What to do if you’re thinking about moving during a pandemic?

If months of being stuck indoors have you seriously considering moving far from a city like New York, you’re not alone. There’s been an uptick in recent years in people looking for jobs in other cities and towns where they can work from home.

Whether you live in a small space or a crowded city, you may be considering relocation to alleviate the stress of pandemic disease. According to the CDC, you may be considering relocation because the pandemic has opened up new environments that allow you to work from home, go back to school, or take a job you love in another city.

Whether it’s a move to a different city or state, or a change of job for a remote worker, the decision to leave home is often one of the most difficult decisions that people make. It can be extremely stressful and anxiety-ridden. So how do you know if you should make such a huge change?

Why do you want to move?

COVID is an opportunity to reflect and make a decisive move that will improve the quality of your life. The decision to make a move will often be a long-term one - a change in environment, a new job, moving closer to family, or other factors.

As a big decision, relocating is an important and life-changing one. You should take some time to think about the reason (or reasons) you’re moving now. For some people, moving has been in discussion for months or even years. COVID is only the catalyst that brings them out of the decision-making process. While there are many reasons to move, it’s important to remember that we are all going through a strange time right now.

Hire a Moving Company with COVID-19 Regulations

Social distancing and wearing masks are excellent ways to reduce risk during everyday activities. These parameters can be easily met by staying in constant motion.

I would suggest hiring a moving company that uses teams that are on-site quite often. That way, there are less chance movers will have contact with too many people. Put distance between you and the movers and let them do their job.

I would recommend that you ask the moving company about their protocols in case of a pandemic. How are they protecting themselves and their employees from the virus? Moving companies are practicing social distancing by wearing masks and gloves to prevent the spread of the virus.

Have a Car? Get shipped with Auto Transport Company

The CDC recommends that people should stay at home, keep away from others, keep at least six feet away from others, and stay in a well-ventilated area if they can. When you drive from one place to another, you stop at many places along your route. These stops are normal parts of a road trip. However, if you stop at a random place along the way – for example, at a gas station - you’re taking a risk. You can avoid these risks by hiring an auto transport company like Sakaem Logistics, Allied, American Van Lines instead of taking a long drive.

That’s why moving a car is an affordable and practical option right now. Car transport is economical for businesses and Individuals that have multiple vehicles. Their ability to move a vehicle from one place to another is helpful during a pandemic.

If you’re shipping a car anywhere, take some extra measures to ensure it gets there safely. It is always important to clean the interior thoroughly before shipping a car, removing all personal items and any loose items to reduce the risk of damage. To kill any potential damage, wipe down the interior with a disinfectant. The vehicle transporter will need to enter your vehicle briefly to carefully lift and place your vehicle on the trailer, so clean the interior of your vehicle so it is easy and safe for the transporter to work.

When you meet up with the vehicle hauler, follow the same precautions you always use whenever you go out in public. This is even more important when you're dealing with someone. Use gloves and a mask to protect yourself and keep the interaction short. You should also wash your hands after the interaction.

Protect Your Family

Avoid exposure to the virus during the moving day process. People who are at higher risk of contracting the virus or experiencing more severe symptoms if they do get it would fare better if they didn't participate in the moving day process. By eliminating contact with others as much as possible.

Encourage them to go to the new apartment and prepare by cleaning the walls, cabinets, and carpets. It’s important to clean the space before moving in. Wipe down all surfaces with disinfecting wipes or sprays and it will kill any viruses or bacteria.

While your movers are in your home, wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose. Also, ensure windows and doors are open to promote airflow.

Prepare a Bag for Moving During COVID-19

A small backpack with a mask and hand sanitizer gives you access to water and food during your trip. You don't have to visit convenience stores or grocery stores, exposing yourself to the virus. If you need to go anywhere, wear your mask and keep your distance. Or, if you do touch something, wash your hands immediately.

Rent a Home for a Few Days

To prevent any possible social isolation during the moving process, it's important to rent a home for a few days before and after the move. Making sure your home is empty will give movers reliable access to your home when they need to reach you for clarification.