5 important questions to consider when moving during COVID-19

author avatar Written by Aaron Steed

Q&A with Aaron Steed

Moving is stressful in general, and now many people are facing a global pandemic on top of that. We sat down with Aaron Steed to ask some questions about moving during COVID-19 in hopes of eliminating misinformation and encouraging the safest moves possible.

Aaron Steed Headshot

Q: What should I ask my moving company in advance of the move?

AS: This is probably the most important question that I get. Although moving is deemed an essential business, it’s important to make sure that the moving company you choose is taking increased measures to ensure your safety. At a minimum, make sure you’re asking the following:

  • Can I do a virtual estimate instead of in-person?
  • Has anyone in your workplace been sick from COVID-19? If so, what have you done about it?
  • What are the Movers doing to disinfect, hand wash and maintain social distancing?
  • How often are high-touch areas disinfected?
  • What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of customers on Move Day?

Looking for a full list of safety precautions? Print out our list:

COVID Moving Checklist

Q: How can I prepare for the movers to arrive on move day?

AS: While the moving company should do most of the preparation to ensure the safety of themselves and their customers, there are still some measures you can take to prepare:

  • We strongly recommend that you also wear gloves and cloth face coverings.
  • We provide customers with individually wrapped pens for you to use and keep, but in case your moving company does not, we encourage you to be prepared with your own pen to sign contracts.
  • You can disinfect your high-touch services prior to the arrival of the moving company.
  • Leave soap out and your water on so that the Movers can wash hands regularly.
  • Keep the fan circulating or windows open during the move to allow for additional air circulation.
  • Vocalize your desire to comply with social distancing in advance with the moving company. That way, the movers will understand not to shake your hand upon arrival.

Mover cleaning doorhandles

Q: What if I wake up sick on the day of my move?

AS: If at all possible, reschedule your move for the safety of the move crew. Most reputable moving companies will offer a free reschedule, just like Meathead Movers always has.

I understand that sometimes move days are unavoidable (lease is ending, escrow is closing, etc.), so please alert the moving company of your illness immediately and have a representative onsite to oversee the move in your absence.

If you have obvious symptoms and did not notify the moving company in advance, be prepared for the Movers to leave the job and request a reschedule. Here at Meathead Movers, we have empowered our team to make that decision for their own safety. Additionally, I encourage you to ask the Movers to leave if you suspect they may have COVID symptoms too.

Q: How do I make sure my items aren’t infected before my move?

AS: Great question! Our Meathead Packers have had to make some recent changes to ensure the safety of themselves and our customers as well. A couple tips I recommend to our customers are:

  • Packing your items in boxes is the perfect time to disinfect as you go. That way, they are already disinfected when you take them out in your new home.
  • If possible, pack your most important belongings (medication, disinfectants, etc.) in a separate box and transport it yourself to a safe place. Keep that box away from all other items.

Packing boxes

Q: What safety measures should I take after my move is complete?

AS: Similarly to the preparation you took prior to move day, I would encourage you to be equally as diligent after your move. This would include:

  • Making sure that you deep clean and disinfect your new home before unpacking your items.
  • Labeling your boxes of disinfectants very clearly so that you can open them first.
  • A recent study from the CDC claims that COVID-19 can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. With that being said, I encourage you to wipe down all cardboard with disinfectants, or, leave the cardboard boxes in a garage or separate room for at least 24 hours before unpacking them in your new home.
  • Or, have your movers unpack the boxes on Move Day to avoid the cardboard boxes remaining in your new home all together. Most moving companies will remove and recycle all of the boxes that are unpacked.

Additional questions or concerns about booking a moving service during COVID-19? Call us and we can help. Together, we are strong.

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