or are unable to do the physical labour yourself.
Do you need a partial move?
A partial move may include packing and loading services only. This is a good option if you can transport your belongings yourself or if you have fewer items to move.
Do you need storage?
If you cannot move into your new home right away, you may need to store your belongings. Some moving companies offer storage services.
What are your budget and time constraints?
Moving can be expensive, so it’s essential to consider your budget when choosing a moving service. Make sure to get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.
Also, consider how much time you have to complete the move. If you’re on a tight timeline, you may need to pay for expedited services.
What are your health and safety concerns?
During the pandemic, it’s essential to consider your health and safety as well as the health and safety of those around you.
Suppose you’re vulnerable or at high risk for complications from COVID-19. In that case, you may want to choose a contactless move or hire a company that takes extra precautions, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting surfaces.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start researching moving companies to find the right one for you. Make sure to read reviews and get quotes before making your final decision.
Relocating with Children and the Elderly
If you’re moving with children or the elderly, there are some special considerations to take into account. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved:
Make sure everyone is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
This will help protect against any illnesses that may be circulating in your new community. Pack an essentials bag for each person, including items like snacks, drinks, medications, and changes of clothes
This will help everyone stay comfortable during the move, and will make it easier to find things they need.
Plan for disruptions to routines
Moving can be disruptive to everyone’s daily routine, so try to plan for some downtime where everyone can relax and adjust to the new surroundings.
Set up communication methods in advance
If you have young children, make sure you have a way to stay in touch with them during the move (e.g., through a phone or tablet). For elderly relatives, set up an emergency contact system in case they need assistance.
Be aware of potential stressors
Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. Be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of distress in yourself or your family members, and take breaks as needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are plenty of resources available to help you through the process.
With a little planning and preparation, moving with children and the elderly can be a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved. Just make sure to take things at a reasonable pace, and to stay flexible in case any challenges come up.
The Takeaway
These are just a few tips to help you stay safe if you must move during the pandemic. Remember to take all necessary precautions and consult with your professional removalist if you have any questions or concerns.
