You worked hard for years and finally landed that dream job. Or you closed the deal on the perfect home for you and your family and just can’t wait to move into it. Whether by desire or by necessity, the fact is: moving is no longer optional. With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus and the risks that it inevitably carries, you may find yourself in a bit of a conundrum. Should you postpone your move? Or should you cancel altogether, hoping that another opportunity will present itself? The simple answer is - no! Even though the virus is causing disruptions to everyday life all around the globe, it’s by no means a reason for you to give up on your dreams! And that’s why our interstate movers Florida are here - to help you organize a safe long-distance move.
Do the research
Being well-informed is the best way to stay safe. We recommend you head to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organisation) websites. As they are the absolute authority on the subject, their sites will have the best info on ways to minimize the risk of contagion and ways to prevent the spread.
Contact movers
Once you consider yourself sufficiently informed on the topic of the virus, it’s time to book the movers. As we all know, one of the best ways to contain the spread is to minimize physical contact. With this in mind, you should ask the following questions when contacting your moving company:
- Can you do a virtual estimate? - Many moving companies nowadays have ways to do a virtual estimate (as opposed to an on-site estimate) either via FaceTime or similar video-chat apps.
- Can I sign documents digitally? - Ask your movers if they can provide all the forms and paperwork in electronic form. This is yet another great way to minimize contact.
- Can I pay via online money transfer? - Any reputable moving company, such as our Orlando long distance movers, should have no issue with this method of payment.
- Is there a way for me not to be present during the packing and loading/unloading process? - Moving companies nowadays offer “contactless” moving services. What this means is you’re not required to be on the premises at this time. Moving company employees will do the packing and loading without you being present, thus minimizing the risk of contagion.
Additionally, if someone from your household is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms (high fever, cough, shortness of breath), be sure to notify your movers. This way you will be able to coordinate with them accordingly and they will know to put additional safety measures in place.
The packing process is essential when you’re trying to organize a safe long-distance move
Hiring professional packers is the best thing to do while you organize a safe long-distance move. Not only will they save you the stress and time, but will also bring their packing supplies, therefore sparing you the exposure on your trip (or multiple trips) to the store. However, if you decide to do the packing yourself, there are some guidelines you should adhere to.
Acquire packing supplies
Using old boxes might seem like a good way to save a few extra bucks. Under normal circumstances, this might be true. But, given the severity of the situation - it is all but. No matter the condition of the boxes, you can never be certain how they were stored and if they are contaminated. Do not risk it. It’s much better spending a little more than getting sick.
Another important note: Avoid using plastic bins and bags for packing. The virus can survive up to a day on cardboard, but up to three days on plastic.
Lastly, make a list before you head out to the store. By getting all the supplies in one go you will drastically reduce exposure time.
Keep people helping you safe
If someone is helping you pack, you should do everything within your possibility to keep all of you safe. With that in mind, try to keep the number of people helping you to a minimum. Get enough masks and gloves for everyone and make sure they’re within reach. If possible, provide easy access to soap, water, and paper towels or get a few bottles of hand sanitizer and place them strategically throughout the house.
Your new home should be clean before your stuff gets there
If you’re moving locally, this might not be a problem as you can do the cleaning yourself. However, if you’re moving cross-country, this can pose an issue. Try asking your real estate agent or your landlord to help you find someone to clean your new home. You can also try searching the web for a company offering cleaning services. In any case, your new place should be thoroughly cleaned well before your things get there.
Packing
Before you start packing - make a plan. You aim to have everything packed up and ready to go at least 24 hours before the movers arrive. A good idea is to start by packing an essentials bag and adding in a few more face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, amongst other necessities.
Next, clean and sanitize your possessions before you wrap them up and put them in a box. This will slow the packing process down a bit, but - better safe than sorry.
Lastly, try to move all the boxes as close to the door as possible. This way, movers will have an easier time accessing them, and you’ll reduce the traffic in your home.
Time your arrival
As mentioned, the virus can survive up to 72 hours on some surfaces. Try and time it so movers deliver your possessions to the new address three days before your arrival.
The final thing to keep in mind while you organize a safe long-distance move during a global pandemic is the means of transportation. If possible, try to avoid planes, trains, and busses. Using them means you will be sharing space with a lot of people, thus increasing the risk to your health. It might not be the fastest or the easiest option, but traveling by car is, by far, the safest option you can opt for.